When a Building Permit is Required

 Permit Types                       

The Village of Palatine offers two types of permits: Express or Standard

Express permits are for smaller detached single-family home projects specifically listed. Our goal is to have these reviewed in 5 business days. 

Standard permits are for larger projects, permanent signs, new homes or additions and all commercial and multi-family projects. Our goal is to have these reviewed in 10-15 business days. 

A pre-submittal meeting is no longer required due to the availability of digital applications; however, it is available for those who wish to meet and discuss their project in person. To schedule a pre-submittal meeting, please contact the Building Department at 847-359-9042.  

Wait times for appointments vary due to seasonal issues and customer demand, however, we will make every effort to schedule appointments within one week of the request.

 Permits Required

Yes, you need a building permit for the following residential projects: (This list is not all-inclusive. Please contact the Building Department with specific questions.)

All commercial work requires permits as outlined in the International Building Code. 

  • Patios, driveways (including paver ribbons), sidewalks, stoop or stairs - any material
  • Adding a fireplace
  • Adding rooms
  • Replacing an electric stove with a gas model
  • Constructing or replacing a driveway, sidewalk, patio, stoop or stair
  • Replacing or installing an air conditioning, heating unit or water heater
  • Adding a sunroom or 3-seasons room
  • Building or replacing a deck, shed or roof
  • Most demolition and re-grading
  • Finishing or remodeling a basement
  • Adding or altering the electrical system
  • Building or replacing a fence
  • Installing a pool or hot tub
  • Installing a pergola
  • Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
  • Drainage projects (including grading/re-grading and downspout/sump pump connection to buried pipe/dry well/drain field)

Most contractors will pull the necessary permits as part of the contracting job. Spell it out in your contract.

Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule

Beginning in April 2010, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) new rule, the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, requires contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 to be certified by the USEPA and to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Exemption to Building Permits

No, you do not usually need a building permit for the following residential projects:

  • Painting exterior or interior walls
  • Replacing a window or door with the same size/type unit and within the same framed opening
  • Installing new flooring
  • Replacing a faucet

Garage to Home Door Codes

When replacing a door from the garage to the home, the following building codes apply:

  • 20 Minute Fire Rating
  • Solid Core Door (No Windows)
  • Must be Self Closing and Self Latching 
  • Can be wood but must be minimum 1 3/8 inch solid core

Questions

If you are still uncertain as to your need for obtaining a building permit, call the Building and Inspection Services Division at 847-359-9042. Ask to speak with a Project Development Professional, they will be happy to assist you.