Permits in Chicago, IL

Six common home projects, checked for Chicago, Cook County. Pick a project below for a full result with sources and a checklist.

Choose a project

Shed

Detached or attached storage, garden, or workshop sheds.

General pattern — verify locally

Fence

New fences and fence replacements in front, side, or back yards.

General pattern — verify locally

Deck

New decks, deck replacements, and deck additions attached to or detached from the house.

General pattern — verify locally

Retaining wall

New or replacement retaining walls supporting soil, slopes, or driveways.

General pattern — verify locally

Water heater replacement

Replacing or relocating a gas, electric, heat pump, or tankless water heater.

General pattern — verify locally

EV charger installation

Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle charging equipment for a home garage or driveway.

General pattern — verify locally

What we know about Chicago

Fence: Chicago maintains its own long-standing municipal building code rather than a straight adoption of a model code, so exemption thresholds can differ from nearby suburbs.

While you are planning work in Chicago, you may also want what common household appliances cost to run in Illinois, how to dispose of old paint, batteries, and other household hazardous waste, and smoke alarm placement and the 10-year expiration rule.