How to Write the Description of Work

Description of Work

New Construction – Self-Certification

 

To facilitate review of your application and inspections of your project, please make sure that the description of work that you provide at the beginning of the application process is accurate, concise, and complete.

Requirements

For this type of work the description must:

  • Begin with “SELF-CERT 2019 CBC:”
  • Describe the type of work, for example: “FULL BUILDING PERMIT FOR,” “INITIAL TENANT BUILDOUT OF,” “FOUNDATION FOR,” or “REVISION TO PERMIT 100234567”
  • Summarize key features of the project in everyday language (for example ”3 STORY 6 DWELLING UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING WITH 6 INDOOR PARKING SPACES AND ROOFTOP AMENITY DECK”) this should include:
    • Building height in stories above grade plane
    • The specific business type of a non-residential occupancy, such as “veterinary office,” “distillery with tasting room,” or “mattress factory”
    • Number of dwelling units or sleeping units, if applicable
    • Number of dwelling units subject to special requirements under the zoning ordinance, such as efficiency units or coach houses
    • Number of parking or loading spaces, and whether they are indoors or outside
    • Any special building features, such as occupiable rooftops, swimming pools, or regulated industrial equipment
    • Any accessory structures covered by the permit, such as fences, retaining walls, sheds, or private garages
  • End with a listing of all main occupancy classification(s) under the 2019 Chicago Construction Codes (for example, “OCCUPANCY GROUPS R-2, S-2”) and the construction type under the 2019 Chicago Construction Codes (for example: “TYPE IIIA CONSTRUCTION”).

Examples

SELF-CERT 2019 CBC: FULL BUILDING PERMIT FOR 3 STORY + BASEMENT, 20 DWELLING UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING WITH 20 INDOOR PARKING SPACES AND ROOFTOP AMENITY DECK (OCCUPANCY GROUPS R-2, S-2, TYPE IIIA CONSTRUCTION)

SELF-CERT 2019 CBC: FULL BUILDING PERMIT FOR 1 STORY (NO BASEMENT) VETERINARY OFFICE WITH 10 ON-SITE PARKING SPACES (OCCUPANCY GROUP B, TYPE VA CONSTRUCTION)

SELF-CERT 2019 CBC: INITIAL BUILDOUT OF 32,000 SQFT UNFINISHED TENANT SPACE FOR ACCOUNTING OFFICES, FLOORS 14 AND 15, INCLUDING CONNECTING STAIR (OCCUPANCY GROUP B, TYPE IA CONSTRUCTION)

SELF-CERT 2019 CBC: REVISION TO PERMIT 100123456 TO RECONFIGURE 3RD FLOOR TOILET ROOMS AND CHANGE HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN (OCCUPANCY GROUP A-3; TYPE IIA CONSTRUCTION)

Reminder: Per the Self-Certification Permit Program Rules, you must e-mail selfcert@cityofchicago.org to obtain pre-approval before starting an application to self-certify a revision to a self-certified permit.