Examples of the types of construction or remodeling projects that require a commercial building permit follow:
* New commercial and industrial buildings
* Commercial and industrial additions
* Fire sprinkler systems and fire alarms
* Parking lots
* Signs (temporary and permanent)
As with residential building permits, commercial building permits are required for new construction (including most accessory structures) and remodeling. A building permit - Building Permit Application (.pdf - 47k) - 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.
Also, in an effort to protect property owners and ensure quality construction, the City of West Chicago requires any contractor who works in the City to submit a Contractor's Registration Application along with the permit bond and a certificate of insurance. Contractors licensed by the State of Illinois (plumbers, roofers, etc.) need only submit a copy of their license for those permits within the respective discipline for which the registration has been issued.
For commercial and industrial buildings, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued when construction is complete and all required inspections have been performed and approved.
Payment for building permits may be made by check (payable to City of West Chicago), cash or credit card, with the exception being fire alarm permits. For a fire alarm permit cash or checks are acceptable. Please make checks payable to West Chicago Fire Protection District.
Additional Resources: