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Audit of the Department of Buildings’ Permit Inspections Process

August 25, 2022

Summary

The Office of Inspector General conducted an audit of the Department of Buildings’ inspection process for construction work subject to permit requirements. The objective of the audit was to determine whether DOB inspects construction work subject to permit requirements to verify compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes.

Executive Summary

OIG recommends that DOB develop procedures to ensure that it completes required inspections before a building is fully constructed. The Department should also train its staff to maintain data in an effective and consistent manner. Further, DOB should proactively monitor issued permits, and improve its data quality to support thorough and accurate monitoring of those permits and evaluation of program performance. Finally, the Department should consider alternative procedures to ensure that permit holders request inspections, such as requiring that a wider variety of buildings receive COOs.

Audit of the Department of Buildings’ Permit Inspections Process - publication cover