General Information
Building Permit Applications  – FAQ’s

The following information is to help answer the most frequently asked questions regarding the permit process in Oak Brook.  If, you still have questions after reading this general information, please contact the Community Development Department (formerly referred to as the Building Department) Monday-Friday at 630-368-5101 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  (Department Directory 630-368-5100)

A building inspector can best answer specific code questions at 630-368-5102.  The adopted Building Codes and the Permit and Bond Fees can be accessed through the following the links.  Building Codes and Fee Schedule  

BUILDING PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS (INCLUDES ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS: 

·         Two (2) sets of architectural drawings are required; plans that are LARGER THAN 24” X 36” will NOT be accepted. One set will be returned after they have been reviewed and approved.  On the plans include all building and lot square footages - dimensions and scale should be on each drawing.

·         A completed General Permit Application listing all subcontractors.  It must be signed by the Property Owner or Agent (General Contractor/Architect).  All appropriate information is to be filled and must include the PIN  (permanent index number).  They must also include square footage, height, and cubic content. Note:  Incomplete applications cannot be accepted and will be returned to the applicant.  This includes all applications with subcontractor names and addresses.  If all the information is supplied as requested, the complete permitting process generally takes between 7-21 working

·         All other pertinent applications for electrical work & plumbing work require a separate permit application, which is to be completed and submitted with the General Permit application if required.  Additional permits could include, Electric, Plumbing, Sign, Water, Engineering, etc.  DO NOT SUBMIT SEPARATELY. 

·         Any low voltage work, phone or data systems, etc., require a separate application and submittal processing fee.

·  Under certain circumstances, a Plat of Survey and/or Engineering Permit applications are required for some commercial and residential construction (e.g. new construction, accessory buildings, parking decks, additions, decks, exterior alterations, fencing, flood plain areas, lawn sprinklers,  pools, etc. (Note: Call the Community Development Department for a determination).

NEW CONSTRUCTION and DEMOLITION PERMITS – Contact the Community Development Department at 630-368-5101 for information on these Application Packets.  Meetings are required prior to the submittal of these permits.

FEES - Permit Application Submittal Fee - Permit Fees - Cash Bonds:   There is a non-refundable submittal-processing fee of $34.00 required to process all permit applications and is required at time of submittal.  After the plan review is completed, you will be notified of the actual building permit fee and any required bonds.  Checks or Cash only (credit cards are not accepted).  Checks should be made payable to “Village of Oak Brook.”  Click here for Fee Schedule.

Fire Alarm Permits and Fire Sprinkler Permits – Requires a separate application and fee.  Applications are reviewed and issued by the Fire Prevention Bureau - General Contractors should check to determine if the extent of commercial renovations being done would require fire alarm and/or sprinkler drawings by the Fire Prevention Bureau before occupancy. (Commercial only)  Applications are available at the Fire Prevention Bureau, 630-368-5220.

INSPECTIONS (Structure/Electrical/Concrete) are done on a daily basis and must be requested at least one day before the date of the inspection.  Inspections are scheduled by calling 630-368-5101 during regular department hours (8-4 M-F) – Voice Mail requests are NOT accepted.  Specific times for inspections are not given.  To request an inspection, you will need to know both the address and the permit number of the job.  Inspectors set the time for their own schedule on the morning of inspections.  If you need to meet the inspector at the site, or if timing is critical to your job, you will need to call the inspector on the morning of your inspection at 630-368-5102.  These calls are taken between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. only.  On occasion, due to the volume of inspections, scheduling desired times are not always possible. 

                  Plumbing Inspections Plumbing inspections are done on Mondays and Wednesdays ONLY and are usually between the hours of 2 - 6 p.m.  These can be scheduled the same day, if the request is received before noon. 

                  Stocking/Final inspections (including Fire Prevention inspections when applicable and scheduled through the Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-368-5220) are required before stock can be delivered and before tenants/residents occupy the space in ANY manner.  These inspections may require the posting of a cash bond by the tenant or property owner.  Call for specific information at least 1 week prior to scheduling these inspections. 

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION: 

Architect Seals (Illinois only) – Required, if the cost of the job exceeds $10,000, an architect’s seal is required on each page. 

Business Licenses – Not Required

General Contractors Licenses – Not Required  

Licenses Required – Copy of a current State Plumbing and Roofing Licenses.  Other municipalities’ business licenses are not acceptable. 

Surety Bonds – Not Required

Commercial Building Approvals – Oakbrook Shopping Center – Oak Brook Promenade – Strip Malls    

Plans for work at Oakbrook Center, as well as many other shopping centers in the Village require a stamp of approval from mall/shopping center management on both sets of plans prior to submittal.  If the stamp is missing, the plans will not be accepted.

Residential Exterior Review Approvals

                    Homes located in subdivisions with an Architectural Review Committee should have their plans reviewed by those committees to insure compliance with the Subdivision Covenants.  This includes new homes and any exterior changes such as decks, fences, garages, pools, room additions, etc.  Some subdivisions requiring an architectural review are:  Brittwood Creek, Briarwood Lakes, Brittwood Creek, Brook Forest, Chateaux Woods, Covington Court, Forest Glen, Ginger Creek, Heritage Oaks, Hunter Trails, Merry Lane,   Midwest Club, Old Oak Brook, Robin Hood Ranch, Saddle Brook, Steeplechase, Sue Boon, Timber Trails, Trinity Lakes, West Oak Brook, and Yorkshire Woods.  Check the Subdivision Covenants that were received at time of closing to determine whether an architectural review is required.

Architectural Plan Requirements – Two (2) sets.  Plans larger than 24”x36” will NOT be accepted.  One set will be returned after they have been reviewed and approved.  Include all building and lot square footages - dimensions and scale should be on each drawing.  Each page is to be stamped and sealed.

Private Wells – The DuPage County Health Department must be notified prior to the release of any residential demolition or residential addition permit applications regarding wells.  Call DuPage County at 630- 682-7979 ext. 5112 prior to submitting application.

Sign Permits – All exterior signage, site work, etc. require separate permits.  Illuminated signs also require an Electric application.

Fire Prevention Inspections are arranged by contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-368-5228.

Elevator drawings, along with the General permit and Electric applications, are to be sent to Elevator Inspection Services Inc., 5 Stratford Court, Indian Head Park, IL 60525, Attn. Frank Cervone for approval.  His phone number is 708-784-9438.

Food Handling –  Any construction that involves food handling must receive approval from the DuPage County Health Dept. before the Community Development Department will approve the permit.  Call 630-620-3350 for further information. (Commercial only)

JULIE -       The following colors will be used by utility companies when marking the location of underground lines with either paint or flags or a combination of both:

It is important to note that some service lines extending from the property easement to the house belong to the homeowners and as such are considered privately owned.  JULIE member companies DO NOT locate privately installed lines or facilities such as house to garage or out building, gas lights, gas grills, pool heaters, etc. 

For more information, you can access the JULIE website : www.illinois1call.com

Local Code Amendments and the Zoning Ordinance can be accessed at the following link: http://sterling.webiness.com/Oak%20Brook,IL

 The index will be in the upper left hand corner.  Choose Title 10 Building Regulations.  All codes and local amendments are in this title as well as the Fee Schedule (10-4-1).  Choose Title 13 for the Zoning Regulations. 

NOTE:  

Fire/Burglar Alarm supervision at the Oak Brook Communications Center requires a separate permit application and fee.  Applications are available at the Police Department - 630-368-8702

Engineering Only Permits can be obtained directly from the Engineering Department - 630-368-5130

Water Meter or Water Service contact the Public Works Department -630-368-5270

Sanitary Sewers:  Sanitary sewers that serve individual homes or commercial properties are either maintained by the Flagg Creek Water Reclamation District - 630-323-3299 or the Downers Grove Sanitary District - 630-969-0664.  Should you experience a sanitary backup or have concerns regarding sanitary service, you should call whichever district services your property.