Inspections, Permitting, and Licensing
City Services

Resources

Business Workshops

Inspections Workshops

Dept of Buildings  Self-Certification Training

Green Building Resource Center

Food Service Sanitation Certification Providers List (PDF)

Links to related Departments:

Department of Buildings (DoB)

Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

Fire Department (CFD)

Department of Housing & Economic Development (DHED)

Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)

Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)

Department of Water Management (DWM)

Inspections, Permitting, and Licensing

Information for homeowners, builders/developers/contractors, business owners, and more!

 

Photo of Chicago Flag

City of Chicago's Guide to Inspections

The 4 Main Types of Inspections:

  1. Permits (inspections to achieve a permit)
  2. Annual / Quarterly (inspections to maintain status)
  3. Business License (required inspections to obtain new licensing)
  4. Complaints (inspections prompted by a complaint)

Common Reasons for Failing an Inspection

Inspections are required for several reasons and at various times during the life a business.  View common reasons that businesses fail inspections, including both NEW businesses and EXISTING businesses.

 

Important Steps Before You Start a Business:

Before taking out a business loan, signing a lease, or applying for a business license, ensure that the site where you intend to operate is in an appropriately zoned area and that it complies with the current Chicago Municipal Code.  The Code is frequently updated so a new owner needs to check current zoning and code regulations and not assume the previous owner's designation applies.

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection also holds FREE business workshops the first Wednesday of every month.  To download the schedule of dates and additional details please reference this PDF.


Photo of retail worker cleaning a kitchen

Retail Food Service

This link provides information regarding businesses that sell or serve food and/or liquor.


General Retail - photo of women shopping

General Retail / Professional Services

This link provides information regarding professional service companies and retailers other than food retail.


Manufacturing

Manufacturing / Warehouse

This link provides information regarding manufacturing industrial businesses.

 Photo of 2 workers doing construction

Construction / Renovation

This link provides information regarding new construction and rehabilitation work as well as additional developer / contractor links and information.

Contractors - third party

Contractor / 3rd Party Certification

This link provides information regarding self-certification for business/property owners as well as required certifications for contractors.

Street with signs above shops

Signs

This link provides information regarding requirements and permits for signs that hang over the public way or require Department of Buildings or Zoning approval.





Alerts (Inspections, Permitting, and Licensing)

High Alert Apr 25, 2013 Temporary Small Business Center Hours
Low Alert Sep 17, 2013 Protecting Tenants in Foreclosed Rental Property Ordinance
Low Alert Sep 13, 2013 Taxicab Medallion Auction
Low Alert Jun 28, 2013 Sign Permit Moratorium
Low Alert Apr 24, 2013 E-Plan Update: Tech Support and Classes

Most Recent News (Inspections, Permitting, and Licensing)

Jul 26,2013 Mayor Emanuel commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Jun 26,2013 City of Chicago Hosting Free Business Workshops Throughout July July 19 Workshop to be Conducted in Spanish
May 23,2013 June 2013 Business Education Workshops
May 22,2013 Department of Buildings Encourages Residents to Use Porches Safely
May 02,2013 Finance and Social Media Headline May’s Business Education Workshops

View all News Releases (Inspections, Permitting, and Licensing)

Services

View all Services

Supporting Information

View all Supporting Information