Building and Zoning E-Permits

Service Information

Apply Online for Permits

The Cook County Department of Building and Zoning offers e-permits for residents and businesses located in unincorporated Cook County.

NOTE: Please verify that the property you are requesting a permit for is located in unincorporated Cook County. Permits cannot be processed for properties located in the City of Chicago or properties within the incorporated municipal boundaries of suburban cities and villages. Please do not submit a new application if you have already applied for a permit.

To find out if your property is in unincorporated Cook County, please use this interactive mapping application: COOKVIEWER

You may apply for several kinds of permits online: Deck, Driveway, Fence, Flatwork, Generator, Masonry Wall, Pool, Re-roof, Shed/Detached Garage, Signs, Sump-pump, Tent, Window Replacement.

If a type of permit is not mentioned above, or if your scope of work involves two or more of the types mentioned above, please send in your application and supporting documents to intake.bnz@cookcountyil.gov.

Permit Requirements

Review Permit Requirements before getting started. Submitting all the required documents will reduce deficiencies and facilitate faster approval.

Minimum requirements of these e-permits are:

  • Permit Application - Download permit application
  • Plat of Survey
  • Scope of Work
  • Letter/s of Intent from Contractor/s
  • Deposit of $100
  • Estimated cost of work on the application

NOTES:

  • The permit number on the receipt is actually the reference number. The permit number will be sent to you when the intake processes the initial review.
  • If you have applied for a permit please do not apply again for the same scope of work. We will not process it and it will be voided. If you need to submit additional documentation for a permit that was applied as e-permit, please send it to permitcontrol.bnz@cookcountyil.gov. Include the permit number in the subject line.
Access E-Permit Portal