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
Wreck and remove a 2 story masonry building
Installation of 76 price sign - 76 logo
Scope: roof recover. area: 1086 sq. ft. roof covering: built-up roof. location: the roof. il roofing contractor license: 104000238.
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 100 amp service disconnecting means with 1 circuits. receptacle outlets: 1 . lighting outlets: 0. 13.5 kwh lithium ion energy storage sy…
For permit b200467361: replacement electrical contractor. new contractor(s) listed under "other applicants and contractors" on permit certificate.
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Remove and replace existing wood 2-story porch with stairs in an existing 2-story two unit residential wood frame va structure in an existing rs3 zoned area
Electrical maintenance permit. occupancy: factory/industrial. start date: 6/1/2026. end date: 7/1/2026. all work under this permit must be performed by employees of the listed elec…
Scope: roof replacement. area: 12000 sq. ft. roof covering: built-up roof. location: roof surface. il roofing contractor license: 104.01409.
Fire alarm: modification of existing system. associated building permit:101075622. affects: 0 dwelling units; 1 non-residential units. high-rise building: yes. voice communication:…
Self cert 2019 cbrc: structural peer review included. interior demo to suite 2200. work to include demo and stair infill as per plans . 1a construction, occupancy b-business.
Rle. wreck and remove a 1 story masonry el shaped building
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 600 sq. ft., lintel qty. 0, max. length 0. parapet rebuilding: 100 sq. ft. location: parapits.
In-kind replacement of exterior windows and doors in existing openings. replacement windows: 0; replacement skylights: 0; replacement doors: 1. affects: 1 residential unit(s), 0 no…
Self cert 2019 cbrc: interior alterations to existing ground floor retail space. work to include demo, new partitions, mechanical, electrical and plumbing as per plans. (occupancy…
Scope: roof replacement. area: 1500 sq. ft. roof covering: built-up roof. location: first floor roof. il roofing contractor license: 104020544.
Wreck and remove a 2 story masonry/frame residence
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 100 amp service disconnecting means with 8 circuits. receptacle outlets: 1 . lighting outlets: 0. 10 kwh lithium ion energy storage syst…
Wreck and remove a 2 story masonry residence and a detached frame garage
Line voltage electrical work. repair or alter devices on existing circuits. receptacle outlets: 1 . lighting outlets: 0. 10 kwh lithium ion energy storage system. specific location…
Scope: roof replacement. area: 8000 sq. ft. roof covering: built-up roof. location: roof surface. il roofing contractor license: 104.01409.