Community Development - Permits

Building permits

Building permits may be applied for at City Hall, between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday - Friday. They are required for structural alterations, rehabilitation, new construction, and repairs. They require an inspection by the Building Inspection Department and normally require plans. When everything is in order, some permits can be issued the day they are applied for (fences, porches, siding, gutters, downspouts, etc.) while others may take more extensive plan review (new dwelling, major alterations, commercial construction or alterations). All building permits are issued in the name of the owner.  Generally, most permits can be issued within 10 working days. However, if the project requires engineering and/or fire prevention approval, it may be somewhat longer. Most projects, however, can be processed in a much shorter time.

Plumbing permits

All plumbing permits are applied for, reviewed, and issued at City Hall. Plumbing permits are issued to Master Plumbers who are licensed by the State of Illinois. When selecting your plumber, you may verify qualifications by asking to see their plumber's state license or by calling the Building Department.

A homeowner can receive a plumbing permit if the following criteria are met:

• Owner occupies the unit
• Owner purchases the necessary equipment for the installation or repairs
• Owner personally does the work; the owner obtains a permit to do the work, and the work meets all code requirements
• The homeowner's permit is applicable to single-family owner occupied dwellings only

Examples of work requiring plumbing permits and inspections include the placement of new fixtures, soil pipe connections, replacement of sewer laterals, soil stacks, vent pipes and water supply lines.

Mechanical Permits

Mechanical permits are applied for, reviewed, and issued at City Hall. Mechanical permits can be issued to either the property owner or contractor, although it is the property owner’s responsibility to obtain the permit and see that it is posted on the job site. However, when an air conditioner is installed in a private residence, the location of the condenser must comply with the requirements of the ordinance or the Building Code Official must approve the location of the unit. The ordinance requires that the condenser may not be located between houses. If the homeowner has any questions about the placement of the condenser, the Building Department will be happy to provide assistance upon request.

Electrical Permits

All electrical permits are applied for, reviewed, and issued at City Hall. Electrical permits are issued to electrical contractors who are licensed to the City of Chicago. When selecting your electrical contractor, you may verify qualifications by asking to see the electrician’s City of Chicago license or by calling the Building Department.

A homeowner can receive an electrical permit if the following criteria are met:

• Owner occupies the unit
• Owner obtains a permit to do the work, and the completed work meets all code requirements
• The homeowner's permit is applicable to single-family owner occupied dwellings only

Some examples of work requiring electrical permits and field inspection include the following:

• Installation of new electrical service, any addition to or alteration of the existing branch circuit
• Installing new electrical outlets or light fixtures
• Installation of new fuse or circuit breaker panels

Demolition Permits

In order for the City of Countryside to issue a demolition permit, a permit must first be applied for and issued by the Cook County Department of Environmental Control. The property owner must obtain demolition permits or a wrecking contractor licensed by the City of Countryside.

You may contact the Cook County Department of Environmental Control at 69 W. Washington, Suite 1900 Chicago, IL 60602.  Phone is 312.603.8200, Fax 312.603.9828 or see the Cook County website for more information on obtaining that permit.