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Dorchester Ave Service Relocation: Multi-Unit Service Upgrade, Chicago

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Chicago, IL (South Side); AHJ City of Chicago Department of Buildings; utility ComEd

Client

Will Power & Light LLC (electrical contractor)

Industry

Multi-unit residential (existing building, five utility meters)

Location

Chicago, IL (South Side); AHJ City of Chicago Department of Buildings; utility ComEd

Dates

June 2026 onward

Team Size

​

Services

  • Chicago permit drawing package (one-line, panel schedules, load calculations, site plan, floor plan)

  • ComEd Modification and Relocation application package

  • Fault-current and equipment-rating coordination with ComEd

  • Chicago Electrical Code and CECHA fitting compliance notes

Summary

The owner-electrician was moving the electrical service of a five-meter residential building from a rear basement location to a new entrance on the north side and upgrading it from an undersized 200A, 120/240V service. MHL prepared the permit drawings and the ComEd relocation package so the city permit and utility process could run in parallel.

Problem / Objective

Chicago requires its own electrical code, engineered drawings for plan review, and a separate ComEd application that cannot move until a permit number exists. The objective was one coordinated package that satisfied both reviewers and avoided correction rounds.

Process

  1. Researched Chicago Department of Buildings and ComEd requirements and set a realistic schedule, since the owner’s target date could not be met by the approval pipeline.

  2. Ran a video walkdown with the owner to capture existing panels, the north-side entrance location and conduit routing.

  3. Sized the new service by load calculation using the Chicago diversification method.

  4. Drew the package to Chicago Electrical Code (Title 14E) requirements: metallic conduit throughout, CECHA-approved fittings, and emergency lighting review for buildings of five or more units.

  5. Requested available fault current from ComEd for equipment ratings; ComEd later issued transformer fault-duty data (100 kVA, 120/240V pad source).

  6. Supported the owner through the ComEd site visit and permit filing.

Payoff / Results (Metrics)

  • City of Chicago electrical permit issued about two to three weeks after filing on 7/7/2026, with no comment cycle.

  • ComEd relocation application accepted for engineering review on an expedited basis, and the ComEd site engineer raised no questions on the specs or plans, per the owner.

  • Owner began construction under the permit in August 2026.

When this applies

A contractor or building owner in Chicago relocating or upgrading a multi-meter residential service and needing drawings that satisfy both the Department of Buildings and ComEd. Also relevant if you are unfamiliar with Chicago’s metallic-conduit and CECHA requirements or with the order of the permit and ComEd application steps.

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