The Department of Building and Zoning's mission is to promote the health, safety and welfare of all constituents throughout unincorporated Cook County. In order to perform its mission, the Department conducts plan reviews and responsible, timely inspections of buildings and properties, as well as enforces all applicable building codes and zoning ordinances.
The Department's work involves reviewing plans and issuing permits for new structures and renovations and additions to existing ones, inspecting properties to ensure code compliance, issuing certificates of occupancy, and certifying the zoning requirements for properties in its jurisdiction, among other tasks.
The Department oversees all building and zoning matters in the unincorporated areas of Cook County and all of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Inquiries regarding permits, zoning certificates and other matters for properties located in incorporated jurisdictions (municipalities) should contact the applicable local building and zoning authority.