Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from Labor Day to Memorial Day. During the summer months, hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday.

The Department of Community Development enforces building, zoning, health and fire codes and regulations. The department issues permits for new construction or alterations of existing structures, and inspects finished construction work. All construction plans must comply with local zoning ordinances pertaining to building use, height, area, and setbacks. To contact the Department of Community Development, please call 708/246-1800, Exts. 177 or 180. E-mails can be sent to kritchey@wsprings.com or tmcgann@wsprings.com.  

PERMIT PROCESS 

The Village of Western Springs uses the building permit as a tool to assure that established standards for design and construction are followed by anyone putting up or altering a permanent structure in the community. The building design and construction standards have been created to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the community. The aim of this guide is to assist the homeowner or builder with construction. These guidelines are for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for Village Codes. 

When Are Permits Required?

Permits are required for construction of any type, including the following:

If you are not sure that you need a permit, you may call the Department of Community Development, 246-1800 ext. 177 or stop in and pick up one of the building permit brochures or building packets for new construction.

Where Do I Go To Obtain My Permits?

Obtain a Building Permit Application at the Community Development office located in the Fire Department Building or download an application here - Application for Building Permit.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

• Most minor permit applications can be done over the counter. Permits that need to be reviewed will take up to 10 working days to be processed.
• If a development permit is required, a detailed topographical survey must be submitted for review by the Village engineer and allow at least an additional 20 working days prior to start of your project for this review.
• Post the permit in an easily visible and accessible location on site. Have approved plans and specifications on site.
• Follow approved drawings.
• Have any plan revisions approved by the Community Development Office.
• Begin construction within 6 months from the date permit was issued. Permit is valid for 1 year after issuance if construction has begun within the initial 6 months.

What Inspections Are Required?

The following is a general outline of the building inspections required:

• Footings excavated; forms set
• Foundation wall formed
• Drain tile, waterproofing, gravel set, backfill
• Framing, electric, plumbing ready
• Insulation
• Basement/garage ready to pour
• Building complete, final

How Do I Obtain Inspections?

A request for a required building inspection should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Have your street address, lot number, permit number and the type of inspection you need available when you call-708-246-1800 Ext. 191.

When Should I Request An Inspection?

Request inspections when:

• Excavations for all footings have been completed and footing forms are set.
• Forms for walls are set with rebar in place.
• Foundation has been completed, all forms are stripped and walls damp-proofed and drain tile and stone are in place.
• Roof is complete, plumbing and electric have been roughed in, but before insulation is in place.
• After installation of insulation and prior to drywall.
• Gravel, vapor barrier, and wire mesh are in place, and basement and/or garage are ready to pour.
• Other inspections required for particular project.
• Building is complete and ready for occupancy. No occupancy is permitted without a Certificate of Occupancy.
• If a reinspection of any construction, development or other work requiring a permit, is scheduled but not ready for inspection, (or not accessible for inspection) a reinspection fee of $25 shall be required for each occurrence.
• Request any special supplementary inspections. Check with the Community Development office to determine if you need other inspections.

Project Completion

• Request a 90-day temporary occupancy permit if necessary. (Temporary occupancy permits can only be issued after an inspection has been made that reveals compliance with minimum standards of health, safety and welfare.)
• Move in after Certificate of Occupancy is issued. (Permanent Certificate of Occupancy is issued only after 100 percent completion including erosion protection - landscaping, grass, and approval of as-built topographical survey.
• Occupancy will not be permitted without a temporary occupancy permit or a Certificate of Occupancy.

• Four sets of construction drawings; architecturally stamped and sealed, stating "Drawn to Western Springs Code and Building Regulations", that must include:
  • Light and vent schedule
  • Water meter location, plumbing diagram
  • Electrical diagram
  • Mechanicals (i.e. HVAC)
  • Floor Area Ratio calculations (Refer to zoning and building regulations/codes) link to municipal code page
• Five sets of topographical surveys, stamped by licensed engineer, must be submitted for new homes, garages and additions that require a foundation. For specifications on what is required by the Village Engineer, please refer to the Stormwater Management/Site Development Permit and memo.
• Lots zoned R-2 must submit an average of the block face performed by a licensed surveyor to determine front yard set back.
• Current Plat of Survey with all lot lines marked by surveyor's iron pipe.
• Completed permit and demolition (if applicable) application including estimated cost, a complete list of contractors and signature of homeowner.
• $1000 deposit (checks only) for new homes/additions and $400 deposit for detached garages.
• Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 (applicant or owner) .
• Site Management Standards Plan: accessibility, parking and loading.
• Supply permanent index number.
• All contractors must be licensed by the Village of Western Springs and provide a surety bond in the amount of $10,000.
  

• Building Trades must be licensed by the Village of Western Springs. Electricians and plumbers need only to supply copy of current license.
• Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 must be submitted by homeowner/applicant.
• Owner/builder should be aware of permit fees and site bond amounts and how to obtain refunds on bonds.
• Plan Review Invoice to be paid upon permit issuance (separate check)
• An appointment is required to pick up any major permit. Appointments are scheduled between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Demolition requirements must be met. Fence/signs/county permits/utilities must be shut-off
• Construction site preparation (4-7 days prior to demo/construction):

1. 48"" green wire mesh fencing-site & parkway
2. Silt fencing
3. Village work rules sign-purchase from Bldg. Dept
4. Demolition day inspection-call for appointment

• Knowledge of Site Management Standards.
• Knowledge of Certificate of Occupancy requirements.
• Knowledge of inspections needed.
• Permit applications expire 6 months after application date.

A COMPLETE LIST OF CONTRACTORS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS MUST BE ON PERMIT APPLICATION. PERMITS WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL CONTRACTORS ARE LICENSED AND BONDED WITH THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS.