Types of Permits Print
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.
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 and provide a valid copy of their license and where the testing occurred. When selecting your electrical contractor, you may verify qualifications by asking to see the electrician’s license or by calling the Building Department if the contractor has registered with the city previously.
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
- Installation of new electrical service, any addition to or alteration of the existing branch circuit. ComEd has also provided The Red Book: Guide to Installing or Revising Your Residential Electric Service that is available on the ComEd web site that covers the basic service types. Click HERE for the ComEd website.
- Installing new electrical outlets or light fixtures
- Installation of new fuse or circuit breaker panels
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.
Applications for Cook County demolition permits and asbestos abatement permits are just a click away! Customers can submit their information at the following:- Demolition Permit: https://espay.cookcountyil.gov/DesWebPortal/#/demolition
- Asbestos Abatement Permit: https://espay.cookcountyil.gov/DesWebPortal/#/asbestos
Residents no longer need to travel to the Environment and Sustainability office downtown or send applications through the mail.
Permits are emailed to applicants as they are approved. Applicants may pay by credit card or electronic check. Additionally, applicants may revise their permits online and receive an updated permit reflecting their changes as soon as it is approved.
The Solid Waste and Air divisions permit applications and payment are available online.
