Express Permits

If you need help pulling an Express Permit with the City of Chicago we can provide you with estimates for drawings and/or applications to get that part of the process off your plate.
Chicago Express Permit Program

Inside the Building

-Drywall Replacement (greater than 1,000 square feet)
-Exterior Doors*
-Fire Damage (buildings with 24% damage or less, require demolition inspection approval and a separate electrical permit)
-Furnaces (replacement of existing gas-fired only in all-commercial buildings and residential buildings with 4 or more dwelling units)*
-Existing Plumbing Fixture Replacement
-Electrical Work (requires an electrical contractor)**
-Counter Top and Cabinet Replacement (required for condos only)

Outside the Building

-Doors/Window Replacement (4 dwelling units or more, if same size, same location)*
-Fences (non-masonry fences greater than 5 ft. in height or masonry walls of any height)*
-Sheds greater than 150 square feet
-Detached frame garages, up to 600 square feet in area, without rooftop deck*
-Trash enclosure (wood only)
-Porch repair (if a violation report says permit for repairs only)
-Masonry work (mason contractor required)
-Tuckpointing (mason contractor required, masonry cleaning and grinding require a pollution prevention permit from CDPH)
-Roofs (If adding a layer, a general contractor or primary owner can perform the work)*
-Roofs (If total tear-off, must employ Illinois-licensed roofing contractor)
-Lintel repairs (6’-0” opening maximum, mason contractor required)
-Scaffolding (an easy permit can be received the same day if the work over the public way has been approved by the Chicago Department of Transportation)