PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a driveway or patio in Chicago, IL?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a driveway or patio in Chicago, IL (for example: New or expanded parking: permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: high · 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.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

No permit for a concrete or brick patio or walkway on private property up to 30 in above grade, or for in-kind driveway replacement. Creating, expanding or eliminating parking needs a permit.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Chicago Department of Buildings fees. 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. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Installing, altering, or removing a noncombustible (concrete or brick) sidewalk, patio, or walkway that is not located in or on the public way, not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below”

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

“(A building permit is required to establish, expand, or eliminate an off-street parking or loading area.)”

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: high

See something wrong or out of date? Report a correction (anonymous, no email needed).

Other projects in Chicago

Driveway or patio permits in other cities

Compare driveway or patio permit rules in all 25 cities · All Illinois cities