City Building Permits
Aurora, ILLINOIS Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Aurora, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Handles building permits for all areas within Aurora city limits, including portions in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties.
- Department
- City of Aurora Building & Permits
- Address
- 77 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
- Phone
- 630-256-3120
- permits@aurora-il.us
Online Permit Portal
Platform: e-TRAKiT • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Submit application and plans via e-TRAKiT portal.
- Plan review by various departments (Building, Zoning, Engineering).
- Notification of approval or request for revisions.
- Payment of permit fees online.
- 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.)
General Requirements
Any new construction, addition, alteration, or repair of a building or structure. Includes electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Required Documents
- Site plan
- Construction drawings (architectural/structural)
- Plat of survey
- Energy code compliance (REScheck/COMcheck)
- Permit validity
- Valid for 6 months from issuance if no work starts; expires if work is suspended for more than 180 days.
- Building code
- 2015 International Codes (I-Series); moving to 2024 I-Series in April 2025. 2023 NEC.
- 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.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $70
- Plan check fee
- Varies by project size (e.g., $251 for new construction/additions)
- Permit fee formula
- Combination. Base fees plus per-square-foot or valuation-based charges for large projects.
- Reinspection fee
- $75 per failed inspection
- Payment note
- Online payments via credit card or e-check
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- 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
Inspections
How to Schedule
- e-TRAKiT portal (online)
- inspections@auroragov.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Footing, Foundation, Underground Plumbing, Rough (Elec/Plumb/Mech/Frame), Insulation, Final.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2015 International Codes (I-Series); moving to 2024 I-Series in April 2025. 2023 NEC.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Historic Preservation
- 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 City of Aurora Building & Permits before applying.
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