Before You Apply

A construction trailer permit is only available in connection with permitted building construction, rehabilitation, or demolition activity. You must obtain your construction, rehabilitation, or demolition permit (“original permit”) before you apply for a construction trailer permit through the Express Permit Program.

Before you start the online application, you should have:

• Property address (exact address used on original construction/demolition permit)
• 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)
• Original construction or demolition permit number
• Details of the proposed trailer(s)
• Duration of use
• 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)

New installation

For a new installation (not an extension of time), you must upload:

• Site plan, drawn to scale

The site plan may be drawn by any responsible person. It must show the location of the proposed trailer relative to the permitted construction activity, existing buildings, and lot lines. It must include dimensions and other appropriate labels/notes.

Work on, over, or below public street or sidewalk

If the work to be permitted will be partially or completely on, over, or below a public street, sidewalk, or alley (the “public way”), you must upload:

• Copy of related permit or approval

Depending on the type of use of the public way, this permit or similar authorization for work in the public way might be issued by the Department of Transportation (CDOT), Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), or Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

Project owned by a government entity

If the work to be permitted in being undertaken by or for a local, state, or federal government entity (such as Chicago Public Schools) you must upload:

• Government ownership or funding letter

If the government entity has a permit fee waiver ordinance, include a copy of that ordinance as part of this upload.

Project receiving construction funding from a government entity

If the work to be permitted or is receiving construction funding from a government entity (such as a Small Business Improvement Fund grant) you must upload:

• Government ownership or funding letter

The letter must be from the government entity providing the construction funding.