Elgin Il Building Department (2024)

FAQs

What can a homeowner do without a permit in Illinois? ›

A building permit is not required for the following types of work: Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, installing cabinets or countertops, or performing similar finish work, without plumbing or electrical connections.

SPECIAL EVENTS PERMITS To hold a special event, a special event permit must be obtained. For more information and to apply, please visit the Special Events page, email specialevents@cityofelgin.org or call the City of Elgin, Special Event Coordinator at 847-931-6770 and set up an appointment.

Residential and commercial construction permits generally take about two to three weeks to review once the required information has been submitted and there are no unusual circ*mstances.

The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025.

You can sell a house with unpermitted work. However, you're obligated to disclose any unpermitted work done in the home to buyers before they begin the home buying process. As the seller, you're responsible for acquiring and closing out any permits before the buyer signs the contract.

Please note that a shed permit is required for any shed greater than 120 square feet. Also, any shed, no matter the dimension - including less than 120 square feet, must meet the City of Wheaton Zoning and Engineering laws outlined below.

FAQs • How many and what kinds of animals are allowed? How many and what kinds of animals are allowed? No person shall permit more than three (3) dogs to be kept in or about any single-family residence or more than two (2) dogs in any single-family unit of any multiple-family housing building within the city.

Detached Garage

Shall not exceed 600 square feet. Shall be 6 feet from existing dwelling. Shall be at least 5 feet from rear lot line and 5 feet from side lot line. The measurements for a detached garage shall be no less than 10 feet in width and no more than 25 feet in depth.

Illinois requires that you register for a sales tax permit before you make any sales or purchases for resale, or when you hire an employee.

A homeowner can do small electrical repairs, i.e. change outlets, switches, etc., without needing a licensed electrician. However, service upgrades, modifications to existing electrical service, or new electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician with current bond and insurance.

Do you need a permit for a pool in Illinois? ›

Public & Private Pools

Swimming pool permits are required for any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing, or wading that contains water over 24 inches deep.

Every contractor has their process for pulling the necessary permits before beginning a project. However, the most transparent and responsible route is for the licensed business doing the work to be the party that obtains authorization.

Yes, you can build your own house in Illinois, if you have land in an area of your choice.

The Sunshine State Leads the Way

It has led Florida to being deemed as having the strictest building codes in the United States and for good reason. Due to the plethora of storms and all the damage they do, there is a very big cost to the economy that can be quite hefty.

The I-Codes are the most widely-used model building codes in the world, adopted by all 50 U.S. states and numerous U.S. federal government agencies, and used as the basis for or incorporated by reference in the codes of dozens of jurisdictions around the world.

A licensed general contractor (any class) is always required. In some cases, an owner may act as general contractor. An Illinois-licensed roofing contractor is required as either the general contractor or a subcontractor.

A building permit is required to erect a deck, regardless of size or type. service and septic tanks or septic fields. Minimum setbacks from property lines vary for each zoning classification.

Siding Replacement or Repair: A permit is not required except when replacing with stucco or EIFS which requires a permit. Siding repair and replacement are considered maintenance and do not require issuance of a permit. The building code contains requirements regarding siding applications and flashing.