Building Permits in Chicago, Illinois

Updated 2d ago

How many building permits are filed in Chicago, Illinois?

As of June 11, 2026, 7,876 building permits are on file in Chicago, Illinois. The most common type is electrical (2,308 permits). Records are pulled from the Illinois public feed and refreshed daily.

Permits on record: 7,876
Top permit type: Electrical
Active permit types: 12
Open jobs, no contractor: 37

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7,876 permits

№ 041

3460 N Pulaski RdPro

Chicago · IL · 60527Commercial101083101

Installation of illuminated wall sign at tattoo (3460 n pulaski rd, chicago, il 60641)

ContractorSign Services Plus Llc

$1,5001wJUN 1

№ 042

2107 S Jefferson StPro

Chicago · IL · 60616Electrical

This page indexes 7,261 building permits issued in Chicago, Illinois, drawn from records published by the Chicago Department of Buildings through May 5, 2026. Activity over the last 30 days totals 2,655 permits. Records span project categories led by electrical (2,303 permits), miscellaneous work (1,444), renovation (1,170), roofing (1,062), commercial (401). Chicago's permit activity blends old housing-stock alterations - three-flats, two-flats, and bungalow remodels - with active new construction in West Loop, Fulton Market, and the South Loop. The city's Easy Permit Process for minor work and the Self-Certification program for licensed architects move a high share of permits through expedited review. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing) are filed separately under the parent building permit. Permits are filed and tracked through the city's Building Permits dataset on the Chicago Data Portal and the E-Permit system. The records below are recent issued permits in Chicago; click any row to see the full filing, project description, valuation, and contractor on record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up a building permit in Chicago?

Chicago publishes building permits on the Chicago Data Portal as a public dataset, refreshed daily. The city's E-Permit system is also used for filing and lookup. Search by address, permit number, or contractor.

Who issues building permits in Chicago?

The Chicago Department of Buildings issues permits within city limits. Suburban municipalities - Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero - operate their own building departments even within Cook County.

What is the Easy Permit Process?

Chicago's Easy Permit Process is an over-the-counter expedited path for small repairs and minor alterations that don't require plan review. It cuts standard timelines from weeks to days for qualifying work.

Are Chicago building permits public record?

Yes. Illinois' Freedom of Information Act makes permits public. Chicago publishes permit data through the Chicago Data Portal without registration.

How long does a Chicago permit take to issue?

Easy Permit Process applications can issue same-day. Standard plan review for new construction and major alterations takes weeks to months. Self-Certification by a licensed Illinois architect or engineer accelerates review for qualifying projects.

What is Self-Certification?

A program allowing licensed architects and structural engineers to certify their own plans for compliance with the Chicago Building Code, bypassing standard plan review. The Department of Buildings audits a sample of self-certified jobs.