What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit?

You need a building permit before beginning most types of building construction, demolition, rehabilitation, and repair work in Chicago.

A building permit is not needed for a limited range of site work, nonstructural repairs, minor alterations, and non-occupied structures. Common exceptions are described on this page.

Board-Up and Clean-Up Work

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Boarding up a building that has been damaged or that is vacant (Unpainted plywood boards may only be used for up to 6 months.)
• Removing trash, debris, or broken glass from inside or outside a building
• Cleaning off or painting over graffiti or smoke damage

Communication Equipment

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Performing minor electrical repair work such as the connection of portable (cord-and-plug) electrical equipment to a permanently installed receptacle
• Installing, maintaining, or removing electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (A building permit is required for power supply wiring and the installation of towers, antennas, brackets, or similar supporting structures for such equipment.)
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a small cell telecom antenna that is attached to a vertical structure located entirely in the public way, such as a telephone, utility, streetlight, or traffic signal pole

Work involving a small cell telecom antenna in the public way does require a permit from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Conveyance Device Repair

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Repairing a conveyance device by replacing existing parts with other parts that are identical to those that are replaced, provided that a written log of repair work is maintained by the owner and made available to City inspectors upon request

“Conveyance device” means an elevator, escalator, dumbwaiter, moving walk, or one of several types of lifts, hoists, and platforms regulated by the Chicago Conveyance Device Code (Title 14C of the Municipal Code of Chicago).

Electrical Work

A building permit is not required for the following types of work in any building:

• Performing minor electrical work, such as the replacement of a lamp (light bulb) or connection of portable (cord-and-plug) electrical equipment to a permanently installed receptacle
• Installing, maintaining, or removing electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (A building permit is required for power supply wiring and the installation of towers, antennas, brackets, or similar supporting structures for such equipment.)
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a low voltage electrical fixture, such as a security camera, telephone, computer, speaker, doorbell, or thermostat (Except as provided below, a building permit is required for the installation of low voltage wiring.)

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work in a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

Installing, altering, or removing low voltage wiring or communication wiring

Emergency Repair or Stabilization Work

Where a type of repair or stabilization work requires a building permit but must be performed on an emergency basis—to prevent imminent harm to people or property—the work may be performed before obtaining the required building permit.

A permit application covering the scope of the emergency work must be submitted to the Department of Buildings on the next business day. The applicant must also work diligently with the City to obtain the necessary building permit as soon as possible. The emergency work may not be concealed without approval of a city building inspector.

If scaffolding that requires a building permit must be erected on an emergency basis, a building permit application for the scaffolding must be submitted to the Department of Buildings within 3 business days.

Exploratory Demolition

When you are planning a building rehabilitation project, limited exploratory demolition may be needed for the project team to expose and evaluate existing building elements. 

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Removing up to 1,000 square feet of plaster or drywall per building (more than 1,000 square feet of exploratory openings in one building requires a building permit)
• Removing ceiling tiles or a dropped ceiling that is not part of a fire-rated assembly
• Removing paint, wallpaper, tile, cabinetry, a countertop, or a similar finish material
• Removing carpet or finished floor (without removal of the subfloor)
• Removing non-structural subflooring (with immediate replacement)

Exploratory demolition cannot create unattended hazardous conditions in a building, whether the building is occupied or not. Hazardous conditions could include openings in a floor or reduction of structural fire resistance—anything that would not be obvious to building occupants or emergency responders.

Exterior Walls, Windows, and Doors

A building permit is not required for the following types of work in any building:

• Repairing damage to an existing window or exterior door
• Replacing glass in an existing window sash or door frame
• Replacing (in-kind) an existing ground-level window, including the frame, provided that the work does not require cutting away or removal of any portion of an exterior wall
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a storm window
• Installing, maintaining, or removing an insect screen

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work in a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) an exterior window or skylight in the existing opening
• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) an exterior door in the existing opening
• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) exterior wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, stucco, or EIFS siding
• Removing and replacing (in-kind) up to 50 square feet of masonry (brick or concrete)

“In-kind replacement” means replacement of existing materials, objects, or elements using new materials, objects, or elements of the same type, size, and shape.

Fences

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Installing a fence that is no more than 5 feet above the ground (measured on both sides) and that conforms to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance
• Removing a fence that is no more than 5 feet above the ground (measured on both sides)
• Maintaining an existing fence by painting or replacing limited damaged elements
• Installing or removing a retaining wall that is not more than 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall), not supporting a surcharge, and not impounding liquids

Interior Finishes and Furnishings

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, installing cabinets or countertops, or performing similar finish work, without plumbing or electrical connections
• Removing and replacing up to 1,000 square feet of drywall or plaster, without alteration of any mechanical, electrical, or plumbing device or system
• Removing and replacing (in-kind) ceiling tiles or a dropped ceiling that is not part of a fire-rated assembly
• Removing and replacing (in-kind) an interior door (with or without the frame) that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating
• Installing, altering, or removing a temporary motion picture, television, or theatrical stage set or scenery (not accessible to the public)
• Installing, altering, or removing a piece of furniture that is no taller than 7 feet
• Installing, altering, or removing a nonfixed and movable fixture, case, rack, shelf, counter, or partition that is no taller than 7 feet

“In-kind replacement” means replacement of existing materials, objects, or elements using new materials, objects, or elements of the same type, size, and shape.

Masonry Work

A building permit is not required for the following types of work at any property:

• Installing, altering, or removing a noncombustible (concrete or brick) sidewalk, patio, or walkway that is not located in or on the public way, not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below
• Maintaining or removing and replacing (in-kind) a noncombustible (concrete, brick, or asphalt) parking surface or driveway (A building permit is required to establish, expand, or eliminate an off-street parking or loading area.)

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work in a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Removing and replacing (in-kind) up to 50 square feet of masonry (brick, stone, or concrete)

“In-kind replacement” means replacement of existing materials, objects, or elements using new materials, objects, or elements of the same type, size, and shape.

Mechanical (HVAC) Work

A building permit is not required for the following types of work in any building:

• Installing or removing a portable (cord-and-plug connected or gas-fired) heating appliance
• Installing or removing a portable (cord-and-plug connected) ventilation appliance
• Installing or removing a portable (cord-and-plug connected) cooling appliance
• Installing or removing a domestic cooking appliance (electric or gas)
• Repairing an existing heating, cooling, or ventilation appliance (Except as described below, complete replacement requires a building permit.)
• Replacing parts of a heating, cooling, or ventilation appliance without altering the function or decreasing efficiency of the appliance
• Installing, altering, or removing a self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less (A building permit is required for any hardwired electrical connection.)

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work in a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) a boiler or an element of an associated heating system, such as a radiator
• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) a furnace or an element of an associated heating system, such as ductwork
• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) an air conditioning appliance

“In-kind replacement” means replacement of existing materials, objects, or elements using new materials, objects, or elements of the same type, size, and shape.

Plumbing Work

A building permit is not required for the following types of work in any building or within 5 feet of a building’s foundation:

• Stopping a leak in a water, drain, soil, waste, or vent pipe (Removing and replacing a water, drain, soil, waste, or vent pipe, or concealed trap with new material requires a building permit.)
• Clearing a stoppage or repairing a leak in a pipe, valve, or fixture, provided that such repair does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of a valve or pipe or another fixture
• Removing and reinstalling a water closet (toilet)

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work in a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) a hot water heater

“In-kind replacement” means replacement of existing materials, objects, or elements using new materials, objects, or elements of the same type, size, and shape.

Porches, Decks, and Balconies

A building permit is not required for the following types of work for any building:

• Painting or power washing
• If you have not received a building violation:replacing (in-kind) a non-structural element of a porch, deck, or balcony, such as a deck board, stair tread, or railing picket

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work in a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Repairing or replacing (in-kind) an entire exterior porch, deck, or stair system that is no more than 6 feet above the ground and has a landing area of 50 square feet or less

“In-kind replacement” means replacement of existing materials, objects, or elements using new materials, objects, or elements of the same type, size, and shape.

If you have received a building violation for your porch, deck, or balcony, the violation notice will specify what type of building permit, if any, is required to address the violation.

Repair (nonstructural)

“Repair” means the reconstruction, replacement, or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage.

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Repair work that does not involve any of the following:
  • Cutting away or removing part of an exterior wall, interior wall or partition, subfloor, or roof
  • Removing or cutting a structural beam, column, or load-bearing support
  • Removing or changing a required means of egress or rearranging part of a structure that affects egress
  • Working on a mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fuel gas device or system

For conveyance device (elevator) repair, see Conveyance Device Repair. For electrical repair, see Electrical Work. For masonry repair, see Masonry Work. For mechanical repair, see Mechanical (HVAC) Work. For plumbing repair, see Plumbing Work. For porch repair, see Porches, Decks, and Balconies. For roof repair, see Roofing Work. 

Roofing Work

A building permit is not required for the following types of work on any building:

• Performing roof repair (limited to 25% of the area of a roof surface), such as patching, that does not involve cutting away or removal of part of an exterior wall or roof
• Performing roof installation, repair, recover, or replacement on a structure, such as a shed or gazebo, that does not require a building permit (see Small Permanent Structures)

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work on a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Performing roof repair, recover, or replacement on a roof with a pitch of at least 2:12 (A building permit is required for any structural repair and any work on low-slope roofs.)

Scaffolding

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Installing or maintaining scaffolding at a property located within the downtown area that will not exceed 40 feet in height above the ground below
• Installing or maintaining scaffolding at a property located outside the downtown area that will not exceed 80 feet in height above the ground below

Signs

A sign is “any name, identification, description, display, illustration, or character which: (1) is affixed to, or represented directly or indirectly upon, a building, structure, or piece of land; . . . (2) directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business,” or (3) anything defined as a sign in the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.

A building permit (or sign permit) is not required for the following types of work:

• Installing, altering, or removing a sign that is inside a building and only legible to a viewer located on the same lot as the sign
• Installing, altering, or removing any official sign, public notice sign, or warning sign that is required by law or by court order
• Installing, altering, or removing an “art mural” that complies with the requirements of Section 13-20-550(e)
• Installing, altering, or removing an sign advertising goods or services available on site that is installed on the inside of a glass window or door panel and covers no more than 25% of that glass panel and is either:
  • constructed entirely of paper, fabric, vinyl, or similar materials and displayed for no more than 60 days, or
  • painted directly onto the window or made of plastic film or similar material and fully adhered to the window by means of adhesive or static cling for any duration
• Installing, altering, or removing a “Fast-Track Business Sign” authorized by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
• Installing, altering, or removing a temporary holiday decoration, provided that it does not contain a commercial message
• Installing, altering, or removing a sign consisting of letters, numbers, or other characters that are all less than 2 inches tall

Provided that any associated electrical work or work to install, alter, or remove a support structure may require a building permit in accordance with general building permit requirements.

Site Work and Landscaping

A building permit is not required for the following types of work at any property:

• Installing, altering, or removing a tree, plant, or other vegetation
• Installing, altering, or removing a hardscape element, such as a bench, bicycle rack, bollard, planter, or rock, that does not exceed 4 feet in height and does not have a plumbing or electrical connection
• Performing grading or excavation that is no deeper than 5 feet below existing grade, on private property
• Performing grading or excavation that is no deeper than 10 feet below existing grade and is not within 5 feet horizontally of an existing structure or a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”), on private property

A building permit is also not required for the following types of work for a residential building up to 4 stories above grade or an associated accessory building (such as a garage) on the same lot:

• Installing, altering, or removing low-voltage landscape lighting and associated low-voltage wiring

Also see: Fences, Masonry Work, Small Permanent Structures

Small Permanent Structures

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Installing, altering, or removing a single-story detached structure that is not more than 15 feet tall, without plumbing, and used as a tool or storage shed, open gazebo, playhouse, or similar use, or that is purely decorative (such as a sculpture), provided that the footprint is 150 square feet or less
• Installing, altering, or removing a water tank supported directly on grade, with a capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons and a height to diameter ratio not greater than 2:1
• Installing, altering, or removing a utility vault or similar structure that is located entirely below the public way and is structurally independent of any structure adjoining the public way
• Installing, altering, or removing a swimming pool serving a residential building with no more than 3 units (Group R-5 occupancy), that has a water depth of 48 inches or less and a 90% water volume of 5,000 gallons or less
• Installing, altering, or removing a shade cloth structure used for nursery or agricultural purposes, without plumbing or electricity
• Installing, altering, or removing playground equipment that serves a building of residential (Group R) occupancy

Small Temporary Structures

A building permit is not required for the following types of work:

• Installing, maintaining, or removing a temporary structure up to 15 feet tall that covers no more than 400 square feet (A building permit is always required for a construction trailer used as storage, an office, or a sales center.)
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a temporary non-sewer-type toilet or associated hand washing equipment
• Installing, maintaining, or removing a temporary stage or platform that is no more than 24 inches high

“Temporary” means installed at the same location for 180 days or less.

General Conditions

Historic Buildings

These exceptions may not apply to work on a property that is a proposed or designated Chicago Landmark or part of a proposed or designated Chicago Landmark district. For more information, contact the Historic Preservation Division in the Department of Planning and Development.

Asbestos-Safe Work Practices

Work must comply with asbestos abatement and handling practices required by city, state, and federal laws. You may be required to file an Asbestos Project Notification with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) before beginning work involving asbestos.

Dust Control

Masonry repair, cleaning, or grinding and other construction or repair activities that generate dust must comply with dust control practices required by city, state, and federal laws. This type of work may also require an air quality permit from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Lead-Safe Work Practices

Work must comply with lead-safe work practices required by city, state, and federal laws. You may be required to file a Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Form with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) before beginning work involving lead-based paint.

Stormwater Management Plan

Excavation or grading that disturbs 15,000 square feet or more, or site work or paving activity that creates a new or reconfigured at-grade impervious surface of 7,500 square feet or more, may require a Stormwater Management Plan under the Stormwater Management Ordinance. In-kind replacement, restoration, or repair of existing infrastructure, pavement, or facilities (“maintenance activity”) does not require a Stormwater Management Plan. Excavation and grading work may begin at the property owner’s risk while a Stormwater Management Plan is under review by the City. The owner is responsible for ensuring that all work complies with the approved Stormwater Management Plan prior to the completion of work.

Use of the Public Way

Use of a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) for construction or demolition activities, the installation of scaffolding, or to store construction or demolition materials or equipment requires a separate permit from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Structure in the Public Way

Installation or maintenance of a temporary or permanent structure of any size below, on, or above a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) generally requires a separate public way use permit from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). A temporary structure in the public way that is used for a special event requires a special event permit from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

Tree or Planting in the Public Way

Installation or maintenance of a tree or similar plant material in a public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway (the “public way”) requires a forestry permit from the Department of Streets and Sanitation.

Code Compliance Required—Emergency Work

Any emergency work performed before obtaining a building permit, as allowed by Section 14A-4-401 of the Municipal Code, must still comply with all applicable requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes. Section 14A-4-401 does not waive any applicable requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes or of the Municipal Code other than the requirement to obtain a building permit before starting emergency work.

Code Compliance Required

Any work performed without a building permit, as allowed by Section 14A-4-402 of the Municipal Code, must still comply with all applicable requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes. Section 14A-4-402 does not waive any applicable requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes or of the Municipal Code other than the requirement to obtain a building permit.

If you have a question about whether proposed work is code compliant or requires a building permit, please visit the Department of Buildings assistance counter on the 9th floor at City Hall.