Chicago, IL permit applications
Working in Chicago? Save your contractor license, insurance and bond details once, then produce a complete application for the next Chicago job — building, mechanical, re-roof or plumbing — in under a minute, plus the OSHA paperwork your crew needs on site.
Chicago permits by trade
Who pulls it, what the packet contains, and the inspection sequence — per trade.
What a Chicago permit costs
Estimate the fee by trade and job value before you sign the work, and see the lines crews forget to quote.
Chicago permit cost estimatorChicago inspection sequence
The order of calls by trade, what each inspector checks, and the failure that sends crews back most often.
Chicago inspection guideDocuments Chicago contractors generate most
Where Cook County permits are filed
Cook County Department of Building and Zoning
Jurisdiction detail confirmed from the county's own website. Cities inside Cook County may run their own building department.
Who reviews the permit near Chicago
Incorporated cities and towns here run their own building departments — a county permit does not cover work inside their limits.
Files with
Chicago Department of Buildings
Online portal: Inspection, Permitting & Licensing Portal
City of Chicago contractor licensing is required in addition to any state credential.
Illinois has no statewide residential code, so Chicago enforces its own Chicago Construction Codes.
Files with
Village of Schaumburg Community Development — Permit Services
Every contractor working in the village, local or not, must hold a Village Contractor Registration before a permit is issued.
Village jurisdiction is separate from Cook County building review.
What a Cook County packet actually contains
Built by the same engine the app uses — these are the forms and attachments the scope triggers in this jurisdiction, not a generic list.
Re-roof / roof replacement in Cook County
4 documents on a $12,000 job.
- Re-Roof / Tear-Off Permit
Primary roofing permit application.
- OSHA Fall Protection Plan
Jobsite safety plan kept on site for inspection.
- Client Project Proposal
Signed scope and price for the homeowner file.
- EPA Lead-Safe RRP Record (Pre-1978 Homes)
EPA RRP rule (40 CFR 745) — pre-1978 homes are the norm in this market, so firm certification, Renovate Right delivery and containment must be documented.
- Illinois has no statewide residential permit — the municipality or county issues it, and Chicago-area jurisdictions frequently require a licensed and bonded contractor registered locally.
- Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act requires a state roofing contractor license number on the application for any roofing scope.
HVAC changeout in Cook County
3 documents on a $12,000 job.
- Mechanical / HVAC Changeout Permit
Mechanical permit for equipment changeout.
- OSHA Lockout / Tagout Sheet
Jobsite safety plan kept on site for inspection.
- Client Project Proposal
Signed scope and price for the homeowner file.
- Illinois has no statewide residential permit — the municipality or county issues it, and Chicago-area jurisdictions frequently require a licensed and bonded contractor registered locally.
Window / door replacement in Cook County
4 documents on a $12,000 job.
- Window & Door Replacement Permit
Window / exterior door replacement permit application.
- OSHA Fall Protection Plan
Jobsite safety plan kept on site for inspection.
- Client Project Proposal
Signed scope and price for the homeowner file.
- EPA Lead-Safe RRP Record (Pre-1978 Homes)
EPA RRP rule (40 CFR 745) — pre-1978 homes are the norm in this market, so firm certification, Renovate Right delivery and containment must be documented.
- Replacement windows must meet the state energy code U-factor and SHGC for this climate zone, and any bedroom opening must still meet emergency egress clear-opening minimums.
- Illinois has no statewide residential permit — the municipality or county issues it, and Chicago-area jurisdictions frequently require a licensed and bonded contractor registered locally.
- Illinois enforces the state Energy Conservation Code (IECC-based) statewide — replacement fenestration must meet the prescriptive U-factor.
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Filing checklist for Chicago
- Verify whether the property sits inside Chicago city limits or in unincorporated Illinois — that determines which department accepts the application.
- Bring current general liability and workers' compensation certificates.
- Match declared valuation to the signed contract amount.
- Confirm whether the scope triggers a separate electrical, mechanical or plumbing permit pulled by a licensed sub.
- Schedule required inspections before covering any work.
Other Illinois metros
General guidance for Chicago contractors, not legal advice. Confirm requirements and fees with the authority having jurisdiction.
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Chicago by trade
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