- Arlington HeightsArlington Heights issues building permits for decks through its online Civic Access portal.
- AuroraAurora requires a permit for a new or replacement deck.
- BloomingtonBloomington lists decks among the work that requires a building permit.
- BolingbrookBolingbrook requires permits for construction, additions, alterations and repairs, and they must be obtained before any work starts.
- ChampaignChampaign requires a permit whenever a building or structure is constructed, enlarged, altered or repaired.
- ChicagoA new deck in Chicago needs a plan-based building permit. The quick Express Permit Program cannot be used to add a deck where none exists.
- CiceroCicero requires a building permit for decks, whether a homeowner or a contractor does the work.
- DecaturDecatur requires a permit for a deck that is larger than 200 sq ft, more than 30 inches above grade, attached to the dwelling, or serving a required exit.
- Des PlainesDes Plaines has a Residential Decks building permit, applied for online in the Customer Self Service Portal.
- ElginElgin lists Deck among the common residential projects that need a Quick Permit Application.
- EvanstonEvanston's Deck/Porch Checklist for one- and two-family homes lists a building permit application as the first required submittal.
- JolietJoliet lists decks and porches among residential work that requires a permit from the city Building Department.
- NapervilleNaperville requires a permit for any elevated deck.
- PalatinePalatine says a deck is one of the projects that may require a building permit and asks owners to call the Building Department with questions.
- PeoriaPeoria lists adding or moving a deck as work that requires a permit.
- RockfordRockford requires a building permit for building or altering any structure larger than 120 square feet.
- SchaumburgSchaumburg requires a permit to build, alter or structurally repair a deck, balcony or porch.
- SkokieSkokie says most construction or home improvement projects need a permit.
- SpringfieldSpringfield's code lists the work exempt from a building permit (small sheds, low fences, low stoops and slabs and a few others). Decks are not on the list, so a deck needs a permit; only stoops or slabs 30 inches or less above grade with no roof are exempt.
- WaukeganWaukegan requires building permits for nearly all work; the exceptions it names are minor repairs, same-size window and door replacement, painting and flooring.
Don't see your town? Call your city or village hall and ask for the building or permits department. Before any digging, call JULIE at 811. Illinois deck rules