PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Chicago, IL?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a retaining wall in Chicago, IL (for example: Over 4 ft: 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 retaining walls up to 4 ft (bottom of footing to top) that do not support a surcharge.

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 or removing a retaining wall that is not more than 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall), not supporting a surcharge, and not impounding liquids”

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

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Other projects in Chicago

Retaining wall permits in other cities

Compare retaining wall permit rules in all 25 cities · All Illinois cities