Construction documents · Illinois
An Illinois review needs both the local adoption record and the statewide requirements that apply to the project. Do not assume that a jurisdiction without its own building ordinance has no construction standards.
Your codes, connected to your drawings
We read the state and local codes and amendments that governments publish online, the way a human reviewer does. Our AI opens it in a web browser, goes to the section or table, and cites it in the finding with a link to the source. The model codes most states adopt, such as the International Building Code, are licensed; we use their text only where a license allows it, and you can upload a copy you’re licensed to use. We reference the section. We never copy or distribute code text.
We detect the codes your drawings cite in the code analysis, cover sheet, and general notes. Add or remove codes, and note the edition, local amendments, and project requirements.
Mark the drawings you want reviewed as Check this file. If you upload a code, such as a standard you’re licensed to use or an unpublished amendment, set it to Code and Use as reference.
Follow the linked drawing and code section, check applicability, and have the responsible professional verify the issue.
State and local references
Examples of codes that can apply in Illinois. Confirm the adopted edition, effective date, and project scope with the reviewing authority.
Include this reference where applicable to the project category, alongside the selected building code.
Include the relevant state references and confirm the local building-code package. Check any applicable stretch-energy requirements separately.
Code names link to official agency or publisher resources. Reviewed September 9, 2026. We detect the codes your drawings cite, and you can add or remove codes.
Illinois reference guide
The Capital Development Board explains statewide building-code requirements effective January 1, 2025, including provisions for commercial construction in jurisdictions without an adopted code and for state-funded buildings. Check the project-specific category and exceptions.
Illinois CDB: building codes and regulationsCDB separately publishes Illinois accessibility and energy-code resources. Its local-code guidance directs applicants to the city, village, or county official for the most accurate local requirements.
Illinois CDB: code resourcesSources reviewed September 9, 2026. Confirm current requirements and project applicability with the reviewing authority.
Prepare a useful review
Use this preparation list for Groundbook alongside the official permit checklist. Name the codes that apply.
Record the municipality’s adoption information and identify which statewide provisions apply. Attach the local permit checklist and name the applicable amendments.
Name the project’s Illinois accessibility and energy codes and supply the corresponding plans, schedules, and compliance documents.
State whether the work is state-funded, new construction, or an alteration. Include a code analysis and existing-condition information sufficient for the responsible reviewer to confirm the chosen path.
Identify which files are being checked, which are references, and which revisions are superseded. Include reviewer comments and responses where they explain an unresolved decision.
Use the drawing-register templateFrom documents to decisions
Compare stated design information with the adopted code and local amendments. Verify scope, exceptions, and the source behind each potential issue.
Review code referencesLook for incomplete information and conflicting requirements before submission. Assign each verified finding to the responsible designer.
Prepare for submissionCheck relationships across drawings, schedules, specifications, and reports. Resolve the source conflict and carry the decision into the issued set.
Review the whole packageBefore you start
Do not make that assumption. CDB describes statewide provisions effective in 2025 for specified projects, including commercial buildings in jurisdictions without adopted codes. Confirm the category, exceptions, and separate accessibility and energy requirements.
Supply the current drawing set and schedules, relevant specifications and reports, and the reviewing authority’s checklist. Identify the edition, project scope, and permit stage. We read the state and local amendments that governments publish online. The base model codes, such as the International Building Code, are licensed; we use their text only where a license allows it. You can upload a code you’re licensed to use, or an amendment that isn’t online.
No. Groundbook surfaces potential conflicts and omissions with links to source documents for professional verification. It does not issue permits, certify compliance, provide permit-expediting services, or replace the authority having jurisdiction.
Projects in more than one state
For another project's location, start with its own authority and reference list. Requirements and adopted editions can differ across state lines.
Official source directory
2025 statewide provisions and project categories; verify exceptions.
Accessibility and energy resources; introductory future-tense wording predates the 2025 transition.
City plan check guides in Illinois: Chicago plan check
Bring your drawings. We read the local codes and amendments that governments publish online.
Check your Illinois permit set before you submit
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