What does a new house permit cost in Chicago?
Updated November 11, 2026 · Built from official fee schedules and city permit records
What new house permits actually cost in Chicago
Chicago publishes the fee charged on every permit, so these are real amounts paid, not estimates. Across 292 new house permits issued in the last 12 months:
| Cheapest 25% paid up to | Median | Top 25% paid at least | Top 10% paid at least |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,025 | $4,091 | $5,003 | $5,516 |
The total includes the building, zoning and other fees the Department of Buildings charged on the permit.
How long it takes
Across 292 new house permits Chicago issued in the last 12 months, the median wait was 66 days. A quarter took 43 days or less, and a quarter took 121 days or more.
The project value declared on these permits had a median of $400,000; the middle half ran from $350,000 to $650,000. Many fees are figured from this number, so it is the best guide to what a similar project will pay.
What else you will pay
- New homes go through Standard Plan Review, and most need a licensed architect's stamped drawings.
- Water and sewer connection, driveway and tree fees are charged by other departments and are not in this total.
More Chicago permit guides
- Building permit cost in Chicago
- How long permits take in Chicago
- Renovation permit cost
- Roofing permit cost
- Garage 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 new house permit in Chicago?
The median new house permit issued in the last 12 months paid $4,091 in city fees; the middle half paid $3,025 to $5,003.
How long does a new house permit take in Chicago?
The median was 66 days from application to issue.