New Chicago Building Code has new rules for starting construction and reinstating Suspended Permits

Chicago building permits are automatically expired or voided if work hasn’t started in a given timeframe or if too much time has elapsed without any construction activity. In the adoption of updated and modernized construction codes, a new administrative provision now in effect changes the rules requiring when construction work has to start, how long construction can be inactive, and how to get extensions or reinstatements. Fees have also been updated.

The administrative provisions (chapter 14A in the updated building code) went into effect July 1, 2019.

Upshot: Under the new building code, owners have the same amount of time as before to start construction before a permit must be extended or reinstated, but there is less time allowed for construction inactivity after construction begins.

Under the previous building code, work had to be started within 180 days (6 months) of the issuance date. The permit would expire and a reinstatement permit through the Easy Permit Process was required. The Department of Buildings could have granted up to two extensions, each lasting 180 days (6 months).

For projects that had started and didn’t have any construction for 6-12 months, the permit expired and the reinstatement fee was 25 percent of the original permit fee. If the period of no construction activity was longer, the reinstatement fee was higher.

Under the new code, work has to start within 180 days (~6 months) of the issuance date, after which it is suspended and the owner must apply for the permit to be reinstated. The Department of Buildings can grant up to two extensions, each lasting 180 days (~6 months). (See section 14A-4-413.9 in the new building code.)

Even with the extensions and reinstatements, work still has to be started within 540 days (~18 months) of the issuance date. If work hasn’t started, the permit becomes void and cannot be reinstated.

For projects that have started and don’t have any construction for 365 days cumulatively, the permit is suspended and the reinstatement fee is 25 percent of the original permit fee. (See section 14A-4-413.10 in the new building code.)

The maximum allowable construction inactivity period is 730 days (2 years/24 months), after which a permit becomes void and cannot be reinstated. Under the previous building code, the inactivity period started at 12 months, and projects that had more than 5 years (60 months) of inactivity could not be reinstated.

The fee schedule is in Title 14A-12-1204.1

Aside: One of the differences between the old and new codes is a change in how things are numbered and labeled. In this instance, the old code measures time in months while the new code measures time in days.