What does a renovation permit cost in Chicago?
Updated November 11, 2026 · Built from official fee schedules and city permit records
What renovation permits actually cost in Chicago
Chicago publishes the fee charged on every permit, so these are real amounts paid, not estimates. Across 2,152 renovation permits issued in the last 12 months:
| Cheapest 25% paid up to | Median | Top 25% paid at least | Top 10% paid at least |
|---|---|---|---|
| $677 | $975 | $2,400 | $4,284 |
The total includes the building, zoning and other fees the Department of Buildings charged on the permit.
How long it takes
Across 2,152 remodel or addition permits Chicago issued in the last 12 months, the median wait was 81 days. A quarter took 44 days or less, and a quarter took 147 days or more.
The project value declared on these permits had a median of $100,000; the middle half ran from $49,360 to $200,000. Many fees are figured from this number, so it is the best guide to what a similar project will pay.
Good to know
- Simple repairs and many small projects go through the Express Permit Program, which is cheaper and usually issued within days.
- Structural changes, additions and changes to the number of units need Standard Plan Review, which explains the higher fees and longer waits here.
More Chicago permit guides
- Building permit cost in Chicago
- How long permits take in Chicago
- New house 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 renovation permit in Chicago?
The median renovation permit issued in the last 12 months paid $975 in city fees; the middle half paid $677 to $2,400.
How long does a renovation permit take in Chicago?
The median was 81 days from application to issue.