Thinking about renovating your Glendale Heights home? Whether you’re adding a deck, finishing a basement, or replacing a water heater, permits can feel confusing. You want to keep your project on schedule, pass inspections, and avoid surprises at resale. This guide walks you through which projects typically need permits in Glendale Heights, how to apply, expected timelines, inspections, and practical tips to prevent delays. Let’s dive in.
Projects that usually need permits
Most projects that change structure, systems, or site conditions require permits. When in doubt, call the Village of Glendale Heights Building Division before you start.
- Structural and additions
- Additions, enclosed porches, major roof structure changes.
- Moving or removing load-bearing walls or creating new openings in exterior walls.
- New buildings and accessory structures
- New detached garages and sheds, depending on size. Local size thresholds vary, so confirm the cutoff with the Village.
- Decks and porches
- Attached decks and many larger or elevated decks. Inspectors will check footings and ledger attachment.
- Roofing, siding, windows, and doors
- Many jurisdictions require permits for roof and siding replacement, especially if structural repairs are included. Window or door changes that alter structure or egress typically need a permit.
- Fences
- Permits are often required based on height and location, especially on corner lots or near easements. Setback and sight-line rules apply.
- Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and impervious surfaces
- Driveway expansions, new curb cuts, and added impervious area may trigger permits and stormwater review.
- Pools
- Above-ground and in-ground pools usually require permits and must meet barrier and safety requirements.
- Interior remodeling
- Kitchen and bathroom projects that change plumbing, gas, or major electrical. Moving walls is usually a permitted activity.
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Electrical service changes, new circuits, HVAC replacements or relocations, furnaces or boilers, water heaters, gas piping, and plumbing fixture changes typically need trade permits.
- Demolition
- Full or partial demolition requires permits, with plans for debris, utility disconnects, and erosion control.
Thresholds and definitions vary by municipality. Glendale Heights has its own rules for shed size, fence height, and accessory structures, so confirm exact requirements with the Building Division before you apply.
Work that may not need a permit
Cosmetic updates that do not touch structure or building systems are often exempt. Examples include paint, floor coverings, and trim. If your project adds outlets, moves plumbing, or affects ventilation, you likely need a permit. Always confirm with Village staff, especially if your work could affect safety, egress, or energy compliance.
How to apply in Glendale Heights
A clear process helps you avoid rework and speed up approval. Here is the typical sequence.
Step 1: Pre-application check
- Call or visit the Building Division to confirm if you need a permit and which type applies.
- Ask about zoning issues such as setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and accessory structure rules.
- Verify if other approvals are needed, such as stormwater, right-of-way, tree removal, county, or state permits.
Step 2: Prepare documents
- Permit application form for your project and trades.
- Site plan showing property lines, structures, easements, and the location of new work.
- Construction drawings with floor plans, elevations, framing and foundation details. Plans should be to scale.
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans for complex systems.
- Energy code documentation for additions or qualifying renovations, such as REScheck.
- Contractor details including licenses if required, insurance, and workers’ compensation information. If you plan to act as owner-builder, ask about any restrictions for electrical or plumbing.
- Cost estimate or valuation that the Village may use to calculate fees.
- Special forms for demolition, stormwater, or right-of-way work if applicable.
Step 3: Submit and pay fees
- Submit your complete packet by the Village’s preferred method. Incomplete packets slow down review.
- Pay plan review and permit fees as directed. Some fees are based on project value or trade type.
Step 4: Plan review and corrections
- Village staff review for structural, life-safety, energy, mechanical, and zoning compliance.
- Respond quickly to any comments or requests for revisions.
- Resubmittals may reset review timelines, so aim for complete responses.
Step 5: Permit issuance
- After approval and payment, the Village issues your permit.
- Post the permit card on-site where it is visible from the street.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
- Book inspections as work progresses. Common lead time is 24 to 48 hours.
- The permit holder is responsible for scheduling and providing access.
- Do not cover work before the required inspection.
Typical review timelines
Actual timing depends on project complexity, the season, and the completeness of your plans. Here are common ranges for residential work in suburban DuPage County.
- Minor permits such as water heaters or furnaces: a few days to 1 to 2 weeks.
- Trade permits for typical replacements: often same-day to under one week when documents are complete.
- Moderate projects like decks, fences, reroofs, and driveways: about 1 to 2 weeks of review.
- Major projects such as additions or engineered accessory structures: 2 to 6 or more weeks, depending on engineering and revision cycles.
Use these as planning guidelines and confirm current timing with Glendale Heights. Submitting complete, clear drawings is the fastest way to keep your project moving.
Required inspections and checkpoints
Inspections happen at set milestones. Plan your schedule so you are ready when the inspector arrives.
Foundations and concrete
- Footing inspection before pouring concrete and foundation inspection before backfill.
- Inspectors check depth, dimensions, rebar placement, and frost protection.
Framing and rough work
- Framing inspections for walls, headers, connections, and roof framing.
- Rough mechanical, plumbing, and electrical inspections occur before insulation and drywall.
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Inspectors verify circuit sizing, grounding and bonding, panel labeling, and correct routing.
- Plumbing rough-ins, venting, traps, and pressure tests must be visible.
- HVAC checks include clearances, ventilation, flue connections, and equipment placement.
Insulation and energy
- Insulation and air sealing are inspected prior to drywall.
- Expect checks for R-values, proper installation, sealed penetrations, and mechanical ventilation requirements.
Final inspections
- Inspectors verify handrails and guards, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, egress, labeled equipment, and overall code compliance.
- Site checks may include grading and driveway or sidewalk repair.
Specialty inspections
- Decks: footings, ledger attachment, guard and rail details.
- Pools: barrier and gate requirements including self-closing and self-latching gates.
- Roofs: flashing and ventilation, and sometimes attic conditions.
- Gas: pressure test and certification.
If an inspection fails, you will receive a correction list. Reinspection may require an additional fee in some cases.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Small oversights can cause big delays. Keep your project on track with these tips.
- Start early
- Contact the Building Division before design is final. Early feedback can prevent zoning conflicts.
- Submit a complete packet
- Include site plans, scaled drawings, energy documentation, contractor info, and insurance.
- Use licensed trades
- Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors familiar with local rules help you pass on the first try.
- Get engineered details when needed
- Engineered beams, foundation specs, and connection details reduce back-and-forth during review.
- Keep work accessible
- Do not cover framing, wiring, or piping before inspection. Post your permit card.
- Document field changes
- If you alter the plan, notify the inspector and seek approval before you proceed.
- Protect resale value
- Keep copies of permits and final approvals. Unpermitted work can create issues during a sale or refinance.
Local approvals and special situations
Some projects require extra steps beyond a building permit.
- Zoning review
- Setbacks, height, lot coverage, fence placement, driveway widths, and accessory building location.
- Stormwater and erosion control
- Added impervious surface or drainage changes may trigger stormwater review at the Village or County level. Grading plans may be required.
- Floodplain or wetlands
- Properties in mapped floodplains often need floodplain permits and elevation certificates.
- Right-of-way and trees
- Work affecting sidewalks, curbs, or driveway aprons typically requires a right-of-way permit. Removing street trees may need approval from Public Works or Forestry.
- Contractor registration and insurance
- Many villages require contractor registration and proof of insurance. Verify Glendale Heights’ current rules.
Plan your renovation with resale in mind
If you might sell in the next few years, proper permitting protects your equity. Buyers, lenders, and inspectors often ask for permit records and final approvals. Keep your permit card, stamped plans, and final sign-off in a safe place. If you discover old unpermitted work, talk to the Village about how to bring it into compliance before listing.
Get guidance before you start
A short call with the Building Division can save weeks. If you are weighing scope, budget, and timing, you can also talk through how your project might impact value and resale. If you want a local perspective on which upgrades pay off in Glendale Heights and how to plan around market timing, reach out. Let’s connect and map a clear path from idea to inspection to a smooth finish.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a deck in Glendale Heights?
- Most attached decks and larger or elevated decks require a permit, with inspections for footings, ledger connections, and guards.
How long do Glendale Heights permits take to approve?
- Simple trade permits can be same-day to under a week, moderate projects about 1 to 2 weeks, and larger additions 2 to 6 or more weeks depending on engineering and revisions.
Can I pull my own electrical or plumbing permit?
- Owner work may be limited for certain trades and still requires inspections; ask the Building Division about current rules before you plan DIY work.
What inspections are required for a bathroom remodel?
- Expect rough plumbing and electrical inspections before drywall, possible mechanical checks, an insulation inspection if walls are opened, and a final inspection.
Do I need a permit to replace windows or doors?
- If replacements change structure or egress, a permit is typically required; confirm details for your specific scope with the Village.
What if I already started work without a permit?
- Stop work and contact the Building Division for guidance; retroactive permits can involve fines and may require opening finished areas for inspection.
Does a water heater or furnace replacement need a permit?
- Yes, these replacements typically require trade permits and final inspections to verify safety and code compliance.
