City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

Make A Payment
Skip NavigationMenu
  • How Do I…
    • Make an Online Payment
    • Find Public Parking
    • Apply for a Building Permit
    • Apply for a Job
    • View Forms & Applications
    • Submit A FOIA
    • View GIS Maps
    • Close
  • News & Updates
    • City News
      • Recent News
      • News Archive
      • Close
    • Stay Updated
      • Digital Newsletter
      • Social Media
      • Close
    • Project Updates
      • Lead Service Line Replacement Project
      • 2025 Capital Improvement Project
      • Close
    • Traffic Impacts
      • Neltnor Boulevard (IL-59) from North Avenue (IL-64) to Batavia Road
      • Roosevelt Road (IL-38) from Technology Boulevard to Pierce Avenue
      • Cornerstone Lakes & Forest Trails Neighborhoods
      • Close
    • Community Bulletin
    • At Home with Merle Burleigh Weekly Blog
    • Press & Media Requests
    • Close
  • Utilities & Services
    • Utilities
      • Water & Sewer
        • Pay Online
        • Additional Payment Options
        • Billing Details
        • Sprinkler Meters
        • Close
      • Garbage & Recycling
        • Billing Details
        • Pickup Schedule
        • Yard Waste Collection
        • Bulk Item Collection
        • Electronic Recycling
        • Close
      • Close
    • Building Permits
      • Residential Building Permits
      • Commercial Building Permits
      • Contractor Registration
      • Building Codes & Ordinances
      • Close
    • Community Programs
      • Seasonal Programs
        • Brush Collection Program
        • Bulk Item Collection Event
        • Free Leaf Collection Program
        • Summer Lawn Sprinkler Restriction Program
        • Rain Barrel Program
        • Close
      • Property Protection Programs
        • Vacation Watch Program
        • Key Box Program
        • Smoke Detector Assistance Program
        • Address Sign Program
        • Bicycle Registration Program
        • Close
      • Community Education Programs
        • Citizens Police Academy Program
        • Neighborhood Watch Program
        • Cadet Program
        • CERT Program
        • Close
      • Close
    • Business Assistance
      • Existing Businesses
        • Assistance & Support
        • Business Registration Renewal
        • Specialty Business Licenses
        • Close
      • New Businesses
        • Steps to Opening a New Business
        • Operating A Business From Your Home
        • Close
      • Incentives & Programs
        • Downtown Retail and Restaurant Grant Program
        • Close
      • Economic Development Portal
      • Downtown Investment Program
      • Close
    • Senior Services
      • Senior Transportation
      • In-Home Meal Delivery
      • Well-Being Checks
      • Yard Clean-Up
      • Minor Home Repairs
      • Pet Food & Assistance
      • Friendly Visit & Assistance
      • Close
    • Online Citizen Police Reporting
    • Property Transactions
      • Property Sales
      • Property Purchases
      • Property Title Changes
      • Close
    • Forms & Applications
      • Rental Property License Application
      • Rental Property License Renewal
      • Other
      • Close
    • Snow Removal
    • Animal Control
    • Cemetery Management
    • Close
  • Art & Culture
    • Community Profile
    • History of West Chicago
    • Things To Do
      • Family Activities & Destinations
      • West Chicago Prairie
      • West Chicago City Museum
      • Gallery 200
      • Walking & Biking Trails
      • Close
    • Special Events
      • Blooming Fest
      • Food Festival
      • Halloween Festivities
      • Frosty Fest
      • Close
    • Community Initiatives
      • Art Banner Exhibit
      • WeGo Loteria
      • WeGo Exploring
      • Veterans’ Day Display
      • Past Initiatives
        • Olmec Trails (2024)
        • Year of the Alebrijes (2022)
        • Close
      • Close
    • Public Parking
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Locations
      • Overnight Parking Requests
      • Close
    • Community Partners
      • West Chicago Public Library
      • West Chicago Park District
      • DuPage County Forest Preserve
      • West Chicago Fire Protection District
      • Close
    • Close
  • Government
    • Elected Officials
      • Form of Government
      • Mayor Daniel Bovey
      • City Council
      • Standing Committees
      • Coffee with the Mayor
      • Elections & Voting
      • Close
    • Boards & Commissions
      • Boards & Commissions
      • Board & Commission Application
      • Close
    • Agendas & Minutes
      • Agendas & Minutes
      • City Council Video Recordings
      • Public Participation
      • Public Meeting Schedule
      • Close
    • City Departments
      • Administration
      • Business & Community Relations
      • Community Development
        • Building Permits
        • Code Enforcement
        • Administrative Adjudication
        • Residential Rental Licensing
        • Planning & Zoning Documents
          • Comprehensive Plan
          • Strategic Plan
          • Central-Main Street Redevelopment Plan
          • Close
        • Close
      • Finance
      • Police
        • Online Police Report
        • Request Accident Report
        • Vacation Watch Program
        • Close
      • Public Works
        • Bid Postings & Results
        • Capital Improvement Projects
        • Construction Standards
        • Water Quality Reports
        • Close
      • Organizational Chart
      • Close
    • Transparency
      • Transparency Portal
      • FOIA Request
      • Close
    • Municipal Code
    • ADA Compliance
    • Forms and Applications
    • Close

Building Permits

  • Residential Building Permits
  • Commercial Building Permits
  • Contractor Registration
  • Building Codes & Ordinances
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us

Residential Building Permits

  • Building Permit Guidelines
  • Apply for a Permit
  • Schedule Inspection
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us

Residential Building Permit Process

The City of West Chicago requires a building permit for certain residential building projects that include home improvements or remodeling, and for building a new home.  Completing a project that requires a building permit from the City, will include the following steps:

  1. Apply for a Permit
  2. Obtain Your Permit
  3. Begin Construction
  4. Schedule a Final Inspection

Residential Project Guidelines

Before applying, please view the residential permit project guidelines found on this webpage to have a better understanding of what supporting documentation you will need to submit along with important requirements concerning your project.

If you have any questions about the building permit process, please view the frequently asked questions section of this webpage or contact the Community Development Department's Building Division.

Residential Project Guidelines

If you're unsure where to start with your construction project, please view the below series of guidelines to assist you through the process for common projects.

  • Basement Remodeling & Finishing
  • Decks
  • Driveways
  • Fences
  • Garages
  • Home Additions & Remodeling
  • New Single-Family Homes
  • Patios
  • Pools
  • Roofs
  • Sheds
  • Steps, Stairs, & Stoops

1. Apply for a Permit

To obtain a building permit, the City of West Chicago requires you to submit a completed Residential Building Permit Application along with accurate supporting documentation so that we can understand your project and make sure it complies with City Code. Examples of accurate supporting documentation include a scope of work, plat of survey, blueprints, elevations, floor plans, 3-D drawings, plumbing and/or electrical diagrams, manufacturer’s specifications (cut sheets), etc.

Please note: If your home is part of a Homeowner’s Association, there may be additional guidelines and/or approvals for you to follow in order for a permit to be issued.

Apply for a Residential Building Permit

2. Obtain Your Permit

The processing time for permit applications is approximately 7 to 10 business days for driveways, fences, patios and sheds. All other types of permits require at least 10 to 14 business days.

All contractors performing work on your project are required to register with the City before your permit can be issued. Please ensure your contractor(s) registers promptly to avoid processing delays.

Once the permit is ready, the City will notify the applicant via email (or by telephone if no email is on file) with the permit fee and payment options. Credit/debit cards, checks (made payable to City of West Chicago) or cash are accepted forms of payment for in-person pick up.

Online payments are also accepted using E-Pay. Make sure to choose “Permits” as the payment category and have ready to enter the 8-Digit Permit Number and fee (emailed to you) before commencing. Please note there is a transaction fee of 2.25%. In some instances, we can release the permit via email once an E-payment is confirmed.

3. Begin Construction

Only after obtaining your permit should you or your contractor begin work.

If construction begins without the proper permit, you will be issued a 'Stop-Work Order' and fines and increased permit fees may apply. If work has been completed without a permit, a project may be dismantled or removed.

4. Schedule Inspection

Once the permit is issued, you will be informed if any City inspections are required for completion of the work. Please note that it is the builder’s—whether that is you as the homeowner or your contractor—responsibility to request all required inspections from the West Chicago Community Development Department.

Please contact the Community Development Department's Building Division to request inspections at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an inspection for the following day.

Commercial Building Permits

  • Applicable Projects
  • Apply for a Permit
  • Submit a Payment
  • Certificate of Occupancy
  • Building Codes & Ordinances
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us

Commercial Building Permit Projects

The following are examples of types of construction or remodeling projects that require a commercial building permit.

  • New commercial and industrial buildings
  • Commercial and industrial additions, alterations and/or remodeling
  • Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work including repairs
  • Fire sprinkler systems and fire alarms
  • Parking lots, sealcoating, and striping
  • Signs (temporary and permanent)

If you are unsure if your project may require a Commercial Building Permit, please contact the Community Development Department's Building Division.

Commerical Building Guidelines

All applicants are encouraged to view the City’s Commercial Building Guidelines prior to filing a Commercial Building Permit Application.

Commercial Project Guidelines

The City’s building permit guidelines provide a summary of information required to submit a building permit application, obtain necessary inspections and receive a final occupancy permit for industrial, commercial or multi-family construction. Following these guidelines will assist the City in providing prompt reviews and approvals of development projects.

View Commercial Project Guidelines

Download or Print Building Permit Application

As with residential building permits, commercial building permits are required for new construction (including most accessory structures) and remodeling. A building permit is issued once plans that comply with City Code are received, reviewed, and approved. The builder is responsible for requesting all required inspections as construction proceeds.

Download or print a Commercial Building Permit Application using the PDF linked below.

Submit Building Permit Application

Commercial Building Permit Payment

In-Person Payments

Building permit payments can be made in person by check, cash, or credit/debit card at West Chicago City Hall, located at 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185. Checks should be made payable to the ‘City of West Chicago’, except when paying a fire alarm permit fee, in which case, checks should be made payable to the “West Chicago Fire Protection District”.

Online Payments

Building permits may be paid online using the City’s State of Illinois E-Pay portal. Note: Prior to submitting any online permit fee payments, please contact the Community Development Department's Building Division.

Submit Online Payment

Certificate of Occupancy

Certificates of Occupancy or Completion for commercial and industrial buildings are issued upon the completion of construction, subject to the satisfactory completion and approval of all required inspections.

Contractor Registration

To safeguard property owners and guarantee construction quality, all contractors or subcontractors operating within the City of West Chicago must be registered with the City. As part of registration, all essential insurance, surety bonds, state or local licenses, and fee payments are required prior to a permit being issued.

Contract Registration Applications can be completed online.

Complete Contractor Registration

Building Codes & Ordinances

As of January 1, 2024, the following building codes are in full force and effect:

  • Building Code Requirements: 2021 International Building Code
  • Existing Building Code Requirements: 2021 International Existing Building Code
  • Residential Code Requirements: 2021 International Residential Code
  • Electrical Code Requirements: 2020 National Electrical Code
  • Mechanical Code Requirements: 2021 International Mechanical Code
  • Fuel Gas Code Requirements: 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
  • Plumbing Code Requirements: 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code and 2021 International Plumbing Code
  • Fire Protection Requirements: 2021 International Fire Prevention Code
  • Property Maintenance Code Requirements: 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
  • Energy Code Requirements: 2021 Energy Conservation Code
  • Life Safety Code: 2021 NFPA 101
  • Accessibility Requirements: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code

View the complete West Chicago Code of Ordinances on the City’s website.

FAQs

Why do I need a building permit? Expand

Permits provide the property owner with the following:

  • Your project will meet our building codes and ordinances.
  • The required inspections of your project will ensure that the work meets the minimum construction standards required by code.
  • The contractor(s) chosen to perform the work must be registered with the City. Registration requires the City be provided with required trade licenses, proof of insurance and a performance bond. Registration protects the homeowner in the event of incomplete or substandard workmanship.
What happens if l don't obtain a permit? Expand

Performing work without a permit may result in the issuance of a Stop Work Order, which halts all work until and if a permit can be issued.

In addition, permit fees may be increased by three times the usual fee. It is also possible that work may need to be reversed or removed if not performed legally or up to code. Failure to obtain a permit may result in issuance of a citation to appear at Administrative Adjudication, and possible fines may result of up to $750.00 per day.

I'm thinking about having some work done on my home. Can the City recommend a contractor? Expand

When it comes to making these types of recommendations, the City must remain neutral. It would be unethical for the City to show favoritism for one business or contractor over another. However, the City does regulate the registration of all contractors who work in West Chicago. For more information on the City's contractor registration process, please see FAQ: Which contractors need insurance and licenses?

As the homeowner, am I allowed to do the work myself? If so, why do I still need a permit? Expand

In most cases a homeowner is allowed to perform the work on their own home, but a building permit is still required. The exception to this, however, is when it comes to electrical service upgrades. In this instance, only a licensed electrician may perform the work.

If the property owner does plan to perform all of the work, then he/she must complete a Certificate of Responsibility to verify and outline the work to be completed.

What types of residential work require a permit? Expand

Any work that requires a structural change to your home or the footprint of your yard such as, but not limited to the list below. If you have any questions related to permitting, or just wonder if your project requires a permit, please contact the Community Development Department's Building Division.

Interior

  • Electrical Work (Ceiling Fans, Electrical Panel Upgrades, Fixtures, Outlets, Wiring, etc.)
  • Plumbing Work (Tub-to-Shower Conversions, New Sinks, Toilets or Tubs, Hot Water Heaters)
  • Any Remodeling Work (Basements, Baths, Kitchens, Etc.)
  • HVAC Work
  • Walls (Adding, Moving or Removing)
  • Additions

Exterior

  • Doors or Windows (Only if New Opening(s) Needed or Changes to Opening Size(s))
  • Masonry or Tuck-pointing
  • Sheds and Garages (New or Replacements of the Same)
  • Fences or Retaining Walls (New or Replacements of the Same)
  • Flat Work (Driveways, Patios, Slabs, Sidewalks, Etc. - New or Replacements of the Same)
  • Hot tubs or Pools
  • Decks or Porches (New or Replacements of the Same)
  • Pergolas, Porticos, Pavilions, Canopies or Gazebos
  • Stairs, Stoops or Steps of Any Kind (New or Replacements of the Same)
  • Roofs or Siding
  • Solar Panels
How much are building permit fees? Expand

Permit fees are based on the scope of the project. You are charged a flat fee of $80.00 for simple projects such as roofs or siding, driveways, and fences. For more complex projects, however, there are many factors that affect the cost of the permit fee such as plan review fees, project valuation, and the number of required inspections. For questions regarding permit fees please contact the Community Development Department's Building Division.

How long does it take to obtain a building permit? Expand

The type of work to be completed determines the length of time required to review and process your application. To ensure your review goes smoothly, please provide accurate drawings, complete all necessary paperwork and if you are hiring a contractor, make sure they are registered with the City. For more information, please contact the Community Development Department's Building Division.

Who is responsible for obtaining the permit? Expand

The property owner is ultimately responsible for obtaining permits or ensuring that the appropriate permits have been obtained before the start of any project. The property owner is also ultimately responsible for obtaining the required inspections or ensuring the inspections have been obtained to close out the permit. However, the issue of who actually obtains the permit, is determined between the property owner and the contractor.

How do I know if my permitted work requires any inspections? Expand

Inspections are geared to the specific project that is being completed. For example, a typical deck build requires a minimum of three inspections--post holes, rough framing and a final. However, a deck with electricity, a canopy or a pergola, etc., would require additional inspections. That's why it is important that you and your contractor review the inspection information given to you by the City when your building permit is issued. Good communication with your contractor is key, but remember, it is ultimately the responsibility of the homeowners to ensure that all required inspections for their project are obtained and passed.

Do building permits expire? Expand

Once a permit is issued it is valid for a period of one year. Permits may be extended, depending on the circumstances.

Which contractors need insurance and licenses? Expand

All contractors are required to be registered with the City before a permit can be issued and any work is performed. Contractor registration requires a completed Contractor Registration application, and if applicable, a Certificate oflnsurance (naming the City of West Chicago as the certificate holder) and a Surety Bond in the amount of $10,000. See below for specific licenses that are required:

  • Electricians - must provide a copy of their electrician's license. The license must be issued by the Illinois municipality where the exam was successfully passed.
  • Plumbers - must provide a copy of their Illinois Department of Public Health Plumbing License. This license must have a 055 and 059 number.
  • Roofers - must provide a copy of their State of Illinois Roofing Contractor License.
  • Fire Sprinkler Contractors - must provide a copy of their State of Illinois Fire Sprinkler Contractor License.
How do I schedule an inspection? Expand

In order to schedule an inspection, please contact the Community Development Department's Building Division.

When scheduling your inspection please provide us with an advance notice of 24-hours (or 1 business day), your permit number, the type of inspection you will need and the name and phone number of the responsible person The Building Department does not automatically schedule inspections for you.

Plans must be on-site. If plans are not on-site, a re-inspection fee will be imposed. It's also good to plan ahead when scheduling an inspection as you may need to be at home if access is needed by the inspector. For garage, pool and solar inspections, for example, the electrical inspector needs access to the electric panel inside the home.

Do plans have to be stamped and sealed by an architect? Does each page need to be stamped? Expand

Any project exceeding $10,000 in construction valuation (cost to build) must have drawings that are signed and sealed by a licensed Illinois architect or a structural engineer. Also, most plans for a commercial project will need to be stamped by a licensed Illinois architect.

If the cover page refers to each page contained in the set of plans, then only the front page needs to be stamped. If your cover page does not refer to each page in the set, then each page needs to be stamped. If the architect is responsible for all pages, then the front sheet should be stamped. If a consultant is responsible for the work, however, then that person would need to stamp their sheets.

We will only accept plans that are stamped by an architect who has an Illinois stamp.

When am I obligated to contact JULIE? Expand

State law requires you to contact JULIE before you start any digging project, no matter how small the project or how deep you plan to dig. JULIE, which stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, is a free service whereby JULIE notifies member utility companies to visit your property and place color-coded marks or flags on the ground to correspond to each utility type, e.g., electric, gas, water, sewer or communications (phone, cable, Internet).

Certain home-improvement and/or maintenance activities, such as tree planting and landscaping, may not require a permit, but do require a call to JULIE. All permitted projects that require you to dig such as patios, decks, fences, sheds, driveways, pergolas, retaining walls, etc., require you to call JULIE also.

Contact JULIE by calling 8-1-1 or 1-800-892-0123. The toll-free number is staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per week. You may also submit an E-request online and/or obtain more information by visiting: https://www.illinois1call.com/homeowners.

Are permits required for roofing or siding work? Expand

Yes, a permit is required in both cases. Minor repairs less than 100 square feet may not require a permit, but it is always best to check with the building department before you begin.

When it comes to the code requirements for re-roofing, the City allows for the original layer plus one additional layer, or a maximum of two layers. Shingles must be rated for a minimum of 25 years and weigh at least 240 lbs., average weight per square. An ice and water shield is also required and must be placed at least 24 inches up from the outside wall and 18 inches on each side of the valleys.

  • Please call for inspection of the ice and water shield before you install any shingles.
  • Please call for a house wrap (Tyvek) inspection prior to installing any siding.
I plan to replace my fence. What is the recommended depth for post-holes? Expand

Remember, a permit is always needed for a new or replacement fence, even if the replacement fence will be located in the exact same location.

When it comes to post-hole depth, building code specifies the holes be 1/3 of the fence height. However, the rule of thumb is a minimum of 24 inches below grade.

When applying for a fence permit, please provide us with a completed application and a plat of survey. You are required to draw in the proposed fence location and provide the proposed height and fence material. Staff will review your application to make sure it meets City ordinance.

A final inspection is required when the installation of the fence is complete.

I want to replace my asphalt driveway with concrete. Is a permit needed? Expand

Whether you choose blacktop, concrete or brick pavers, new or replacement driveways always require a permit. Work in the public right of way (apron area between the sidewalk and the street) requires you to use a contractor registered with the City or to make a deposit that will be refunded once the work is approved. Finally, remember that gravel is not allowed. Please submit a completed permit application and a copy of your plat of survey. Please note on the survey the type of surface material to be used and draw any proposed expansion of the driveway. The application process and fee are the same as for sheds.

Do I need a permit to tear down my shed and put up a new one in the same place? Expand

Yes. As above, you must submit a completed permit application and a copy of your plat of survey. Also, please identify the shed to be removed and draw the proposed location of your shed on the copy of your plat and indicate the shed size (Length x Width x Height) and distance from property lines. The permit fee is $80.00.

We plan to purchase an aboveground swimming pool for our family. Do we still need a permit for a small, inflatable pool? Expand

Sometimes. A permit is required for any aboveground pool with a water depth of two feet (24 inches) or more. In-ground pools, on the other hand, always require a permit. To apply for a permit, please provide us with a completed application, plat of survey with location, dimensions, and setbacks from property lines and the house of the proposed pool, and manufacturer’s product specifications. The permit fee is $135.00 for above ground pools and $315.00 for in-ground. Please allow 10 working days for your permit to be reviewed.

Contact Us

Please contact the West Chicago Community Development Department's Building Division at (630) 293-2200, Ext. 131, or (630) 818-3333, or email the Division at buildingpermits@westchicago.org  if you need help with the building permit process.

FOLLOW US

Visit Facebook Visit Twitter Visit Instagram Visit LinkedIn Visit Youtube

ONLINE PAYMENTS

e-Pay logo and link
DACRA Logo

DEPARTMENTS

City Administration: Contact
Business & Community Relations:  Contact
Community Development:  Contact
Finance:  Contact
Police:  Contact
Public Works:  Contact

INTERNAL LINKS

Office 365 Email Login
GIS Maps

CONTACT US

West Chicago City Hall
475 Main Street
West Chicago, IL 60185

Phone: 630.293.2200
FAX: 630.293.3028

HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Copyright 2025 © - City of West Chicago, Illinois - All rights reserved - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Legal Disclaimer