Permits & Building Codes



All Permits are Accepted Online

 

Contractors and Community members register here through Community Core

(The Contractor's registration can NOT be paid via the Business License portal, only through the linked Community Core app).

You do NOT need to sign into the Village of Schiller Park website in order to use Community Core.

 

Registered and Returning Members can login here

If you are a returning contractor or community member with an existing account

 

How to Apply for a Building Permit?


Step 1: Does My Project Require a Permit?

  • First off, you must determine whether or not your project requires a permit. To do this, please review our Building Permit List (PDF). If you are unsure, please contact the Building and Safety Division and speak to one of our plan reviewers.

 

Step 2: Have I Filled Out All of the Pertinent Applications?

  • For all projects that require a building permit, applicants must fill out a Building Permit Application through Community Core.
    1. If the applicant is not the homeowner, he or she must obtain a signature of approval from the homeowner in the designated section of the Building Permit Application.
  • For projects that require Electrical, Mechanical/HVAC, and/or Plumbing  work, applicants must also fill-out supplement applications for each which will be provided on Community Core.

 

Step 3: What Do I Need If I'm Hiring a Contractor or Doing the Work Myself?


If a contractor is working on your project, please ensure that they are licensed with the Village of Schiller Park prior to the start of construction.


Contractors Must:

  • Register through Community Core:
  • Provide Cost and Scope of Work
  • Pay a registration fee based on the type of services provided
  • Submit required documentation, which may include:
    • A copy of a valid State license
    • Certificate of Insurance
    • Surety bond
    • Workman's Comp Insurance, etc.

All contractor licenses are valid for one (1) year — from May 1 to April 30 — and must be renewed annually.


  • When is a Licensed Contractor Required
    • A licensed contractor is required for the following types of work:
      • Additions costing more than $10,000: A designer is required.
      • Kitchen remodels: A designer is required to complete plumbing, electrical, and mechanical plans.
      • Projects greater than 500 square feet or exceeding $20,000: An Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer is required.

 

  • If the Homeowner Plans to Do the Work
    • If the homeowner intends to complete the work themselves, they must sign a Certificate of Responsibility Form that can Also be found on Community Core. This form certifies that the homeowner agrees to:
      • Comply with all applicable Building Codes and Village Ordinances
      • Schedule and pass all required inspections

Step 4: What Type of Additional Information Must I Provide? 


Once all of the pertinent applications have been filled out, the applicant must provide additional information based on the type of project that he/she is proposing to do. All paperwork and required plans must be submitted at one time. The following information is required for submittal in addition to the applications stated in the steps above:

  • For all exterior projects, applicants are required to submit a Plat of Survey. If the applicant has the original Plat of Survey, the office can make copies and return the originals back to the applicant. On the Plat of Survey, the proposed project area must be highlighted.
  • All contractors not only have to apply for a license with the Village, but they also must provide a proposal and/or contract where the property owner acknowledges the type of work the contractor will be doing for the proposed project.
  • All drawing plans must be submitted through Community Core. If you have and questions about how many plans or what type of plans are needed, contact the community development department.
  • in the following way:
    • Two (2) sets for smaller projects (example: decks, patios, garages, signs)
    • Three (3) sets for residential additions
    • Four (4) sets for residential additions.
    • Four (4) sets for single-family residences
    • Four (4) sets for commercial projects with civil engineering/grade changes; one goes to the Fire Department and another goes to Engineering (Gewalt Hamilton  Associates, Inc.).
  • For any Commercial work or new single family home please submit a PDF formatted file along with the plans.

 

Step 5: I Have Followed the Previous Steps, How Do I Submit My Building Permit Application?

You can now submit your Building Permit Application Through Community Core. Scroll up to the top of the page for the link!


  • For First-Time Contractors:
    • If you are a contractor applying for a permit for the first time, you must:
    • Register your company and create an account on the portal before starting your permit application.
    • Scroll to the top of this page and click the link for contractors to sign up on Community Core
    • Enter your email address to begin creating your account. You will receive a confirmation email from noreply@noreplycommunitycore.com
    • Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don't see the email right away.
    • Click the link in the email to continue your registration. You will be asked to:
      • Select your trade,
      • Upload the required documentation, and
      • Create a username and password for future logins.
  • Enter your email address to begin creating your account. You will receive a confirmation email from noreply@noreplycommunitycore.com
  • Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don't see the email right away.
    • Once registered, you can log in to the portal to:
      • Submit permit applications,
      • Pay outstanding fees, and
      • Check the status of your application.

Step 6: How Long Is the Permit Process?

  • Permits are reviewed in the order they are received. However, the process can be expedited, and permits may be issued on the same day if all required information is submitted accurately and completely from the outset.
  • Because the application process may vary depending on the type of development proposed, we encourage applicants to consult with our inspectors before applying for any permits.
  • Once a building permit application has been submitted, the applicant will be contacted via Community Core if the plan reviewer has any questions, identifies any issues, or requires additional information. You may check the status of your permit through the Community Core, or by calling or emailing Community Development. Please note that plan review times may be impacted by staff workload or unforeseen projects.

Step 7: How Do I Check On the Status of a Building Permit Application?


  • You can check the status of your application through your Community Core Account, or by calling or emailing the Community Development Department. Please keep in mind that the review process takes time and may be affected by staff workload or unforeseen projects.
  • Once your plans have been approved, you will be notified via email to proceed with payment for the permit. Payments can be made online through the portal or in person by cash, check, or credit card.
  • The Community Development Department is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is now located at Village Hall (9526 W. Irving Park Road).
  • Upon payment, the permit technician will issue your permit through Community Core. This card must be posted in a location visible from the street, such as a front door or window.
  • You will also receive instructions on scheduling all required inspections. For more details, please visit the Inspection Page.