STOP-WORK ORDER
IN CHICAGO?
GET YOUR JOB SITE
BACK OPEN.

Construction or renovation work begun before the required permit was issued results in an immediate Stop-Work Order. Resolution requires filing the appropriate permit application, paying any applicable penalty fees, passing all required inspections of work already completed, and obtaining DOB approval to resume. We handle the entire process.

When construction work in the field deviates materially from the approved permit drawings, the Department of Buildings can issue a Stop-Work Order pending plan revision and re-approval. We coordinate with the architect of record to file revised plans, manage the plan review process, and secure DOB approval to resume work.

A Stop-Work Order can be issued when the contractor of record does not hold the required City of Chicago license for the scope of work being performed. We assess the licensing deficiency, coordinate the appropriate licensed contractor substitution or addition, and file the required documentation with DOB to clear the SWO.

SWOs issued for site safety violations — inadequate pedestrian protection, unsecured excavations, structural instability, or failure to comply with Chapter 33 of the Chicago Building Code — require both immediate physical correction of the unsafe condition and DOB re-inspection before work can resume.

Failure to schedule required progress inspections or receiving a failed inspection result can trigger a Stop-Work Order on an active permit. We identify the failed or missed inspection items, execute required corrections, and drive the re-inspection to approval.

A Stop-Work Order can be issued as an escalation of an unresolved code violation notice on the same property. If a prior violation was not resolved within the required timeframe, a SWO may follow. We address both the underlying violation and the Stop-Work Order simultaneously to achieve full compliance and permit reinstatement.