Chicago General building permits
Explore general building activity across Chicago. Review recent permits, compare community areas, and decide where to focus.
Data last updated Nov 3, 7:01 AM Chicago time. Newest permit issued Nov 1, 2026. Source: City of Chicago building permits.
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Most recent permits
A preview of published records. Reported costs are declared by applicants; a permit does not confirm available work.
- General buildingPermit – express permit program · Avondale$8,700 · Nov 1, 2026
- General buildingPermit – express permit program · West Englewood$5,000 · Nov 1, 2026
- General buildingPermit – express permit program · LoopCost not listed · Nov 1, 2026
- General buildingPermit – express permit program · West Elsdon$5,500 · Nov 1, 2026
- General buildingPermit – express permit program · Woodlawn$46,785 · Oct 31, 2026
- General buildingPermit – express permit program · Morgan Park$25,000 · Oct 31, 2026
- General buildingPermit – express permit program · Washington Heights$1,500 · Oct 31, 2026
- General buildingNew construction · Lincoln Park$950,000 · Oct 30, 2026
Addresses, scope, listed businesses and the city record are in your workspace.
Busiest community areas, last 30 days
Counts reflect this trade in each area. Area links open all trades for that community.
Explore permit types and historical activity
| Month | General building | Fencing | Windows and doors | Kitchen and bath remodeling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11 | 1174 | 74 | 57 | 8 |
| 2025-12 | 1039 | 69 | 40 | 9 |
| 2026-01 | 1008 | 50 | 20 | 13 |
| 2026-02 | 1009 | 77 | 26 | 8 |
| 2026-03 | 1372 | 111 | 31 | 9 |
| 2026-04 | 1611 | 172 | 47 | 12 |
| 2026-05 | 1529 | 127 | 41 | 12 |
| 2026-06 | 1534 | 166 | 29 | 12 |
| 2026-07 | 1584 | 165 | 35 | 9 |
| 2026-08 | 1560 | 149 | 36 | 5 |
| 2026-09 | 1656 | 127 | 44 | 6 |
| 2026-10 | 1476 | 123 | 48 | 6 |
Permit types, last 30 days
- Permit – express permit program658
Repairs and small jobs filed through the city’s online Express Permit Program, such as reroofing, porch repair, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, window and door replacement and small solar systems. It replaced the paper Easy Permit Process in November 2023.
- Renovation/alteration267
Changes to an existing building. Work that needs architectural plans goes through the city’s Standard Plan Review.
- New construction139
- Signs130
Needed to put up a sign on land, a building or a business.
- Elevator equipment102
Installing or repairing an elevator, escalator or similar equipment.
- Wrecking/demolition49
Needed to demolish a building or most of it, or to permanently reduce its size.
Permit types come from city records. Explanations are based on the City of Chicago Department of Buildings permit pages.