Building Permit Application Process

Below are the steps to apply and submit information 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. 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 (PDF).

For projects that require Electrical (PDF), Mechanical/HVAC (PDF), and/or Plumbing (PDF) work, applicants must also fill-out supplement applications for each. The above links provide the Building Permit Application and its various supplements.

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 make sure that the contractor is licensed with the Village prior to the construction of the project. Contractors must fill-out a Contractor License Application and pay a fee based on the type of services he or she will be providing. Based on the type of service, contractors may be required to provide documentation such as a copy of a State license. All contractor licenses are valid for one (1) year and must be renewed annually. Please review and submit the Contractor License Application (PDF).

For the following conditions, a contractor must be hired to execute the project:

• If an addition costs more than $10,000, then a designer is required.
• All kitchens require a designer to complete a plumbing, electrical, and mechanical plan
• If the project is greater than 500 square feet or costs more than $20,000, then an Illinois licensed architect or structural engineer is required.

If the homeowner is planning to do the work himself or herself, he or she must sign a Certificate of Responsibility. This certification stipulates that the homeowner must abide by the Building Codes and Ordinances adopted by the Village and adhere to the required inspections. Please review and submit the Certificate of Responsibility Form (PDF).

Step 4: I Have Followed the Previous Steps, How Do I Submit My Building Permit Application?

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 two (2) updated Plats 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 plats of survey, the proposed project area must be highlighted on both copies.
• 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 cannot be larger than 24” x 36”
• All drawing plans must be submitted 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: How Long Is the Permit Process?

Permits are not issued the same day that they are submitted. Permits are reviewed by the Building and Safety Division staff in the order in which they are received. However, the permit process can be expeditious if all of the required information is submitted accurately and completely from the start.

Since the application process varies depending on the type of development proposed, we encourage applicants to speak to our staff before applying for any permits. Applicants may request for a preliminary plan review. Preliminary plan reviews provide answers to all of your questions and/or concerns regarding the proposed project. Please review and submit the Preliminary Plan Review Form (PDF).

Step 6: How Do I Check On the Status of a Building Permit Application?

After the building permit application has been submitted, the applicant will be contacted if the plan reviewer has any questions or problems, or any additional information is needed. You may call or email the Building and Safety Division to inquire about the status of the permit, but please keep in mind that plan review time may be affected by the departments’ work load and/or unforeseen projects.

Once your plans have been approved, the applicant will be notified for permit pick-up and payment. The Community Development Department office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is  now located at Village Hall (9526 W, Irving Park Road). Applicants may pay with cash, check, and/or credit card.

As soon as you pay your permit fees, you will be given either a green (for homeowners) or yellow (for contractors) permit card to post on your front door or window. You must have these permit cards posted in an area that is visible for public viewing. Additionally, you will also be advised to schedule all pertinent inspections. For more information on building permit inspections, visit our Inspections Page.