Chicago Express Permit Services
Fast-Track Your Small Building Projects with Expert Permit Support
Small building repairs and improvements shouldn't require weeks of permit delays.
At Chicago Expediter, we streamline the Easy Permit and Express Permit process—handling applications, contractor coordination, and online submissions so your repair or replacement project starts immediately.
What We Do: Your Complete Easy & Express Permit Solution
We manage the entire Easy Permit and Express Permit process from application through permit issuance and inspection coordination. Whether you're a property owner, contractor, or property manager, we ensure your small project gets permitted quickly and correctly.
Our comprehensive Easy & Express Permit services include:
- Online Application Management - Expert preparation and submission through Chicago's Express Permit online portal
- Document Preparation - Assembling all required owner signatures, contractor agreements, and letters of intent
- Contractor Coordination - Managing licensed contractor e-acceptance to prevent delays
- Same-Day Processing - Expediting eligible permits for immediate issuance
- PIN Verification - Ensuring property identification numbers are correct before submission
- Compliance Review - Verifying your project qualifies for Easy/Express Permit vs. Standard Plan Review
- Inspection Scheduling - Coordinating required inspections and tracking results online
- Multi-Trade Coordination - Managing electrical, plumbing, and other trade-specific requirements simultaneously
How We Work: Simplifying the Simple Permit Process
The Easy/Express Permit Advantage:
These programs are designed for speed—but only if you submit complete, accurate applications with proper documentation. Missing owner signatures, incorrect contractor information, or choosing the wrong permit type can turn a same-day permit into a week-long delay.
Our Proven Process:
- Project Qualification Assessment - We review your scope of work and confirm your project qualifies for Easy/Express Permit processing
- Document Collection - We gather all required signatures, contracts, letters of intent, and property information upfront
- Online Application Excellence - Our team prepares complete applications through the Express Permit portal that pass review immediately
- Contractor E-Acceptance Coordination - For licensed contractor work, we ensure contractors accept jobs promptly to prevent permit holds
- Same-Day or Next-Day Issuance - Most Easy/Express Permits are issued within 24 hours when properly submitted
- Inspection Management - We schedule required inspections and monitor results through the online portal
- Permit Delivery & Guidance - You receive your permit with clear instructions on posting requirements and next steps
What We Can Accomplish: Results That Keep Small Projects Moving
Speed: Easy/Express Permits can be issued same-day or within 24-48 hours. Our expertise ensures you get the fastest possible turnaround.
Accuracy: We prevent the common mistakes that cause rejections—missing owner signatures, incorrect contractor information, or choosing the wrong permit type.
Convenience: You don't visit City Hall or navigate the online portal. We handle everything while you focus on your project.
Cost Savings: Fast permits mean your contractors start immediately—no lost days waiting for approvals or fixing rejected applications.
Our Expertise: Why Chicago Property Owners Trust Us
Express Permit Portal Mastery
We know the online Express Permit system inside and out. Our team navigates the guided worktypes, ensures all required information is provided, and submits applications that process immediately.
Project Type Knowledge
Not every small project qualifies for Easy/Express Permits. We assess your scope and guide you to the correct permitting path—preventing wasted time on applications that will be rejected.
Contractor Coordination
Licensed contractor e-acceptance is required for many permit types. We coordinate with your contractors to ensure they accept jobs promptly, preventing permit delays.
Multi-Trade Management
Many projects require multiple permits—electrical, plumbing, mechanical. We coordinate all permits simultaneously so your project isn't held up waiting for one trade.
All Building Types, All Neighborhoods
Whether you're repairing a single-family home in Pilsen, replacing windows in a Lakeview condo building, or reroofing a commercial property in Bronzeville—we've secured Easy/Express Permits there.
Our Experience: Proven Track Record Across Chicago
15+ Years navigating Chicago's permit system for property owners, contractors, and property managers
1,000+ Easy/Express Permits processed across residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties
77 Neighborhoods served throughout the City of Chicago
Same-Day Service for eligible permit types when applications are submitted before noon
Real Project Success
- Emergency Furnace Replacement, Logan Square - Secured Express Permit online within 3 hours for 6-unit building, contractor started same day
- Window Replacement, Lincoln Park - Coordinated 24-window replacement permit for historic condo building, 24-hour approval with licensed contractor e-acceptance
- Roof Tear-Off, West Loop - Expedited reroofing permit with licensed roofing contractor coordination, permit issued next morning
- Electrical Upgrade, South Side - Managed electrical work permit with licensed electrician e-acceptance, same-day issuance for commercial property
Why Easy & Express Permits Still Need Expert Help
Even "easy" permits have requirements that cause delays when missed:
Common Application Mistakes:
- Owner signature missing (automatic rejection)
- Contractor information incorrect or incomplete
- Licensed contractor doesn't accept job promptly
- Wrong permit type selected for scope of work
- Property PIN number incorrect
- Contract scope doesn't match permit application
- Letter of intent missing for required trades
Project Qualification Issues:
- Work exceeds Easy/Express Permit limits
- Structural work requires Standard Plan Review
- Additional permits needed (CDOT, Water, etc.)
- Zoning approval required first
- Building has existing violations blocking permits
One mistake turns a same-day permit into a multi-day delay.
Our expertise ensures it's done right the first time.
Who Needs Easy & Express Permit Services?
Property Owners - Get your home repairs permitted quickly without navigating city systems
Landlords & Property Managers - Keep rental properties compliant with fast permit processing for maintenance and repairs
Contractors - Offer full-service permit handling to your clients as a value-added service
Condo Associations - Manage building-wide projects (window replacement, door upgrades) with proper permitting
Commercial Property Owners - Maintain your properties with quick permits for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing repairs
Emergency Repairs - Secure permits immediately for furnace failures, electrical issues, or fire damage repairs
Project Types We Expedite
Interior Work:
- Drywall replacement (>1,000 sq ft)
- Interior doors and hardware
- Furnace replacement (gas-fired, 4+ units)
- Plumbing fixture replacement
- Electrical work (all types)
- Counter tops and cabinets (condos)
- Interior alterations (nonstructural)
- Preparatory interior demolition
Exterior Work:
- Window and door replacement (4+ units)
- Fences (non-masonry >5 ft, all masonry)
- Sheds (>70 sq ft)
- Detached garages (up to 600 sq ft)
- Trash enclosures (wood)
- Porch, deck, and balcony repairs
- Masonry work and tuckpointing
- Reroofing (layer addition or tear-off)
- Fire damage repairs (24% or less)
- Lintel repairs (6' opening max)
Specialty & Administrative:
- Communication equipment
- Small solar PV systems
- Fire alarm systems
- Scaffolding
- Construction trailers
- Contractor changes
- Owner changes
- Post-construction filing
Get Your Easy or Express Permit Issued Today
Stop struggling with online portals and missing requirements.
Let Chicago Expediter handle your Easy or Express Permit application so your small project starts immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Easy Permit and Express Permit?
The Express Permit Program replaced the paper-based Easy Permit process in November 2023. Express Permits are fully online with faster processing and better tracking. We handle both legacy Easy Permits and the new Express Permit system.
How fast can I get an Express Permit?Many Express Permits are issued same-day or within 24 hours when properly submitted. We expedite the process by ensuring complete, accurate applications.
Can I get an Express Permit online myself?Yes, but many applications are rejected due to missing owner signatures, incorrect contractor information, or wrong permit type selection. We ensure it's done right the first time.
Does my project qualify for Easy/Express Permit?We assess your scope of work and confirm eligibility. Projects involving structural work, large additions, or new construction require Standard Plan Review instead.
What if my contractor isn't licensed?Many permit types require DOB-licensed contractors (electrical, plumbing, roofing, masonry). We verify contractor licensing and coordinate e-acceptance to prevent delays.
Do I need to visit City Hall?No. Express Permits are fully online. We handle the entire application process remotely and deliver your permit electronically.
What if my building has existing violations?Existing violations can block new permits. We identify violation issues upfront and coordinate resolution to keep your project moving.
Can you help with inspections after the permit is issued?Absolutely. We schedule required inspections, track results through the online portal, and coordinate any necessary re-inspections.
Do you work with projects in all Chicago neighborhoods?Yes. We've expedited Easy and Express Permits across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods for residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.
Chicago Expediter - Your trusted partner for Easy Permits, Express Permits, and all Chicago building permit services throughout the City of Chicago.
