Building permits in Cook County, Illinois
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Cook County, 8 need a permit outright and 2 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources- Project types verified
- 10
- in Cook County
Cook County Department of Building and Zoning
- Cook County Department of Building and Zoning, 69 W. Washington St., Suite 2830, Chicago, IL 60602
- Phone: 312-603-0500
- Email: intake.bnz@cookcountyil.gov
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Cook County
Cook County runs an online permit portal. Many local portals let you check application status, search permit records, and view inspection results without calling the office.
What needs a permit in Cook County
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Cook County, 8 need a permit outright and 2 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Patio Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to detached single-family dwellings | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Shed Permit | It depends | prefabricated storage containers | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | From the county's Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal System Permit Requirements for... |
Planning a project in Cook County?
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
Planning several things at once? Check your whole project