Codes & permits
Plumbing rules, explained by jurisdiction
Illinois licenses plumbers. Chicago adds its own licensing, permits and sewer rules. Each suburb runs its own permits. Every page here names its jurisdiction, review date and sources.
Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works
Who regulates what
| Layer | Who | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| State | Illinois Department of Public Health | Plumber and apprentice licenses; plumbing contractor registration and insurance; Illinois Plumbing Code |
| City of Chicago | Department of Buildings (Board of Plumbing Examiners); Department of Water Management | City plumber and contractor licenses; Chicago Plumbing Code; permits; drainlayer licenses and sewer permits; water service |
| Suburbs | Each municipality’s building department | Permits, inspections, local amendments, contractor paperwork, local programs |
| Regional | Metropolitan Water Reclamation District | Regional sewers and treatment; some permits for larger projects |
Pages
- Illinois plumber licensing explainedLicenses, contractor registration and insurance
- Chicago plumbing permits & licensingCity contractor license, Express Permits, sewer permits
- How to verify a plumberState and City lookup tools
- Chicago sewer & water service permitsDrainlayers, DOB and DWM
- Naperville plumbing permitsContractor documents, portal, exemptions
- Oak Park plumbing permitsPermits, registration, backup grant
- Evanston plumbing permitsRegistration and backflow (C3)
Sources
- Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing Program Official / primary
- City of Chicago DOB — Plumbing Contractor License Official / primary
- City of Chicago DOB — Sewer Permits Official / primary
- Metropolitan Water Reclamation District — Understanding Your Sewer Official / primary
Information can change; official sources control.