You can get a building permit in Chicago through the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. There are four offices to serve you.

The main office is in downtown Chicago at City Hall, located at 121 N. LaSalle Street in Room 906. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The downtown office is a full-service office where walk-ins are allowed and homeowners can get assistance with drawings. However, plans are reviewed by scheduled appointment only. To make an appointment, call 312-744-3449. Or click here to schedule an appointment.

If the City Hall location is not convenient, there are three Neighborhood Permit Centers you may visit. These offices are more limited in the services they offer.

• South Permit Center, 2006 E. 95th Street, 312-745-0995.
• Southwest Permit Center, 4770 S. Kedzie, 312-745-4240.
• North Permit Center, 2550 W. Addison, 312-742-2560.

Neighborhood Permit Centers are all open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plans are reviewed by scheduled appointment only.

For more information on what the offices offer and what they do not, visit the Chicago Department of Buildings.