ARC, Building, Zoning - Village of Bannockburn

& Community Development

The mission of the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) and Zoning Department is to preserve the Village’s community character and natural resources, build a better community; enhance quality of life; and respond to community needs through the implementation of the adopted Comprehensive Master Plan (2024), Village Zoning Code, Building Codes, and Municipal Code while providing professional, friendly and quality customer service to the community. [Contact for ARC or Zoning Projects: Ryan Mentkowski]

The Building Department (contact: Sam Barghi) is responsible for implementing and enforcing current applicable codes and ordinances within the Village of Bannockburn. Building permits are required for new construction, as well as for specific scopes of work to alter or repair existing structures or property. The department also facilitates the landscape and tree removal process. The department oversees the construction process at various stages through building inspections to confirm the scope of work is being done per current codes and ordinances. The Village outsources its plan review and inspection services for building, engineering, and forestry. The Village has an intergovernmental agreement for with the City of Lake Forest to provide plan reviews and perform the inspections.

There are several distinct functional areas: Zoning Approvals (generally for things like larger commercial developments), Architectural Review/Approval (from a new single-family home, to a 600 square foot shed, and down to a Patio/deck), Building Permit Process (most projects in the Village, including Dead Tree Removal), Code Enforcement (work that starts before a permit is issued is a common example) and Community Development/Long Term Planning (from applying the policies of the Comprehensive Master Plan, updating the Zoning Code, and other policy documents).

Department Approval Processes
Planning & Zoning, Architectural, Building Permit

The following are some of the approval processes that could be needed, depending on the complexity of your project.
[Please note that there are many links on this page (in blue) that will take you directly to your documents.]

Option 1. Does you project require Zoning Relief according to the Village Zoning Ordinance (Special Use Permit, Rezoning, etc)?

[Most projects do NOT go through this process]

Yes – Schedule a Meeting online with our Planning Staff to discuss the Application for Zoning Relief PRIOR to submittals.
No – Check Option 2

Option 2. Does your project require Architectural Review Commission (ARC) Level II Review

[Not sure if this applies? Here is a link to a document with examples of construction projects]

Yes – Apply for ARC II Review [Applications & Projects are submitted via email to start the review] [Please Schedule a Meeting Online with our Planning Staff prior to submittals.]
No – Check Option 3

Option 3. Does your project require Architectural Review Commission (ARC) Level I Review

[Not sure if this applies? Here is a link to a document with examples of construction projects]

Yes – Apply for ARC I Review [Applications & Projects are submitted via email to start the review] [Questions? – Schedule a Meeting Online with our Planning Staff]
No – Go to Option 4

Option 4. Does your project require a Building Permit?

A majority of projects in the Village WILL require a building permit — Please ask before constructing

Please contact Sam Barghi (SBarghi@villageofbannockburn.org) for additional details if the permit “how to documents” are not satisfactory.
Yes – Apply for the Building Permit | Building Permit Department Guidelines for most Projects (your guide to a smooth process)

Please remember that if your project received Zoning approvals or any ARC approvals, a Building Permit will be required to be done following those approvals.

Key Documents