Cook County Department of Building and Zoning – Chicago, IL

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning

Department Function

The Cook County Department of Building and Zoning is headquartered in Suite 2830 of the George W. Dunne Cook County Administration Building. 🏗️📋 This department is responsible for enforcing building codes and zoning ordinances primarily in unincorporated areas of Cook County. It ensures that construction projects meet safety standards and comply with regional development plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Building Permits: Issuance of permits for new construction, renovations, and demolition in unincorporated zones.
• Inspections: Conducting electrical, plumbing, and structural inspections to verify code compliance.
• Contractor Registration: maintaining a registry of licensed contractors authorized to work within the county’s jurisdiction.
• Zoning Administration: Handling zoning variance requests and land use planning.

Jurisdiction Notice

Important: This department does not handle building permits for properties located within the City of Chicago limits (which are handled by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings). 🛑🏙️ Visitors should verify their property’s jurisdiction before visiting. Access to the office requires passing through building security, including metal detectors and bag checks.