What does a deck or porch permit cost in Chicago?
Updated November 11, 2026 · Built from official fee schedules and city permit records
What porch and deck permits actually cost in Chicago
Chicago publishes the fee charged on every permit, so these are real amounts paid, not estimates. Across 739 porch and deck permits issued in the last 12 months:
| Cheapest 25% paid up to | Median | Top 25% paid at least | Top 10% paid at least |
|---|---|---|---|
| $175 | $325 | $325 | $625 |
The total includes the building, zoning and other fees the Department of Buildings charged on the permit.
How long it takes
Across 739 deck or porch permits Chicago issued in the last 12 months, the median wait was 6 days. A quarter took 3 days or less, and a quarter took 13 days or more.
The project value declared on these permits had a median of $12,700; the middle half ran from $5,000 to $25,000. Many fees are figured from this number, so it is the best guide to what a similar project will pay.
Good to know
- Porch, deck, balcony and fire escape repair or replacement is usually an Express Permit.
- Chicago enforces porch rules strictly after past collapses, so expect an inspection.
More Chicago permit guides
- Building permit cost in Chicago
- How long permits take in Chicago
- New house permit cost
- Renovation permit cost
- Roofing permit cost
- Garage permit cost
Sources
- Fees: Chicago Department of Buildings permit fee tables
- Permit data: Chicago Building Permits (data.cityofchicago.org), permits issued November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026. Processing time is measured from application start date to issue date.
This is an independent guide built from public records. It is not affiliated with the Chicago Department of Buildings. Fees change, and the city calculates your final fee when you apply; confirm the amount with the city before you budget.
Common questions
How much is a porch and deck permit in Chicago?
The median porch and deck permit issued in the last 12 months paid $325 in city fees; the middle half paid $175 to $325.
How long does a porch and deck permit take in Chicago?
The median was 6 days from application to issue.