Building Permits and Inspections

Building permits are required for a variety of rehabilitation and renovation projects.  This ensures that the work done in your home is safe.  The Village conducts inspections, at certain intervals of the project, to ensure the work being done meets all safety and building codes.  The Village will accept inspection requests on-line. 

If you have a building permit, click here to schedule your inspection.

Do I Need A Permit?
Why Are Permits Required?
How Do I Obtain A Permit?
How Long Does Is Take To Get A Permit?
Do I Have To Use A Contractor?
How Much Does A Permit Cost?

Do I Need A Permit?
Permit applications are available in the Community Development Department or from the Forms and Applications page in the Reference Desk section of our website. Handouts are also available which explain the permit process and general requirements.  We urge residents to call the Community Development Department to make sure if a permit is needed; however, permits are required to:

replace windows and doors replace soffit, siding and fascia install a new furnace and/or water heater repair or replace a roof or garage install a shed, fence or deck

sewer clean-out and repairs repair or replace a driveway exterior site work/grading replace sidewalks and patios electrical, plumbing and mechanical work

Why Are Permits Required?
The Village requires permits for almost every rehabilitation and renovation project within a home.  This is done for two reasons.  First, the Village keeps data on the amount of renovation activity occurring within the community.  The level of activity and amount of dollars spent on repairs contributes to the overall valuation of the Village.

Second, and most importantly, the Village requires permits in order to inspect the quality of work performed.  Your house is probably one of your largest investments.  The Village performs inspections on work completed in order to ensure that your investment is protected.  Inspectors check for compliance with all required building, health and safety codes.  This ensures that the work performed is done in a safe and appropriate manner.  It also allows the Village to ensure that, if contractors are used, they are fully licensed and bonded.  This also helps to protect your investment.

How Do I Obtain A Permit?
Permit applications are available in the Community Development Department office or you can print an application from the Forms and Applications page in the Reference Desk section of our website.  Most applications must be accompanied by a plat of survey indicating the improvement on the lot.  The proposed improvement should be indicated by showing its placement on the lot, distances from side, rear or front lot lines and overall dimensions.  Plans and detailed drawings of improvements may be required for certain projects.

Contractors may obtain the required permits.  However, contractors must be fully licensed with the Village.  They must also have a completed Illinois Attorney General Consumer Rights Acknowledgement Form, signed by the homeowner, to obtain a permit.  These forms are available at the Illinois Attorney's website, or by clicking here.

In most cases, a site check must be performed to ensure compliance with certain codes.  Once the site check is approved, the building permit is issued by the Community Development Department.  A permit card will be issued when the permit is obtained.  This card must be placed in the front window of the house, facing the street, until the final inspection has been approved.

How Long Does Is Take To Get A Permit?
In some cases, a permit can be issued within forty-eight (48) hours of application.  As noted above, many applications require a site check to ensure compliance with the Village Zoning Code.  The site check will make sure that there is sufficient room for the proposed improvement.  Permits for roofs, siding, windows or sewer repairs or clean-outs are issued at the time of application.  Permits which require building plan reviews take longer to issue.

Do I Have To Use A Contractor?
Homeowners can perform nearly any home improvement project without obtaining a licensed contractor.  But, permits must still be obtained.  Certain projects, however, must be performed by licensed and certified professionals.  These projects include new electrical services, tapping into the Village's water lines or connecting to the Village's sewer system.  Lists of licensed contractors are available from the Department.  The Village does not recommend any contractors.  But, we strongly suggest that you obtain at least three quotes in order to compare costs.

How Much Does A Permit Cost?
While the cost of a permit can depend on the project proposed, most home improvement permits are $50.00.

For more information, call the Community Development Department at (630) 736-3843.