Before you begin any home improvement project indoors or out, call the Building Department at 708-467-3700. They will be glad to advise you what type of projects require building permits and inspections, and which do not. They may even offer advice on completing the project safely. The building permit process has been simplified and designed to help you avoid many potential problems before you begin a home or commercial remodeling or major renovation project.
Helpful information about building permits:
A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to begin construction of a building project. Permits and inspections are necessary to verify that local building and fire code standards are met. If they are not, the public's health, safety and welfare is at risk.
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Most people know that new buildings, additions to existing structures, renovations, demolitions, and temporary buildings usually require building permits and inspections. Less obvious projects that may require a permit include installing a swimming pool, deck, fence, shed, driveway, and/or roof. Also, some tasks that involve electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and fireplaces require a building permit.
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The time to call the Building Department is before you start a project. Tell them what you plan to do and they will explain the requirements and assist you until the project has been safely and successfully completed. If you hire a professional contractor to do the work, select one who is familiar with local building codes. |
After contacting the Building Department, you will have to complete an application for a building permit. It will require basic information about the project, such as who will perform the work, what work will be done, and how it will be done. The application process also will require you to submit drawings, plans or other documents for review. If the construction plans do not meet the Village's Building Code and Zoning Ordinance, or other related ordinance requirements, a code official will explain what needs to be corrected. |
To receive a permit you will have to pay a fee. The permit fee helps defray the cost of the Building Department's time spent on the application, and the review and inspection process. It also gives you access to the Building Department's knowledge and experience when you have questions about the construction project. |
The building permit card must be placed in a visible location at the construction site. Any proposed changes to the original plan must be brought to the attention of the building official. Some will require further review and approval. |
When the work begins, the Building Division will inspect each major phase of construction. It is the responsibility of the person doing the work to schedule inspections at least 48 hours in advance. If the inspector finds that some of the work does not meet minimum code requirements, he will provide a copy of the building code section that pertains to the corrections that must be made to bring the work up to acceptable standards. |
When the work has been completed and the inspector approves the final project, you will receive either a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance. This will formally mark completion of the project with the understanding that it meets code and safety standards. |
The Village of Willow Springs building Department exists to help make residential and business improvement projects safe and long-lasting. If you need more information about building permits, inspections, and fees, please call 708-467-3700 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
All work shall conform to the requirements of the following building codes:
-2003 I.C.C. International Residential Code
-2003 I.C.C. International Building Code
-2003 N.E.C. National Electrical Code
-2003 I.C.C. International Code Council Electrical Code
-2003 I.C.C. International Plumbing Code / State of IL. Plumbing Codes
-2003 I.C.C. International Mechanical Code
-2003 I.C.C. International Property Maintenance Code
-2003 I.C.C. International Fire Code
-2000 Edition of NFP #'s 101 (The Life Safety Code)
-2003 I.C.C. Energy Conservation Code
-2003 I.C.C. International Fuel Gas Code
-2003 I.C.C. International Existing Building Code
-1997 Illinois Accessibility Code
-ICC / ANSI A 117.1-1998 (Guidelines for Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities)
-OSHA and all other applicable codes adopted by the Village of Willow Springs
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