Aurora, IL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Aurora Building & Permits

Street address

77 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

Phone

630-256-3120

permits@aurora-il.us

Coverage

Handles building permits for all areas within Aurora city limits, including portions in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties.

Online portal

e-TRAKiT

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Aurora

Any new construction, addition, alteration, or repair of a building or structure. Includes electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Scope of work

Permit?

Siding and window replacement (same size) unless in a Historic or Foxwalk District

Exempt

Backyard patios not connected to a driveway

Exempt

Low-voltage electrical (50 volts or less)

Exempt

Replacing a light fixture or outlet in-kind

Exempt

Painting, wallpapering, and carpeting

Exempt

Exempt Siding and window replacement (same size) unless in a Historic or Foxwalk District
Exempt Backyard patios not connected to a driveway
Exempt Low-voltage electrical (50 volts or less)
Exempt Replacing a light fixture or outlet in-kind
Exempt Painting, wallpapering, and carpeting

Required documents

Site plan
Construction drawings (architectural/structural)
Plat of survey
Energy code compliance (REScheck/COMcheck)

Building code: 2015 International Codes (I-Series); moving to 2024 I-Series in April 2025. 2023 NEC.
Permit validity: Valid for 6 months from issuance if no work starts; expires if work is suspended for more than 180 days.
Owner-builder: Owners may perform work on their primary residence but must sign an owner-occupant affidavit.
Contractor requirements: Electricians and plumbers must be state-licensed. General contractors must be registered with the city.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 10-15 business days for standard residential; 2-5 days for express permits (water heaters, etc.)

01

Submit application and plans via e-TRAKiT portal.
02

Plan review by various departments (Building, Zoning, Engineering).
03

Notification of approval or request for revisions.
04

Payment of permit fees online.
05

Permit issuance and printing of placard.

Typical processing time: 10-15 business days for standard residential; 2-5 days for express permits (water heaters, etc.)

Source: City of Aurora Building & Permits ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Aurora building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$70

Permit fee formula

Combination. Base fees plus per-square-foot or valuation-based charges for large projects.

Reinspection fee

$75 per failed inspection

Online payments via credit card or e-check

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

e-TRAKiT portal (online)
inspections@auroragov.org (email)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Typical sequence: Footing, Foundation, Underground Plumbing, Rough (Elec/Plumb/Mech/Frame), Insulation, Final.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Aurora permits

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

Any new construction, addition, alteration, or repair of a building or structure. Includes electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

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

Building permit fees in Aurora, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $70. Fees are calculated as: Combination. Base fees plus per-square-foot or valuation-based charges for large projects..

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

To apply for a building permit in Aurora, IL, follow these steps: 1. Submit application and plans via e-TRAKiT portal. 2. Plan review by various departments (Building, Zoning, Engineering). 3. Notification of approval or request for revisions. 4. Payment of permit fees online. 5. Permit issuance and printing of placard.

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

Building permit processing times in Aurora, IL typically run 10-15 business days for standard residential; 2-5 days for express permits (water heaters, etc.). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit in Aurora, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Siding and window replacement (same size) unless in a Historic or Foxwalk District; Backyard patios not connected to a driveway; Low-voltage electrical (50 volts or less); Replacing a light fixture or outlet in-kind; Painting, wallpapering, and carpeting. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Aurora, IL via: e-TRAKiT portal, inspections@auroragov.org.

last verified April 2026 source City of Aurora Building & Permits ↗ entry id permits/illinois/kane/aurora

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Aurora Building & Permits before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Aurora

Other jurisdictions in Kane County.