Chicago High-Rise Exterior Wall Inspections
Short forms and critical examinations sealed by an architect or structural engineer.
What the Program Requires
High-rise buildings in Chicago, as defined in the ordinance
Short forms, due November 1, and critical examinations, due December 1
Reports carry an architect or structural engineer stamp or seal
The Details That Matter
The Department of Buildings runs the program and publishes the ordinance and current report forms on its Exterior Wall Program page. Read the ordinance for which buildings are covered and how often each report is due.
Before You Take This Work
- Professional liability policies define the services they cover. Check that yours describes inspection and report work accurately, not only design, and tell your agent roughly how much of your revenue comes from this work.
Official sources
Every fact on this page comes from these sources, read in October 2026. Laws change; read the current text before relying on it.
General information, not legal advice or a statement of coverage. Laws and local rules change; read the current text at the source links and confirm requirements with the building department. Whether a policy responds depends on its wording and the facts. Hardcover is an insurance agency, not a law firm.
Doing This Work? Let’s Check Your Coverage.
We check that your policy describes the inspection work you actually do, before a report is questioned.