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Building Division

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1. What work requires a permit? What happens if I don't obtain 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.

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.

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? Do permits expire?

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. For more information, please contact the Building Division at 630-620-5750.

Once a permit is issued it is valid for a period of one (1) year. Permits may be extended, depending on the circumstances.  For more information, please contact the Building Division at 630-620-5750.

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 plans have to be architecturally stamped and sealed? Does each page need to be stamped?

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.

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.

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

8. *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.

9. I'm putting in a deck. What do I need? Will I have inspections?

A plat of survey is required, with the deck drawn to scale.  

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.

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. You do not need to be home, as long as the inspector can access the deck.  

10. *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.

11. *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.

12. *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.

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

Inspections are geared to the specific project that is being completed.  Information about inspections should be attached to your building permit.  In order to schedule an inspection please contact the Building Division at 630-620-5750.  When scheduling your inspection please 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.

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

You may need to be home, if the inspector needs access to the home.  For garage and pool inspections, the electrical inspector needs access to the electric panel inside the home.  

and online.

14. *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.

15. 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 the order form.  

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

16. *Can I use PVC underground?

Yes, Schedule 40 waste and vent required.

17. Is a roof permit required? Is an ice & water shield required for roofs?

Yes, a permit is required to do roofing work. The Village 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.

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

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

The 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 

Lombard residents are served by three townships: York, Milton and Addison.  

19. *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

20. * 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