Expert Standard Plan Review Permit Expediting for Your Construction Projects
Navigating Chicago's Standard Plan Review process shouldn't slow down your construction timeline.
At Chicago Expediter, we turn the city's most complex permitting process into a streamlined path to approval—managing every review, every department, and every detail so your project moves forward without delays.
What We Do:
Your Complete Standard Plan Review Solution
We handle the entire Standard Plan Review permit process from zoning approval through final permit issuance.
Our team manages all coordination, submissions, and follow-ups so you can focus on building—not bureaucracy.
Our comprehensive Standard Plan Review services include:
- Zoning Approval Coordination - Securing required zoning approval before permit application (the critical first step most applicants miss)
- E-Plan Application Management - Expert preparation and submission through Chicago's online E-Plan system
- Multi-Department Coordination - Managing reviews across Building, Zoning, Landscape, CDOT, Water, and all other required departments
- Project Manager Liaison - Direct communication with your assigned city PM to expedite reviews and address plan corrections
- Plan Review Expediting - Weekly downtown presence pushing your application through each review stage
- Certified Plan Corrections - Coordinating architect revisions and resubmissions to keep approvals moving
- Additional Permit Coordination - Securing related permits (driveway, sewer, water, public way) simultaneously
- License Facilitation - Coordinating food, liquor, and other required licenses when applicable
How We Work: Navigating the 10+ Review Process
The Standard Plan Review Challenge:
A typical restaurant build-out requires minimum 10 separate code reviews plus multiple department approvals.
Each review can take weeks. One missed correction or delayed response adds months to your timeline.
That's where our expertise makes the difference.
Our Proven Process:
- Pre-Application Strategy Session - We review your project scope, identify all required approvals, and create a comprehensive permit roadmap
- Zoning Approval First - We secure zoning approval before permit application (the requirement that catches most applicants off-guard)
- E-Plan Submission Excellence - Our team prepares complete, code-compliant applications that pass initial review without delays
- Active Project Management - Weekly downtown visits to City Hall, direct communication with your assigned PM, and proactive plan correction coordination
- Multi-Department Coordination - Simultaneous management of Building, Zoning, Landscape, CDOT, Water, and all other required reviews
- Real-Time Problem Solving - When plan corrections arise, we coordinate with your architect and city reviewers to resolve issues immediately
- Permit Delivery & Compliance - We hand-deliver your approved permit with clear guidance on inspection requirements and compliance
What We Can Accomplish: Results That Keep Projects on Schedule
Speed:
Standard Plan Review typically takes 12-20 weeks. Our expediting services reduce timelines to 8-12 weeks through strategic coordination and weekly downtown presence.
Completeness:
We ensure all required reviews, permits, and licenses are secured simultaneously—no surprise delays when you're ready to start construction.
Success Rate:
We've navigated Standard Plan Review for projects across all building types and complexity levels throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods.
Cost Savings:
Every month of permit delay costs you money in holding costs, lost revenue, and extended overhead. Our expediting delivers ROI by getting you to construction faster.
Our Expertise: Why Chicago Builders Trust Us
E-Plan System Mastery
We know E-Plan inside and out. Our team prepares applications that meet city requirements the first time—avoiding the common mistakes that trigger rejections and restarts.
Multi-Department Navigation
Standard Plan Review isn't just one approval—it's coordinating 10+ reviews across multiple departments. We manage all of them simultaneously, ensuring no single department becomes your bottleneck.
Project Manager Relationships
Your city-assigned PM controls your timeline. Our weekly downtown presence and direct relationships ensure your project stays on their radar and moves through reviews efficiently.
Code Compliance Knowledge
From Chicago Building Code to zoning requirements, accessibility standards to energy codes—we know what reviewers look for and ensure your plans meet every requirement.
All Building Types, All Neighborhoods
Whether you're building a single-family home in Lincoln Park, a restaurant in Wicker Park, or a mixed-use building in Bronzeville—we've secured Standard Plan Review permits there.
Our Experience: Proven Track Record Across Chicago
15+ Years navigating Chicago's Standard Plan Review process for contractors, developers, and property owners
500+ Projects expedited across residential, commercial, and mixed-use construction
77 Neighborhoods served throughout the City of Chicago
Direct Access to Department of Buildings Project Managers, Zoning, CDOT, Water Management, and all review departments
Real Project Success
- Restaurant Build-Out, West Loop - Secured all permits (building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, food service, liquor license) in 10 weeks for 4,500 sq ft space
- Mixed-Use Development, Logan Square - Navigated 15 separate reviews plus CDOT public way permits for ground-floor retail with residential above, 11-week approval
- Single-Family New Construction, Lincoln Park - Coordinated zoning, building, landscape, and driveway permits with certified plan corrections, 9-week timeline
- Office Renovation, Loop - Expedited life safety and accessibility upgrades through Standard Plan Review with simultaneous elevator permits, 8-week approval
Why Standard Plan Review Requires Expert Expediting
The Standard Plan Review process involves complex coordination that most applicants underestimate:
Multiple Code Disciplines:
- Architectural review
- Structural engineering
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- HVAC/mechanical
- Fire protection
- Accessibility compliance
- Energy code compliance
Multiple Departments:
- Department of Buildings (primary)
- Zoning and Land Use
- Chicago Department of Transportation
- Water Management
- Department of Public Health (food service)
- Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (licenses)
Common Delays We Prevent:
- Missing zoning approval before application
- Incomplete E-Plan submissions
- Plan corrections not addressed promptly
- Single department holding up entire project
- Missing additional permits discovered late
- Architect unavailable for revisions
- Project Manager changes mid-review
One coordination failure can add 4-8 weeks to your timeline.
Our expertise keeps everything moving forward simultaneously.
Who Needs Standard Plan Review Expediting?
General Contractors - Keep your construction schedule on track with predictable permit timelines
Developers - Protect your pro forma with faster approvals and reduced holding costs
Restaurant Owners - Navigate the complex food service permit requirements efficiently
Property Owners - Get your renovation or addition approved without the headache
Architects - Partner with expeditors who understand your plans and communicate effectively with city reviewers
Commercial Tenants - Secure build-out permits quickly to meet lease commencement deadlines
Project Types We Expedite
- New Construction - Single-family homes, multi-family buildings, commercial structures
- Additions - Residential additions, commercial expansions, vertical additions
- Renovations - Gut rehabs, interior alterations, facade improvements
- Restaurant/Retail - Build-outs, kitchen installations, dining space construction
- Mixed-Use - Ground-floor commercial with residential above
- Office Build-Outs - Tenant improvements, space divisions, accessibility upgrades
- Institutional - Schools, churches, community facilities
Get Your Standard Plan Review Permit Approved Faster
Stop waiting on permits that should have been approved weeks ago.
Let Chicago Expediter put our E-Plan expertise, downtown presence, and multi-department coordination to work for your construction project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Standard Plan Review take?
City processing typically takes 12-20 weeks depending on project complexity. Our expediting services reduce timelines to 8-12 weeks through active coordination and weekly downtown presence.
Do I need zoning approval before applying for a building permit?
Yes. Zoning approval is required before submitting your Standard Plan Review application. We handle this critical first step to prevent delays.
What is E-Plan and do I need to use it?
E-Plan is Chicago's online building permit system. All Standard Plan Review applications must be submitted through E-Plan. We manage the entire E-Plan process for you.
How many reviews does my project require?
Most projects require 8-15 separate code discipline reviews plus multiple department approvals. We identify all required reviews upfront and manage them simultaneously.
What happens if my plans need corrections?
Plan corrections are common. We coordinate with your architect and city reviewers to address corrections quickly, preventing weeks of delay.
Can you help with related permits like driveway and sewer?
Absolutely. We coordinate all related permits (driveway, sewer, water, public way) simultaneously with your building permit to prevent construction delays.
Do you work with projects in all Chicago neighborhoods?
Yes. We've expedited Standard Plan Review permits across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods and understand the unique requirements of each area.
When does a project require Developer Services instead of Standard Plan Review?
Larger, complex projects must use the Developer Services Program. We'll assess your project and guide you to the correct permitting path.
Chicago Expediter
Your trusted partner for Standard Plan Review permits, building permits, and construction expediting services throughout the City of Chicago.
