City of Chicago Confirms Construction as Essential Infrastructure, Exempt From Stay Home Order

Consistent with yesterday's Construction update from Gould & Ratner, Judy Frydland, commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Buildings, has confirmed in this email communication that construction can proceed in Chicago as an essential infrastructure exception to the Stay Home Order issued by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker that took effect at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.

Frydland also confirmed that building permits will still be processed by the City of Chicago. Finally, she reiterated that projects have to abide by social distancing and other health procedures.

We will report to you as other governmental units weigh in on construction projects' status under the Illinois Stay Home Order. While there is no general prohibition on construction in the Stay Home Order, we are already aware of projects that have been temporarily shut down because of reported cases of COVID-19 among the project team. The parties to those projects anticipate a quick resumption of work after necessary health procedures are undertaken.

Bottom line: While numerous potential health issues could still change things, construction can proceed in Chicago.