Inspections and Reports
The Inspections page contains information as to the types of inspections conducted by the Department of Buildings.
Building Code Violation Enforcement Process
Step-by-step details on the enforcement process for building code violations.
Enforcement-Related Follow-up Inspections
Information on follow-up inspections related to building code enforcement cases at the Department of Administrative Hearings or Circuit Court of Cook County (Daley Center).
Permit-Related Building Inspections
All permit-related inspections must be requested using the online form.
Required Reporting for Elevators and Other Conveyance Devices
Under the Annual Inspection Certification (AIC) Program, the owners of certain buildings with elevators, escalators, and similar conveyance devices are required to hire an Illinois-licensed inspection company to inspect their devices and file inspection results electronically with the Department of Buildings.
Required Reporting for Exposed Metal Structures
Owners of buildings with exposed metal elements, such as fire escapes, balconies, water tank supports, antennas, sign structures, canopies, flag poles and other features at risk of deterioration due to weather, are required to periodically hire an Illinois-licensed professional to inspect the exposed metal structure(s) and file a condition report with the Department of Buildings.
Required Reporting for Exterior Walls of High Rise Buildings
Exterior Wall Program
Search Building Department Records
Search building department permit and inspection records online.
Vacant Buildings
To reduce the negative effects of vacant buildings and vacant storefronts on residents and neighborhoods, the City of Chicago enforces registration and maintenance requirements for the owners of all vacant buildings, the owners of occupied buildings with one or more vacant storefront, and the mortgagees of certain vacant buildings.