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
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 #101081413. l…
Scope: nonstructural interior replacement of finishes. (no floor plan alterations) (no mechanical work, no electrical work, no plumbing work under this permit). locations: 1 reside…
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 200 amp service disconnecting means with 30 circuits. receptacle outlets: 4 . lighting outlets: 0. specific location: basement and outdo…
Line voltage electrical work. add 6 circuits to existing 225 amp service disconnecting means. add 3 circuits to existing 225 amp service disconnecting means. receptacle outlets: 9…
Install solar panels on roof of accessory building. roof type: sloped (2:12 to 5:12). inverter output: 10 kw. array output: 3.28 kw. includes 15 kwh energy storage system. location…
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Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 100 sq. ft., lintel qty. 0, max. length 0. location: where needed.
Low voltage/communication electrical work. alter existing lighting. specific location: interior dwelling unit.
Scope: nonstructural interior replacement of drywall. locations: 1 residential unit(s), 0 non-residential unit(s), unit 2 second floor.
Low voltage/communication electrical work. alter existing other. specific location: rooftop.
Low voltage/communication electrical work. install security. specific location: interior hallways, exterior building.
Replace existing back deck & stairs
Emergency wreck and remove a 1 story masonry residence
Spr 2019 cbc: interior alterations to existing 3rd floor of hospital to expand the sterile storage and renovate the decontamination area as per plans (occupany i-2, type ia constru…
Permit expires on 07/28/2026 erection starts: 6/18/2026, erection ends: 6/18/2026. proem - obama center opening viewing partytents - peer review- one day event 6/18/2026erect six (…
Replace frequency drive and door operator on ewgt service (freight) elevator due to water damage, 2500lbs capacity @ 150fpm, 17 stops, subject to city of chicago dept. of buildings…
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 4 sq. ft., lintel qty. 0, max. length 0. location: all elevations.
Self-cert 2019 cbc: new construction coach house adu. one dwelling unit over garage. (occupancy group r-5 residential; construction type va)
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 500 sq. ft., lintel qty. 0, max. length 0. location: north, west and east elevation.
Replacement of traveling cable on one(1) 4000lb capacity, 40-floor, 700fpm, passenger elevator(#5), pursuant to the scope of work submitted.(ev010181)
Final reinstatement on permit no 100934136 must begin work and or request inspection no later than ***december 2026*** must finalize all inspection by the end of the year.separate…