How do I reinstate a suspended building permit?

If your building permit has been suspended because you did not request and pass Department of Buildings inspection(s) by the required deadline, you may be able to reinstate the permit and continue work.

If your permit has been suspended, please contact ExpressPermits@cityofchicago.org to request a permit reinstatement. In the email, provide the property address and permit number for the permit you would like to be reinstated.

In order for your permit to be reinstated, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee equal to 25% of your original permit fee for each 180-day extension of time required. You are entitled to two 180-day extensions (360 days total) if work has not yet begun and up to four 180-day extensions (720 days total) if work has begun and passed at least one inspection.  

Reinstatements are processed as supplemental permits.

Expiration

When a permit has gone more than 540 days without receiving a first inspection, the permit expires.

When a permit has gone more than 730 days without receiving a follow-up inspection (after the first inspection), the permit expires.

The Department of Buildings does not have legal authority to reinstate an expired permit.

For more information see: Does my building permit expire?