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1. What kind of projects require building permits?

Any work that requires a structural change such as:

• All electrical and plumbing work
• All fire suppression and detection work
• All HVAC work
• Alterations involving moving or adding walls
• Any types of additions
• Exterior wall mounted signs
• Fences, decks, driveways, patios, retaining walls
• Hot tubs
• Parking lots
• Pools
• Spas
• Windows and roofs

Please note, this list is not comprehensive. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact the Building Division at (630) 773-5568. 

2. As the homeowner, can I do the work myself and if I am doing the work myself, do I still need to get a permit?

Yes a homeowner can do their own work and a permit is still required. Regardless of who is doing the work, a permit will be required to ensure the project meets the minimum construction standards required by code. 

3. What if I get caught doing work without have a building permit?

A Stop Work Order will be issued along with a $100 citation. Work will be stopped until plans are approved and a permit issued.

4. How do I obtain a Building Permit?

Items vary based on permit type. To assist you with the process, the Village has prepared several useful checklists for commonly submitted building permit applications, which can be found here. If you do not see a checklist for your project or have questions regarding your submittal, please contact us at (630) 773-5568. 

Please click here to apply for permits online.

5. How long does it take to obtain a building permit? Do permits expire?

The Village strives to get most permits issued within 10 - 14 days of receipt, however, the turnaround time for the approval depends on the scope of the work and complexity of your project. Other factors that play a role on the time it takes to issue a permit are accurate drawings, contractor requirements, and accurately completing all necessary paperwork. 

Once a permit is issued it is valid for a period of one year. Permits may be extended, by contacting the Building Division at (630) 773-5568. 

6. Who is responsible for obtaining the permit?

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 issue of who actually obtains the permit is between the property owner and the general contractor.

7. Do I need inspections? How do I set them up?

When the work begins, the Village will inspect each major phase of construction. It is the responsibility of the person doing the work to schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance; the Building Division does not automatically schedule inspections. Information about inspections will be attached to your building permit and will be geared to your specific project.

To schedule an inspection please call us at (630) 773-5568 and have ready your permit number and type of inspection needed. Inspections received after 3:00 p.m. will be processed the following day. 

Plans must be on-site. If plans are not on-site, a re-inspection fee will be imposed. If during the inspection, the inspector finds that some of the work does not meet minimum code requirements or deviate from the approved plan, the inspector will provide a written explanation of the corrections that must be made to bring the work up to acceptable standards. 

8. What if I need to make changes to my approved plans during construction?

Any changes must be approved by the Community Development Department prior to the work being done. A cover letter explaining the changes along with 3 sets of revised drawings should to be submitted for our review. Once the changes have been approved you will be notified and you will be issued revised job site copies.

9. What are the hours when construction work can be done?

Construction work may take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  On Saturday, Sunday,  and holidays that are observed by the village construction may occur between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

10. Construction is now underway at my neighbor’s property. May I see the plans that were approved?

A Freedom of Information Act request must be submitted to the Village. Technical documents, such as floor plan drawings prepared by design professionals, are generally not permitted to be released to the public.

11. Can you tell me the zoning classification of a property?

To determine the zoning of a property, please utilize the Village's most recent zoning map, which can be obtained here. You may also request a Zoning Verification letter here. The purpose of a zoning verification letter is a signed document which verifies the current zoning of a property.  A zoning verification letter does not verify the status of buildings or uses on the property; it does not certify conformance or non-conformance of existing uses or structures. The fee for a zoning verification letter is $75.00 per address.  Payment for a zoning verification letter can be made here.

12. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

Permits are not required for garage sales. 

13. Is peeling paint a code violation? Is there anything you can suggest that might persuade my neighbor to paint his unsightly garage door?

Yes, unmaintained exterior surfaces are in violation of Itasca’s Code of Ordinances. Let us know and we’ll see to it that the property owner or occupant is informed of the code infraction and understands what he must do to correct it. Thank you in advance for your help.