City Building Permits
Village of Downers Grove, ILLINOIS 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
- Permit validity
- Varies by project type.
- Building code
- 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code.
- Owner-builder
- Not specified; typically allowed with affidavit.
- 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.
- Trade permit fee
- Varies
- 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.
Contact the Building Division for remote inspection eligibility.
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.
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