PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a deck in Chicago, IL?

Last verified: · Confidence: medium · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: medium

Yes for a new deck. Only in-kind repair or replacement of a small deck (no more than 6 ft above ground, landing 50 sq ft or less) or replacing non-structural parts is exempt.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the Chicago Department of Buildings. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/guide-to-building-permits/home/help/faq/DOB/EPP-eligible.html

Where to apply

City of Chicago Department of Buildings (Express Permit Program / online permits)

Permitting authority: City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Applies inside Chicago city limits. Landmark properties and districts may need Commission on Chicago Landmarks review.

Official sources

“Repairing or replacing (in-kind) an entire exterior porch, deck, or stair system that is no more than 6 feet above the ground and has a landing area of 50 square feet or less”

Source: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/guide-to-building-permits/home/help/faq/DOB/bldg-permit-not-required/all.html

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: medium

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Other projects in Chicago

Deck permits in other cities