General Terms and Conditions for the Express Permit Program

Before you apply

Before you apply for a building permit using the Express Permit Program, you are responsible for educating yourself about the code requirements that apply to your project. Code requirements help to keep workers and building occupants safe. If you don’t understand the code requirements that apply to your project, you should find an experienced contractor, architect, or engineer to assist you.

Accuracy and completeness

You must provide accurate and complete information in the permit application. Do not guess. Providing false or incomplete information is a serious offense. A permit that is issued based on deceptive or materially false information is void, and any fee paid in connection with that permit is forfeited. If you provide false or misleading information, you may also lose your ability to apply for future permits and, if you hold a construction-related license, your license may be suspended or revoked.

Property owner / tenant

The property owner / tenant identified as the main applicant for a building permit using the Express Permit Program must be either the owner of the property (real estate) where the permitted work will be performed, or a tenant authorized by the property owner to obtain building permits for work at that property. If a tenant is identified as the main applicant, the owner of the property must be identified as an additional applicant.

Permit fees

Before making any payment, please review the permit application carefully. Permit fees are not refundable.

Scope of work

A permit only authorizes the scope of work described in the permit application. It is illegal to perform work that is different from the work described in the permit application without first notifying the Department of Buildings in writing and receiving written approval. The Municipal Code may also require that you obtain an additional permit for the additional or altered scope of work before you continue with your project.

Unauthorized work

If you or anyone working on your behalf perform work that exceeds the permitted scope of work, there are serious consequences. The permit may be revoked or voided. You may be required to tear down, remove, or correct any work that is contrary to code at your expense. You may be required to stop all work until you obtain an additional permit. And you may be charged fines or penalties.

Time limit

For building permits issued through the Express Permit Program that require inspection, the work must begin, and an inspection must be requested (using the online request form) within 365 days. If required inspections are not requested, the permit may be suspended or voided. Required inspections will be listed on the permit certificate.

Contractors and trade licenses

If a general contractor will be overseeing work done under the permit, that general contractor must be licensed by the City of Chicago and identified in the permit application as an "additional applicant." All individuals or contractors performing electrical work, mason work, plumbing work, or sewer work must be identified in the permit application as "additional applicants." Contractors performing these types of work must also be licensed by the City of Chicago.

Change of owner or contractor

Building permits issued through the Express Permit Program (or the Easy Permit Process before November 6, 2023, or the Electrical-only Permit Process before September 16, 2024) are only valid for the owner(s) and contractor(s) listed in the permit application. After this type of permit is issued, the permit cannot be transferred to another owner or contractor. If a new owner or contractor is taking over work that was permitted through this type of permit, the new owner or contractor must apply for a new permit. The Building Commissioner may waive this limitation on a case-by-case basis.

Compliance with the Municipal Code and other laws

The Terms and Conditions apply in addition to applicable requirements of the Municipal Code of Chicago. If there is a conflict between the Terms and Conditions and the Municipal Code, the Municipal Code controls. The Terms and Conditions do not waive or modify any provision of state or federal law applicable to the permitted work.

Effective November 6, 2023
Revised September 16, 2024