1
Plumbing rough inspection
Chicago requires copper supply lines (or specific approved alternatives in conduit). PEX is not accepted in most applications. Pressure test required.
Chicago · 2026 Permit Guide
Chicago Remodel Permits: ProjectDox & Department of Buildings Guide
Chicago city permits run through the Department of Buildings' ProjectDox electronic permit system, which replaced paper submissions in 2017. The system itself is efficient when used correctly — but Chicago's unique code requirements (copper plumbing not PEX, EMT conduit not Romex, specific ventilation rules) catch contractors used to suburban work. Add in condo board approvals, building manager coordination, and inspector schedule volatility, and Chicago city work is meaningfully different from suburban Chicagoland. This guide reflects 70+ Chicago city projects we've permitted since 2021.
Cities covered: Chicago (all 77 neighborhoods)
When You Need a Permit
Chicago permits are required for: any plumbing modification (Chicago plumbing code is strict — even faucet relocation needs permit), all electrical changes (Chicago requires conduit, not Romex, for most circuits), all structural changes including removing any wall in multi-unit buildings, kitchen and bathroom remodels involving plumbing/electrical, basement-to-living-space conversions, deck and rooftop deck construction, window replacement (in landmark districts), and HVAC additions or replacements.
When You Don't
No permit needed for: interior painting, flooring replacement (like-for-like), cabinet refacing without plumbing changes, baseboards and crown molding, replacement of like-for-like fixtures in existing locations (faucet swap, light fixture swap), and decorative-only work.
2026 Fees
What Permits Actually Cost in Chicago
| Project type | Typical fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel (typical) | $500 – $1,200 | Scales by project valuation. $30K project ≈ $600 permit; $80K project ≈ $1,200. |
| Bathroom remodel | $350 – $750 | Includes plumbing and electrical sub-permits in the consolidated fee. |
| Basement finishing (single-family) | $600 – $1,500 | Egress requires structural sub-permit. Higher if ceiling height changes needed. |
| Deck or rooftop deck | $400 – $1,200 | Rooftop decks on multi-unit buildings require structural engineer + building manager approval. |
| Electrical service upgrade (100A → 200A) | $300 – $600 | Coordinate with ComEd for service disconnect. |
| Condo/multi-unit kitchen or bath | $500 – $1,000 | Building manager + condo board approval required BEFORE permit. Typically adds 2-4 weeks. |
| Plan review fee (always separate) | $200 – $500 | Required even before permit issuance. |
Step by Step
The Chicago Permit Process
Every step, in order, with realistic timing. Total time from application to permit-in-hand is the sum of all step durations.
1. Condo board / building manager approval (if applicable)
2-4 weeks typical board responseMulti-unit buildings require board approval, building manager scheduling, certificate of insurance from contractor on board's specific form.
2. ProjectDox account setup
Same dayIf not already a Chicago contractor on the system. Homeowners can create accounts but typically the contractor handles.
3. ProjectDox application submission
Day of submissionUpload stamped plans (architect/engineer for structural), site survey, application, fee payment.
4. Plan review by DOB
14-28 business days standard; 30-45 days for complex structuralDepartment of Buildings reviews against Chicago Building Code, Plumbing Code (1909-rooted), Electrical Code (conduit required).
5. Comment response cycle (often 1-2 rounds)
7-14 days per cycleDOB returns comments via ProjectDox; submit corrections. Each cycle adds 7-14 days.
6. Permit issuance
Same day after approvalFinal fees due; permit card printed.
7. Inspections (in sequence)
2-3 days advance scheduling typically; inspector reschedules commonPlumbing rough, electrical rough, framing, HVAC, insulation, drywall (some inspectors), final.
8. Final inspection + certificate of occupancy
Same week as final inspection requestMulti-unit buildings: building manager must be present.
Inspections
The Inspection Sequence
2
Electrical rough inspection
Chicago requires EMT (metal) conduit for nearly every circuit. Romex is not accepted. AFCI/GFCI on all required circuits.
3
Framing inspection
Structural changes especially scrutinized in multi-unit buildings where load paths affect neighboring units.
4
Insulation inspection
R-values + air sealing per Chicago Energy Conservation Code.
5
HVAC inspection (if applicable)
Ductwork, fresh-air requirements, exhaust venting (bath fans, kitchen hoods).
6
Final inspection
All work matches permit drawings. Multi-unit: building manager or condo board representative typically present.
Common Mistakes
The Chicago Permit Traps
The errors we see most often on DIY or out-of-state-contractor projects in Chicago:
- Using PEX plumbing — fails Chicago plumbing code inspection
- Using Romex electrical — fails Chicago electrical code inspection (must be EMT)
- Skipping condo board approval — work can be halted by building manager mid-project
- Missing fresh-air ventilation requirement — required on all bathroom remodels in multi-units
- Not getting plumbing pressure test — fails rough inspection
- Wrong kitchen hood vent (recirculating not allowed for gas ranges) — fails final
- Multi-unit work without proper insurance certificate naming the building — work stopped
- Starting demolition without permit — significant fines + double permit fees
What We Handle
All of This. Included.
- ProjectDox application preparation and submission
- Architect/engineer coordination for stamped drawings
- Plan review comment response cycles
- Condo board paperwork and presentation
- Building manager certificate-of-insurance compliance
- Permit card posting on site
- All inspection scheduling (typically 4-6 per project)
- Inspector meet-and-greet (we're present, you don't need to be)
- Final permit close-out and certificate of occupancy
Common Questions
Chicago Permit FAQ
Other Regions
Permit Guides for Other Chicagoland Regions
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