Department Information

7607 West College Drive
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone: (708) 361-1804
Fax: (708) 923-7112
Email: Building@palosheights.org
Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Building Permits

Before a building permit can be issued, it will be necessary to submit the following:

1. Building Permit Application
   
2. Four sets of blueprints (signed and stamped, each page)
3. Certificate to protect underground public utility facilities
4. A license for each contractor (See Contractor's License Application)
   
5. Sewer permit from the Metropolitan Sanitary District is required for any commercial building. Contractor must adhere to the Metropolitan Sanitary District's manual of procedure for the administration of the sewer permit ordinance.
6. Survey
   • Building plotted on location drawing
   • Upon completion of foundation contractor must submit to the Building Department a survey location of the foundation on the lot giving all front, side, and rear yard dimensions. A survey prepared by anyone but a licensed surveyor will not be acceptable. All off street loading and parking must be shown giving all dimensions, number of loading berths, and number of parking spaces.
   • Contractor must NOT proceed with construction until the Building Commissioner approved the plotted survey.
7. The plumbing inspector will turn off the water at the Buffalo Box following the final inspection. When the Occupancy Permit is issued, water will then be turned on, the meter sealed and read by the water department.
8. Model homes will be billed for water the same as a resident when completed.
9. State law requires a residential smoke detector on each habitable level, any rise of seven inches or more constitute a level. Detector shall be powered by 110-volt supply on separate circuit and shall also be equipped with a batter back-up system. Smoke detectors shall cause the actuation of all other smoke detectors on the residence.

No building or structure shall be used or occupied until the Building Commissioner has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.

If a new business is opening in an existing building, a Commercial Occupancy Permit is required

The following is a list of ordinances that the city of Palos Heights follows:

• 2004 Illinois Plumbing Code
  
• 2011 Chicago Electrical Code
• International Building Code 2009
• ICC Performance Code For Building and Facilities 2009
• International Mechanical Code 2009
• City of Palos Heights Zoning Code
  
• International Fuel and Gas Code 2009
• International Energy Conservation Code 2009
• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2003
• International Residential Code For One and Two Families 2009
• International Fire Code 2009

If you have further questions, please contact me at (708) 361-1804