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Q: Where is the Building Division located and what are the office hours?
A: The Building Division is located in the Village Hall at 290 Evergreen Drive. Building Division services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Q: Can homeowners do their own work?
A: Yes, but this does not exempt the homeowner from obtaining a building permit and having the required inspections completed.
Q: Who should apply and pay for a building permit?
A: The homeowner or the contractor may apply or pay for a building permit. The applicant generally acts as the "contact person" for all correspondence.
Q: Why do I need to obtain approval from my Homeowners Association prior to submitting a permit application to the Building Division?
A: Many subdivisions have Homeowners Associations that have asked for the opportunity to review and approve projects in accordance with their subdivision covenants prior to residents submitting an application for a building permit. Generally, Association approval letters are required for all exterior property improvements.
Q: Do contractors need to be bonded or licensed?
A: The Village does not require every contractor to be bonded. We do, however, require that all Electric, Plumbing, Roofing and low voltage wiring contractors provide the Building Division with copies of their current licenses or registrations.
Q: Are permits required for alterations to any part of a residence?
A: Yes. A building permit enables the Village to make sure the proposed work is completed in accordance with applicable building codes and zoning ordinances.
Q: What does a building permit cost?
A: Generally, the cost of a permit is 1% of the total value of construction with a minimum fee for any residential permit of $25.00. All permits also require a refundable cash completion bond. The minimum amount of a completion bond is $50. Typically, the completion bond is refunded within three to four weeks after the final inspection has been approved.
Q. How long does it take to review and process a permit application once it has been submitted to the Building Division?
A: Permits for re-roofing, siding/fascia/soffit replacement, and water heaters are issued immediately, over the counter. All other permits 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 requested, 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.
Q: Can you apply for a building permit through the mail?
A: Yes, but the turn-around time may take longer to complete. The Village would need to send a permit application (and any applicable information) to the applicant. The applicant would complete the application and return it to the Building Division with all the correct attachments and a plan review fee. Once the application has been approved, the Building Division would contact the applicant to inform them of the permit fee. At this point, either the applicant would send the fee in by mail or may be required to pay in person if additional communication about the project is necessary. The Village also has a "drop box" located adjacent to the front door of the Village Hall for our residents convenience.
Q: When and how can I get an inspection?
A: Inspections may be requested Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. 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 Division will work to schedule an approximate time for the inspector and resident to meet.
Q: Why do you need a building permit and an inspection for a hot water heater?
A: A State of Illinois licensed plumber is required to perform the work unless the homeowner prefers to do the installation. The inspection is critical. If the unit is not properly installed, the heater may become a hazard by developing a gas or water leak or not function efficiently.
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