Express Permit Program

On September 16, 2024, the Express Permit Program expanded to cover 5 additional worktypes.

The Express Permit Program includes a fully web-enabled customer platform allowing users to apply for building permits for most types of building repairs and administrative changes to issued permits, as well as a limited range of small improvement projects. The web interface also allows customers to check application status, pay fees, and view inspection results online.

Guided Worktypes

In the Express Permit Program, applicants are able to choose from a selection of guided worktypes. The system is designed to ensure applicants provide all information that is needed for the City to efficiently review an application and issue a permit. These worktypes include:

Repairs, Maintenance, and Small Projects

• Communication Equipment
• Electrical Maintenance (Monthly)
• Electrical Work
• Exterior Window or Door Replacement
• Fence or Trash Enclosure
• Interior Alteration (Nonstructural)
• Masonry Work
• Mechanical (HVAC) Work
• Other (Emergency) Work
• Plumbing Maintenance (Monthly)
• Plumbing Work
• Porch, Deck, Balcony, or Fire Escape Repair
• Preparatory Interior Demolition (Nonstructural)
• Removal of Unpermitted Residential Unit Features (Deconversion)
• Reroofing
• Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System
• Small Temporary Structure

Administrative

• Add or Change Contractor (Administrative)
• Change Owner (Administrative)
• Deferred Submittal (coming soon)
• Post-Construction Filing (Administrative)
• Post-Issuance Approval (Administrative)

Related to Other Permit

• Construction Trailer
• Scaffolding

Specialty

• Fire Alarm System
• Stormwater Management Plan

Licensed Contractor E-Acceptance

When a Express Permit Program application is submitted by an owner or expediter indicating that work will be performed by a contractor licensed by the Department of Buildings, the licensed contractor is notified by email and must click a link in the email to accept the job before a permit will be issued. This helps to prevent license fraud.

Licensed contractors who need to update their official email should log in to to their account on the Dynamic Portal or contact Continental Testing Services, the City of Chicago’s trade license support partner.

Redesigned Permit Certificate

Express Permits feature a redesigned permit certificate that is easier to read from a distance (to facilitate online verification) and provide more information about the scope of permitted work, including a list of all DOB-licensed contractors.

Inspections

For Express Permits, all inspections results are immediately visible to the owner and listed contractors through the online portal.

The Express Permit portal also provides guidance to customers about when permit inspections are required and how to request them.

Protecting Public Health and Safety

Building permits protect public health and safety and help to prevent work by unlicensed and unqualified contractors.

At the Department of Buildings, we know that the quicker and more user-friendly we make the permitting and inspection process, the more people will obtain permits.

User Training and Additional Information

The Department of Buildings will offer several free public webinars about the expanded Express Permit Program in September 2024:

The Department of Buildings offered an "Introduction to Express Permits," in partnership with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) in November 2023:

To make sure you are notified of additional opportunities, please subscribe to the Department of Buildings E-mail Alerts.