How to Obtain Building Plans Follow

Building plans can be challenging to find. Sometimes the plans are printed on architectural paper and can be difficult to scan. They may be stored at the building, in the boxes, in cad software, digitally, or be nowhere to be found. If the plans are not available in Drive, there are a few possible options to obtain them. 

Option 1) If it’s a newer building, ask the developer if they can send you plans. 

Option 2) If the building has done work previously with an architect or engineer, check if they have a copy they can send. 

Option 3) Contact Reproduction Consultants, who can obtain the plans on the association's behalf. Costs usually range from $300 - $2,000, depending on the size of the development and files available. The more time digitizing required, the more expensive as a rule of thumb. Tom Estka is the owner/operator and his contact information is below

• Email: repro218@gmail.com
• Phone:
  • 773.704.1426 cell
  • 312.977.1400 office

Option 4) Check with the local building department. They may have copies of the plans you can purchase. A lawyer can also help with submitting a Freedom of Information Act request. 

To get building plans in Chicago, you will need to follow the below steps:

1. Determine the building's property identification number (PIN) that you want to obtain the plans for. The PIN can be found on the Cook County Assessor's website. https://www.cookcountyassessor.com/address-search 
2. Request the building plans by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Department of Buildings. This request should include the property address and the PIN number. https://chicagoil.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(0ltamc015s02dbhledv3nbep))/requestselect.aspx?sSessionID= 
3. Pay any applicable fees associated with the FOIA request.
4. Wait for the Department of Buildings to review and process your request. This can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the request and the availability of the records.
5. Once your request is approved, you can obtain copies of the building plans.

Note that building plans may not be available for all buildings.