Supporting Information

2009 Chicago Waste Characterization Study and Waste Diversion Study Results In 2009, the City of Chicago, Department of Environment contracted with CDM to perform a Waste Characterization Study and a Waste Diversion Study (the Studies). The Waste Characterization Study details the quantity, sources and composition of the city’s waste stream. The Waste Diversion Study measures the city’s current diversion rate and estimated our maximum reasonably achievable diversion rate.

A Guide to Getting Started: A Permit Overview A Guide to Getting Started: A Permit Overview

Accessible Housing Housing information services offered by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) are designed to promote and identify integrated, adaptable/accessible and affordable housing for people with disabilities in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Administrative Adjustments Administrative adjustments are intended to provide a streamlined approval procedure for minor modifications of selected zoning standards.

Air and Natural Resources Chicago is home to vibrant urban forests, prairies, and wetlands. Through continuous restoration, outreach, and research efforts, the city prioritizes protection of these natural areas.

An Overview of the Self-Certification Program The Self-Certification Permit Program simplifies the building permit process for eligible residential, business and mercantileand small assembly projects where the Architect of Record takes full responsibility for code compliance.

Archived Construction Projects

Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup

Boiler Inspections

Brownfield Funding Opportunities The Department of Fleet and Facility Management does not have funding available for brownfield redevelopment for private or not-for-profit entities; however, grant and loan funds are available from U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA.

Building Board of Appeals Information

Building Code Scofflaws List of Building Code Scofflaws

Building Permit Overview: A Guide to Getting Started

Carbon Monoxide Information Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide Information

Central Area Plan The Central Area Plan is a guide for continued economic success, physical growth, and environmental sustainability in downtown Chicago. Approved by the Chicago Plan Commission in 2003, it's the first plan for downtown produced by the City since 1958.

Certificate of Zoning Compliance A Certificate of Zoning Compliance certifies the number of residential dwelling units at the property that are legal under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.

Certified Plan Corrections Information

Chicago Energy Conservation Code Overview

Chicago Landscape Ordinance FAQ

Chicago Maps Chicago community area and citywide maps.

City Hall's Rooftop Garden Chicago’s most famous rooftop garden sits atop City Hall, an 11-story office building in the Loop. City Hall and the adjacent Cook County building appear to most people as one building spanning a city block bounded by LaSalle, Randolph, Clark and Washington streets.

Combined Sewers

Committee on Standards and Tests This committee of building industry technical professional and City staff meets once a month to review the suitability of new systems and methods of construction, new types of equipment, or new combinations of materials not currently permitted or recognized by the Code.

Community and Strategic Plans Information on Community and Strategic Plans

Composting in Chicago Composting turns organic waste such as leaves, food scraps, and lawn clippings into a dark, soil-like natural fertilizer.

Conservation Inspection

Construction Equipment Inspections

Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling The Department of Public Health promotes the responsible separation and recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) debris to help contractors and property owners save on costly disposal fees while protecting the environment.

Demolition Delay The Demolition-Delay Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2003, establishes a hold of up to 90 days in the issuance of any demolition permit for certain historic buildings in order that the Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning can explore options, as appropriate, to preserve the building, including but not limited to landmark designation.

Department of Buildings Phone Numbers Department of Buildings Phone Numbers

Developer Services FAQ's The following is a list of questions frequently asked by our customers. Audience participants at DOB sponsored workshops also raised many of these questions.

Development Manual for Plan Commission Projects Guide to the application process for projects requiring Chicago Plan Commission review.

Disconnect Your Downspout

Doing Our Share for Cleaner Air: Idling Reduction Information Regarding Cleaner Air through Idling Reduction

Downspouts, Rain Barrels and Cisterns

Easy Permit Process Overview The Easy Permit Process allows home and building owners to obtain a permit to REPAIR or REPLACE THE SAME OR EXISTING elements of a building, without making any changes to the structure of the building.

Electrical Inspections

Elevator Inspections

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Get involved in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs.

Environmental Rules and Regulations CDPH enforces the Rules and Regulations in cooperation with other City departments where applicable

Ethics and Campaign Financing: A guide for persons or business entities that have or seek contracts with the City of Chicago Chicago’s Governmental Ethics and Campaign Financing Ordinances (Chapters 2-156 and 2-164 of Chicago’s Municipal Code, respectively) impose restrictions on the interactions of persons and business entities who are City contractors or vendors (or who seek City contracts) with City employees or officials. This brochure summarizes these restrictions.

GIS Data The City of Chicago provides free GIS data for download in compressed shapefile (ESRI) format. Available data sets include administrative and political boundaries, special incentive programs, points of interest and transportation features. Also, data sharing agreements for non-governmental and governmental entities.

General Contractors License

Harbor Permit Review Process A City Harbor Permit is needed to perform construction within 40 feet of the waterway (shoreline, riverbank, dockwall/ riverwall, beach, etc.). CDOT will assist residential and business developments with the renovation of the City's shores.

Information for Legal Assistance The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) provides strong legal help for victims of domestic violence within an Order of Protection (OP).

Information on the Demolition Process The Department of Buildings' Demolition Bureau responds to complaints generated by the 311 system reported by residents, community groups, Aldermanic offices, as well as the Chicago Police Department. The bureau responds to complaints of vacant and open buildings.

Intergovernmental Links Listing of intergovernmental links

Investigation of Discrimination Complaints The Commission on Human Relations receives, investigates, and rules on discrimination complaints filed under the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance and Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance.

Iron Inspections

Landscape Ordinance The City of Chicago's Landscape Ordinance requires landscape features to be incorporated into all new or substantially renovated business, commercial buildings and large residential buildings.

Learn when a Building Permit is needed Building permits give you, your insurance company, neighbors and the City assurance that specific minimum standards are met in constructing, repairing or altering your home or building by complying with the Chicago Building Code.

Low-Cost Education and Weatherization Program The Low-Cost Weatherization and Education Program (LCWEP) aims to prepare, educate and train Chicago residents in low cost weatherization techniques. C3 volunteers are trained in low-cost home weatherization techniques. Volunteers then train their neighbors and distribute and install weatherization kits.

MOPD Pre-Plan Review Project Data Form The Pre-Permit Review Project Review Data form must be completed prior to meeting with MOPD's Accessibility Compliance Unit for Pre-Plan Review services.

Made in Chicago The City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development promotes a vibrant economy by encouraging job creation and development of new businesses. The department focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses in all sectors, utilizing Local Industrial Retention Initiatives (LIRI) Councils, department staff and often by partnering with community organizations such as World Business Chicago. One of the department’s most popular programs is Made in Chicago.

Map and Text Amendments The offices of the Zoning Administrator and the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Economic Development receive and review applications for zoning amendments.

Mechanical Parking Lifts-requirements for submitting an application The requirements for submitting an application for Mechanical Parking Lifts

Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Plan Find information about the Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Plan.

Milwaukee/Lawrence Corridor Study The goal of the Milwaukee/Lawrence Corridor Study is to identify the means to strengthen and enhance Downtown Jefferson Park through preservation, renovation, and redevelopment.

Near Northwest Side Plan he Near Northwest Side Plan addresses ongoing changes to the Fulton River District, Eckhart Park, Noble Square, East Village and Ukrainian Village neighborhoods.

Near South Community Plan The "Near South Community Plan" serves as a guide to future development of the South Loop and Near South communities by recommending future land use, open space and transportation improvements.

Near West Side Plan The Near West Side Plan covers an 88-block area bounded by the Kennedy and Eisenhower expressways, Lake Street and Ashland Avenue.

Neighborhood Lending Program Home Purchase and Purchase/Rehab Through the Neighborhood Lending Program, the City of Chicago and Neighborhood Housing Services provide first and second mortgage loans or the purchase and purchase/rehab of 1-4 units for homeowners who might otherwise not be able to purchase a home.

New Construction Inspections

Nomination: Chicago Park Boulevard System Historic District The Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Housing and Economic Development is preparing a nomination of Chicago’s historic Park Boulevard System to the National Register of Historic Places. The City’s park boulevard system is one of Chicago’s finest historic resources.

Nomination: West Loop-La Salle Street Historic District The Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Housing and Economic Development is preparing a nomination of Chicago’s historic West Loop to the National Register of Historic Places.

Office of the Zoning Administrator Information for sending correspondence to the Office of the Zoning Administrator

Ordinance, Publications and Additional Chicago Landmark Information A list of landmark-related publications by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, including the Landmarks Ordinance, Permit Review schedule and guidelines, and the "U.S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings."

Overview of the Developer Services Program An Overview of the Developer Services Program

Overview of the Easy Permit Process Overview of the Easy Permit Process

Overview of the Green Permit Program The Green Permit Process offers qualifying projects an expedited permit process and possible reduction of the permit fees.

Overview of the Standard Plan Review Permit Program An overview of the Standard Plan Review Program

Parking and Compliance Violation Bill of Rights

Part II Review

Permeable Alleys The City is creating a green infrastructure by utilizing unique open spaces to hold water that would normally drain directly into the sewer system. For instance, the City built a new kind of alley in a North Side community as part of a pilot project. The alley, constructed of a rigid grid system and gravel, allows rainwater to soak into the ground-reducing water flow into the sewer system and backyard flooding.

Permeable Paving Permeable paving refers to paving materials – typically concrete, stone or plastic – that promote absorption of rain and snowmelt.

Permit Applications

Plan Examination The Department of Housing and Economic Development reviews building permit applications to ensure plans are in compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.

Plumbing Inspections

Porch FAQ Frequently asked questions about porch safety.

Private Drains

Refrigeration Inspections

Requirements for Contractor Changes

Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks Resolution to Amend the Rules and Regulations of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks information.

Rules and Regulations Rules and Regulations published by the City of Chicago, Department of Buildings

Rules and Regulations for Securing Vacant Buildings

Sign Contractor List

Solar Permit Guidelines Solar Permit Information

South Cicero Corridor Redevelopment Plan

Standard Plan Review Program Overview The Standard Plan Review Program is designed for small to mid-sized construction or renovation projects requiring drawings. The design phase must be completed before the permit process can begin.

State, Wabash and Michigan Plan

Streamlined Tax Increment Financing

Structural Peer Review Program Overview The Structural Peer Review Program is designed to streamline the permit process at the City of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) by reducing the time and effort required for structural plan examination by DOB personnel.

Sustainability Section Information on Sustainable Development

TIF Success Stories

Tax Increment Financing Policy Guidelines The Tax Increment Financing Policy Guidelines summarize general TIF investment policies and guidelines for private development projects as practiced by the Department of Housing and Economic Development, which is the administering department for development projects seeking TIF and other forms of subsidy assistance from the City of Chicago.

Tent Permit Process The City of Chicago allows tents to be erected, but there are restrictions and requirements for these structures. Depending on the size of the structure, this may include receiving a permit.

Useful Green Links This page contains many useful links to Green sites

Vacant Property Guidelines Information for Securing and Registering Vacant Properties.

Ventilation Inspections

When a Permit is Not Required When a permit is Not Required

Zero Waste Chicago

Zoning Board of Appeals Information on the Zoning Board of Appeals