
In Chicago, permits are required for most construction, demolition, and repair work, including electrical work. The Department of Buildings offers permitting processes tailored to a wide range of projects, from home repairs to new skyscrapers. Electrical permits are available for stand-alone electrical work that is not associated with another building permit. This includes major and minor electrical work, both permanent and temporary. To apply for an electrical permit, you must be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing. Applications must be submitted online, and applicants must review the Permit Fee Schedule and accept the fees before applying. Inaccurate information on the application may result in revocation of the permit and possibly the applicant's license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permit Type | Electrical-Only Permit |
| Requirements | Must be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing |
| Application Process | Log in to an authorized user account on the Dynamic Portal |
| Details | Enter electrical details, add additional contacts or contractors, accept terms and conditions |
| Payment | Credit card |
| Permit Certificate | Available for print after payment |
| Inaccurate Information | Grounds for revocation of the permit and possibly of your license |
| Work Description | Printed on the permit |
| PIN | Maximum of ten assessor parcel index numbers belonging to the permitted property |
| Permit Fee | Refer to the Permit Fee Schedule |
| Electrical Work | Stand-alone electrical work not associated with another building permit |
| Electrical Drawings and Load Calculations | Prepared by any qualified person in accordance with industry standards |
| Fire Damage | Department of Buildings must assess the scope of fire damage before applying for a permit |
| Types of Work | New pole- or building-mounted lighting, altering, repairing, or removing existing outdoor site lighting |
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What You'll Learn

Applying for an electrical-only permit
To apply for an electrical-only permit in Chicago, you must be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing to apply online. You can begin the application by logging in to your account on the Dynamic Portal.
The "Electrical Work" category in the Express Permit Program is for performing stand-alone electrical work that is not associated with another building permit. It cannot be used to alter the scope of electrical work covered by a plan-based building permit or a more comprehensive type of express permit, such as one for “Interior Nonstructural Alteration”. The “Electrical Work” category also has limitations on the types of work it covers, such as installing new pole- or building-mounted lighting intended to illuminate an outdoor site, like a parking lot or plaza.
The electrical drawings and load calculations can be prepared by any qualified person in accordance with industry standards. If the work is on property that is part of a condominium association, you must upload additional documentation. A licensed electrical contractor (general) is required for most types of electrical work.
It is important to note that any inaccurate information provided on the application shall be grounds for revocation of the permit and possibly of your license. Additionally, an electrical contractor may not make connections to existing wiring that is defective or unsafe. Before applying, be sure to review the Permit Fee Schedule, as by applying for a permit, you acknowledge and accept the fees posted in this schedule.
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Requirements for electrical work
To perform electrical work in Chicago, you will need to apply for an electrical permit. The type of permit will depend on the nature of the electrical work.
The “Electrical Work" category in the Express Permit Program is for stand-alone electrical work that is not associated with another building permit. This category cannot be used for work that alters the scope of electrical work covered by a plan-based building permit or a more comprehensive type of express permit.
The "Electrical Wiring" permit includes major and minor electrical work, both permanent and temporary. This permit covers installing new pole- or building-mounted lighting to illuminate an outdoor site, such as a parking lot or plaza, as well as altering, repairing, or removing existing outdoor site lighting.
To apply for an electrical-only permit, you must be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing. An electrical contractor may not make connections to existing wiring that is defective or unsafe. The electrical drawings and load calculations must be prepared by a qualified person following industry standards. If the work is part of a condominium association, you must upload the relevant documents.
Before applying for any permit, it is important to review the Permit Fee Schedule, as the fees must be accepted by the applicant. Additionally, if the electrical work is required to address fire damage, the Department of Buildings must assess the scope of the fire damage before a permit can be issued.
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Online application process
To open an electrical permit in Chicago, you must first be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing. The electrical drawings and load calculations can be prepared by any qualified person in accordance with industry standards.
The online application process for an electrical permit in Chicago is as follows:
- Log in to your account on the Dynamic Portal.
- Enter electrical details and add any additional contacts or contractors as required.
- If the work to be permitted is on property that is part of a condominium association (including work in an individually-owned condominium unit), you must upload the following:
- A completed Tax and Demolition Form, as per the Illinois Insurance Code, documenting the Department of Buildings' assessment of the scope of fire damage (if applicable).
- A licensed electrical contractor (general) is required for most types of electrical work.
- Review the Permit Fee Schedule and accept the fees.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- If no alert conditions exist and a plan review is not required, you will be able to pay by credit card and print your permit certificate in about five minutes.
Please note that any inaccurate information provided on the application shall be grounds for revocation of the permit and possibly your license.
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Permit fees
To obtain an electrical permit in Chicago, you must be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing to apply for electrical-only permits online. An electrical contractor may not make connections to existing wiring that is defective or unsafe. The "Electrical Work" category in the Express Permit Program is for performing stand-alone electrical work that is not associated with another building permit. The electrical drawings and load calculations can be prepared by any qualified person in accordance with industry standards.
The City of Chicago's Department of Buildings issues permits to ensure that construction work complies with the minimum standards of safety established by the Chicago Construction Codes, protecting public health, safety, and welfare. A permit is required before beginning most construction, demolition, and repair work. The Department of Buildings offers permitting processes tailored for a wide variety of projects, from home repairs to new skyscrapers.
The Developer Services Permit Program is designed for moderate to complex construction projects, including installing or repairing elevators, escalators, or other conveyance devices. The "Electrical Wiring" permit includes major and minor electrical work, both permanent and temporary.
The cost of a building permit in Chicago is estimated using an online calculator that takes into account construction type, occupancy type, area in square feet, and project scope. Before applying for a permit, permittees must review and accept the fees posted in the Permit Fee Schedule.
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Electrical work for fire damage
If you need to perform electrical work after a fire in Chicago, there are several important steps you must take to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. Firstly, contact the fire department to extinguish the fire if it is still active. Once everyone is safe, it is crucial to call a fire damage restoration company as soon as possible. Restoration experts will assess the damage caused by the fire, including smoke, water, and fire damage, and work with your insurance company to restore your home.
Before beginning any electrical work, you must obtain an electrical permit from the City of Chicago. To apply for an electrical-only permit, you must be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing. An authorized user can then log in to their account on the Dynamic Portal to start the application process. It is important to provide accurate information, as any inaccuracies can lead to permit revocation and possible license revocation. The electrical drawings and load calculations must be prepared by a qualified person following industry standards.
If the electrical work is required to address fire damage, a specific procedure must be followed. Firstly, the Department of Buildings must assess the scope of the fire damage before you apply for a building permit. This assessment will be documented on a "Tax and Demolition Form" per the Illinois Insurance Code. Most types of electrical work will require a licensed electrical contractor.
Electrical fires can cause extensive damage to both the appearance and structural integrity of properties. They can damage nearly every part of a building's structure, including walls, floors, ceilings, and even the foundation. Additionally, furniture, electronics, important documents, and personal belongings can also be affected by fire, smoke, and water damage. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a restoration firm with sufficient experience, advanced tools, and qualified technicians who understand how electrical fires behave and spread.
To prevent electrical fires from occurring in the first place, regular electrical maintenance is crucial. This includes routine inspections by a qualified electrician to check for faulty outlets, frayed wires, outdated electrical systems, and malfunctioning appliances. It is also important to follow safe electrical habits, such as not overloading circuits, using surge protectors, and unplugging appliances when not in use.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical-only permit is required for performing standalone electrical work that is not associated with another building permit. This includes major and minor electrical work, both permanent and temporary.
To apply for an electrical-only permit in Chicago, you must be associated with a licensed electrical contractor or expediter in good standing. You can then begin the application process by logging in to your account on the Dynamic Portal. You will need to enter electrical details, add any additional contacts or contractors, and accept the terms and conditions.
Electrical drawings and load calculations can be prepared by any qualified person, in accordance with industry standards.
Other types of permits in Chicago include:
- New Construction and Renovation
- Other Construction
- Easy Permit
- Wrecking/Demolition
- Sign Permit
- Porch Permit
- Reinstate Permit
- Extension Permits
For more information on permits in Chicago, visit the official website.





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