Planning, Zoning & Building Department

 

Phone:   (847) 395-9462
   Fax:   (847) 395-9482

Most Frequently Asked Questions concerning Building Permits

 

  1. Where is the Building Department located and what are the office hours?
     
    The Building Department is located at 882 Main Street, same entrance as the Police Dispatch Center just south of Village Hall. The Department’s hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. We are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.
     
  2. Can homeowners do their own work?
     
    Except for some plumbing work (water service and back-flow prevention devices), yes. However, this does not exempt the homeowner from obtaining a building permit and having the required inspections completed.
     
    Remember, 2 working days before you dig, call JULIE: 1-800-892-0123 (for more information about JULIE, visit their website: www.illinois1call.com ).
     
  3. Who should apply and pay for a building permit?
     
    The homeowner or the contractor may apply or pay for a building permit. The applicant generally acts as the "contact person" for all correspondence.
     
  4. Why do I have to indicate the Permanent Property Identification Number (aka real estate tax index number) on the permit application?
     
    Because it is required by State Law, (65 ILCS 5/11-39-1 and 65 ILCS 5/11-39-2).
     
  5. Why do I have to attach a recent certified Plat of Survey?
     
    Because the Building Code requires an accurate site plan, and the legal description of the property is a requirement of State Law, (65 ILCS 5/11-39-1).
     
     
  6. Do I need to obtain approval from my Homeowners Association prior to submitting a permit application to the Building Department?  

    Please click here to learn more about the Homeowners Association requirements for permit approval.
     

  7. Do contractors need to be bonded or licensed?
     
    The Village does not require every contractor to be bonded. We do, however, require that all Electric, Plumbing, and Roofing contractors provide the Building Department with copies of their current licenses or registrations. Bonds are required of excavators.
     
  8. Are permits required for alterations to any part of a residence?
     
    The Village requires building permits for residential alterations such as decks, swimming pools, additions, fences, garages, electrical and plumbing alterations. Replacement doors and windows or re-siding do not require permits unless the size of any rough opening is changed.
     
  9. What does a building permit cost?
     
    The basic permit fee is 2% of the total value of construction with a minimum fee for any residential permit of $50.00. However, there may be other applicable fees, such as: water and sewer tap-on fees, water meter charge, impact fees, etc.
     
  10. Can I receive the permit card and pay for it later?
     
    NO. The Building Code requires that fees be paid prior to permit issuance.
     
  11. How long does it take to review and process a permit application once it has been submitted to the Building Department?
     
    Most permit applications submitted during the construction season may take up to 15 working days to review. If the permit application and plans are required to be re-submitted or if additional information is required, the re-review would depend on current work load of the plan examiner, but in no case would it take longer than an additional 15 working days.
     
  12. Can you apply for a building permit through the mail?
     
    Yes, but the turn-around time may take longer to complete. The permit application is available on the Village’s web site. The applicant would complete the application and return it to the Building Department with all the correct attachments. Once the application has been approved, the Building Department would contact the applicant to inform them of the permit fee. At this point, the applicant must pay in person and sign related compliance statements concerning the project.
     
  13. When and how can I get an inspection?
     
    Inspections may be requested Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM until 2:00 PM. Inspections need to be requested one day in advance. To request an inspection, please provide the permit number, the address of the project, and the type of inspection required. Also, if the resident desires to be present for the inspection, the Building Department will work to schedule an approximate time for the inspector and resident to meet.
     
  14. Do I need a building permit and an inspection for replacing an appliance, such as hot water heater?
     
    If it is an in-kind replacement, a permit is not required. If however, an electrical appliance is being replaced with a natural gas appliance (or vice versa) then a permit is required.


 
 

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