How long does a Chicago CDOB permit take to issue?

Chicago Department of Buildings (CDOB) permit timelines vary by review track, and choosing the wrong track is the single biggest cause of preventable schedule slip on a Chicago remodel. Four tracks govern residential work, each defined under Municipal Code Title 14A and CDOB Plan Review procedures.

Standard Plan Review (SPR) handles structural changes, additions, second-story pop-ups, foundation work, multi-trade scope, and any project requiring full architectural and structural review by CDOB plan examiners and the Chicago Department of Transportation, Department of Water Management, and CCL where applicable. SPR runs 12-26 weeks for residential projects. Two-rounds of comments are typical; complex projects can route through three to five rounds.

Easy Permit Process (EPP) is reserved for interior-only, non-structural alterations under §14A-2-204.1 — drywall, paint, flooring, like-for-like fixture replacement, cabinet and countertop work without plumbing relocation. EPP runs 2-4 weeks and skips full plan-examiner review entirely.

Express Permit handles like-for-like trade replacements: HVAC equipment swap on existing footprint, hot water heater, plumbing fixture in same location, electrical panel upgrade with no service change. 1-2 weeks at the Express counter.

Self-Certification Permit Program lets Illinois-licensed architects, structural engineers, and energy professionals self-certify code compliance under §14A-3-308. Self-cert can compress an SPR-class project to 2-6 weeks but transfers personal liability to the architect's stamp — and CDOB conducts random audits of self-cert filings, with revocation and disciplinary referral to IDFPR for false certifications. Most architects price the liability into the design fee, often 0.5%-1.5% of construction cost.

CCL landmark review, FAA notice for tall projects near Midway/O'Hare, and Bureau of Fire Prevention review for occupancy changes layer additional weeks on top. Plan early: a kitchen-and-bath remodel with a removed wall is structural and routes through SPR — not EPP — and the homeowner often discovers this after signing a contractor with an unrealistic schedule.