Permit Process

Village Code and the Building Department require permits be granted for nearly all residential work including, interior and exterior renovations, carpentry, concrete, plumbing, fencing, roofing, masonry, signage, electrical, fire safety and HVAC. For questions on whether a permit is required for the work you are planning, please contact the Building Department using the information on the right side of this page.

Depending on the work specified in the permit, one or more inspections may be required to fulfill your obligations under the granted permit. For details on what inspections are required, and how far in advance you will need to to schedule an inspection, please refer to the information and instructions that accompanied your permit application.

The Building Permit process helps us understand our local laws and ordinances. Before any construction or remodeling work begins, application for a permit should be made. Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

1. Visit or Call our Office

The Building Department staff will ask “What are you planning to do?” and “Where are you planning to do it? Then, staff will explain the requirements (codes/ordinances) regarding your project. An application for a building and/or electrical permit will be given to you at this time.

This initial contact will provide the resources and information you will need to make your project a success and avoid potential problems which could cost you time and money.

2. Submit Application

The permit application requires information about the construction project. You’ll be asked to document “who” will perform the work, “what” work will be done, “where” the work will be done, “when” the work will be done and “how” the work will be done, as well as the cost of the project. Sketches, a plat of survey, drawings, plans, project contract/proposal or other documentation of the proposed work may have to be submitted for review.

3. Wait During Review Process

The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. Building staff will determine if your project is in compliance with the construction codes, with the zoning ordinance, our engineering department and with other municipal or state ordinances and statutes.

4. Receive Results of Review Process

If compliance with the codes, zoning ordinances and other applicable regulations are approved a permit will be issued. If compliance is not determined, your application as submitted will be denied. If you are refused a building permit, you can correct the code violations or appeal the decision.

5. Receive Permit

The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review process. If a fee is required, it will be collected at this time. The permit fee helps defray the cost of the Building Staff’s time spent in the application process, the review process and on-site inspection process for the duration of the project. The fee also gives you access to staff’s knowledge and experience when and if you have any questions about your construction project. An additional fee for services, such as water connection and surveys, may be required as well as re-inspection fees if there are multiple failed inspections or "no-shows".

Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the permit. The building permit shall be posted in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the building plans at the site, and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the Building Department immediately. Changes will require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

6. Arrange Inspection Visits

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by Building Department staff to make certain the work conforms to the Code, the building permit and the approved plans. The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection.

Normally, 24 hours advance notice is required.

If an inspector finds that some work does not conform to approved plans, the inspector will advise (and possibly provide written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.