Chicago Department of Buildings

06/08/2026

That’s a wrap on our 2026 Self-Certification Training! Thank you to everyone who joined us, both in person and online.

Self-certified design professionals play a vital role in safeguarding our neighborhoods by ensuring compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes. When licensed professionals and a strong regulatory partner work together, efficiency and safety go hand in hand, and projects move faster without compromising the standards that protect our communities.

Together, we are building the future of how Chicago does business! 🏙️

28/05/2026

See it. Be it. Build it. 🎓🏗️

Today, the Chicago Builds Class of 2026 graduates — and they are not the future of the building trades. They are the generation of right now.

Congratulations to every student who showed up, asked questions, and imagined themselves in this work!

From all of us at the Chicago Department of Buildings — we see you, we believe in you, and we cannot wait to see what you build. 🙌🏾

22/05/2026

Today is International Building Safety Day! 🏗️

In Chicago, the work of keeping our buildings safe never stops.

Buildings aren’t deemed safe by accident. They require skilled tradespeople on the front end and consistent, proactive management over time.

Get your façades inspected.

Check your balconies and roofs.

Test your fire alarms.

Keep exits clear.

Ensure your electrical and mechanical systems are up to code.

And when tenants report an issue — respond.

Because in Chicago, safe buildings aren’t a request — they are a requirement.

18/05/2026

Sunshine & Service! Commissioner Hopkins represented DOB this weekend at the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation - LCDC
ribbon cutting. LCDC’s work is transforming our neighborhoods by creating a clear pathway that guides residents into homeownership to strengthen the future of Chicago. Together, we are transforming neighborhoods and increasing homeownership — one permit, one inspection, one project at a time.

We are proud partners in that mission and look forward to more opportunities to showcase what development looks like across the city. Behind every permit pulled, every inspection passed, and every project that crosses the finish line — our teams are dedicated to bringing visions like this one to life. 🏠

14/05/2026

“You can’t be what you can’t see.” — Commissioner Marlene Hopkins

Chicago’s next generation of building industry leaders heard directly from the people who keep our communities safe every day — getting a front-row seat to careers they can see themselves in.

This series has reached 183 students from 45 high schools across Chicago. A few hours of showing up resulted in 183 doors opened and futures changed.

The Chicago Builds Speaker Series is bringing the blueprint to life — one student at a time. 🏗️

11/05/2026

Chicago is Built to Last — and our teams are out every day making sure of it. 🏙️

May is National Building Safety Month. Commissioner Marlene Hopkins is sharing DOB's commitment to safety across every neighborhood.

Safe buildings protect our neighbors. Our communities. And the first responders who protect us all.

This month, do your part: pull your permits, hire licensed professionals, and report unsafe conditions.

Learn more: chicago.gov/buildings

27/04/2026

This past Saturday, our team joined Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago for their 35th National Rebuilding Day. 🔨🏡

Over 1,000 volunteers came together to repair more than 60 homes across the city, providing critical repairs at no cost to homeowners who needed it most.

At DOB, we believe the strength of our city starts at the block level with safe, stable, well-maintained homes. That’s not just a goal. It’s a commitment.

A huge thank you to the unions, community partners, and every volunteer who gave their Saturday to this city. This is how we Build Better Together. 💙

31/03/2026

Today, our team joined engineers and industry leaders from across the country at the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Spring Convention to dig into mandatory building assessments and what we can all learn from each other! 🏙️

As the only government representative on the panel, we are proud that Chicago’s Facade Ordinance remains part of the national conversation on building safety. A big thank you to ACI for the invitation and to our fellow panelists for such a great discussion.

Safety doesn’t happen in silos — and conversations like these are how we keep buildings and people safe. 🏗️

11/03/2026