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Community Development Department

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1. Do I need a permit?

The Village recently removed a long-standing requirement to get a permit for “any projects, contracted or performed by-owner, with a value of $500 or more”. The removal of this requirement means that permits are now required based upon work type. 

Permits are commonly needed for:

•    Construction and repairs of porches and decks

•    Replacement or pouring of asphalt or concrete walks, driveways, and patios

•    Installing brick and stone surfaces, building retaining walls 

•    Tuckpointing, masonry, and chimney repairs

•    Replacement or repair of windows, doors, or fences

•    Constructing or demolishing a garage, shed or accessory building 

•    Interior remodels of baths, kitchens, basements, or bonus rooms 

•    (any combination of drywall/framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems) 

•    Additions and other structural changes

•    Replacement or addition of HVAC equipment 

2. Are there exceptions for when I need a permit?

Most jobs will require a permit because of the type of work performed but the Village does have some exceptions to work requiring a permit. See this list for good guidance and contact the Village with any other questions. Also see the "Do I Need a Permit?" FAQ for a list of projects that always require a permit. 

•    Replacement of standard doors and overhead garage doors of the same size-opening.

•    Addition, replacement, or removal of window screens, storm windows or doors.

•    Window tinting and glazing.

•    Interior cosmetic changes including addition, replacement or removal of carpeting, tile, flooring, trim, wall coverings, painting or staining, and replacement cabinetry or countertops.

•    Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

•    Installation of low voltage electrical for alarms, garage doors, or similar function.

•    Installation of swings and other playground equipment accessory to the residence. (Location requirements per zoning Sec. 10-7-4 apply)

•    Replacement of any minor part of equipment that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

•    Replacement or repair of a damaged fence plank or post that does not require relocation or substantial removal of fencing. 

•    Routine maintenance of building features that do not require removal or addition of structural elements (painting, small patch of roof shingles, repairing a section of gutter or downspout)

•    Replacement of lamps or electrical fixtures including lights, outlets and switches that do not involve or require installation, replacement or rearrangement of wiring or circuits. Any rewiring, upgrades in service, or work that opens the wall requires a permit with inspections.  

•    Stopping of leaks and minor plumbing repair work is allowed as long as repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

•    Replacement of existing sinks, showerheads, toilets, dishwashers, laundry machines are allowed without a permit. (Changes to the number of water fixtures can alter your water service requirements and therefore any new fixture installations require a permit with inspections.) 

3. How do I apply for a permit?

To apply for a building permit, you will need a building permit application form and a copy of your SIGNED contract with the contractor doing the work. You also need to sign and submit the minimum requirement sheet (two pages). Any job that will affect the “bird’s eye view” of your lot (deck, sidewalk, fence, addition, garage, etc.) will also require a copy of your Plat of Survey with the proposed changes drawn in to scale. For large jobs where plans must be submitted (additions, new constructions, renovations, etc) we require 3 copies of plans stamped by the architect. Any new construction, addition, or accessory structure 400 square feet or greater requires a topographical survey of both existing and proposed drainage conditions.

4. Who should apply for a permit - the owner or contractor?

Either party can apply for a building permit. Some contractors take care of it themselves, while others place that responsibility on the homeowner.

Ideally, the contractor completes the online application due to insurance information required during the application process. Residents responsible for completing the permit can also ask for this information from their contractor. 

5. I’m doing the work myself. Do I still need a permit?

Yes you do. The application process is the same as above, except you will need to fill out a homeowner waiver as part of the online application process. This is a simple acknowledgement form that states that you are doing the work yourself and agree to abide by all current building codes, and that if you fail any inspections repeatedly you will hire a contractor to finish the job if necessary.

6. What if my relative is going to help me do a job?

If you and a blood relative are going to be working on a project, they are also covered under the homeowner waiver. If you will pay the person who is working, regardless of the amount, they are considered a contractor. They must be licensed and bonded with the Village.

7. What happens if I don’t get a permit?

If you are working without a permit, inspectors will order all work stopped and have any contractors leave the job site immediately. Permit and licensing fees will double, and work cannot begin again until a permit is issued.

8. Does the Community Development Department recommend contractors?

No. Because of liability, the Village cannot make recommendations of any type. You are encouraged to “shop around” and hire whatever contractor you see fit. Contractors that are not already licensed to work within the village can become so after providing the required insurance information.

The Community Development Department maintains a file of resident comments and complaints about contractors, and this file is available for public viewing during business hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (We encourage you to submit either complements or complaints to our file if you like.)

9. Does the Community Development Department have a list of contractors that I can view?

We are able to tell you if any contractors are licensed with us, however please understand that this is not a recommendation of any type. We would merely be letting you know if their insurance information is on file and up to date.

10. How does a contractor get licensed?

To become licensed, contractors must fill out our contractor’s license application form. They must also provide a certificate of insurance showing general liability and proof of workman’s compensation (if they are required by state law to carry it). They must also provide a $10,000 surety bond in the name of the Village of Riverside. There is a $100 fee for a contractor’s license, and they are valid for one year from the date of issue.

11. How long does it take to get a permit?

When all required documents are received, a permit generally can be issued within a few days. Large jobs, such as additions or remodeling which require plan reviews, take at least a week to 10 days. If there are problems uncovered during the review or if any of the contractors have not submitted their needed paperwork, the process will be delayed.

12. How far in advance should I apply for a permit?

You should apply for a permit as soon as possible. A good idea is to apply for the permit immediately after you sign the contract for the job.

13. How much does a permit cost, and when do I pay for it?

Permit costs are based on the value of the job being done. The basic permit fee is $100 or 1.75% of the value of the job, whichever is greater. Additional fees may be added for electrical and plumbing work, plan reviews, and parkway deposits. Since permit fees are not determined until after the permit is approved, permits must be paid for upon pickup and not before. The full list of fees can be found here.

14. How long are permits valid for?

Permits are valid for 18 months from the date of issue. The job must be started while the permit is valid. If for some reason the job cannot be started while the permit is valid, please contact us in writing to request an extension.

15. What are construction hours?

Work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no contractor work allowed on Sundays or national holidays.

16. Are inspections required?

Inspections vary depending on the job. All jobs will require a final inspection, however other jobs may require additional inspections, such as concrete prepour, electrical, or plumbing. A complete list of necessary inspections will be on your permit.

17. What do I do when my job is complete?

Once your job is complete, call the Community Development Department at 708-447-1241 to set up a final inspection. This is particularly important, as it allows us to close our files on your permit.

18. What is the normal process of getting a building permit?

Each project is unique, but most follow the normal process:
- Get your idea.
- Have the plans drawn up.
- Hire your contractors and sign a contract. Remember that all contractors who work in Riverside must be licensed with us.
- Apply for the building permit, and submit all plans and documents necessary.
- Village staff reviews the plans and contacts you for any necessary modifications.
- Village staff verifies all contractors are licensed and up to date.
- Permit is issued, picked up and paid for. You must display the permit card in a front window while the work is being done.
- Schedule inspections as required during the building phase.
- When the work is completed, schedule the final inspections.
- Issue a Certificate of Occupancy if required.

19. Which building codes does the Village enforce?

The Village of Riverside enforces the International Code Council 2006 Editions. Click here for the full list and local amendments.

20. What are the requirements for different types of projects?

The Department has created the Building Permit Process packet, which answers many questions you may have regarding a project, including detailed construction requirements.