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
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 200 sq. ft., lintel qty. 3, max. length 4. location: tuckpointing of brick facade and chimney repair.
Electrical maintenance permit. occupancy: utilty. start date: 6/1/2026. end date: 7/1/2026. all work under this permit must be performed by employees of the listed electrical contr…
Line voltage electrical work. add 1 circuits to existing 100 amp service disconnecting means. receptacle outlets: 1 . lighting outlets: 0. electric vehicle supply equipment:1 space…
For permit 101075061: replacement mason contractor. new contractor(s) listed under "other applicants and contractors" on permit certificate.
New detached wood frame garage. dimensions and setbacks per application. building outside dimensions: 24'-0' ' x20'-0' '. hip roof height to peak: 14'-3' '.
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Installation of one (1) double-sided internally illuminated sign cabinet on south elevation of building and connect to supplied leads.
Wreck and remove a 2 story frame mixed use building
Purpose: new/replacement installation. wood fence - 6'-0' ' (height) x 112'-0' ' (length). location: backyard.
Fire alarm: modification of existing system. associated building permit:101078458. affects: 0 dwelling units; 1 non-residential units. high-rise building: yes. voice communication:…
Scope: roof replacement. area: 12000 sq. ft. roof covering: built-up roof. location: roof of building. il roofing contractor license: 104.01778.
Installing illuminated flat wall sign; 58 sq/ft; west elevation; neighborhood dental
Spr 2019 cbrc: replace existing back wood porch & stairs
Self-certification 2019 cbrc: interior alteration of existing office space in an existing high rise office building. the scope of work includes minor demolition of non load bearing…
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 200 amp service disconnecting means with 5 circuits. receptacle outlets: 5 . lighting outlets: 0. specific location: basement /exterior.
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 2500 sq. ft., lintel qty. 0, max. length 0. location: exterior 2 story.
Wreck and remove a 2 story masonry multi unit residence
Fire alarm: new system. associated building permit:101080858. affects: 0 dwelling units; 1 non-residential units. high-rise building: no. voice communication: no. special locking:…
Ada modifications: construct a wooden deck, stairs and handrails at the front of the house.
Low voltage/communication electrical work. install data/video. specific location: whole building.
Repair or in-kind replacement of 7 plumbing fixtures as described in permit application. repair or in-kind replacement of hot water heater(s). includes repair or replacment of plum…