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Building and Inspection Services

Please be advised that a moratorium on right-of-way permits involving street openings will be in effect from November 15th through March 31st. During this period, no permits will be issued for street opening activities during the winter months except in cases of emergency.

Submit Applications Online - No longer accepting paper plans or registrations

Building Permit Application - Permits with plans that must be reviewed
Express Permits through the Citizen Portal - Simple permits that do not require staff review; properties that are landmarked or located in a historic district will be sent for review

Submit for Contractor Registration - Allow 24-48 hours to process

Contractor Registration - For a contractor's first time registering with the city

Contractor Registration Renewal - For contractors who have previously registered with the city at any time

More information on permits and contractor registrations can be found further on this page below.

Contact Us

Call us at 847-448-8207

In-Person Permit Desk - Learn to Navigate the Online Permit Process

Get in-person guidance on navigating our new digital process. No paper plans will be accepted.

2100 Ridge Ave., 1st floor, Main Lobby
Monday - Friday: 9am-4pm

Virtual Permit Desk Consultation (by appointment only) - must attend virtual meeting using computer with audio/video capability
Schedule an Appointment

Process Components		Construction Hours
- Contractor Must Be Registered		Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm
- Complete and Submit Permit Applications		Saturday: 8am–5pm
- Staff Review and Approve Building Plans and Documents		Sunday: Work not allowed
- Permit Issued for Project
- Construction Inspections Conducted
Building Permit Process Workflows

What are you looking to do?

This information will help you select the right link in the lower section. The standard processing times for each area have been included below to aid in your project planning.

Contractor Registration (1-2 Business Days) - Before starting work, each project must have a registered contractor. Here you can find out how to become registered or renew your registration with the City of Evanston.

Express Permits (1-2 Business Days) - These permit types are simpler projects that can easily be submitted online and are usually issued within 24 to 48 hours after submission. Allow five business days for the zoning review required for fence or new AC permits.

Permits That Need Approval (4-6 Weeks) - These permits types are larger, more complex projects that require review by staff and approval of plans in order to be issued.

Payments (1-2 Business Days) - Find a link to pay and see what payment types are accepted.

Permit Fees - This document provides you with the fees that will be associated with any permit type.

Inspections (2 Business Days in Advance)- Depending upon the project, inspections are required after the rough stages of construction and after completion of the project. The link below will provide you with information on which inspections are required and how to schedule an inspection.

Plan Revisions (10-15 Business Days) - Any changes to plans must be reviewed and approved before construction can begin/continue.

Use the links below to find out more information on each of these areas.

Contractor Registration

Requirements and Online Contractor Registration

All required documents must be submitted as pdfs. Please allow 24-48 hours of processing time from time of online application submittal.

Contractor Registration Requirements

New Contractor Registration Application

Contractor Registration Renewal Application - must already have a City of Evanston registration #

Multiple Contractors on a Project

For projects that require multiple contractors this document must be submitted with the permit application.
Contractor List

Change in Contractor

If at any point a contractor changes for a project, the Change in Contractor Form must be emailed to permitdesk@cityofevanston.org.

Owner Acting as Contractor Affidavit Forms

An owner-occupant of a single-family residence may act as their own general contractor providing the address is their primary residence. A copy of state issued ID will be required as proof of residence. If owner-occupants are performing the mechanical, electrical or plumbing work, owner affidavit forms are required for each trade. Affidavits and corresponding worksheets, i.e., mechanical, electrical and plumbing worksheets, are required prior to permit issuance.

Mechanical Work Owner Affidavit

Electrical Work Owner Affidavit

Plumbing Work Owner Affidavit

Express Permits

Create an Account and Submit Applications Online

Use the City of Evanston Citizen Portal

Helpful Links for Using the Citizen Portal

Learn How to Create an Account

Step by Step Guide to Submit an Application in the Citizen Portal

Permit Types Accepted Online

A/C Replacement Existing Location
CCCD w/o Fire Suppression
Electrical -Excluding Solar, Generators or EV Chargers
Electrical - Temporary
Fence (allow five business days for the required zoning review to be completed)
HVAC - Furnace, Boilers
Interior Drain Tile
Plumbing
Roofing
Siding and Gutters
Tuckpointing/Masonry
Window Replacement

Once an application is submitted, the status can then be tracked when logged into your account. When the permit is ready to be issued, an email will be sent with the invoice and link to pay. Once paid, your permit will be sent via email within 24 hours.

Permits That Need Approval

How To Submit Permit Applications That Need Approval

Starting October 4, 2021, all permits must be submitted online using the Building Permit Application and will no longer be accepted via email.
Larger plans that cannot be attached may be sent using dropbox and cannot be password protected.

Building Permit Application Checklists and Worksheets

Learn more about certain project types using the Checklists and Worksheets.

Intake Fee - Not currently required

$25 Residential/$100 Commercial, required for all plan review permits and credited toward permit fee.

Payments

Make a Payment

Once a permit has been processed, an invoice will be sent to your email with the link to pay. You must have your permit number or contractor registration number to submit payment.

What can you pay for online?

Building Permit
Building Re-Inspection Fee
Building Contractor Registration and Renewal

What payment types are accepted?

Credit Card
Bank Account Number and Routing Number

Permit Fees

The Permit Fee Schedule is a comprehensive guide outlining fees for planning, zoning, building and development services. The guide is a resource to provide permit fees in a central and accessible location. The fee schedule was established by Ordinance 136-O-18 on November 19, 2018. Fees are categorized as the following:

Construction Permits
Fire Plan Reviews
Zoning and Plan Reviews
Historic Preservation Reviews
Right of Way Permits

For the Water and Sewer Fee Schedule - Please call 3-1-1 to obtain information.

Inspections

Schedule an Inspection

Please call a minimum of 2 days in advance. To schedule an inspection, call 847-448-8207 and select Option 5.

Make sure to have your permit number and contact information available.

Inspection Times Available

Morning - 9am to Noon
Afternoon - 1pm to 3pm

Inspections are granted upon a first come first serve basis with a daily limit per Inspector. One set of approved permit drawings must be at the job site for reference at all times. To coordinate approximate times, you can email your inspector the afternoon prior or morning of the inspection.

Fees

$45 per inspection/re-inspections

Update on Inspections During Pandemic

All inspections have now returned to in-person.

INSPECTION TYPES

Below is the list of inspection types needed.

Concrete -Structural Rough - Prior to the pouring of any concrete footings, piers or foundations, the inspector needs to see that the proper depth, width and location are maintained. They also verify that the reinforcing is as indicated on the approved permit drawings.

Electrical Rough - Prior to the application of any wall or ceiling coverings. The inspector needs to check all electrical revisions, rewiring or piping work. The electrician must be present on site at the time of inspection.

Electrical Final - At the completion of the electrical work, all devices must be installed, protected with required cover plates, etc. and in proper working order.

Fence - After fence has been completely installed.

Fire Prevention - The Fire Prevention Bureau must be contacted separately for all inspections of exit signs and lighting, fire suppression systems testing, and fire alarm system testing.

Framing Rough - After the structure is framed, but before the insulation or gypsum wallboard is applied. This includes any ceiling enclosure.

HVAC Rough - The inspector needs to see the installation of all equipment, piping and duct work prior to any wall, floor or ceiling coverings.

HVAC Final - At the completion of all connections and HVAC work. Occasionally, a test and balance report will be required prior to occupancy of the space or building.

Plumbing Rough - Prior to any wall, ceiling, floor or fixture coverings are applied and for the use of properly designated equipment. The licensed plumber must be on site at the time of rough inspection.

Plumbing Final - At the completion of all plumbing work all fixtures must be in place. If testing is required, than the results must be witnessed and approved.

Roofing - Photo document any roof sheathing replacement, ice and water shield installation at eaves/valleys, felt paper installation, roof vent/drip edge/flashing installation, insulation installation (if applicable) and the completed roof. Send photos to the assigned inspector on the day of the inspection.

Siding/House Wrap - Prior to siding being installed.

Solar Panels - Photos of the existing electrical service showing required clearances and grounding requirements and the entire new PV system showing required grounding, bonding and labeling. Due to the number of pictures a link to the photos may be needed as it will be too large as attachments.

Structural Final - At the completion of the general work, when all wall and ceiling coverings have been finished, all stairs: handrails and guardrails have been installed and all life safety and accessibility issues have been completed.

Plan Revisions

Submitting Revised Plans for Re-Review

If plan revisions are required either before or after permit issuance, the process for submitting is outlined below.

Submit via email to PERMITREVISIONS@CITYOFEVANSTON.ORG
Include one complete PDF plan set, with any changes bubbled, accompanied by a separate written response outlining what has been changed
If post-permit revisions are submitted for review, and additional plan review fee will apply

Building Codes

Adopted Building Codes

The City has adopted new Building and Fire Codes and the local amendments provided in City Code are in the process of being updated. The updated Building and Fire Codes are reflected below:

2021 International Building Code (IBC) - IBC Amendments
2021 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings (IRC) - IRC Amendments
2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) - IMC Amendments
2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) - IFGC Amendments
2020 NFPA 70 National Electric Code (NEC) - NEC Amendments
2021 NFPA Life Safety Code 101
2021 International Fire Code (IFC) - IFC Amendments
2018 Ilinois Energy Conservation Code - IECC Amendments
- The City currently enforces the 2018 Illinois Energy Conservation Code. The code replicates the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) but includes state amendments. The state is currently reviewing the 2021 edition of the IECC and the city will adopt and enforce its provisions within six months after state adoption.
Illinois Plumbing Code - Illinois Plumbing Code Amendments
Illinois Accessibility Code
Updates to the City’s Building and Fire Codes were adopted by City Council on April 25, 2022 and went into effect on May 25, 2022. The Building & Inspection Services Division is also proposing the following strategy to align building and energy code adoptions with the City’s Climate Action Resiliency Plan (CARP) goals. These adoptions will occur over the next several years. Please review the Building & Energy Code Adoption Strategy Memo

Code Resources

International Code Council

National Fire Protection Association

Illinois Capital Development Board

Building and Inspection Services

Please be advised that a moratorium on right-of-way permits involving street openings will be in effect from November 15th through March 31st. During this period, no permits will be issued for street opening activities during the winter months except in cases of emergency.

Submit Applications Online - No longer accepting paper plans or registrations

Contact Us

Process Components

Construction Hours

What are you looking to do?