Chicago Permit Expediter Guide: Options & Alternatives

It’s no secret that applying for a building permit can be a pain — especially in the Windy City. Of the various ways to mitigate the stress and reduce the time it takes to get a permit, hiring a permit expediter is one option.

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Chicago permit expediters are service providers who specialize in overseeing the permit application process and ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations. Read this guide if you’re considering hiring a permit expediter to understand if and when it’s worth the cost.

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What is a permit expediter?

A permit expediter is a consultant who helps clients apply and obtain a building permit. In cities like Chicago with complicated regulations, multiple permit application methods, and lots of development, a permit expediter can help simplify the permitting process and increase your chances of having your permit approved quickly.

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Chicago permit expediters should have a deep understanding of the city’s building codes and zoning laws, as well as experience working with the Chicago Department of Buildings (CDB). Some expediters even have relationships with Department of Buildings staff, which helps them communicate effectively with personnel. Their job is to tackle the paperwork, prepare your application with the best chances of approval, and coordinate any inspections required.

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How long does it take to get a construction permit in Chicago?

It can take anywhere from five business days to several weeks to obtain a construction permit in Chicago.

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Ultimately, time to approval depends on the type of permit you applied for. When using Chicago’s self-certification process, you could receive your permit within 10 business days. In contrast, the standard approval process could take up to 3 months or more.

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The time to approval for a building permit in Chicago is similar to other major metropolitan areas in the U.S. Compared to other cities in Illinois, Chicago’s time frame is on the longer side, but not by much — cities like Geneva and Columbia claim approval times of a few days or a couple weeks.

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Chicago permit expediter cost

Permit expediters set their own prices, usually charging by the hour. Expect to pay at least $50/hour and as much as $250/hour or more for a permit expediter in Chicago.

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This wide range in costs can be attributed to factors such as:

• The expediter’s experience
• The complexity of the project
• The specific requirements of the permit

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Additionally, you may also have to cover filing fees and the expediter’s travel expenses related to submitting your application and getting your permit approved.

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Should I hire a permit expediter in Chicago?

While it can be helpful to have someone else coordinate between various municipal departments on your behalf, a permit expediter is an extra expense to factor into your budget. It’s also worth noting that permit expediters will typically have very localized knowledge, so you won’t necessarily be able to work with the same person if you’re working on projects across municipalities or states.  

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Ultimately, your decision to hire a permit expediter should come down to your team’s resources, budget, and needs. Carefully assess the pros and cons — as well as alternatives — before hiring an expediter.

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Advantages of working with a permit expediter

• Permit expediters have extensive local knowledge and insights that can give your application a leg up and ensure your chances of a quick approval.
• Hiring an expediter can save you time, giving you more time back to work on other projects.
• Your expediter can stay updated on the status of your application and keep you in the loop.
• Working with a permit expediter may help you get your permit faster.

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Downsides of working with a permit expediter

• Expediters are unnecessary for simple, straightforward projects.
• Hiring an expediter can be expensive or cost-prohibitive.
• Expediters typically only service a limited area, and may not be able to work on projects outside of those jurisdictions.
• Permit expediters typically have multiple clients and will be juggling your project alongside others, so they may not give it the attention you’re hoping for.

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Permit expediter disadvantages and alternatives

A permit expediter isn’t mandatory, nor is it always the best choice for your needs or your budget. In many cases, hiring a permit expediter is more expensive than it’s worth. Permit expediters often charge large flat fees or high hourly rates, which can add up quickly, especially for complex projects that require extensive back-and-forth with local authorities. Additionally, expediters may juggle multiple projects simultaneously, potentially delaying your permit application process.

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One significant drawback of using a permit expediter is the lack of centralized visibility and transparency. With a permit expediter, tracking the status of your application and coordinating with your team can become cumbersome and inefficient. You might not have real-time updates or a clear view of the project's progress, which can lead to misunderstandings and delays.

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The best alternative to permit expediting services is permit workflow software, such as PermitFlow. Permitting software eliminates the need to pay someone an hourly rate to prepare your application for you, and instead digitizes the process and makes it easy to prepare your application without confusion. You’ll get a centralized view of the status of all your projects, offering transparency and visibility that traditional expediting services lack.

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The PermitFlow advantage

Want to get your building permit quickly and streamline the process along the way? Partner with PermitFlow instead of hiring Chicago permit expediting services.

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With PermitFlow, you’ll…

• Automate the Permitting Process: Prepare and submit your permit application effortlessly with our user-friendly platform.
• Get Nationwide Coverage: PermitFlow can help you with building permits in a single municipality or across several counties or states.
• Centralized Project Management: Our dashboard allows you to submit, track, and manage all your permits in one place, providing transparency and visibility.
• Efficient Communication: Easily share accurate timelines and updates with your team, ensuring everyone stays aligned.

Ready to simplify your permitting process?

Don't navigate the complexities of Chicago's permit system alone. Talk with one of our permitting experts to gain professional guidance tailored to your project’s needs.

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