Do You Need a Deck Permit in Chicago?
Usually yes
A permit is needed for most porch and deck work. The exceptions are in-kind replacement of non-structural parts (deck boards, treads, pickets) and in-kind repair or replacement of a whole porch, deck or stair system no more than 6 feet above ground with a landing of 50 sq ft or less.
Source: Chicago DOB: Porches, Decks and Balconies (work not requiring a permit)
Chicago Deck Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 1,350
- Issued, last 30 days
- 123
- Median application to issue
- 13 days
- Median declared job value
- $20,000
- Issuing office
- Chicago Department of Buildings
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to deck work. Data from Chicago Building Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What Chicago's Rules Say
- Exempt: in-kind replacement of deck boards, stair treads or railing pickets (if no violation has been issued).
- Exempt: in-kind rebuild of a porch or deck up to 6 ft high with a landing of 50 sq ft or less.
- New decks, size or layout changes and enclosed porches need a plan-based permit.
Chicago Deck Permit Fees
We have not verified Chicago's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Chicago Department of Buildings sets the fee when you apply. For context, the median fee actually paid on these permits in the city's records was $377.
Busiest Areas for Deck Permits
| Community area | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Community area 24 | 70 |
| Community area 25 | 58 |
| Community area 23 | 58 |
| Community area 22 | 57 |
| Community area 29 | 53 |
| Community area 6 | 51 |
How to Get a Deck Permit in Chicago
- Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the Chicago Department of Buildings through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent Chicago Deck Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-28 | 1615 W Superior St | REMOVE AND REPLACE EXISTING FRONT OPEN WOOD PORCH AND STAIRS TO EXISTING FRAME S.F.R. PER PLAN |
| 2026-10-28 | 5520 S Paulina St | REPAIR (26% TO 50%) FOR WOOD PORCH (OPEN) (QUANTITY: 1, LOCATION: REAR OF BUILDING). LANDING: 60 SQUARE FEET. LANDING NO |
| 2026-10-28 | 1133 N Mayfield Ave | FULL REBUILD (SAME AS EXISTING) FOR WOOD PORCH (OPEN) (QUANTITY: 1, LOCATION: FRONT OF BUILDING). LANDING: 140 SQUARE FE |
| 2026-10-28 | 1940 W Ohio St | FULL REBUILD (SAME AS EXISTING) FOR WOOD PORCH (OPEN) (QUANTITY: 1, LOCATION: REAR OF BUILDING). |
| 2026-10-28 | 225 N Mason Ave | FULL REBUILD (SAME AS EXISTING) FOR WOOD PORCH (OPEN) (QUANTITY: 1, LOCATION: FRONT OF BUILDING). LANDING: 211 SQUARE FE |
| 2026-10-28 | 3333 N Kilbourn Ave | FULL REBUILD (SAME AS EXISTING) FOR CONCRETE EXTERIOR STAIRWAY (QUANTITY: 1, LOCATION: FRONT OF BUILDING). LANDING: 50 S |
| 2026-10-27 | 3424 N Bell Ave | LIMITED REPAIR (25% OR LESS) FOR WOOD PORCH (OPEN) (QUANTITY: 1, LOCATION: FRONT OF BUILDING). LANDING: 57 SQUARE FEET. |
| 2026-10-27 | 4317 W Flournoy St | FULL REBUILD (SAME AS EXISTING) FOR WOOD EXTERIOR STAIRWAY (QUANTITY: 2, LOCATION: EAST SIDE OF BUILDING). FULL REBUILD |
| 2026-10-27 | 4340 N Drake Ave | LINE VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL WORK. NEW PERMANENT 209 AMP SERVICE DISCONNECTING MEANS WITH 22 CIRCUITS. RECEPTACLE OUTLETS: 32 |
| 2026-10-27 | 1629 N Artesian Ave | REPAIR (26% TO 50%) FOR STEEL PORCH (OPEN) (QUANTITY: 1, LOCATION: REAR OF BUILDING). LANDING: 60 SQUARE FEET. LANDING N |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deck permit in Chicago?
Usually yes. A permit is needed for most porch and deck work. The exceptions are in-kind replacement of non-structural parts (deck boards, treads, pickets) and in-kind repair or replacement of a whole porch, deck or stair system no more than 6 feet above ground with a landing of 50 sq ft or less.
How many deck permits does Chicago issue?
Chicago issued 1,350 permits matching deck work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 113 a month. The busiest month was Sep 2026 with 149.
How much does a deck permit cost in Chicago?
We have not yet verified Chicago's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Chicago Department of Buildings when you apply. In the city's own records, the median fee paid on these permits over the last 12 months was $377.
How long does it take to get a deck permit in Chicago?
Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 13 days over the last 12 months.
Who issues deck permits in Chicago?
The Chicago Department of Buildings.
Related Permit Guides
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- Deck Permits by City
- When a Deck Needs a Permit: Height and Size Rules by City
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- Chicago DOB: Porches, Decks and Balconies (work not requiring a permit) (linked above) (chicago.gov)
- Chicago DOB Express Permit Program: Porch, Deck, Balcony or Fire Escape Repair (chicago.gov)