Chicago’s Old Easy Permit vs. the New Express Permit: What Changed?

The city of Chicago was notorious for its slow review times. It took about 70 days for your permit to be reviewed and approved. Getting permits was a hassle for the residents of Chicago as it delayed construction and renovation work. Now the situation has changed. The Express Permit Program was launched in November 2023 and expanded in September 2024. In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between the “Old Chicago Easy Permit Program" and the “Express Permit Program.” With the new program, you can request permits easily to construct/renovate your house without delay. As of today, 66% of permits are issued with the Express Permit Program.

What is the Express Permit Program?

It’s a quick online option to get a building permit for the repair and replacement of an existing building feature or system. Homeowners, tenants, contractors, and building owners can use the Express Permit Program in Chicago.

Why Do You Need a Building Permit?

You need a building permit for construction, alteration, or demolition of a structure. Even small improvement projects require compliance with local codes, and you might need a building permit. The Express Permit streamlines the entire process both for major and minor repairs.

Why is the Express Permit Program Important?

The old easy permit program was serviceable but far from efficient. Applicants had to deal with heavy paperwork, in-person visits, and delays caused by manual approvals. The interlinked application system was challenging to navigate. It was time-consuming, and tracking was difficult. The Express Permit Program solves this problem by introducing a simple, fast, and efficient process. The new Express Permit Program in Chicago has moved everything online, reduced turnaround times, and created a transparent process.

Key Differences between Old and New Permit Programs

If you’re renovating more than one unit, you will need a licensed architect. The Express Permit Program now allows for faster approval, which means you can get building permits quickly even if you’re renovating multiple units at once.

Easy to Navigate Digital System

• Old Easy Permit Program: Paper applications, limited online access, and slower processing.
• New Express Permit Program: A fully web-enabled platform where you can apply for permits, check statuses, make payments, and view inspection results—all from your computer or phone.

Expanded Scope of Work

• Old Easy Permit Program: Mainly covered minor repairs and simple alterations.
• New Express Permit Program: Covers a wider range of projects, including:
• Electrical maintenance
• Exterior window and door replacements
• HVAC and plumbing work
• Reroofing and masonry repairs
• Porch, deck, and balcony renovations
• Small-scale solar panel installations
• And more!

Electrical work and maintenance is also now a part of the Express Permit Program, which is great as most renovations involve electrical work.

Licensed Contractor Verification

• Old Easy Permit Program: Contractors were listed, but there was no streamlined verification.
• New Express Permit Program: Licensed contractors now receive an email from the system. The email address provided must be consistent with the email address that is on file with the city. The contractor must accept the job via email. The job is accepted electronically, reducing fraud and ensuring compliance.
  

New Permit Certificate Design

• Old Easy Permit Program: Traditional certificates were issued with limited information.
• New System: Redesigned permits that are easier to read and include detailed project scope and contractor information.
  
  

Improved Inspection Transparency

• Old Easy Permit Program: Inspection results were not always easy to access.
• Express Permit Program: Results are immediately available online to both owners and contractors, increasing accountability and efficiency.
  
  

Increased Speed

• Old Easy Permit Program: Multiple permits were issued in one application, which created both confusion and delay.
• Express Permit Program: One permit is issued per application. Now it’s easy to organize the information, and you can track permits easily. You don’t necessarily wait for all the permits to be approved before you can start renovating.
  

Which Type of Work Doesn’t Require a Building Permit?

You don’t need to file a permit application for all renovation-related tasks. Examples include painting, carpeting, and all finishing tasks that don’t alter plumbing or electrical connections. You can remove 1000 square feet of drywall and plaster as long as it doesn’t interfere with mechanical, electrical, or plumbing connections. You can remove, replace, or change counters, shelves, and movable fixtures with less than 7 feet of height. You can find a detailed list here. The rule is you don’t require a building permit if your work doesn’t interfere with the property structure and associated systems (like plumbing or electrical connections).

How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?

Timelines vary based on the complexity of the project.

• Simple permits (roofing, windows, etc.): Often approved within a few business days.
• More complex projects: May take a couple of weeks, depending on review requirements.

With the new system, applicants can expect faster turnaround times compared to the old Easy Permit Program.

How Much Does It Cost to File an Application?

For applications, the review fee is $25. You need to submit a separate application for each type of project you want to undertake.

Do I Need to Inform My Contractor?

You or your contractor can submit the application. Your contractor will receive an email from the EPP system. The contractor must accept the project before the permit will be issued.

Overview

What Happens If You Don’t Qualify for the Express Permit Program?

If your project is too complex or extensive to qualify for the Express Permit Program, you will need to go through the Standard Building Permit Process. Here’s what that means:

Full Plan Review Required

Your plans must be submitted to the Department of Buildings (DOB) for a detailed review. Depending on the project, other city departments (zoning, fire, health, etc.) may also need to review and approve your plans.

Longer Approval Timeline

You can receive EPP approval within a few days. Standard permits involve complex work. You might wait for a couple of weeks or months before the permit is issued. You will need to resubmit your plan if the department requires corrections. That might reset the approval timeline.

However, there is a way to bypass the lengthy standard plan review if you are working with a self-certified architect.

What is a self-certified plan?

A self-certified plan brings ease to the standard review process. Licensed architects and structural engineers can bypass the standard city plan review. They will review your plan to ensure it meets the requirements of the Chicago Building Code. The licensed architect or engineer will take responsibility that your plan complies with the construction code. A self-certified plan speeds up the approval process. You can receive your permit within 10 days, which is quick compared to weeks or months in the standard plan review.

Who Can Use the Self-Certification Program?

Projects eligible for self-certification include

• Interior alterations (e.g., office, retail, restaurant renovations).
• Tenant build-outs in existing commercial spaces.
• Small-scale residential projects (e.g., minor renovations, non-structural changes).
• Projects that do not involve changes to major structural modifications or zoning variances.
  
  

Who Cannot Use This Program?

• New construction of large buildings.
• Projects requiring special approvals (e.g., historic landmarks, planned developments).
• Any project involving structural modifications, fire safety systems, or hazardous materials.

Conclusion:

The new Express Permit Program is suitable for most renovation projects that don’t require architectural plans. You can expect fast turnaround times. Your contractor can accept the project, and the permit is issued online. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out or comment below.

If you're planning a renovation project or considering your options, reach out to us for a consultation. Together, we can turn your vision into reality with confidence and expertise.

Schedule your free consultation with our expert team at Quality Builders.

*This article is for educational purposes only. It’s not legal advice.