Construction permits are legal requirements intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens. Permits are required for most property improvement projects. Any work governed by building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing codes, or the zoning ordinance requires a permit so that inspections can be made for compliance with the relevant regulations. Examples of work that requires a permit:
- Any new structure or addition to an existing structure such as decks, garages, porches, porch roofs, fences and sheds.
- Alterations such as furring and finishing basement or attic walls; installing new windows, cabinets and countertops, new gutters and/or downspouts; cutting of any wall or partition; landscaping involving concrete work; and any work involving the extension or alteration of the electrical, plumbing or heating or air conditioning systems.
- Repairs such as re-roofing, replacing sidewalks and/or driveways, and rebuilding porches, guardrails or stairs
Permit Fees
Click the link below for the Construction Permit Fee Schedule:
Construction Permit Fee Schedule(PDF, 332KB)
Electrical Permits
Nearly any type of electrical work requires a permit from the Village. A separate permit from a general construction permit is necessary because electrical work requires specialized skills and knowledge. Electrical work done improperly can have tragic results, particularly in older, more fire-prone housing stock such as found in Oak Park.
Elevator Permits, Inspections and Certificates
As required by the State of Illinois, the Village inspects elevators each year. Operators of buildings are required to contact their personal elevator contractor, arrange inspections and update contact information. Upon a passed inspection the building managers are required to log in at www.oak-park.us/villageview, register as a user, log back in, pay and upload their passing inspection report. An e-mail will be sent to log back in to print the certificate for posting.
Plumbing Permits
Nearly any type of plumbing requires a permit from the Village. A permit separate from a general construction permit is required because plumbing requires specialized skills and knowledge. Improper plumbing work can cause significant water damage to a building. Owners of single-family homes may obtain a plumbing permit by signing an affidavit attesting to their intent to do the work themselves.
Sign Permits
Any business intending to construct, maintain, display or alter a sign must obtain a permit. Applicants are required to pay a one-time permit application fee.
Types of signs that are allowed include multiple-surface signs, awnings, canopies, marquees, freestanding signs, projecting signs and wall signs. Signs that are not allowed include signs which move or appear to move, roof signs, flashing or blinking lights, signs on the public right-of-way and signs on vacant spaces.
Temporary signs are allowed for up to 60 days as long as they are mounted and properly maintained. Permanent and temporary window signs must not occupy more than 25 percent of the window area, except in downtown Oak Park where special sign restrictions are in place. The design, size, content and structure of all signs must meet all other requirements specified in the sign ordinance. The Zoning Board of Appeals considers requests for variances from the sign ordinance.
Other types of permits
Click here for forms and information related to Right of Way Restoration Standards, Tree Protection Standards and Water Service Upgrades.