Building and Zoning Building Permits

Building Permit Applications

All work in unincorporated Cook County, other than ordinary repairs subject to provisions of Section 102-105.3 of the Cook County Building Code, Amendments-Adopting Ordinance, requires the submittal of a permit application. Please download and refer to Permit Tips and Submission Requirements before applying for a permit.

Applications may now be submitted online: Building and Zoning E-Permits 

NOTE: All electronic submissions will require a deposit of $100 for residential projects or $500 for non-residential projects that will be payable online. Applications delivered in person shall be accompanied by a check made payable to Cook County Collector for the same deposit fee. The deposit will be deducted from the final permit fee amount.

Submit your application, or any questions about applications, to intake.bnz@cookcountyil.gov

Electrical Supplemental Permit Application

An electrical permit application is required for the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical equipment subject to the provisions of the Cook County Electrical Code.

Plumbing Supplemental Permit Application

A plumbing permit application is required for the installation, alteration, or repair of any and all plumbing fixtures and/or plumbing systems including, but not limited to, sewerage systems and water systems for buildings or premises.

Demolition Permit Application

All demolition work requires a permit from the Department of Building and Zoning. You will also need a letter of waiver or approval from Cook County Environment and Sustainability. Check the related link to contact Cook County Environment and Sustainability for Environmental Permits.

Permit Expiration and Request for Extension

If work authorized by a permit is not completed within twelve (12) months of its issuance, such permit shall become invalid until an extended permit has been taken out by the Owner or his/her agent at a fee of 10% of the original permit cost or $25, whichever is greater. An extended permit shall be valid for six months following the date of expiration of the original permit and must be applied for within ten (10) days after the expiration of the original permit. Unless otherwise determined by the Building Commissioner, one extension only shall be granted, and if work has not been completed within eighteen (18) months after the date of issuance of the original permit, all rights under the permit shall thereupon terminate. Where, under authority of a permit or extended permit, work has begun and has been abandoned for a continuous or cumulative period of twelve (12) months, all rights under such permit shall thereupon terminate.

For All Permit Applications - Child Support Enforcement Declaration Form

In accordance with the Cook County Child Support Ordinance, a Child Support Enforcement Declaration Form is to be submitted by every applicant/substantial owner for a County privilege to show they are in full compliance with any child support order before they are entitled to receive or renew such privilege.

Those applying for building, plumbing and/or electrical permits for work in Cook County must submit a Child Support Enforcement Declaration Form along with their application.

Building Permit Status Search

During the permit review process, you can monitor the status of the permit and any Review comments as follows:

1. Visit Building Permit Status Search. Use the Property Index Number and Permit number to access your permit.
2. Receive automatic notifications and updates to permit when applicant register their email. Multiple emails can be registered for each permit.
3. Call the Building Zoning Automated Phone System at 312.603.0500

Online Permit Payments are Highly Recommended

The Cook County Department of Building and Zoning provides permit customers the ability to pay their permit fees online. After your permit application has been approved, payment amount will be posted to the online building permit status search.

Applicants can pay their permit fees online with a MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express credit card through the department’s Building Permit Status Search link.

Online payment services are provided by LexisNexis Payment Solutions.