Building Permits
Building permits are reviewed and issued through the Building & Development Services Division, a division of the Community Development Department.
Requirements
While most minor repairs do not require a building permit, many projects may only be performed after securing a permit from Community Development. All work will then be inspected to ensure compliance with the City's building codes.
Owner-occupants of single family residences may do most of their own work; however, electrical service upgrades must be done by a licensed electrician. Commercial, industrial, and multi-family construction projects generally require licensed and bonded contracts.
You can find out if your project requires a building permit by contacting Community Development at (847) 931-5920. For fee information, view the Building Permit Fee Schedule.
Letter of Intent
Effective April 1, 2011 the City of Elgin will require a letter of intent from all licensed contractors. The letter of intents must be stamped with a company seal, or sealed by a notary public on company letter head. General Contractors will be required to submit a letter of intent for each of his licensed sub-contractors. The City of Elgin will not be able to issue any permits until letter of intents have been received.
Completed applications can be submitted via mail or in person, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:
Community Development
150 Dexter Ct.
Elgin, IL 60120
Applications
Inspections
Scheduling Inspections
When you receive your building permit, you will be given a handout describing the city's basic code and inspection requirements.
You may schedule inspections by calling (847) 931-5920 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inspections must be requested at least 24 hours in advance to allow for proper scheduling.
Meeting the Requirements
If an inspector finds that some work does not meet the code requirements, you will be advised to make the corrections and ask for a re-inspection.
Rough and final inspections will assure you that the work has met the city requirements. This is for your protection and for the safety of all residents.
Plan Reviews
Overview
If you have submitted all of the required information, some permits will be issued immediately to the applicant. For other projects, the application and plan must be reviewed by the Plan Examiner, Zoning Officer, or Engineering Division. This process usually takes 10 working days, and the staff will notify you when the permit is ready for issuance.
Permit Issuance
When compliance with all applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved, and a building permit is issued.
Fees
You will pay a permit fee to help defray the cost of the Code Official's time spent on the application process. The fee also gives you access to the Code Official's knowledge and experience when and if you have any questions regarding your construction process.
Display the Permit
You will be given a building permit and asked to post the permit card in a window or other prominent place at the construction site. A copy of the approved building plans, if required, must be kept at the site. Any proposed changes to these plans must be approved by the Code Official or Plan Examiner.
Food Establishment Plan Review
The Public Health Division may also require the owner / operator to submit a completed Food Service Establishment Plan Review Application.
The reference guide, Food Service Construction Requirements, should be followed for the purpose of developing plans and specifications that meet applicable codes.
If a hood and duct system is required, a Ventilation Plan Review Application must also be submitted for approval.
View Food Sanitation Program for more information.
Contractor Requirements
Letter of Intent
Effective April 1, 2011, the City of Elgin will require a letter of intent from all licensed contractors. The letter of intents must be stamped with a company seal or sealed by a notary public on company letter head. General contractors will be required to submit a letter of intent for each licensed sub contractor. The City of Elgin will not be able to issue any permits until letter of intents have been received.
Information
For more information, contact Community Development at (847) 931-5920.
Requirements
The City of Elgin requires that a license and/or permit bond to be kept on file in community development for the following contractors.
Roofing Contractors
A State of Illinois Roofing License is required. A copy of a current license must be on file with the City of Elgin.
Electrical Contractors
A contractor's license is required from any city in the State of Illinois that gives a written examination based on the National Electrical Code.
Plumbing Contractors
A State of Illinois Plumbing Contractor's License (055 prefix) is required. A copy of a current license must be on file with the City of Elgin.
Mechanical Contractors
A contractor's license is required from any city in the State of Illinois that gives a written examination. However, a license is not required if the project's plans are sealed by an Illinois licensed architect or engineer who accepts responsibility for the work. A $20,000 license and permit bond issued in favor of the City of Elgin is also required. A copy of a current license, if necessary, and bond must be on file with the City of Elgin.
Sewer Contractors
A $20,000 permit bond in favor of the City of Elgin is required.
Fire Sprinkler Contractors
State of Illinois Fire Sprinkler Contractor license is required for fire suppression. A copy of the current license must be on file with the City of Elgin.