What's Required in Chicago
- A new deck requires a plan-based building permit with drawings by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer and zoning approval.
- In-kind replacement of deck boards, treads or pickets needs no permit unless a building violation has been issued for the structure.
- At a residential building up to 4 stories, in-kind repair or replacement of an entire deck no more than 6 feet above the ground with a landing of 50 square feet or less needs no permit.
- Express repair permits cover up to 50 percent replacement, or a same-size rebuild of a deck no more than 6 feet high with a landing of 150 square feet or less without professional drawings.
- Enlarging, relocating or legalizing an unpermitted deck is not eligible for the express permit.
- Any permitted repair must correct railing, stair and structural deficiencies under the Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings.
- The application lists a licensed general contractor unless the owner qualifies to act as contractor on their own primary residence.
- An official survey is required when more than 50 percent of the structure is replaced; electrical work requires a Chicago-licensed electrical contractor.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck in Chicago?
For a new deck, yes, always. The Department of Buildings' express permit for porches and decks is for repairs and like-for-like rebuilding only; the department states plainly that this type of permit cannot be used to add a new deck where one does not already exist and that a new structure attached to an existing building needs a plan-based building permit with drawings by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. Enlarging, moving or legalizing an unpermitted deck is likewise not eligible for the express route.
Repairs are more forgiving. On any building you may paint or power wash, and, if you have not received a building violation, replace in-kind non-structural elements such as a deck board, stair tread or railing picket without a permit. At a residential building up to 4 stories you may also repair or replace in-kind an entire exterior porch, deck, or stair system that is no more than 6 feet above the ground and has a landing area of 50 square feet or less. Beyond that, the express permit covers repairs up to 50 percent of an existing structure and a same-size rebuild of a deck whose highest walking surface is no more than 6 feet up with a largest landing of 150 square feet or less; taller or larger rebuilds need architect or engineer drawings. Any permitted repair must also bring railings, stairs and structural members up to the Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings.
Chicago Deck Permit Rules by Scenario
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing boards, treads or pickets in kind (no violation on file) | None | DOB list of work not requiring a permit (Porches, Decks, and Balconies) |
| Rebuilding in kind a deck up to 6 ft high with a landing of 50 sq ft or less, home up to 4 stories | None | DOB exemption list (residential up to 4 stories) |
| Repairing up to 25 percent of an existing deck | Express permit, $75 per structure | Table 14A-12-1204.2 as amended by SO2025-0021719 |
| Repairing 26 to 50 percent of an existing deck | Express permit, $150 per structure | Table 14A-12-1204.2; EPP Porch instructions |
| Rebuilding an existing deck, same size and location | Express permit, $300 per structure; survey; drawings if over 6 ft or landing over 150 sq ft | Table 14A-12-1204.2; EPP Porch instructions |
| New deck, ramp or exterior stairs no more than 6 ft above the ground | Plan-based permit, $300 per structure, drawings and zoning review | Table 14A-12-1204.2 (new row, 2026) |
| New deck more than 6 ft above the ground, or a rooftop deck | Plan-based permit, area formula, $602 minimum | Table 14A-12-1204.3(4), Group R; 2026 fee tables |
How Much Does a Deck Permit Cost in Chicago?
The 2026 Revenue Ordinance (SO2025-0021719) added a porch and deck category to the stand-alone fee table: limited repair (up to 25 percent) $75 per structure, repair (26 to 50 percent) $150, reconstruction in the same size and location $300, and a new deck, ramp or exterior stairs no more than 6 feet above the ground $300 per structure, the last two requiring drawings and a zoning review. Drawing-based applications pay a $600 non-refundable deposit at submission with any balance at issuance, so confirm the total in the portal. A new deck higher than 6 feet is priced as a plan-based rehabilitation permit: construction factor times 0.25 times area. For a 12 by 16 second-story deck on a wood-frame single-family house (Group R-5, Type V, $0.44 per square foot) that is 0.44 x 0.25 x 192 = $21.12, so the minimum controls: the row lists $250 per unit served and the 2026 tables set a $602 minimum for all permits, so budget $602. The stand-alone table gets an annual CPI adjustment from 2026, effective the following January 1.
Who Files and What They Submit
Every deck application lists a licensed general contractor, Class A through E based on project cost; an individual may act as general contractor on their own primary residence (no more than 6 units, no building over 3 stories) once per calendar year using Form 401 and an ID showing that address. A mason license is not needed for deck footings, but any electrical work needs a Chicago-licensed electrical contractor. Express repair applications upload at least one photo, a marked-up drawing by any responsible person for repairs up to 50 percent, an official survey when more than 50 percent is replaced, and architect or engineer drawings for rebuilds over 6 feet or with landings over 150 square feet. A plan-based new deck goes through zoning approval and E-Plan with an assigned project manager. A first inspection must pass within 540 days, and an elevated deck built to reach an above-ground pool is always a plan-based permit.
How to Get a Deck Permit in Chicago
Classify the work
In-kind element replacement is exempt; repairs and same-size rebuilds use the express Porch, Deck, Balcony or Fire Escape Repair worktype; a new, larger or relocated deck is plan-based.
Line up drawings
For repairs up to 50 percent any responsible person can mark up photos; rebuilds over 6 feet or 150 square feet and every new deck need an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.
Apply online
Express applications go through the Express Permit portal with photos, the survey if required and the contractor's Chicago license number; new decks are filed in E-Plan after zoning approval.
Pay the fee
$75, $150 or $300 for express repairs, $300 for a new low deck, or the $602 minimum for a plan-based deck; drawing-based applications pay the $600 deposit at submission.
Build and pass inspections
Bring railings and stairs up to the minimum requirements, request inspections in the portal, and pass the first one within 540 days.