Chicago Site Plan Requirements & Permit Guide (2025)

By Site Plan Creator Team •

Everything you need to know about creating site plans for building permits in Chicago, including DOB requirements, Chicago Zoning Ordinance compliance, and submission procedures.

Chicago Site Plan Requirements: Complete Guide for Building Permits

Creating a site plan for a building permit in Chicago, Illinois requires meeting specific requirements set by the Department of Buildings (DOB). Chicago's development is governed by the Chicago Zoning Ordinance (Title 17), one of the most detailed zoning codes in the United States, with special considerations for the city's alley system, planned development process, and landmark districts.

What Is a Site Plan and Why Does Chicago Require One?

A site plan (called a plat of survey in Chicago practice) is a scaled drawing showing your property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, and site features. DOB requires a plat of survey for all building permit applications to verify compliance with Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) and the Chicago Building Code. Look up your property's zoning through the city's Zoning Map at gisapps.chicago.gov/zoning.

Required Site Plan Elements for DOB

  • Property boundaries with accurate dimensions and total lot area (requires a licensed Illinois land surveyor for plat of survey)
  • Setbacks from all property lines per Title 17
  • Existing structures with square footage, height, number of stories, and use
  • Proposed construction clearly distinguished from existing
  • Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculation
  • Building coverage and lot area calculations
  • Parking spaces per Section 17-10 (minimum and maximum requirements)
  • Alley access — Chicago's alley system is critical for garages, utilities, and waste management
  • Rear yard setback measured from alley centerline
  • Landscaping per Section 17-11
  • North arrow and scale
  • Property Index Number (PIN) from Cook County Assessor

Chicago Zoning and Setback Requirements

Chicago's Title 17 organizes zoning into these common residential categories:

  • RS-1 (Single-Family, 6,250+ sq ft lots): Front 20 feet, side 5 feet total 14 feet combined, rear 28 feet from alley centerline. FAR max 0.5.
  • RS-2 (Single-Family, 5,000+ sq ft lots): Front 20 feet, side 2 feet (4 feet combined), rear 28 feet from alley centerline. FAR max 0.65.
  • RS-3 (Single-Family, 2,500+ sq ft lots): Front 15 feet, side 2 feet, rear 30 feet from lot line or 28 feet from alley centerline. FAR max 0.9.
  • RT-4 (Two-Flat/Townhouse): Front 15 feet, side 2 feet, rear 30 feet/28 feet from alley CL. FAR max 1.05.
  • RM-5 through RM-6 (Multi-Family): Front 15 feet, side 2 feet, rear per district. FAR 2.0-4.4.

Note: Chicago measures rear setbacks from the alley centerline in most residential zones, not from the rear property line. This is a unique Chicago convention that must be correctly shown on your site plan.

Coach House and ADU Requirements

Chicago legalized coach houses (ADUs) in 2020 through the Additional Dwelling Units Ordinance:

  • ADUs permitted in most residential zones on lots with alley access
  • Conversion ADUs: Allowed citywide (converting existing space within the building, basement, or attic)
  • Coach houses (detached ADUs): Allowed in designated ADU pilot areas, expanding to additional areas
  • Size limits: Coach houses limited to the lesser of 700 sq ft or 60% of the principal dwelling's floor area
  • Height: Coach house max 22 feet, must be shorter than the principal dwelling
  • Setbacks: 3 feet from side and rear lot lines
  • Parking: No additional parking required
  • Owner occupancy: Required in either the principal dwelling or the ADU

Planned Development Process

Larger projects in Chicago may require Planned Development (PD) approval:

  • PD triggers: Residential projects over 25 units, commercial over 25,000 sq ft, or projects exceeding base zoning FAR through bonuses
  • City Council approval: PDs require introduction by the local Alderperson and approval by the full City Council
  • Community engagement: Public hearings, community meetings, and Plan Commission review required
  • Development agreements: PDs may include conditions, community benefits, and infrastructure commitments

Landmark District Requirements

Chicago has over 50 landmark districts and 400+ individual landmarks overseen by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (CCL):

  • Permit review: All exterior work in landmark districts requires CCL review before DOB issues a building permit
  • Certificate of Appropriateness: Required for significant exterior modifications in landmark districts
  • Advisory opinions: Available for minor work that may be approved at staff level
  • Demolition delay: Structures in landmark districts cannot be demolished without Commission review

Stormwater Management Requirements

Chicago's stormwater requirements reflect the city's combined sewer system challenges:

  • MWRD (Metropolitan Water Reclamation District) permit required for projects affecting drainage
  • Detention: Required for developments over 15,000 sq ft of new impervious surface
  • Green infrastructure: Chicago encourages green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rain barrels through incentive programs
  • Basement flooding: The city has significant basement flooding issues; new construction must address stormwater management to prevent contributions to the combined sewer system

How to Submit Your Site Plan

E-Plan Review

Submit through Chicago's E-Plan review system at chicago.gov/buildings for electronic plan review. Upload plans in PDF format, pay fees, and track your application.

In-Person Submission

Walk-in service at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 900 for permit applications and questions.

Permit Fees and Timeline

  • Plan review fees: Based on project scope per DOB fee schedule
  • Building permit fees: Calculated from construction cost
  • No traditional impact fees: Chicago uses the Planned Development process for community benefits on larger projects
  • Timeline: Easy Permit (simple residential) 1-5 days. Standard residential 15-30 business days. Commercial 30-60 business days. Planned Development 6-12+ months. Landmark review adds 30-60 days.

Creating Your Chicago Site Plan with Site Plan Creator

Site Plan Creator makes it easy to generate a professional plat of survey for your Chicago property. Simply enter your address, and the tool automatically loads your property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. You can then add setback lines, label structures, draw proposed construction, and export a scaled PDF ready for DOB submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are rear setbacks measured in Chicago?
Chicago measures residential rear setbacks from the alley centerline, not the rear property line. This is unique to Chicago. Most residential zones require 28-30 feet from the alley centerline. If there is no alley, the setback is measured from the rear property line (typically 30 feet). Your site plan must clearly show the alley centerline and the measured setback distance.
What are the typical residential setbacks in Chicago?
In RS-2 zones (most common), front setbacks are 20 feet, side setbacks 2 feet (4 feet combined), and rear setbacks 28 feet from the alley centerline. FAR is limited to 0.65. RS-3 zones have 15-foot front setbacks and 0.9 FAR. RT-4 two-flat zones allow 1.05 FAR. Always verify through the city's Zoning Map at gisapps.chicago.gov/zoning.
Can I build a coach house (ADU) in Chicago?
Chicago legalized ADUs in 2020. Conversion ADUs (within existing buildings) are allowed citywide. Detached coach houses are allowed in designated pilot areas with alley access. Coach houses are limited to 700 sq ft or 60% of the principal dwelling, 22-foot max height, 3-foot side/rear setbacks, and no additional parking. Owner occupancy is required.
What is the Planned Development process?
Projects over 25 residential units, 25,000 sq ft commercial, or exceeding base FAR through bonuses require Planned Development approval. PDs require Alderperson introduction, public hearings, Plan Commission review, and City Council approval. The process takes 6-12+ months and may include community benefit agreements.
What landmark district requirements apply?
Chicago has 50+ landmark districts and 400+ individual landmarks. All exterior work in landmark districts requires Commission on Chicago Landmarks review before DOB issues permits. A Certificate of Appropriateness is needed for significant modifications. Minor work may receive staff-level advisory opinions. Demolition is restricted.
What stormwater management is required?
MWRD permits are required for projects affecting drainage. Detention is required for developments over 15,000 sq ft of new impervious surface. Chicago encourages green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavement to address combined sewer overflow issues. The city has incentive programs for green infrastructure installation.
How do I submit plans to Chicago DOB?
Submit through E-Plan review at chicago.gov/buildings. Upload plans in PDF format, pay fees, and track status. Walk-in service is at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 900. Simple residential projects may qualify for Easy Permit processing (1-5 days).
How long does the Chicago permit process take?
Easy Permit (simple residential): 1-5 days. Standard residential: 15-30 business days. Commercial: 30-60 business days. Planned Development: 6-12+ months including community process. Landmark Commission review adds 30-60 days. MWRD permits are typically concurrent with DOB review.

How to Create a Site Plan in Chicago

  1. Look Up Your Property Information: Use Chicago's Zoning Map at gisapps.chicago.gov/zoning to find your zoning district, FAR limits, landmark district status, and alley access. Note your PIN from the Cook County Assessor.
  2. Determine Review Path: Based on project scope, determine if Easy Permit, standard review, or Planned Development applies. Check landmark district status. Determine if ADU/coach house ordinance provisions apply.
  3. Create Your Site Plan: Enter your Chicago address in Site Plan Creator to load property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. Add setback lines, noting the alley-centerline rear setback convention.
  4. Include All Required Elements: Ensure your site plan includes property boundaries, setbacks (rear from alley CL), FAR calculation, lot coverage, parking per Section 17-10, alley access, landscaping, and north arrow with scale.
  5. Prepare Supporting Documents: Obtain a plat of survey from a licensed Illinois land surveyor. For landmark districts, prepare CCL application. For large projects, prepare PD application with community engagement plan.
  6. Submit Through E-Plan: Upload plans through E-Plan review. Pay fees and track status. Submit landmark review applications to CCL concurrently if in a landmark district.
  7. Manage Review and Obtain Permit: Respond to DOB examiner comments. Attend community meetings and hearings as required. Once all approvals obtained, pay final fees and receive your building permit.