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Building Permits
For information regarding your permit via email click here.
Do I Need A Building Permit?
Permits are required by Village Code. Permits and inspections are required for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. The Village inspection staff enforces adopted codes to assure that the construction is safe and in compliance. Projects not built to Village standards may have a negative impact on the sale of your home and on insurance costs.
Permit records are public information available in the Community Development Department and can be accessed by citizens by following simple procedures. The property owner of record, with proof of ownership such as a driver's license, title insurance policy, etc., can view their own property records. Requests for property information from non-owners must be filed under the Freedom of Information Act through the Village Manager's Office.
A building permit is required when the project involves new construction, alterations, or an addition to your building. Additional projects that require a permit include new or replacement of the following:
- Plumbing or electrical systems
- Electric outlets and fixtures
- Mechanical work such as furnaces, central air conditioning, hot tubs, or whirlpools
- Garages, fences, decks, patios, or storage sheds
- Swimming pool (above or in-ground)
- Flood control systems
- Signage or changes to existing signs
- Paving, sidewalks, and driveways (approved by Civil Engineering)
- Replacement windows
You do not need a permit for:
- Exterior or interior painting
- Installation of siding, gutters and downspouts
- A new roof
- Tuckpointing
If you are unsure if your project needs a permit call the Building & Zoning Division staff at (847) 933-8223.
The following forms may be downloaded.
Application for Fence/Sidewalk/Driveway/Shed/Detached Garage/Deck
Application For Building Permit
Permit Application For Electrical Work
Contractor Registration Application
Certificate Of Public Utility Location
Change of Contractor Form
Sign Permit Application
Zoning Information Worksheet
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Suggestions For Selecting a Contractor
- Although the Village cannot recommend individual contractors, check with the Building Division to determine if the contractor is registered and bonded with the Village.
- Call the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against the contractor.
- Request from the contractor photographs of projects similar to yours.
- Visit other projects performed by the contractor. Talk directly to the owners to get their feedback.
- Obtain a written contract that includes the scope of the work, the total price, and the date of completion.
- Make sure the contractor has adequate liability insurance.
Permit Process
The Village's building permit process can be summarized in these six steps:
- Obtain a permit application and Zoning Information worksheet at the Building Division or by downloading a copy by clicking the link above.
- Return the completed application with the required plans and plats of survey. Both the owner and the contractor must sign the application. The counter staff will check the application for completeness. All contractors must be currently licensed and bonded with the Village at the time of submittal.
- Staff will review the plans. Small projects such as garages, fences, and decks can be reviewed and permits issued in 3-5 working days. Projects may require approval from the Appearance Commission, Plan Commission, or Zoning Board of Appeals prior to issuing a Building Permit.
- Once a permit has been issued, permitted work may begin. Please display the issued permit placard in a street-facing window so it is visible from the street.
- Call for inspections. Final inspection requests are required to be in writing. Required site inspections are written on the permit placard. They are required to assure that the construction is completed according to code and the approved plans. It is your responsibility to schedule all required Village inspections during and after construction.
Contractor Requirements
The Village Code requires many contractors to be registered and bonded with the Village on an annual basis. The registration fee is $50.00 and the surety bond amount is $10,000. No permit applications can be accepted unless all project contractors have current bonding and registration. Please note both bond and registration must remain current through the final inspection phase.
All work must comply with the following Village Code and amendments:
- One and Two Family Residential Construction: 2006 International Residential Codes for One and Two Family
- All Other Building Types: 2006 International Building Code and 2003 NFPA Life Safety Code 1O1
- Plumbing/Sewer/Gas: 2004 State of Illinois Plumbing Code
- Electric: 2008 National Electric Code
- HVAC: 2003 International Mechanical Code
- Elevators/Dumbwaiters/Escalators/Moving Walks: American Standard Safety Code A17.1 Current Edition
- Property Maintenance: 2003 International Property Maintenance Code
- State of Illinois Energy Code
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