City Building Permits
Village of Downers Grove, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Village of Downers Grove, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Serves the Village of Downers Grove.
- Department
- Community Development Department - Building Division
- Address
- 850 Curtiss Street, First Floor, Downers Grove, IL 60515
- Phone
- (630) 434-5515
- Website
- https://www.downers.us
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Downers Grove Permit Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Create an account and submit permit application via the online portal.
- Upload digital documents and plans.
- Plan review occurs (initial review takes ~10 business days).
- Applicant receives notification of approval and fee total.
- Pay fees online.
- Permit issued via portal.
Typical processing time: 10 business days for initial review; 5 business days for revisions.
Source: Community Development Department - Building Division
General Requirements
Required for new construction, additions, structural repairs, basement finishing, decks, patios, driveways, fences, swimming pools, and water heater replacements.
Required Documents
- Plat of Survey (2 copies for fences)
- Construction plans
- Contractor list
- Building code
- 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be registered with the Village.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50 (Decks), $62 (Fences)
- Plan check fee
- ~$120 for new homes; ~$60 for additions/alterations
- Permit fee formula
- Square footage-based ($0.35/sq. ft.) for new/additions; flat fees for specific items like fences.
- Reinspection fee
- Reinspection fees apply; cash bonds often required
- Penalty (no permit)
- Penalty for unpermitted work
- Payment note
- Online payment through the portal
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Minor cosmetic work (painting, carpeting)
- Replacing existing light fixtures (if no new wiring is added)
Important: Confirm exempt work categories with the Building Division before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Online portal (online)
- (630) 434-5529 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Must be requested 48-72 hours in advance for reinspections.
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Time windows
- Standard business hours.
Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, Rough-in, Final.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code.
- Verify contractor license: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department - Building Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Village of Downers Grove Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Village of Downers Grove, IL?
- Required for new construction, additions, structural repairs, basement finishing, decks, patios, driveways, fences, swimming pools, and water heater replacements.
- How much does a building permit cost in Village of Downers Grove, IL?
- The minimum permit fee is $50 (Decks), $62 (Fences). Fees are calculated as: Square footage-based ($0.35/sq. ft.) for new/additions; flat fees for specific items like fences.. Plan check fee: ~$120 for new homes; ~$60 for additions/alterations.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Village of Downers Grove, IL?
- 1. Create an account and submit permit application via the online portal. 2. Upload digital documents and plans. 3. Plan review occurs (initial review takes ~10 business days). 4. Applicant receives notification of approval and fee total. 5. Pay fees online. 6. Permit issued via portal.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Village of Downers Grove, IL?
- Typical processing time is 10 business days for initial review; 5 business days for revisions..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Village of Downers Grove, IL?
- The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work (painting, carpeting); Replacing existing light fixtures (if no new wiring is added). Note: Confirm exempt work categories with the Building Division before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Village of Downers Grove, IL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Online portal, (630) 434-5529. Must be requested 48-72 hours in advance for reinspections..
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