Building Permits

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Building Permit Application

Submit a building permit application, both for standard building permits and express permits.

Please ensure your company does not already have a contractor registration on file before submitting a new contractor registration application. You can verify this by performing a registration lookup at this link. Only proceed with submitting a New Contractor Registration application if you have confirmed that your company does not currently have a registration.

Contractor Registration Renewal

Please submit a Contractor Registration Renewal application using your current registration number. If you need to look up your registration number, please visit this link.

Information Pages

Commercial Permit Information

Visit this page for more information and documents pertaining specifically to commercial and multi-unit residential projects.

Residential Permit Information

Visit this page for more information and documents pertaining specifically to one- or two-unit residential projects, including ADU's.

Permit Documents

Review and download all building permit-related documents.

Certificates of Occupancy

Review the requirements for issuance of certificates of occupancy, both temporary (TCO) and final (FCO).

Permit Fee Schedule

View and download the current Permit Fee Schedule, updated January 1, 2025.

Contractor Registration

Find information regarding the registration process and the types of contractors that are required to be registered.

FAQ

Find answers to questions commonly received by our Permit Services team.

Contact Us

Telephone

Call us at (847) 448-8207

Virtual Permit Desk

By appointment only - Schedule an Appointment
(must attend virtual meeting using computer with audio/video capability)

In-Person Permit Desk

Walk-in hours are listed below. Additionally, virtual appointments may be scheduled using the link above, or an in-person appointment may be requested by calling or emailing the Permit Services team. Please note, plan drawings must be submitted electronically; paper plans will not be accepted.

Lorraine H. Morton City Hall
Customer Service Center
909 Davis St, 1st Floor

Walk-In Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 8:30AM - 12:00PM

Permit Desk Supervisor

Angela Butler
abutler@cityofevanston.org

Info & Timelines

This information will help you select the correct drop-down in the lower section. The standard processing times for each area have been included to aid in your project planning.

Contractor Registration (3-4 Business Days)

Before starting work, each project must have a registered contractor. Here you can find out how to become registered or renew your registration with the City of Evanston.

Building Permits (4-6 Weeks)

Building permit applications require review by staff and approval of plans prior to permit issuance.

Express Permits (3-4 Business Days)

These permits are for simpler projects that generally require minimal review and may be issued within 24 to 48 hours after submission. Allow five business days for the zoning review required for fence or new AC permits.

Payments (3-4 Business Days)

Find a link to pay and see what payment types are accepted.

Inspections (2 Business Days in Advance)

Depending upon the project, inspections are required during the rough and finish stages of construction prior to moving on to the next phase of the project. The link below will provide you with information on which inspections are required and how to schedule an inspection.

Plan Revisions (10-15 Business Days)

Any changes to plans must be reviewed and approved before construction can begin or continue.

Review the drop-downs below for more information

Contractor Registration

Requirements and Online Contractor Registration

Any required documents must be submitted as a pdf. Please allow 24-48 hours of processing time from time of online application submittal.

Contractor Registration Requirements

Contractor Registration/Renewal Application

Multiple Contractors on a Project

For projects that require multiple contractors this document must be submitted with the permit application.
Contractor List

Change in Contractor

If at any point a contractor changes for a project, the Change in Contractor Form must be emailed to permitdesk@cityofevanston.org.

Owner-Occupant Affidavit Forms

An owner-occupant of a single-family residence may act as their own general contractor, providing the address is their primary residence. A copy of state-issued ID will be required as proof of residence. If owner-occupants are performing the mechanical, electrical or plumbing work, owner affidavit forms are required for each trade. Affidavits and corresponding worksheets (i.e., mechanical, electrical and plumbing worksheets) are required prior to permit issuance.

Owner Affidavit - Mechanical Work

Owner Affidavit- Electrical Work

Owner Affidavit - Plumbing Work

Building Permits

How To Submit a Building Permit Application

Starting February 2025, all permits may be submitted through our Citizen Portal using the following link: Building Permit Application
- New users will need to create an account
Larger plans that cannot be attached may be sent using Dropbox (cannot be password protected).
Helpful links for using the Citizen Portal:
Learn How to Create an Account
Step by Step Guide to Submit an Application in the Citizen Portal

Building Permit Checklists and Worksheets

Learn about different project requirements on our Permit Documents webpage.
Temporary Construction Fences
- Temporary construction fences are required on all projects involving significant exterior work which may pose a risk to the public. More information can be found in the document Construction Fence Requirements.

Application Status

Once an application is submitted, the status can then be tracked when logged into your account. When the permit is ready to be issued, an email will be sent with the invoice and link to pay. Once paid, your permit will be sent via email within 24 hours.

Express Permits

How To Submit an Express Permit Application

Starting February 2025, all permits may be submitted through our Citizen Portal using the following link: Building Permit Application
- New users will need to create an account
Helpful links for using the Citizen Portal:
Learn How to Create an Account
Step by Step Guide to Submit an Application in the Citizen Portal

Express Permit Types

A/C Replacement Existing Location
CCCD w/o Fire Suppression
Electrical -Excluding Solar, Generators or EV Chargers
Electrical - Temporary
Fence (allow five business days for the required zoning review to be completed)
Flatwork (Remove and Replace only)
HVAC - Furnace, Boilers
Interior Drain Tile
Plumbing
Roofing
Siding and Gutters
Tuckpointing/Masonry
Window Replacement

Application Status

Once an application is submitted, the status can then be tracked when logged into your account. When the permit is ready to be issued, an email will be sent with the invoice and link to pay. Once paid, your permit will be sent via email within 24 hours.

Work Exempt From Permits

Work Exempt From Permitting

Not all projects require a permit from the City, in particular those associated with regular maintenance or repair.
- Please note that some projects may still require permits from the County, State, or other agencies.
The following projects are exempt from the City's building permitting requirements:

Exempt Project Types

Paint, wallpaper, tile, carpet, and other similar finish work.
Detached accessory structures with a footprint under 120 sq. ft. (e.g., sheds, gazebos, playhouses, etc.).
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a 1- or 2-unit dwelling that are no more than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 1,200 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground.
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a detached 1- or 2-unit dwelling.
Minor electrical repair work (e.g., replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles).
Minor HVAC repair work (e.g., replacement of minor parts, hot or chilled water piping within HVAC equipment, etc.).
Minor plumbing repairs (e.g., stopping leaks, clearing stoppages, removal and reinstallation of water closets, etc.).
Residential window and/or door replacements, provided that no openings are being altered.
Low voltage work (e.g., cable lines, ethernet cable, video doorbells, etc.).

Questions?

If you have questions regarding your particular project, please feel free to reach out to Permit Services at (847) 448-8207.

Payments

Make a Payment

Once a permit has been processed, an invoice will be sent to your email with the link to pay. You must have your permit number or contractor registration number to submit payment.

What can you pay for online?

Building Permit
Building Re-Inspection Fee
Building Contractor Registration and Renewal

What payment types are accepted?

Credit Card
Bank Account Number and Routing Number

Inspections

Schedule an Inspection

Please call a minimum of 2 days in advance. To schedule an inspection, call 847-448-8207 and select Option 5.

Make sure to have your permit number and contact information available.

Inspection Times Available

Morning - 9am to Noon
Afternoon - 1pm to 3pm

Inspections are granted upon a first come first serve basis with a daily limit per Inspector. One set of approved permit drawings must be at the job site for reference at all times. To coordinate approximate times, you can email your inspector the afternoon prior or morning of the inspection.

Fees

$70 per inspection/re-inspection

INSPECTION TYPES

Below is the list of inspection types that may be needed, depending on the project type:

Fences - Final inspection after the fence has been completely installed.

Solar Panels - Photos of the existing electrical service showing required clearances and grounding requirements and the entire new PV system showing required grounding, bonding and labeling. Due to the number of pictures a link to the photos may be needed as it will be too large as attachments.

Roofing - Provide an inspection report from an independent inspector or inspection agency affirming that the roof has been installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and the building codes adopted by the City of Evanston. Please send the report to: davidwilson@cityofevanston.org.

Flatwork - Flatwork projects require two (2) inspections: a Pre-Pour inspection prior to the pouring of any concrete or installation of any pavers, and a Final inspection. "Remove and replace" permits do not require inspections; however, before and after photos should be submitted to the City. Please send the photos to: davidwilson@cityofevanston.org.

Concrete Pre-Pour - Prior to the pouring of any concrete footings, piers, foundations, or flatwork, the inspector needs to see that the proper depth, width and location are maintained. They also verify that the reinforcing is as indicated on the approved permit drawings.

Plumbing Rough - Prior to any wall, ceiling, floor or fixture coverings are applied and for the use of properly designated equipment. The licensed plumber must be on site at the time of rough inspection.

HVAC Rough - The inspector needs to see the installation of all equipment, piping, and duct work prior to the wall, floor, or ceiling being covered.

Electrical Rough - Prior to the application of any wall or ceiling coverings, the inspector needs to check all electrical revisions, rewiring or piping work. The electrician must be present on site at the time of inspection.

Structural Rough (Framing)- After the structure is framed, and after all other rough inspections (Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical) have been passed, but before the insulation or gypsum wallboard is applied, including any ceiling enclosure.

Structural Rough (Insulation) - After the Framing inspection has been passed and the insulation has been installed, an insulation inspection must be performed.

Plumbing Final - At the completion of all plumbing work. All fixtures must be in place. If testing is required, than the results must be witnessed and approved.

HVAC Final - At the completion of all connections and HVAC work. Occasionally, a test and balance report will be required prior to occupancy of the space or building.

Electrical Final - At the completion of the electrical work, all devices must be installed, protected with required cover plates, and in proper working order.

Siding/House Wrap - Prior to the siding being installed.

Structural Final - At the completion of the general work, when all wall and ceiling coverings have been finished, all stairways have been completed, handrails and guardrails have been installed, and all life safety and accessibility issues have been addressed.

Fire Prevention - The Fire Prevention Bureau must be contacted separately for all inspections of exit signs and lighting, fire suppression systems testing, and fire alarm system testing.

Plan Revisions

Submitting Revised Plans for Re-Review

If plan revisions are required either before or after permit issuance, the process for submitting is outlined below.

Submit via email to PERMITREVISIONS@CITYOFEVANSTON.ORG
Include one complete PDF plan set, with any changes bubbled, accompanied by a separate written response outlining what has been changed
If post-permit revisions are submitted for review, an additional plan review fee will apply

Building Codes

Adopted Building Codes

The City has adopted the following Building and Fire Codes:

2021 International Building Code (IBC) - IBC Amendments
2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
2021 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings (IRC) - IRC Amendments
2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) - IMC Amendments
2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) - IFGC Amendments
2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
2020 NFPA 70 National Electric Code (NEC) - NEC Amendments
2021 NFPA Life Safety Code 101
2021 International Fire Code (IFC) - IFC Amendments
Illinois Energy Conservation Code
- The Illinois Stretch Energy Code has been adopted by the Evanston City Council and will take effect on October 1, 2025. All projects submitting an application for a building permit after that date will be required to comply with the Illinois Stretch Energy Code.
Illinois Plumbing Code - Illinois Plumbing Code Amendments
Illinois Accessibility Code

Code Resources

International Code Council

National Fire Protection Association

Illinois Capital Development Board