Know what Chicago requires — before you build.
Instant, plain-English reports on permits, zoning, and building code for your Chicago renovation. Grounded in the actual Municipal Code, delivered as a PDF in minutes — for $99.
Cites exact code sections
Every report points to the rules behind the answer.
Delivered in minutes
A personalized PDF lands in your inbox fast.
Plain-English guidance
Built for Chicago homeowners & contractors
The problem
Chicago’s building rules are a maze. Guessing is expensive.
Permit, zoning, and code questions can stall a project for weeks — or surface at inspection, after the work is done. Architects and expediters are worth it for the build, but you often need answers before you’re ready to spend that kind of money: Do I even need a permit? Can I legally add this on my lot? Will my remodel, garage, or deck pass inspection?
Fast answers before big spend
The Chicago Navigator Suite gives you those answers fast, in plain language, for a fraction of a consultation — so you walk into your project and plan review already knowing the rules.
Informational research summary — not a permit guarantee.
How it works
Three steps. A few minutes.
01
Tell us about your project
Answer a short set of questions about your property and what you’re planning. No jargon required.
02
We build your report
Your answers are checked against the current Chicago Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and building, plumbing, and electrical codes.
03
Get your PDF
A personalized report lands in your inbox within minutes — ready to read, share with your contractor, or bring to plan review.
PermitOpinion
Do you need a permit — and which one? Your likely permit pathway and fee range for a specific Chicago project, so you know what you’re filing before you file it.
$99 · PDF
Get PermitOpinion
ZoneOpinion
What can you legally build on your lot? Your zoning district’s rules — floor area, height, setbacks, and ADU eligibility.
$99 · PDF
Get ZoneOpinion
CodeOpinion
Will it pass inspection? Building, plumbing, and electrical rules for remodels, garages, decks, additions, and standalone trade work.
$99 · PDF
Get CodeOpinion
BuildOpinion
The complete picture, one project. Permit, zoning, and code reports together before you break ground.
$215 · 3 PDFs
Get BuildOpinion
Why it’s different
Grounded in the source — not generic advice.
Anyone can hand you a vague checklist. Every Chicago Navigator report cites the specific sections of the Chicago Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and building, plumbing, and electrical codes that apply to your project — so you can look them up yourself, hand them to your contractor, and walk into plan review prepared instead of hoping.
Chicago-specific.
Built on Chicago’s own adopted code and ordinance — not a generic national template.
Cites its sources.
Every requirement points to the section it comes from.
Fast and affordable.
Minutes, not weeks. $99, not a consulting invoice.
Pricing
Simple pricing.
You’re charged once, at checkout, before your report is generated. No subscription. No hidden fees.
Any single report
PermitOpinion or ZoneOpinion or CodeOpinion — your choice. Start with the question that's blocking you; add the others any time.
BuildOpinion bundle
All three reports for one project — save $82 vs. buying them separately.
FAQ
This is an early decision report, not a replacement for licensed professional services or government review.
Is this legal advice or an architect’s opinion?
No. Chicago Navigator reports are informational research summaries. They’re not legal advice, not engineering or architectural services, and not a substitute for a licensed design professional or the City’s official determination.
Will a report guarantee my permit gets approved?
No report can — final authority always rests with the Chicago Department of Buildings and the applicable code officials. Our reports show what the published requirements are so there are fewer surprises.
How accurate is it?
Every report is generated from current, published Chicago code and ordinance and cites the sections it relies on so you can verify them yourself. Codes change and officials can interpret them.
How fast will I get it?
Within minutes of checkout, delivered to the email you provide.
Who is this for?
Chicago homeowners planning a renovation and contractors who want a fast, documented read before committing time and money.
What if I have a question about my report?
Email info@permitopinion.com — every message is read.
Get a clear, sourced report for your project in minutes.
Get your report — $99