MODEL # 98-24
SELF-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
CITY OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Jurisdiction Statistics:

Population: 2.78 million (1990 census)
Size (square miles): 228.5

Regulatory Areas:

Administration & Enforcement

PROBLEM:

Permit Office Procedures - Plan Reviews

The City of Chicago's Department of Buildings wanted to reduce the number of building permits that required full plan examinations by staff, as well as allow customers to obtain permits quickly for certain types of projects.

SOLUTION:

Self-Certification - One-Stop Permitting - Fast-Track Permits

The Department implemented a self-certification program whereby design professionals can self-certify or obtain permits on a shortened schedule for certain categories of construction projects.

DESCRIPTION:

The self-certification program allows State of Illinois licensed architects and engineers to submit plans and obtain "quick permits" for prototypical new buildings and alterations where the existing occupancy or emergency exits are not modified. The program reduces the number of building permits requiring examination by as much as 40% without compromising life safety issues. Assembly, institutional, and mixed occupancies are not eligible for self-certification due to their complex exiting and fire separation requirements. As a result, public buildings such as schools, large restaurants, and hospitals continue to receive the same plan scrutiny as before.

The procedure for self-certification is designed to be completed typically in one day, and is outlined clearly in the enclosed submission package. The expedited procedure begins once the applicant receives approval from the Zoning Examiner. The applicant brings the completed submission package to either the Permit Control station, or to the Zoning Examiner if corrections need to be approved. In the case of the latter, approval is typically granted the same day. The applicant then is routed to obtain approved plans, pay fees, and pick up the permit all in the same department.

When the applicant receives the permit, he or she certifies that they will comply with all other code issues. This allows construction to begin simultaneously with the drawing examination. The drawing examination is to be completed within 30 days, at which time approval is granted or corrections are issued. After any corrections are made to the drawings and/or construction is revised, a final building permit is issued.

EVALUATION BY STREAMLINING COMMITTEES:

Advantages

The model increases productivity and reduces time;
Construction is allowed to commence without final reviews;
Good approach to resolve permit backlogs.

Limitations

Potential for becoming a politicized issue;
Policing can be difficult.

The Streamlining Committees designated this program as a streamlined model with the following modifications:

If a self-certification program is to be used, there must be a close policing aspect.

IMPLEMENTATION:

The program was implemented by administrative action of the Department of Buildings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN CONSIDERING THE USE OF THIS MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT:

Marco A. Gutierrez
Director of Plan Examination
City of Chicago, Department of Buildings
City Hall, Room 900
121 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 744-3494
FAX: (800) 752-1375

Or NCSBCS STAFF:
Carolyn Fitch
National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards
505 Huntmar Park Drive, Suite 210
Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: (703) 437-0100
FAX: (703) 481-3596
Email: cfitch@ncsbcs.org