In an effort to help Chicagoans who obtain building permits for simple repair and replacement projects, the Department of Buildings and Zoning has implemented a new procedure called the Easy Permit Process (EPP).
EPP applies to repair or replacement projects for owners of residential buildings with three or fewer dwelling units. These are projects that don’t require architectural plans. The program eliminates the need for these customers to stand in the same lines as those who are applying for permits to do more complex major rehab and new constructions projects.
“All customers will benefit from EPP,” said building commissioner Cherryl T. Thomas. “During 1997, the Department of Buildings has issued more permits than ever before (about 23,800 through November) and by creating new programs such as EPP, the permitting process is greatly improved.”
Customers who qualify for EPP are identified by customer service representatives in Room 800 in City Hall, given an application with a yellow sticker on it and directed to a line for EPP projects. This eliminates the need to stand in line behind people with larger and more complex projects.
To use EPP, there must be no existing violations or stop work orders at the property.
The following projects qualify for EPP:
– Garage construction. Free-standing garages with a maximum of 600 square feet in area and a minimum of 2 feet of distance from interior lot lines.
– Shed construction. Limited to 400 square feet and must be a minimum of 6 feet from other buildings and interior lot lines. Limited to one shed per lot.
– Fences. New or replacement fences between 5 and 6 feet high (fences less than 5 feet don’t require a building permit).
– Repair or replacement of a porch or deck. Work must be same size and location as previously existed.
– Plumbing and furnace replacement (short form application work)–plumbing replacement in-kind (water heaters and fixtures only). Customers must provide a letter from a licensed plumber and furnace replacements must use a new model of equal or greater size and capacity.
For more information, call the Permit Process Hotline at 312-744-3973.
