Turnkey, code‑compliant drawing sets for Chicago contractors that cut review time and keep projects on schedule.
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The Chicago Department of Buildings (the AHJ) enforces the 2019 International Building Code with Chicago-specific amendments, a framework that contractors in the Loop and West Loop must master. Our packages are built around the nuances of the Near North Side historic overlay and the 2021 Chicago Sustainable Development Ordinance, ensuring every plan set meets the exact requirements of the city’s permitting process. With local knowledge of neighborhood setbacks, parking ratios, and the ePlan Chicago portal, we deliver documents that pass first‑time review and keep your crew moving.
Chicago contractors submit plans through the ePlan Chicago portal, where the Department of Buildings checks for compliance with the 2019 IBC and city amendments. Common rejection themes include missing fire‑rated wall details, incorrect sidewalk setback calculations in the River North zoning overlay, and incomplete MEP coordination sheets. A well‑prepared package that addresses these items can move through the review queue in as little as five business days, compared with the typical 10‑day review period for incomplete submissions.
Our service pre‑populates every required sheet, from structural calculations to energy compliance under the Chicago Energy Conservation Code. By aligning your documents with the city’s standard checklist, we eliminate the back‑and‑forth that often adds weeks to a project, letting you focus on field work while the Department of Buildings processes your permit efficiently.
Full code‑ready sets for new builds in the West Loop, including structural, architectural and fire‑protection plans that meet Chicago’s 2019 IBC amendments.
Quick turnaround revisions for rejected plans in the Near North Side, targeting common correction items like sidewalk setbacks and fire‑rating details.
Integrated mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings for high‑rise projects in the Loop, aligned with Chicago’s energy code and plumbing fixture count rules.
Turnkey TI packages for office conversions in the Fulton Market district, addressing historic overlay requirements and ADA compliance.
The River North zoning overlay adds stricter sidewalk setback and parking ratio rules. Contractors must submit a detailed site plan that shows the required 5‑foot sidewalk clearance and the city‑mandated 1:150 parking ratio for mixed‑use projects.
Projects in the Old Town Historic District must include a heritage tree protection plan and façade alteration drawings approved by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Failure to provide these documents results in immediate rejection.
All plan submissions go through ePlan Chicago, where the Department of Buildings performs automated code checks before a human reviewer looks at the package. Using the portal’s “Pre‑Check” tool reduces the chance of missing required sheets.
Since 2021, the city enforces a stricter energy code that requires all new commercial buildings to meet specific insulation R‑values and lighting power density limits. MEP packages must include an energy compliance report to avoid delays.
The Chicago Department of Buildings aims for a five‑day review for complete, code‑compliant packages, but most contractors see a 10‑day average when revisions are needed. Submitting through ePlan Chicago with all required sheets speeds the process.
You must provide architectural, structural, fire‑protection, and MEP drawings that follow the 2019 IBC with Chicago amendments. The city also requires a site plan showing setbacks for the specific zoning district, such as the River North overlay.
Yes, the Chicago Historic Preservation Overlay in neighborhoods like Old Town mandates additional façade documentation and a heritage tree protection plan, which many contractors overlook.
Missing or incorrect sidewalk setback calculations in the city’s zoning overlay is the top rejection cause, followed by incomplete fire‑rated wall details.
Illinois requires a General Contractor license for projects over $100,000 and a Trade Contractor license for specific trades. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees these licenses.
The Department of Buildings conducts structural, fire‑protection, electrical, plumbing and final occupancy inspections. For projects in the Loop, a special energy compliance inspection is also required under the Chicago Energy Conservation Code.
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