Illinois permits
Do you need a permit in Illinois?
Illinois adopted the 2018 IRC statewide but allows home rule municipalities to amend. Chicago operates under the Chicago Construction Codes, which include the famous Chicago Electrical Code (different from NEC). Permits are issued by the municipality or county. Chicago Department of Buildings handles all city work; suburbs each have their own departments. Homeowner permits are allowed for owner-occupied single-family residences but Chicago requires licensed contractors for most trades.
Free calculator
These are statewide ranges. Get your exact Illinois cost for your zip code and project size.
Can a homeowner pull the permit?
Yes, in most cases. Allowed in most jurisdictions for owner-occupied single-family homes. Chicago requires licensed contractors for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC even when the homeowner pulls the permit.
Where to file: Chicago: Department of Buildings online portal. Suburbs: village or municipality building department. Downstate: city or county building office. Chicago plan review takes 4-8 weeks for larger projects.
Permits by trade in Illinois
| Trade | When required | Citation | Typical fee | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | In-wall work, fixture replacement, water heater, gas | Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill Adm Code 890) | $100-$400 | No |
| Electrical | New circuits, panel work, service upgrades, EV charger | Chicago Electrical Code (city); NEC (rest of state) | $100-$400 | Conditional |
| Mechanical (HVAC) | Furnace/AC change-out, ductwork, refrigerant work | Illinois Energy Conservation Code; IMC | $100-$300 | No |
| Building (structural) | Additions, structural modifications, decks, finished basements | IRC as adopted; Chicago Construction Codes | $150-$1,500 | Yes |
| Roofing | Re-roofs, structural deck repair | Local jurisdiction | $75-$300 | Yes |
| Demolition (Chicago) | Any structural demo opening walls | Chicago Building Code | $100-$300 | Yes |
Hover a Conditional or No entry for the homeowner rule. Always confirm with your local building department, since requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Ready to build
Get the full plan for your project
A Project Blueprint gives you the materials list, tool inventory, Illinois permit steps, and a step-by-step build sequence, calibrated to your zip. Human-reviewed before delivery.