An Overview of the Developer Services Program

The Developer Services Review Program is designed to meet the special needs of owners, developers, architects and contractors working on moderately to highly complex construction or renovation projects.

Consultant Reviewers

Because of the complexity and time required to conduct plan reviews for large and complex projects, the Department of Buildings has contracted with outside architectural and engineering firms in Chicago to handle these technical reviews. All Consultant Reviewers abide by a rigorous set of standards for review and confidentiality. Additionally, each project is evaluated by DOB for conflicts of interest before it is assigned to a Consultant Reviewer. By using outside Consultant Reviewers, you’ll be assured of a thorough, professional review and a more dependable and timely review process.

Single Point of Contact

The permit process is managed by a Project Administrator, a single professional who helps you throughout the process and is assigned to your project upon your first contact with DOB. This professional coordinates with you and your Consultant Reviewer, makes sure that your review continues according to an agreed upon schedule and keeps you fully informed at every step along the way, giving you greater control over the process.

Developer Services Projects

New and renovation construction projects that meet the following criteria will be required to participate in the Developer Services process:

New Construction

• High rise buildings (buildings higher than 80 feet)
• Buildings with more than 150,000-square feet
• Buildings with foundations deeper than 12 feet
• Residential projects that contain more than 40 units
• Green Building Permit participants

Renovation Additions/Change of Use

• Change of occupancy projects with a hazard index number of 2 or more

Other

• Projects may request to use Developer Services with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner. Projects that volunteer to go through the Developer Services Process will be required to pay the consultant review fee in addition to the permit fee.

For the customer's convenience, one can request an appointment with Developer's Services online. Click here for the appointment form using the Buzz Saw Professional Web Access Program.