recent building permits…
Illinois has 6,566 building permits on file, with 2,519 new permits filed in the last 30 days. That's steady work coming through the system. Chicago dominates permit activity in the state, making it the primary source for construction leads across all trades. Electrical work leads the pack with 1,982 permits, followed by other permit types at 1,692. Roofing comes in at 912 permits and renovation at 861. HVAC, plumbing, and general contracting all show consistent activity. If you're working in any of these trades, Illinois permits represent real jobs with owners who've already committed to construction. Permit data works for contractors because it shows you who's building before they call your competitors. When you track permits in your market, you're seeing projects at the moment they become official. That's when owners are actually ready to hire subs and specialty contractors.
Building permits are the fastest way to find new construction leads in Illinois. When a permit is filed, the project is approved and moving forward. DigPermit's database tracks all permits filed in the state, updated regularly so you see new projects as they're submitted. Filter by trade type, city, and filing date to find jobs that match your services. Electrical contractors, roofers, HVAC specialists, and plumbers all use this data to contact property owners and general contractors before the work is bid out to a full list of vendors.
Chicago is by far the most active city for building permits in Illinois, accounting for the entire permit volume in our current database at 6,566 permits. This makes Chicago the primary market for contractors looking for consistent lead flow. The city's mix of residential, commercial, and renovation work means there's demand across electrical, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and general contracting. If you service the Chicago area, permit data is your direct line to active projects.
Electrical permits are the most common in Illinois with 1,982 permits on file, making it the top trade by volume. Other permits account for 1,692 filings, roofing has 912, and renovation permits total 861. Commercial permits represent 378 filings. This breakdown tells you where the work is concentrated. Electrical contractors have the largest lead pool, but roofing and renovation also represent solid opportunity. Track permits by type to focus on the work that fits your business.
7,876 recent building permits filed in Illinois.
7,876 permits
Canopy mounted illuminated push-thru channel plaque to read "gordon ramsay | burger" on west elevation connecting to existing electric
New detached wood frame garage. dimensions and setbacks per application. building outside dimensions: 22'-0' ' x20'-0' '. hip roof height to peak: 13'-0' '.
Scope: roof replacement. area: 1900 sq. ft. roof covering: asphalt shingles. location: whole roof. il roofing contractor license: 104018202.
Purpose: new/replacement installation. wood fence - 6'-0' ' (height) x 200'-0' ' (length). location: rear yard of the property.
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 1500 sq. ft., lintel qty. 0, max. length 0. location: north and south elevation.
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Canopy mounted illuminated push-thru channel plaque to read "gordon ramsay | burger" on south elevation connecting to existing electric
Line voltage electrical work. repair or alter devices on existing circuits. receptacle outlets: 1 . lighting outlets: 0. electric vehicle supply equipment:1 spaces. specific locati…
Scope: nonstructural interior work: repair front interior stairway (grade to 1st floor) per building violations dated 9-17-2025. locations: 0 residential unit(s), 0 non-residential…
Scope: nonstructural preparatory demolition of non-load bearing partitions and m.e.p. systems with demo drawings and all other work to be performed on spr application/permit #10108…
Scope: roof replacement. area: 3500 sq. ft. roof covering: mineral - surfaced roll roofing. location: roofing. il roofing contractor license: 104018300.
Fire alarm: modification of existing system. associated building permit:101078819. affects: 0 dwelling units; 1 non-residential units. high-rise building: yes. voice communication:…
New detached wood frame garage. dimensions and setbacks per application. building outside dimensions: 20'-0' ' x30'-0' '. hip roof height to peak: 15'-0' '.
Purpose: new/replacement installation. wrought iron trash enclosure - 6'-0' ' (height) x 15'-0' ' (length). wrought iron trash enclosure - 5'-6' ' (height) x 6'-5' ' (length). loca…
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 200 amp service disconnecting means with 4 circuits. receptacle outlets: 3 . lighting outlets: 3. specific location: rear of blding, grn…
Scope: nonstructural interior kitchen remodel in unit 5402. locations: 1 residential unit(s), 0 non-residential unit(s), unit 5402-kitchen
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 200 amp service disconnecting means with 32 circuits. receptacle outlets: 5 . lighting outlets: 0. specific location: exterior rear, bas…
Repair or in-kind replacement of 0 plumbing fixtures as described in permit application. repair or in-kind replacement of hot water heater(s). locations: 1 residential unit(s), 0 n…
Scope: roof replacement. area: 12700 sq. ft. roof covering: other. location: roof top. il roofing contractor license: 104003433.
Spr 2019 cbrc: full building permit for 3 story, 3 dwelling unit building with 3 on-site parking spaces and a 3-story rear steel porch (occupancy group r-5, type iii-a construction…
Permit expires on 08/01/2026 erection starts: 07/10/2026, erection ends: 07/12/2026. tent reinstatement (from permit #101011974)erection starts: 07/11/2025, erection ends: 07/13/20…