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.

NOTE: ADDITIONAL ROOF INSTRUCTIONS:
Regarding an addition, where a "new" roof will go
over an existing roof, the "old" shingles must be removed!

A minimum of 64 sq. feet of 5/8" fire code drywall must
be installed over furnace location. this must be done
before ductwork and furnace installation

THE BUILDING CANNOT BE OCCUPIED
WITHOUT AN OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE

The Building Department secretary will
check your list of contractors once only!

At the time of your request for a permit your sub-contractors need a $20,000 surety bond, certificate of insurance, and a Palos Heights Contractor's License. It is your responsibility as the general contractor to inform your subcontractors about our licensing requirement. The Building Department cannot update daily the status of contractors.

Before any business is to open, a City of Palos Heights Business License is required.
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:

• Cook County Plumbing Code
• Chicago Electric Electrical Code
• International Building Code 2006
• International Private Sewerage Disposal Code 2006, MWRD & City of Palos Heights
• ICC Performance Code For Building and Facilities 2006
• International Mechanical Code 2006
• International Zoning Code 2000 & City of Palos Heights
• International Fuel and Gas Code 2006
• International Energy Conservation Code 2006
• Life Safety Code NFPA 101
• International Residential Code For One and Two Families 2006
• International Fire Code 2006

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