Plan Examination

The Department of Planning and Development reviews building permit applications to ensure plans are in compliance with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance. Plan reviews are conducted weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, Room 905.

Effective May 1, 2010, zoning plan examination reviews for building permits will be scheduled exclusively through the online building permit application process. Walk-ins will no longer be accepted. Applicants will receive an email with the assigned review date and confirmation number.

In order for the plan examiner to conduct a thorough review of a project, the applicant must provide the following:

  • The application must contain the application number, completed data and a full description of the work to be conducted, as well as a description of the use of the building or property
  • Property survey (if new construction and/or a building addition, the survey must not be more than 60 days old)
  • Three sets of fully-dimensioned architectural plans, including a site plan, labeled rooms, floor plan, elevations and fully-dimensioned wall sections showing below and above grade.
  • The appointment confirmation number (effective May 1, 2010).

Additional documentation may include a house certificate, dwelling unit verification, driveway approval,alley access approval, valid business license, condominium letter, sub-division of lots.

Each missed appointment will result in a $150 fine. Applicants will be locked out of the system after three missed appointments. Appointments canceled 24 hours or more in advance will not be subject to the fine.

Non-building permit-related reviews (driveway or tank applications, occupancy placards, etc.) with a supervising plan examiner are available on a walk-in basis.

Call 312.744.5777 for more information.