Downers Grove, IL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Community Development Department - Building Division

Street address

850 Curtiss Street, First Floor, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone

(630) 434-5515

Coverage

Serves the Village of Downers Grove.

Online portal

Downers Grove Permit Portal

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Downers Grove

Required for new construction, additions, structural repairs, basement finishing, decks, patios, driveways, fences, swimming pools, and water heater replacements.

Scope of work

Permit?

Minor cosmetic work (painting, carpeting)

Exempt

Replacing existing light fixtures (if no new wiring is added)

Exempt

Exempt Minor cosmetic work (painting, carpeting)
Exempt Replacing existing light fixtures (if no new wiring is added)

Note: Confirm exempt work categories with the Building Division before proceeding.

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.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 10 business days for initial review; 5 business days for revisions.

01

Create an account and submit permit application via the online portal.
02

Upload digital documents and plans.
03

Plan review occurs (initial review takes ~10 business days).
04

Applicant receives notification of approval and fee total.
05

Pay fees online.
06

Permit issued via portal.

Typical processing time: 10 business days for initial review; 5 business days for revisions.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective Current

Fee type

Amount

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

Online payment through the portal

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 sequence: Foundation, Rough-in, Final.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Downers Grove permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Downers Grove, IL? ▸

Required for new construction, additions, structural repairs, basement finishing, decks, patios, driveways, fences, swimming pools, and water heater replacements.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Downers Grove, IL? ▸

Building permit fees in Downers Grove, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Downers Grove, IL? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Downers Grove, IL, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Downers Grove, IL? ▸

Building permit processing times in Downers Grove, IL typically run 10 business days for initial review; 5 business days for revisions.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Downers Grove, IL? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Downers Grove, IL? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Downers Grove, IL via: Online portal, (630) 434-5529. Must be requested 48-72 hours in advance for reinspections..

last verified April 2026 source Community Development Department - Building Division ↗ entry id permits/illinois/dupage/downers-grove

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department - Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Village of Downers Grove

Other jurisdictions in DuPage County.