Door Swings in Urban Spaces

A door swing is a grant of privilege permit category for a door that swings into the public way
(city-owned public sidewalk, city-owned public alley). Door swings that open out and not into a
building are often required for assembly units. However, based on building code in cities like Chicago, if your plans include a door that swings into the public right of way, your greatest chance of success with your permit will come if you ensure any doors are reconfigured or have a recessed entry that does not encroach into the public thoroughfare.

Process for door swing approvals

It has long been rumored that pedestrian lawsuits are the reason that the city of Chicago no
longer approves door swings which swing into pedestrian sidewalks.

When door swings are open into the sidewalk, the traversable width of the sidewalk is
decreased.

Code 14B-32-3202 in Chicago leaves very little room for interpretation:

 "3202.2 Encroachments above grade and below 12 feet in height. Encroachments into the public way above grade and below 12 feet (3658 mm) in clear height shall be prohibited. Doors and windows shall not open or project into the public way."

The process to get a door swing approved would include:

• Grant of privilege (GOP) permit issued specifically for the door swing.
  • In Chicago, The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will start the process. They are responsible for issuing permits for anything a business places on, over, or under public spaces.
  • Then, the Department of Transportation (DOT/CDOT) will receive the permit. The DOT will deny the outward door swing that encroaches into the sidewalk.

An example of a door swing plan that would not be approved.

Burnham Nationwide can guide you through these and many other compliance issues your team will face during the life of a project. We're here to help you Get It Done.