Removal of Unpermitted Residential Unit Features (Nonstructural Interior Work)
Removal of Unpermitted Residential Unit Features
(Nonstructural Interior Work)
The Express Permit Program offers a streamlined way to obtain a permit to remove residential unit features, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, that were originally installed without a required permit and return the space to a safe and legal condition. This type of work is sometimes called “deconversion.”
Eligibility Summary
Additional terms, conditions, and limitations may apply.
Eligible
- Removing a residential kitchen that was installed without a permit in an all-residential building with 1-3 legal residential units
- Removing a residential bathroom or toilet room that was installed without a permit in an all-residential building with 1-3 legal residential units
- Removing interior walls, HVAC equipment, or electrical work that was installed without a permit in an all-residential building with 1-3 legal residential units
Not Eligible
- Removing work that was installed with a valid building permit
- Reducing the number of legally established residential units in a building (example: changing a legal two-flat to a single-family)
- Working in a building with any non-residential occupancy
- Working in a building with 4 or more legal residential units
Important Considerations
Terms and conditions
See the full Terms and Conditions for Express Permit Program : Nonstructural Interior Work for further limitations on this type of permit.
Before You Apply
Before you start the online application, you should have:
- Property address
- Property PIN (lookup available on Cook County Assessor website)
- Property owner: name and contact information
- Designated emergency contact
- Basic info about the main building on the property (number of stories, number/type of units)
- Details of the proposed work
- Required documents (see below)
- Required contractors (see below): exact names or Chicago license numbers
Required Documents
All applications
For all applications, you must upload:
- Existing condition photograph (at least 1)
- Floor plan, drawn to scale
The floor plan may be drawn by any responsible person. It must show the entire story where work will occur. It must clearly indicate any walls, doors, plumbing fixtures, or other building elements that will be removed under the permit. Typically, dashed lines are used to indicate existing building elements that will be removed and solid lines are used to indicate existing building elements that will remain.
Work required to address fire damage
If work is required to address fire damage, you must have the Department of Buildings assess the scope of fire damage before you apply for a building permit. The Department’s assessment will be documented on a form called the “Tax and Demolition Form,” per the Illinois Insurance Code. You must upload:
- Tax and demolition form
Property owner as general contractor or property owner as plumber
If the property owner will be acting as general contractor or self-performing plumbing work, you must upload:
- Owner as contractor form (Form 401)
- Copy of government issued identification
The government issued identification must show that the property owner lives at the address where work will be performed.
Required Contractors
For all applications:
- A licensed general contractor (Class A, B, C, D, or E)
(In some cases, an owner may act as general contractor. For more information, see: Does my project require a licensed general contractor?) - A licensed plumbing contractor
(In some cases, an owner may self-perform plumbing work. For more information, see: Does my project require a licensed plumbing contractor?)
If the scope of work includes electrical work:
- A licensed electrical contractor (general, not low voltage)
Ordinances and Rules
Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-12-1204.2 (Stand-alone permit fees)