Building Permits

 

Online Permit Payments Now Available

The Cook County Department of Building and Zoning now provides for permit customers to be able to pay their permit fees online.

Building, Plumbing and Electrical Permit applicants can now pay their permit fees online with a MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express credit card through the department's Building Permit Status Search application (below).

 

Online payment services are provided by Government Payment Service (GPS). A 4.75% convenience fee will be assessed by GPS for this service.

 

Building Permit Status Search

The Department of Building & Zoning allows building permit applicants to view the status of their application at any time online. Permit applicants can also register for email notifications of the application status.

You will need your Building Permit application number as well as the Property Index Number (PIN) to view the status information.
 

Temporary Maintenance Period:

The Building Permit Status Search application is down for planned maintenance and is not available at this time. Please feel free to contact Building & Zoning if you have any questions in the interim.

Building Permit Application

All work, other than ordinary repairs subject to provisions of Section 4.7 of the Cook County Building Code, require the submittal of a permit application.

Cook County Building Permit Application
(NOTE: This permit requires legal-sized paper for printing.)
A permit application is required, along with all pertinent and relevant information and documents, to erect, construct, alter and/or demolish buildings and structures in unincorporated Cook County.

Permit Applicants Please Note:

In accordance with the Cook County Child Support Ordinance, a Child Support Affidavit is to be submitted by every applicant/substantial owner for a County privlige to show they are in full compliance with any child support order before they are entitled to receive or renew such privlige.

Those applying for building, plumbing and/or electrical permits for work in Cook County must submit this form along with their application. 
Child Support Compliance Data Form 

Permit Tips
Tips to assist you in completing and submitting your building permit.

Permit Status

During the permit review process, you can monitor the status of the permit and any review comments as follows: 

1. Check the status of the application using the online Building Permit Status Search application (note: application is temporarily down for maintenance at this time, see Building Permit Search Status section above for additional information.)
2. Call the Building Zoning Automated Phone System at 312.603.0500
3. You will receive written comments by mail

Electrical Permit Application

Electrical Permit Application 
An electrical permit application is required for the installation, alteration,or repair of electrical equipment subject to the provisions of the Cook County Electrical Code.

Plumbing Permit Application

Plumbing Permit Application 
A plumbing permit application is required for the installation, alteration, or repair of any and all plumbing fixtures and/or plumbing systems including, but not limited to, sewerage systems and water systems for buildings or premises.