How long does a building permit take in Chicago?
Updated November 11, 2026 · Built from official fee schedules and city permit records
Chicago has two speeds. Express Permits (roofs, porches, fences, solar) are usually issued within days. Standard Plan Review for new homes and larger renovations takes one to several months.
Wait time by permit type
| Permit | Permits measured | Fastest 25% | Median | Slowest 25% start at | Slowest 10% start at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Re-roof | 1,305 | same day | 1 day | 4 days | 12 days |
| Fence | 965 | same day | 1 day | 5 days | 13 days |
| Detached garage | 877 | same day | 4 days | 29 days | 87 days |
| Deck or porch | 739 | 3 days | 6 days | 13 days | 25 days |
| Rooftop solar | 1,799 | 6 days | 9 days | 15 days | 26 days |
| New house | 292 | 43 days | 66 days | 121 days | 184 days |
| Remodel or addition | 2,152 | 44 days | 81 days | 147 days | 251 days |
Figures cover every building permit the city issued from November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026, measured from application start date to issue date. The median is the middle permit: half were faster, half slower. The slowest 25% usually had plan corrections or a full plan review.
How to get your permit faster
- Submit complete plans the first time. Each correction cycle sends the file back to the end of the reviewer's queue.
- Check whether your project qualifies for the city's simpler or over-the-counter path (listed below for each permit type).
- Answer reviewer comments the same week. Clock time while the city waits on you counts in these numbers.
More Chicago permit guides
- Building permit cost in Chicago
- New house permit cost
- 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 long does it take to get a building permit in Chicago?
Express permits often issue same day or within a week. The median renovation took 81 days, and new houses 66 days.
What is the fastest permit path in Chicago?
The Express Permit Program, for repairs and simple projects.