Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Bathroom in Chicago?

Yes, in most cases. In Chicago, a bathroom remodel that replaces or moves any plumbing pipe, valve or fixture, or changes electrical wiring, needs a City building permit. Only cosmetic work such as painting, tiling or new cabinets without plumbing or electrical connections is exempt. Most bathroom remodels in a single home or condo unit can use the City’s faster Express Permit, with a fee of $250 to $500.

Updated October 20, 2026. Built from City of Chicago and Chicago Construction Codes sources, linked below. This is general information, not legal advice; the Department of Buildings has the final word on your project.

Quick answer: does your project need a permit?

The rule of thumb: if a pipe, valve, fixture or wire is replaced or rearranged, plan on a permit. Work done without a permit, where allowed, must still meet the Chicago Construction Codes.

The Express Permit Program for bathrooms

Most bathroom remodels in a single dwelling unit qualify for the City’s Express Permit Program for non-structural interior work. It is designed for simpler projects and avoids a full plan review.

What qualifies

• Non-structural remodeling of up to 2,000 sq ft in one dwelling unit.
• Plumbing work, including adding up to 5 water supply fixture units (WSFU). The City gives the example that adding a private bathroom counts as 4 WSFU.
• Electrical work (new service under 400 amps) and mechanical work such as ventilation.

What does not qualify

• Adding, removing or reconfiguring walls or doors (other than closets). These projects need drawings by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.
• Structural work, new stairs, or exterior work such as new windows or exterior doors.
• A change of occupancy, or a space that was never legally occupied.

What the application needs

• At least one photo of the existing condition.
• An energy and water efficiency compliance form.
• A floor plan to scale showing the existing and proposed layout. Your contractor can usually prepare it.
• Condo owners: a condominium association approval letter, briefly describing the work (for example, “interior renovations in unit 9A”) and signed by an authorized representative such as the board president or property manager.
• Owners acting as their own contractor: the City’s owner-as-contractor form (Form 401) and a government ID showing you live at the address.

What a Chicago bathroom permit costs

Under Chicago Construction Codes 14A-12-1204.2, the stand-alone permit fee for an interior alteration is $250 up to 500 sq ft and $500 up to 2,000 sq ft within a single dwelling unit. A typical bathroom falls in the first bracket, but the permit may cover more of the unit. Additional fees can apply; the City’s permit fee calculator gives the current total for your project.

A contractor’s charge for “pulling the permit” usually includes their time preparing drawings and forms and scheduling inspections, not just the City fee. Ask for that line to be itemized.

Who applies for the permit?

Normally the licensed general contractor applies, and the licensed plumbing and electrical contractors are listed for their trades. Chicago requires a licensed general contractor for most remodeling. There is a homeowner exception: you can act as your own general contractor on your primary residence, within limits set by the City, using Form 401. Plumbing has a narrower exception: only an owner-occupant of a single-family detached home can do their own plumbing, and they cannot hire an unlicensed plumber to do it.

Learn how to check those licenses in how to verify a Chicago contractor license.

Special cases in Chicago

Condos

Start with the association. Without the signed approval letter, the Express Permit application is incomplete, and many buildings also require insurance certificates, work-hour limits and elevator reservations. See remodeling a condo bathroom in Chicago.

Homes built before 1978

Lead-safe work practices apply. Contractors who disturb painted surfaces beyond small areas must be EPA RRP certified, and the City notes that a Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting form may need to be filed with the Chicago Department of Public Health before work begins. See lead-safe remodeling in pre-1978 Chicago homes.

Chicago Landmarks

The City says the permit exemptions may not apply to a property that is a proposed or designated Chicago Landmark or part of a Landmark district. Districts in neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Lake View and Beverly fall into this group. National Register listing alone, such as the Portage Park Bungalow Historic District, is honorary and adds no City review. If your home is in a Chicago Landmark district, check with the Historic Preservation Division before you plan.

Why the permit is worth it

• Inspections check the plumbing, waterproofing-related work and wiring before walls are closed.
• Selling later: unpermitted work can come up during a sale and lead to questions, delays or price discussions.
• Condos: associations often require the permit before work is allowed in the building.
• A warning sign: a contractor who offers a lower price for skipping the permit on plumbing or electrical work is asking you to carry the risk.

Step by step

1. Define the scope. List what is replaced, what moves, and whether walls or doors change.
2. Condo? Get the letter. Ask the board or manager about approval, insurance and building rules.
3. Hire licensed trades. Confirm the general, plumbing and electrical contractors’ licenses.
4. Apply. The contractor files the Express Permit with photos, floor plan and forms.
5. Build and inspect. Keep the permit posted and schedule the required inspections.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to replace a toilet in Chicago?

Removing and reinstalling the same toilet does not need a permit. Replacing it with a new toilet replaces a plumbing fixture, which the City's exemptions do not cover, so plan on a permit.

Do I need a permit to retile my bathroom?

No, if the work is only tile, paint, cabinets or countertops with no plumbing or electrical connections. If you replace the tub, shower valve or pipes at the same time, the project needs a permit.

How much is a bathroom permit in Chicago?

Under Chicago Construction Codes 14A-12-1204.2, the stand-alone fee for an interior alteration is $250 up to 500 sq ft and $500 up to 2,000 sq ft in a single dwelling unit. Other fees can apply; use the City's permit fee calculator.

Can I get an Express Permit for my bathroom?

Usually, if the work is non-structural and inside one dwelling unit and you are not adding, removing or moving walls or doors. Plumbing work can add up to 5 water supply fixture units; a new private bathroom counts as 4.

Who applies for the permit?

Normally the licensed general contractor. Homeowners can act as their own general contractor on their primary residence within City limits, using Form 401.

What does a condo owner need for the permit?

A condominium association approval letter that briefly describes the work and is signed by an authorized representative, such as the board president or property manager.

What happens if I remodel without a permit?

Unpermitted plumbing or electrical work skips the City inspections and can cause problems when you sell, refinance or file an insurance claim. Ask your contractor to include the permit in the written contract.

Sources

• City of Chicago, Department of Buildings, “Work that does not require a building permit” (interior finishes; plumbing): chicago.gov. Accessed October 20, 2026.
• Chicago Construction Codes 14A-4-402, work exempt from permit: amlegal.com.
• City of Chicago, Express Permit Program, interior alteration instructions: chicago.gov.
• Chicago Construction Codes 14A-12-1204.2, stand-alone permit fees: amlegal.com.
• City of Chicago, general contractor license FAQ: chicago.gov; plumbing license FAQ: chicago.gov.
• Chicago Bungalow Association, National Register districts vs. Chicago Landmarks: chicagobungalow.org.
• U.S. EPA, Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: epa.gov.