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.

Building Permits are required for any and all structures larger than 120 square feet that are being constructed, altered, enlarged, repaired, moved; having a change of occupancy; or having a lot line moved which affects the required fire rating of an exterior wall.

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.

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.

The State allows roofing replacements to be performed by the homeowner of the property (Article 225ILCS 335lll Sec. 11 (3)). The department of Building and Zoning now requires digital submissions for all applications and supporting documents.

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.

Garage Sale permits cost $5 each and no more than three (3) garage sale permits will be issued to a dwelling unit in any one calendar year.

Detached Garage

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.

The basic permit fee is $100 or 1.75% of the value of the job, whichever is greater. Additional fees may be added for electrical and plumbing work, plan reviews, and parkway deposits. Since permit fees are not determined until after the permit is approved, permits must be paid for upon pickup and not before.

Can I do my own electrical work in Illinois? ›

3. Do I need to hire a licensed contractor to do work on my own home? No, not if it is your primary residency. A homeowner who owns and occupies the house may do any or all work - building, plumbing, mechanical (heating and cooling), and electrical.

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

Can I Build My Own House in Illinois? Yes, you can build your own house in Illinois, if you have land in an area of your choice.

A good place to start is the website for the local building department or zoning board. There you will find a list of the codes that apply to your area and information on how to comply with them.

Yes, you need a permit for a new or replacement water heater. 4. What type of pipe is used for an outdoor sewer repair or a cleanout? Type SDR26 plastic pipe in the most common.

Illinois law requires all roofing and waterproofing work to be performed by Illinois state licensed roofing contractors. The only exception in the law is that the property owner can perform roofing on own personal property and his/her employees can perform roof repairs for commercial property.

Electrical, Plumbing, and/or Mechanical work may require permit. New and/or replacement of existing structures (Deck, Fence, Garage, Shed, Pergolas/Gazebos, etc.) will require permit.

When constructing a gazebo, greenhouse or pergola on your property, a permit is required.