Building Permits
Residential Building Permits
Residential Building Permit Guidelines
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:
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.
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.
2. Obtain Your Permit
The review time for permit applications is approximately 3 to 5 business days for driveways, fences, patios and sheds; and it is approximately 10 business days for all other types of permits. You will be notified once your permit has been approved. Credit/Debit cards or checks (made payable to City of West Chicago) are acceptable forms of payment.
Payment is required at the time of pick-up for your permit.
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
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 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.
Complete a Commercial Building Permit Application using the PDF linked below.
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.
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.
Building Codes & Project Guidelines
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: 2018 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.
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.
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.
FAQs
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.