Permit May Be Required
Do you need a permit to install a water heater in Chicago, IL?
Repairing or replacing in-kind a hot water heater in a residential building up to 4 stories does not require a building permit. Installing a new or relocated water heater requires a plumbing permit.
✓ Verified from official source
Source: Chicago Dept of Buildings — Work That Does Not Require a Building Permit — Verified 2026-06-26
Permit rules vary by property and change over time. This is an informational guide, not legal advice — always confirm with City of Chicago Department of Buildings before starting work.
How to get the permit in Chicago
Building department
Apply online
Phone
312-744-3449
Code in force
Chicago does not adopt the IRC; it enforces its own 2019 Chicago Construction Codes (Chicago Building Code, Title 14, based in part on the 2018 ICC family)
Need a permit pulled? Find a licensed plumber in Chicago
Licensed plumbers near you can handle the permit and the work — compare pros on our directory.
Find a plumber in Chicago, IL →See Installing a Water Heater permit rules for other cities →