A building permit is an official approval issued by the local governmental agency that allows you or your contractor to proceed with a construction or remodeling project on your property. It is intended to ensure that the project plans comply with local standards for land use, zoning, and construction. These standards are intended to ensure the safety of current and future owners and occupants and to provide enforcement of zoning and land use policies.
Steps:
- Determine whether a permit is needed.
- Review Guidelines specific to the project to determine material required for submission.
- Prepare the permit application.
- Submit the building permit application, applicable guidelines, documents, and application deposit
- The total amount of permit and construction security fees due will be provided during the permit review process and payment is due before permit release.
- Once notified of approval, arrange to pick up the permit placard and submit construction security agreement.
- The permit must be posted and approved plans must be available at the work site at all time.
- During the course of the project please contact the designated inspection office to arrange for required inspections.
- Any changes to approved plans must be submitted to the Building Department for a subsequent review prior to continuance of construction.
- Any changes to contractors must be communicated to the building department with applicable current licenses.
- Once the project is complete and all final inspections are received, the Village will process a Certificate of Occupancy to close the project.
Contact the Building Departments with any questions at 847-945-6080.
When Is a Building Permit Needed?
Projects that involve moving of walls, electric, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, roofing need a building permit. If you are planning an interior painting, tile or wallpaper project, a permit is not required.
Larger projects such as additions, patios, pergola, outdoor kitchens, generators and fences require Architectural Review Commission or Plan Commission Zoning Board of Appeals approval prior to submitting a permit application. See the ARC/Building & Zoning Page for more details.
List of Items Requiring a Permit
AIR CONDITIONER/ GENERATORS
Exterior air-conditioning condensers, generators or heating units must follow zoning setback and landscape screening requirements.
ARBOR/ PERGOLA/ TRELLIS
All freestanding and attached arbor, pergola, or trellis structures must meet zoning ordinance location and floor area ratio requirements.
BUILDING NEW CONSTRUCTION/ADDITIONS – Garages, Rooms, Additions
Any new construction or addition. All additions must meet setback and other zoning requirements.
CHIMNEY REPAIRS
Repairs and tuckpoint to chimneys.
DEMOLITION
Any act or process that destroys or removes more than (i) 50% of the area of the exterior walls of a structure, (ii) 50% or more of the enclosed floor area of a building, or (iii) 50% of the foundation of a structure.
DRIVEWAYS
Driveway removal & replacements, new driveways and parking areas require the review. Sealcoating a driveway only does not require a permit.
ELECTRICAL
All electrical work including but not limited to, adding new outlets or recessed lights, or up-grading a service requires a permit. Electricians must have a current license issued in the greater metropolitan Chicago area.
ELEVATOR
Any installation, renovation, repair or removal of an elevator, escalator, or other conveyance device.
EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS
Any changes to siding, windows and doors.
EXTERIOR GRADE CHANGES
Any changes in exterior grading including patio construction, or adding fill to any property requires a grade change permit approved by the Village Engineer.
FENCES/GATE/POSTS/PILLARS/COLUMNS
New fences and posts, or replacements for old fences and posts, must meet Village’s current fence ordinance height requirements.
HOT WATER HEATER/HVAC
Replacement of an Interior hot water heater and furnace. For emergencies, a permit application must be submitted the next business day after an emergency service call.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Adding or changing exterior lighting must adhere to the Village ordinances. This includes any light fixtures on the exterior of the home, accessory structure or landscape lighting.
INTERIOR ALTERATIONS
Construction or removal of any interior walls, enlarging any door, windows, or constructing attic dormers, Replacement of existing bathroom fixtures or kitchen cabinets in the same location as the existing ones. Also, see Electrical and plumbing requirements.
LANDSCAPING PLANTING
Any landscape planting in the bufferyard as defined in the Village Code 260-907 requires a permit.
PLUMBING
Plumbing work including piping, drain installation, changing or replacing fixtures.
Plumbers must be licensed by the State of Illinois or per exceptions of the State Licensing Act.
RE-ROOFING
Replacement of existing roof shingles or flat roof membranes. All roofing contractors must be licensed by the State of Illinois or per exceptions of the State Licensing Act.
IRRIGATION/SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Underground lawn sprinkler systems. A State of Illinois Irrigation license and/or State of Illinois Plumbing license #055, original letter of intent.
SIGNS – PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY
The erection, enlargement, expansion, alteration, operation, maintenance, relocation, and removal of all signs within the Village visible from any street, sidewalk, or public or private common open space.
SOLAR PANELS
Solar panels are considered an alteration to an existing structure and for safety and quality purposes it requires a permit.
STORAGE SHEDS
Accessory structures whether pre-manufactured or custom built, are required to have a minimum 4-inch thick concrete slab for the base. All the structures must meet zoning ordinance location requirements.
SWIMMING POOLS
Construction or removal of an in-ground swimming pool.
TREE REMOVALS
All trees require a tree removal permit even if the tree is dead. There is no fee for this permit unless a tree is in healthy condition. Other requirements may apply if determined by the Village Forester.
UNDERGROUND SEWER AND WATER REPAIRS
All underground sewer or water line repairs on public/private property. Plumbers performing this work must have a copy of the State of Illinois license on file.
WOOD DECKS/PATIOS/OUTDOOR KITCHENS/FIRE PIT/SEAT WALLS
Removal of outdoor hardscapes and replacement of hardscapes. Installation of new hardscapes.
List of Items Not Requiring a Permit
- Interior painting & wallpaper
- Painting exterior of existing home or accessory structure
- Installation of tile, carpeting, and counter tops (not a part of a remodel)
- Installation of hardwood flooring
- Driveway sealcoating
- Mailbox replacement
- Recreation including playhouse, swing set, trampoline, sand box and basketball backboard.