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Building Department Permits

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1. What form of payment does VVH take?

Cash or check only (no credit card pay options available), payable to the Village of Vernon Hills.

2. Do I need HOA approval?

If you have an HOA, the requester can make contact to inquire if an approval is needed for the permit request.  Submit approval proof with permit at turn in time. CLICK HERE VH HOA LISTING

3. Do I need to register as a contractor in Vernon Hills?

No – We just require copies of roofing, plumbing (055 and 058) and electrical licenses where the work is applicable to the permit you are requesting.

4. When do permits expire?

1 year from release date

5. What are your construction hours?

~Mon-Fri: 7a-7p   ~Saturdays: 8a-5p  ~Sundays:  NO Construction Hours

6. Do I need a Certificate of Insurance?

If the project cost is over $100,000 a Certificate of Insurance is required.  It must show covering the property (General Liability and Workmen’s Comp), assigned to the Village of VH as the Certificate Holder and showing the Village of VH as an additional insured.

7. What is a completion (refundable) bond? (Known as a cash bond)

The completion bond is a guarantee that final inspections will be completed for the project. Once the project is completed and closed, this cash bond will be refunded to the payer, 3 to 5 weeks after final inspections are completed. All inspections have to be called in with permit number and scheduled by a designee of the permitted project to avoid forfeit/loss of the completion bond refund. The Village does not automatically set up inspections. (Refer to actual permit placard for permit number and phone number to call for inspections.) 

8. What is the turnaround time of a permit application?

Over Counter (OTC) Permits – immediate release (can wait in lobby, if mailed/dropped off - up to 1 business day.

Roof, water heater, siding/soffit, sealcoat (no repair work), ac/furnace, irrigation, some valve changes, emergency sewer repair, rooftop hvac.

Residential projects with plan reviews can take 7-10 business days.  There are no expedited permit offerings, applications stay in order of received dates, to remain fair to all applicants.

Commercial plan reviews – up to 20 business days.  There are no expedited permit offerings, applications stay in order of received dates, to remain fair to all applicants.

9. Do you have options for turning in permits and receiving permits?

1 - Mail in check with permit application and requirements, attention to Building Dept.

Release of permit – Mail in check to VVH, Attn: Building Dept, Memo area put project address – VVH will email scans of permit placard, receipts and plans to given email address. 

2 - Bring check with permit application and requirements, into vestibule basket/bin on table.

Release of permit – Drop check to VVH basket in envelope, Attn: Building Dept, Memo area put project address – VVH will email scans of permit placard, receipts and plans (pending size) to given email address. 

3 - Front desk service – Face covering, social distance and counter assistance behind window.

 The Village of Vernon Hills Building Department is available, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm for permit releases.

4 -After 5pm or weekends:  To the right of the VH Village Hall entrance door (gray tower) is a drop box.

Email scans will include the following

Permit placard, receipts, reports, and stamped plans up to 11x17. Larger plans can be held at Village counter.

10. Do you accept email or faxed applications for residential permits?

Applications are not be accepted via fax due to clarity issues.  Email applications are accepted as a complete packet and for the following permit types: no fee permits and no plan review fee permits containing 8.5x11 plan sizes with a total of 5 pages or less in the packet.  Choose mailing in or vestibule drop with check included for limited contact options.

11. How do I call in for an inspection?

Call (847) 367-3700 with PERMIT NUMBER ready – cut off time for next day inspections are 3:30pm.  We do not do same day inspections or on Saturdays or Sundays.

12. What are the best times to call for questions or inspections?

Please note that we are not always able to get incoming phone lines due to attending counter customers and/or multiple calls to the main number. Lunch breaks take place from 1130-2p, where staffing is decreased and counter customers tend to be higher at this time.  Your patience is appreciated.  If you are calling about inspections, you can call the main number before 3:30pm, and leave a message with your permit number and inspection needed. Outside inspections do not need anyone on site, make sure permit/plans are accessible and posted to inspector in a gallon ziploc bag.

13. Where can I find the VVH ordinances or county codes?

VH Ordinances - CLICK HERE   Development Codes - CLICK HERE   

14. What construction codes are followed within the Village of Vernon Hills?

2018 International Building Code with local amendments                 2018 International Residential Code

2018 International Energy Conservation Code                                    2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code

2018 International Mechanical Code                                                    2017 National Electrical Code with local amendments

2018 International Fire Prevention Code with local amendments      2018 Illinois State Accessibility Code

2018 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments

15. What are permit fees so payment can be made at all at once?

All building permit fees can be found here - CLICK HERE.                           

Please find below fee calculation assistance for residential permits.  These fees are not applicable to new construction homes.

PLAN REVIEW FEES $0.00 – Siding, Roof, Water Heater, AC/Furnace, irrigation sprinkler with existing grass, driveway, fence, patio, walkway, shed kit, emergency sewer repair, seal coat with no repairs  Deck - $25.00         All other projects – Total cost of job x .002, minimum $25.00                                             Insert cost here à	$
PERMIT FEES Is the cost of the job less than $1500.00?           $30.00 Is the cost of the job range $1501-5000.00?       $50.00 Is the cost of the job more than $5001.00?        Cost of job X 1%                                        Insert cost here à	$
REFUNDABLE BOND FEES Is the cost of the job less than $5000.00?              $50.00 Is the cost of the job range $5001-15,000.00?      $150.00 Is the cost of the job more than $15,001.00?       Cost of job X 1%                                     Insert cost here à	$
ADD ALL LINES – TOTAL HERE à	$

Please find below fee calculation assistance for commercial permit estimates.  However, only plan review fees are paid at time of submitting application packet.  Other fees noted, will come at approval notification time.

 

PLAN REV FEES - $75 or .002 x cost of job  $______________________           (Fee to pay when submitting application packet)

 

COMMERCIAL PERMIT FEES BELOW ARE NOTIFIED AT PERMIT APPROVAL TIME

WAIT TO GET CONFIRMATION OF FINAL AMOUNTS BEFORE PAYING IN ADVANCE

 

PERMITS                                                        COMPLETION BONDS 

1% cost of job/ $75 minimum                      < $5000 - $50         $5001-15,000 - $150          > $15001 – 1% ($5000 limit)

*Fire department fees range: $200.00 - $319.00, and up pending additional reviews or fire system/services.

*Engineer fees (sitework, commercial parking lots, landscape, certain building issues) can apply, if applicable.

 

16. How can I speak to an inspector regarding a specific permit question?

Call (847) 367-3700 and you will be connected.  Inspectors do inspections during the day, so they can return calls when they are in the office.

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Finance

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1. Do I need a vehicle sticker or an animal tag?

Vehicle Stickers and Animal Tags are not required in the Village of Vernon Hills

2. How do I pay for parking at the Metra Station?

Commuters may pay for parking on a daily basis at the electronic machines at the Metra Station, or through the Mobile Passport Parking Application, which can be downloaded for Andriod, or iOS devices.

Commuters may also purchase a bi-monthly parking pass for $55 to park in the Village's commuter parking facility.  More information on parking passes can be found here.

3. How do I pay my water bill?

Lake County administers water service for Vernon Hills’ residents. Payments can be remitted through the mail, automatic direct debit or online. More information on water service can be found on the Lake County website.

4. Does the Village of Vernon Hills impose transfer taxes?

The Village of Vernon Hills does not impose a local transfer tax on the purchase or sale of property. However, residents should be aware that there is a Lake County Transfer Tax. More information on the Lake County Tax can be found here.

5. Who do I contact regarding refuse and yard waste collection?

The Village uses Advanced Disposal for refuse and yard waste collection, who can be reached at 847-623-3870. Rates are dependent on the size of refuse container requested and the frequency of collection. Specific guidelines can be found here.

6. How do I request copies of records?

To request copies of records, fill out a Freedom of Information Request form and submit it to:

Village Clerk's Office

290 Evergreen Drive

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

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Main

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Resident FAQs

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1. What utility companies service Vernon Hills?

ATT – 800-288-2020 

ANIMAL CONTROL – 847-949-9925 

XFINITY – 866-594-1234 

UVERSE – 877-617-5980

PACE BUS – 224-735-8678 

COM ED – 800-334-7661 

COM ED OUTAGE REPORT – 800-376-7693

NS GAS – 866-556-6004

NICOR – 888-642-6748 

METRA – 312-322-6777 

LAKE COUNTY 847-377-2000

2. Who do I contact about my water and sewer service?

For water service or problems that may occur with your service, please contact Lake County Public Works at 847-377-7500.

3. How do I get high speed internet cable?

Comcast Xfinity is available throughout the Village. 866-594-1234

AT&T U-verse is available is select areas throughout the Village. Contact 800-288-2020 to find out if the services are available in your area.

Unwired is available is select areas throughout the Village. Contact 800-288-2020 to find out if the services are available in your area.

Viasat is available throughout the Village. 844‌-‌605‌-‌2426

4. Who is my trash hauler and how do I get rid of yard waste?

The Village has a contract with Waste Management (WM) for residential garbage and recycling collection, as well as for seasonal yard waste and food scrapping collection. (Businesses and residents who are part of a HOA or management company contract may have an agreement with an alternate provide.) Please call WM directly at 800-964-8988 to set up service. Yard waste and food scrap collection service runs from April to late November and can be purchased from Waste Management on a seasonal subscription or by purchasing pay-as-you-go stickers at the Village Hall, Sullivan Center, Walgreens, Mariano's and directly through Waste Management. Please note that all trash, garbage and yard waste containers must be stored out of public view except on the date of pick up. You must contact WM for special pickups if the items are large or do not get picked up on the regular route. Do not place items in the parkway until the day of pick up.

5. Do I need a vehicle sticker?

The Village does not enforce the purchasing and displaying of vehicle stickers on the windshields of resident vehicles; therefore vehicle stickers are not required but are available. Bring in your Illinois State Vehicle Registration showing your Vernon Hills address for a no charge vehicle sticker.

6. Do I need to register my pets?

You do not need to register your pets with the Village; however, you are required to register each pet with Lake County. Please call Lake County’s Animal Control at: (847) 949-9925

7. Are there any parking restrictions I should know about?

OVERNIGHT PARKING RESTRICTIONS: Village Ordinance 22-263 prohibits parking on the street between 2am - 6am. While some private streets may be exempt from this ordinance, many associations have enacted ordinances prohibiting the same on private streets, thereby giving police officers the authority to issue parking tickets for overnight parking on these streets. If you live on a private street and are not sure if you can park on it overnight, you should contact your association or contact the police department.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS DUE TO SNOW: According to Village Ordinance 22-321, vehicles cannot be parked on Village streets for 12 hours after a snowfall of two inches or more. While this may serve as a minor inconvenience to some residents, it is absolutely necessary to have a free path for our snow plows to clear the streets in a timely fashion. There is limited parking for guests on streets overnight. You can call the Police Department for specifics and permission to park at your host's home.
For additional information regarding Parking Restrictions please review our Municipal Code

8. Do I need a permit for any home improvements I have planned?

All of our Zoning Ordinance, Building Codes, and other Ordinances can be found online at MUNICODE.com. Building Permits are required for most improvements or remodelings involving structural changes, additions, plumbing or electrical changes such as decks, patios, driveway, swimming pools, replacement of water heaters, furnaces, siding, roofs, etc. Please contact the Building Division before starting your project to determine if you need a permit.

9. Where can I dispose of old electronics and household chemicals?

Please visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's (SWALCO) website at www.swalco.org or by dialing 847-336-9340. Public Works & Engineering

10. What township do I live in?

The Village of Vernon Hills does not assess a property tax. For information on your property taxes please contact your township Tax Assessor’s Office.
Residents living South of Route 60 (Townline Rd.) reside in Vernon Township.

Vernon Township
3050 N. Main St.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
(847) 634-4600 (Main Office)
(847) 634-4602 (Tax Assessor)

Residents living North of Route 60 (Townline Rd.) reside in Libertyville Township.

Libertyville Township
359 Merrill Ct.
Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 816-6800 (Main Office)
(847) 362-5900 (Tax Assessor)

11. How do I pay for Metra Parking?

The daily fee for parking at the Metra Station is $1.75 per vehicle. Parking is first come first serve. The Village Hall offers a 2-Month parking pass for those who use the train on a daily basis that prefer to have the convenience of a pass rather than a $1.75 in change. The pass costs $55.00 and covers 2 months at a time. Note, however, that the fee will be pro-rated as each week passes within the two-month period. Applications may be mailed into the Village Hall along with a $55.00 check two weeks prior to the beginning of a new two-month period. Your application will be processed and a parking pass will be mailed back to you

Passport Parking mobile app

The free app will allow residents and commuters to pay for parking from a mobile device. The daily price remains $1.75 per day, but there's a 37¢ per transaction user charge. Commuters can pay each day or buy a wallet in the app to draw on as needed. Commuters will also be able to monitor the time remaining on their parking session, view payment history, receive email receipts of transactions and manage their account at ppprk.com. Monthly Metra passes or use of existing terminals is not affected. In addition to Vernon Hills, the app can also be used to pay for parking in more than 50 other suburbs.

12. Where do I register to vote and what precinct am I in?

Voter Registration is available at the Village Hall. You will be required to show two forms of identification both which show your current Vernon Hills address. These may include a Driver’s License, and any pre-printed bill statement or such you may have. Voter registration will not be available the last 30 days prior to an election.
The Lake County Clerks' Office has a comprehensive web site to assist you in all your voting questions: registration, polling places, absentee voting, etc.

13. How do I stop solicitors from bothering me?

The Village Hall offers “No Soliciting” stickers for residents who wish to have one displayed on or near their front door of their home. This sticker prevents any solicitor from approaching your home. However, if one should, and you have your sticker displayed, we request that you call the Police Department at 847-362-4449, and report the person or person(s) who had violated our policy.

14. How do I get rid of the wild animal living under my porch?

The Village does not provide wildlife removal services or animal rescue. You may contact the following if service is needed:

• ABC Wildlife                       847-220-6008
• County Wildlife Control    847-949-5655
• Critter Control                    847-991-9909
• Illinois Wildlife Control      815-337-2719
• JD's Wildlife Services       847-769-9905
• Wildlife Services, Inc.       847-394-9800
• Animal Control Specialists   847-827-7800
• MPS Wildlife Sevices          847-867-1113
• Mayhem Restoration           224-489-7575
• Erosion Control Consulting Inc    815-970-4089
• Prime Time Wildlife Removal   708-323-5969

 Stray Cats: The Village of Vernon Hills recommends contacting Spay and Stay for free-roaming and/or abandoned domestic cats in our area. Spay and Stay uses a humane technique called Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to control and reduce the population of unaltered cats. Call 847-289-4557 for more information.

15. Where can I find a notary?

The Village Hall offers Notary Services to the public free of charge. Vernon Hills Notary Policy

16. Is there an email system I can sign up for where I can find out what's going on?

The Village of Vernon Hills offers two broadcast email systems for emergency and non-emergency notifications. Blackboard Connect is a reverse 911 based system and is used when an emergency arises. Our non-emergency broadcast, "Notify Me," allows you to receive weekly notification of events, activities, event updates and garage sale notifications.

17. What special events does the Village sponsor?

For information in regards to upcoming events in the Village, please call our events line at: (847) 367-3725 or view it on cable access Channel 4. Events will also be listed under Special Events.

18. I am in need of financial assistance, who do I call?

Your Township office provides assistance to residents in need of emergency or general assistance, food pantry and human/social services.

19. Is there a way to recognize our troops coming home from overseas?

In November of 2007, the Villages of Vernon Hills and Libertyville started a new initiative to ensure veterans returning home from service overseas are welcomed home and recognized for their honorable duty. The program, named “Operation Welcome Home,” is an extension of the Blue Line For The Front Line effort, in which both towns have supported specific units deployed overseas and helped Veterans in need since 2003. Residents with a service member returning home may register for the program by contacting the Vernon Hills Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (847) 247-4889.

20. Who do I contact about my mailbox being damaged by a snowplow?

Please contact the Vernon Hills Public Works Department at 847-367-3726 immediately to report your mailbox being damaged by a snowplow. You can also find additional information by viewing the "Mailbox Damages" page under the Village's Streets, Grounds, & Signage Division webpage. Mailbox Damages