Permits and Inspections

Permits and Inspections

Permits
A permit is required for most construction, including new buildings, additions, garages, interior and exterior alterations, driveways, heating and air conditioning work, electrical and plumbing work, swimming pools, fences, patios, decks, sheds, and siding. 

Routine maintenance that does not alter locations of existing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems or modify any structural walls does not require a permit. A permit is not required for a window replacement unless the widow size is enlarged nor for residential roof replacements, but roofing contractors must be licensed with the City. 
If in doubt, you may contact our department to find out if your project requires a permit.

Submittal Requirements by Permit Type

Permit Application (hard copy). For digital permits, see the corresponding section below.

Plat of Survey - Owner's Certification/Accuracy of Survey
If the plat of survey is over 6 months old the following form is required
Property Owner Certification
ZoningThe Park Ridge Zoning Ordinance regulates the location, height, size, and bulk of a project. You may consult the Zoning Ordinance or request a pre-development meeting with staff of the Department of Community Preservation & Development if you have questions.

Zoning Webpage (more information here)

Appearance Commission All new construction, including residential construction, major additions, and some detached accessory structures on single-family residential parcels, must be approved by the Appearance Commission prior to the acceptance of a building permit application. Contact Claudia Hampel, Planner, to set up an appointment. 

Review TimelinePermits are typically reviewed within 2 weeks. Simple permits such as fencing can be reviewed in as little as 1-5 working days. Larger, more complex projects, such as a new single-family home, may take 5-15 working days.  When revisions are required, you can expect a turnaround of one week.

During the busy season (i.e., May-September) permit turnaround standard is 2 weeks for all permits.
Digital Building Permit ApplicationsThe City offers an entirely digital permitting process, known as the Citizen Self Service (CSS). CSS is generally faster than the paper-based process. If you would like to submit a building permit application online you may do so by using the links below.

  • Click here for the Online Permit Submittal Requirements
  • Click here for the CSS Citizen Self Service Online Permitting Portal

Note that you will need to establish a CSS account with the City and create a login and password. Once the account is created, you will be able to review the status of all of your permit applications, plan reviews, and inspections in real-time. By submitting your documents electronically you help to reduce paper waste and avoid the travel time required to conduct your business in-person with the City. This feature should prove particularly beneficial for contractors or other applicants who manage large numbers of permit applications or construction projects.  
Although the Department of Community Preservation & Development still accepts paper applications, all are encouraged to use CSS to apply for and track the status of permits and inspections. The Department anticipates moving to an all-digital environment soon at which time paper submissions will no longer be accepted.  

Questions?  847-318-5291.

Permit Time LimitBuilding permits for residential structures are valid for a period of one year and can be extended under certain circumstances. Permits may be renewed after expiration, but the applicant must pay 50 percent of the original permit fee for the renewal.

InspectionsInspections are scheduled for either the morning or afternoon, and not for specific times.  Same-day inspections are not scheduled and a normal wait period for inspections is 1-2 working days.  If an applicant utilizes the CSS portal, results of the inspections can be forwarded in real-time to the contacts of your choice.

Here is a link to the City's Code of Ordinances
Building CodesCode of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Park Ridge

The City has adopted by reference the following building codes:

Adoption of the 2021 International Code Council International Codes

The City of Park Ridge Building Division is in the final stage of adoption of the 2021 publication of the ICC International Codes. The following codes are currently under review and adoption is anticipated by the end of the first quarter of 2024:

International Building Code (IBC), 2021 edition. Published by the International Code Council, Inc. Chapter 11 is deleted; see Illinois Accessibility Code. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 2 for local amendments.

International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 edition. Published by the International Code Council, Inc. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 3 for local amendments.

International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 edition. Published by International Code Council, Inc. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 4 for local amendments.

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 edition. Published by International Code Council, Inc.

International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 edition. Published by International Code Council.

International Fire Code, 2021 edition. Published by the International Code Council, Inc. Also Municipal Code Article 7, Chapter 1 for local amendments.

International Swimming Pool & Spa Code, 2021 edition. Published by the International Code Council, Inc. Also Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 15 for local amendments.

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2021 edition. Published by the National Fire Protection Association. Also see Municipal Code Article 7, Chapter 1 for local amendments.

Illinois State Plumbing Code, 2014 and any future revisions or amendments. Published by the State of Illinois. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 6 for local amendments.

Illinois Accessibility Code (IAC), 2018 edition. Published by the State of Illinois Capital Development Board. Accessibility, Chapter 11 of the International Building Code is deleted.

National Electrical Code (NEC), 2023 edition. Published by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 5 for local amendments.

If you have any questions, please call The Department of Community Preservation & Development at (847) 318-5291.