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Building Division

Show All Answers

1. *What work requires a permit?

Any work that requires a structural change such as any types of additions; alterations involving moving or adding walls; all electrical & plumbing work; all fire suppression & detection work; all HVAC work; fences, decks, roofs, driveways, patios, retaining walls; parking lots; pools; hot tubs; spas; or exterior wall mounted signs. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact the Building Division at (630) 620-5750.

The following items do not require a permit: Siding, and Private Walks.

Tree removal on private property does not require a permit, unless the area is within a Special Management Area (wetlands, flood plain, buffer zones). Then, a stormwater certification or letter of permission is required before work can begin. If you have questions, please call Private Engineering Services at 630-620-5973. Building Division

2. *Why do I need a permit?

Permits provide the property owner with the following:
1. The contractor chosen to perform the work has the appropriate documentation on file with the Village, specifically, license and insurance. Contractor’s required to have specific documentation on file with the Village prior to the issuance of any permit are electrical contractors,
excavators, roofers, plumbers, sewer contractors & fire suppression contractors.
2. The required inspections are completed so that the project meets the minimum construction standards required by code.
3. The intended project is designed to meet our codes.

3. *What do I need to obtain a building permit?

The items vary based on permit type. Please click here for information.

4. *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?

In most cases a homeowner can do the work on their own home and a permit is still required. Homeowner’s are not permitted to do any electrical service upgrades, a licensed electrician must do the work.

5. *How long does it take to obtain a building permit?

The type of work to be completed determines the length of time required in issuing a permit. 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. The classifications of permits are Over-the-Counter (Express Permits), Small, Medium and Large permits. To obtain more information, please contact the Building Division at (630) 620-5750.

6. *When does a permit expire?

Once a permit is issued it is valid for a period of one (1) year. The Community Development Director or his/her designee may grant two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 6 months each, provided that a fee of 25% of the original cost of the permit shall be charged for each extension granted. Where work under the original permit or the extended permit has started and construction activity has stopped for a continuous period of 6 months, all rights under that permit are terminated. As such, the fee is forfeited and it becomes part of the general fund.

7. *How much would a permit for a new single family home cost?

On a vacant lot, no previous structure on lot: $8700 - $9300

On a lot with residence to be demolished:

Wrecking (House Only) $220 + $2000 Bond
Building Permit (New House) $3,700 - $4,200 Range

8. *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.

9. *Will a stamp from an Architect from another State be accepted?

We will only accept plans that are stamped off by an architect who has an Illinois stamp.

10. *Does each page need to be stamped?

If the cover page refers to each page contained in the set of plans, then only the front page needs to be stamped. If your cover page does not refer to each page in the set, then each page needs to be stamped. Also, if the architect is responsible for ALL pages, then stamp front sheet. If consultants are responsible their work, they need to stamp their sheets.

11. *Do plans have to be architecturally stamped and sealed?

Any project exceeding $10,000 in construction valuation (cost to build) must have drawings that are signed and sealed by a licensed Illinois Architect or a Structural Engineer. Also, most plans for a commercial project will need to be stamped by a licensed Illinois Architect.

12. *If we are putting on a Second Story Addition, do the plans need to be stamped?

An Architect or a Structural Engineer must stamp off on the plans. The plan examiner needs to have confirmation that the foundation and first floor can support the second floor.

13. *I'm putting in a deck. At what depth must my posthole be dug?

Postholes must be at least 42 inches deep and minimum 8” in diameter (deck w/o roof). For a deck with a roof, the post holes must be a minimum of 12” in diameter. Posts to be on top of pier.

14. *How many inspections do I need for a deck?

Three inspections are required: post hole, rough frame, & final. Rough frame and final can be done at the same time if deck is 24" or more above grade.

15. *Can I put all of my decking on before my framing inspection?

You can put some of the decking on but be aware that the inspector must be able to see the framing of the deck, from below deck access, of minimum 24” height. Any lower, deck boards cannot go on until framing is inspected and approved.

*** If deck is min 24” off the ground and open on sides, framing can be checked on the final inspection.

Stair rise & run: Rise 7 ¾” Max, Tread Min. 10”.

Guard rail height: 36” on level surface & 34” on Stairs.

Handrail height: 34-38” from nose of stairs.
Grippable handrails must have returned ends @ top & bottom of stair run.

16. *What are the requirements for driveways?

1. All aggregate sub-base shall be mechanically compacted.
2. Minimum thickness for drive: 5” P.C. concrete on 2” compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation) or 2” bituminous surface on 6” compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation).
3. Driveways shall have a minimum slope of 2% and a maximum slope of 8%.
4. Driveway aprons shall have a minimum slope of 2% and a maximum slope of 5%.
5. Drainage not to adversely effect adjoining lots.
6. Minimum thickness for aprons: 6” P.C. Concrete on 2” compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation) or 3” bituminous surface on 6” compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation).
7. No wire mesh allowed in apron.
8. Sidewalk shall extend through the driveway.

17. *Can the apron at the street be over 20-0’ wide?

No, a variance would be required. Curb flares @ street, max 24” radius.

Flare

24” Flare required (no flare apron must be applied for to the Private Engineering Services Division.)

18. *What are the drywall requirements?

Residential single family & townhouses at least ½”.
Between garage & house at least 5/8” fire code, type “x” drywall.

19. *I'm building a fence. What is the recommended depth the posthole should be?

There is nothing in the code, but the rule of thumb is a minimum of 24”.

A Permit is required. Please bring three (3) copies of the plat of survey. The permit is issued over the counter by the Building Division.

20. *What are the specifications for the garage floor?

4” compacted gravel, 4” concrete 5-bag mix with wire mesh. A thickened edge slab, minimum 10” below grade and 6” above grade equaling total height of 16” and 20” wide at base.

21. *Must my garage have electric?

Yes the garage has to have electric. The minimum electric requirements for garages are as follows:

1. 1 switched entry light at exterior of service door.
2. 1 switched interior light.
3. 1 GFI duplex receptacle.

22. *Do I have to have a hard surface landing at my service door of my garage?

Yes, the service door must have a minimum of a 3’x 3’ hard surface landing. A service door is required with a minimum 2-2x6 header. Service door can be located at the front, side or rear of garage.

23. *What inspections do I need?

Inspections are geared at the specific project that is being completed. A list of required inspections is available at Village Hall and online.

24. *How long does it take to get an inspection and how is an inspection scheduled?

In order to schedule an inspection please contact the Building Division at (630) 620-5750. When scheduling your inspection please remember to provide us with an advance notice of 48-hours (or 2 days), your permit number, and the type of inspection you will need. The Building Division does not automatically schedule inspections. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or general contractor to request an inspection.

25. *Does the inspector need to get inside my home for a pool inspection?

Yes the electric inspector needs to look at the electric panel inside the home.

26. *Does the inspector need to get inside my home for a garage inspection?

Yes, the electric inspector needs to look at the electric panel inside the home.

27. *Do I need to be home for a deck inspection?

No, as long as the inspector can get to where the deck is located and the plans are on site.

28. What Inspections are needed for an Open Ceiling Inspection?

Building/HVAC, electric, & Fire inspectors (if sprinkler system or fire alarm have been installed or modified) need to inspect an open ceiling. A plumbing inspection is not needed for an open ceiling inspection.

29. *Which contractors need insurance and licenses?

Electricians need to provide a copy of their electrician’s license; the license must be from a municipality where they took a test. They also need to provide a certificate of insurance.

Excavators must give a certificate of insurance.

Plumbers must give a copy of their Illinois Department of Public Health registration. This registration must have a 055 & 059 number.

Roofers must give a copy of their State roofer’s license.

Sewer contractors must give a certificate of insurance.

Sprinkler contractors (Fire) must give a copy of their State sprinkler license.

30. *What the requirements for insulation for a single family house?

Minimum Insulation R-Value: Wall R-20 and Ceiling R-49.

31. *How far off the ground should Knox boxes be placed?

The recommended height off the ground a Knox box should be placed is 5 feet.

32. *Do I have to select a particular Knox box?

You may choose any style or size Knox box, but we recommend a larger one due to the fact that more keys may be placed in the larger boxes.

*** Knox Box order forms are available at the Building Division Front Counter. Knox Boxes must be ordered from Knox Box company on order form ***

33. *Do I have to have the plans on site for inspections?

Yes, plans must be on site. If plans are not on site, a re-inspection fee will be imposed.

34. *Can I use PVC underground?

Yes, minimum 4” schedule 40 waste & 2” vent. Cell-Core is not allowed.

35. *Do I need a permit to put a new roof on my home?

Yes, a permit is required to do roofing work. The Village of Lombard allows for an original layer plus one layer, for a maximum of two layers before a complete tear off is required. Roofing shingles must be at least a 25-year shingle with a minimum 240# weight.

36. *Is ice & water shield required for roofs?

Ice & water shield is required. 24" up from the outside wall and 18” on each side in the valleys.

37. *If I do any work to my home, will my property taxes be increased?

The York Township Assessor’s Office is the responsible taxing authority for Lombard. If you are interested in determining whether or not your taxes will be increased, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (630) 627.3354, and they will be able to give you information on the type of projects that will increase your property taxes.

38. *I’m thinking about doing some work, can you recommend a contractor?

No, staff cannot recommend any contractor. However, there is a list of contractors that have registered with the Village, which is available on the Village's website. Link

39. *What happens if I start a project without a permit?

Staff does not recommend proceeding with any project without obtaining the appropriate permit. If you start a project without a permit, and the Village finds out that work is being done without a permit, the permit fees are doubled. You may be asked to take down or remove whatever work has been completed and start the project over in its entirety.

40. * When am I obligated to contact JULIE?

Many activities require notification of JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) before you dig for safe digging in Illinois. Some of these activities, such as tree planting and landscaping, do require a call to JULIE even though they do not require a building permit.
For more information, contact JULIE at 8-1-1 or 1-800-892-0123. You may also make a request online by following this link. JULIE Website