Building and Zoning Contractor Registration

Service Information

All contractors performing work in unincorporated Cook County are required to register with the Cook County Department of Building and Zoning.

Not sure if your project is located in unincorporated Cook County? Use the CookViewer to check.

Registration guidance/online portal

Registration is available online for crane operators, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors and other trades, as well as homeowners. The initial registration fee is $150 per trade. To keep your registration active, there is an annual fee of $75 per trade due by December 31 each year.

    For crane operators
    • Only the crane operator may apply for registration.
    • The crane operator must submit proof of certification from an organization whose certification program for crane operators is recognized by the City of Chicago.
    • The Crane Operator’s Registration Affidavit must be completed and notarized.
    • A Certificate of Insurance showing a minimum $1,000,000.00 in General Liability, naming Cook County Building and Zoning, 69 W. Washington, Suite 2830 Chicago, IL 60602 as the Certificate Holder.

    NOTE: Crane operator registrations are not transferable to another operator or person(s).

    For more information, email cr.bnz@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-0512.

      For electrical contractors
      • Current copy of supervising electrician’s license. It must be from a city, town or village in the State of Illinois that has an electrical commission that administers an examination.
      • Copy of the supervising electrician’s driver’s license.
      • Electrical Contractor Registration Affidavit completed and signed by the supervising electrician.
      • A certificate of general liability in the amount of $1,000,000.00. Certificate holder must read: Cook County Department of Building and Zoning, 69 W. Washington, Suite 2830, Chicago, IL 60602.
      • For corporations, proof of good standing with the State Of Illinois is required.

      For more information regarding electrical registration, email electrical.bnz@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-0515.

        For plumbing contractors
        • Only a corporate officer holding the state plumbing license for the corporation may
          register, at which time a copy of the previous year's annual domestic corporation
          report must be submitted.
        • Illinois Plumbing Contractor's Registration license as issued by the Illinois Department of Public
          Health.
        • Applicant’s State Plumber license or Chicago Journeyman Plumber’s license. 
        • On company letterhead, the name, address and phone number for three recently completed
          installations.
        • On the same letterhead as above, the name, address and phone number for three business
          references (i.e. bank, supply house or general contractor).
        • Certificate of Insurance for $1,000,000 liability naming Cook County Department of Building and
          Zoning as Certificate Holder only.

        For more information regarding plumbing registration, email plumbing.bnz@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-0514.

          For all other trades
          • The owner or corporate officer of the company must apply for initial registration. In the case of a firm, corporation, or LLC, a copy of the Articles of Incorporation or current Annual Domestic Report
            listing the officers must be submitted.
          • A Certificate of Insurance showing a minimum $1,000,000 in General Liability, naming Cook County Building and Zoning, 69 W Washington, Suite 2830 Chicago, IL 60602, as the Certificate Holder.
          • For roofing, a State of Illinois Roofing License must be submitted.
            For demolition, a fully approved bond must be submitted. Visit Building and Zoning Bonds | Cook County for more details.

          For more information, email cr.bnz@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-0512.

            For homeowners
            • Homeowners can perform work themselves, but have to be registered and listed on the permit. Homeowners receive "General" Contractor registration at no charge but must pay for any other trade required on the permit. They must reside on the property being permitted at the time. 
            • A copy of your homeowner’s insurance showing general liability coverage in the amount of $1,000,000, and naming Cook County Building and Zoning, 69 W. Washington, Suite 2830 Chicago, IL 60602 as an additional insured.

            For more information, email cr.bnz@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-0512.

            Contractor Registration

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