What does a garage permit cost in Chicago?
Updated November 11, 2026 · Built from official fee schedules and city permit records
What garage permits actually cost in Chicago
Chicago publishes the fee charged on every permit, so these are real amounts paid, not estimates. Across 875 garage permits issued in the last 12 months:
| Cheapest 25% paid up to | Median | Top 25% paid at least | Top 10% paid at least |
|---|---|---|---|
| $550 | $550 | $675 | $5,591 |
The total includes the building, zoning and other fees the Department of Buildings charged on the permit.
How long it takes
Across 877 detached garage permits Chicago issued in the last 12 months, the median wait was 4 days. A quarter took same day or less, and a quarter took 29 days or more.
The project value declared on these permits had a median of $30,800; the middle half ran from $24,480 to $45,190. Many fees are figured from this number, so it is the best guide to what a similar project will pay.
Good to know
- Detached frame garages up to the Express Permit size limit can be permitted without Standard Plan Review.
- Larger or masonry garages go through Standard Plan Review and cost more.
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
- Deck and porch 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 garage permit in Chicago?
The median garage permit issued in the last 12 months paid $550 in city fees; the middle half paid $550 to $675.
How long does a garage permit take in Chicago?
The median was 4 days from application to issue.