Shed permit checklist — Chicago, Illinois
Assembled from Chicago’s own published permit rules. Every line below is quoted from a city document and linked to it. Nothing here is generated, estimated, or inferred from another jurisdiction.
Do you need a permit?
Chicago requires a permit for a shed.
A permit is not required for a single-story detached structure no more than 15 feet above the ground, without plumbing, used as a tool or storage shed, open gazebo, playhouse, or similar structure, or built purely for decoration, provided its footprint is 150 square feet or less. Exemptions may not apply to properties designated as Chicago Landmarks.
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Sources
- shed — permit rules ↗verified August 2026
Other permits Chicago publishes rules for
Listed because the city publishes a separate rule for each type — not because this project necessarily triggers one. Whether it does depends on your scope of work.
- Deck permit checklist
- Fence permit checklist
- Water heater permit checklist
- Re-roof permit checklist
- Retaining wall permit checklist
- Electrical work permit checklist
- General building work permit checklist
BuildSpec is a reference, not the authority having jurisdiction. Confirm requirements with Chicago before you build.