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Permits & Inspections
Obtaining a Building Permit Under COVID-19 Social Distancing Period
For faster processing, please submit a complete electronic permit packet to: Permits@LakeZurich.org
We thank you in advance for your patience as we process requests and inquiries during these unprecedented times. Most applications are taking up to 15 business days to process. We will reach out to you if any additional information is needed and will contact you when the permit is ready.
How can I obtain a building permit?
Three ways to apply for Lake Zurich building permits:
By E-mail
Permit applications can be submitted via e-mail to the permit department at: Permits@LakeZurich.org
In Person
You may also obtain building permit applications in person at the Community Services Facility located at 505 Telser Road – about a mile north of Route 22 in the Industrial Park. The hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
By mail
Residential permit applications and forms are available here and commercial applications and forms are available here.
Permit Pick-Up and Payments
Permit pickup and payment is available Monday through Friday from7:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Village accepts cash, checks and the following credit cards: American Express, Visa, MasterCard & Discover. Use of a credit card is subject to a 2.25% processing fee.
Various permit applications and permit requirements are available online in PDF format.
Inspections
Inspections take place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with morning and afternoon time options. Through an intergovernmental agreement, Lake County’s Planning, Building and Development Department conducts inspections for the Village. Appointments must be made 48 hours in advance. Please schedule by 1:00 p.m. two days in advance by contacting the Building and Zoning office at 847-540-1696 x8150. The Village is not able to accommodate same day inspections at this time.
The Village requires a permit number in order to schedule inspections. If you need to cancel an inspection appointment, please call the B&Z office no later than 30 minutes before the requested time window.
Approximate Permit Processing Times
| Permit Type | Business Days | |
|---|---|---|
| Roof/Siding (Residential) | 7-15 | |
| Exterior residential projects (patios, decks, driveways, walks) | 7-15 | |
| Residential A/C & Furnace | 7-15 | |
| Hot Water Heater | 7-15 | |
| Interior construction - residential & non-residential | 15 | |
| New addition/new construction - residential & non-residential | 25 | |
| Subsequent plan reviews (all types) | 7-15 |
- APPLY EARLY. Involved projects often require changes to ensure code compliance. Applying for a permit well in advance of the start of your project is highly recommended.
- CALL AND ASK QUESTIONS. If you have a specific question or not sure if your project needs a permit, contact the Building and Zoning Division staff in the Community Services Department at 847-540-1696. A qualified and trained staff person can address your question.
- ENSURE CONTRACTORS ARE REGISTERED. All contractors doing work in the Village are required to be registered. Verify that the contractor has a valid Village registration number and all their information is up to date. Make sure to provide full information on each contractor on the permit application. A link to a list of currently registered contractors is available here.
A building permit helps ensure safe construction and protects home value. The Village of Lake Zurich has adopted nationally recognized building codes that reflect safe and modern construction practices. The trained and knowledgeable staff in the Building and Zoning Division has many years of construction experience and apply these standards during permit review and inspection.
The Building and Zoning staff completely understand that residents and contractors are often quite anxious to pick up their permit and start the project. The staff is committed to processing permits as quickly as possible. With this in mind, when a permit is submitted the B&Z staff will provide a time frame as to when to expect to be notified by telephone when the permit will be ready for pick-up. Unless the expected time frame has passed, please refrain from calling to check on the status of your permit. This ties up staff resources and slows down processing time.
Once approved, building permits are good for a full year before expiration.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please call the Building and Zoning Division at847-540-1696 x8150.
Residents doing work without a building permit run the risk that their home project will be built in non-conformance with established construction standards which comprises the health and safety of the home’s current and future inhabitants. Moreover, Lake Zurich’s Village Code specifies that work done without a permit is against the law. Violators will be charged a fine of up to two times the total permit fee.
In addition, residents should know that it is becoming more common for prospective home buyers to request from the Village building permit and inspection documentation before making a home purchase offer. Lack of proper home improvement documentation can impact the sale price of a home. To help ensure safe construction, avoid costly fines, and safeguard home value, residents are advised to make sure a building permit is obtained before beginning a home improvement project.
What are the construction hours in the Village?
Construction activity is permitted in the Village:- Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Not Permitted
When do I need a building permit?
- Additions
- Air Conditioning (new or replacement)
- Deck
- Demolitions (structural & interior)
- Drainage (downspout/sump pump burial)
- Driveway (remove/replace & expansions)
- Electrical (panel changes, service upgrades, new receptacles and switches)
- Fences, Fence Repairs and Dog Runs
- Fire Pits (permanent)
- Furnace (including garage)
- Garages
- Gazebos, Pergolas and Yard Structures
- Generators
- Grading/re-grading
- Lawn Irrigation
- Patios (new & repair)
- Piers
- Plumbing & Plumbing Alterations
- Porches, Stoops, Landings & Stairs (new & repair)
- Remodeling (kitchen, bath, basement, etc.)
- Retaining Walls
- Roofing
- Seawall
- Sewer/Water Disconnection and Upgrade
- Sheds – longer than 6 feet or larger than 18 square feet
- Shoreline Stabilization
- Sidewalks & Service Walks
- Siding (new or repair), Soffit and Fascia
- Swimming Pools/Spas/Hot Tubs
- Tents (with a temporary use)
- Water Features
- Water Heater
- Waterproofing
- Windows & Doors (new and replacement)
- Work in the Public Right-of-Way
Political Signage
The sign code for political campaign signs is as follows, and no longer regulates the time period when such signs can be placed on private property. These regulations are based on state statute (the IL Campaign Signs Regulation Act).
Noncommercial Message Sign
Signs used for the expression of noncommercial ideas and messages, which include but are not limited to signs advocating a public issue, recommending a candidate for public office, alerts, or warnings, are permitted in all districts.
a. Noncommercial message signs may be constructed as either freestanding, wall, or window signs. There is no limit on the number of signs permitted.
b. Freestanding and wall-mounted noncommercial message signs in residential districts are limited to 16 square feet in area. Noncommercial message signs in all other districts are limited to 32 square feet in area.
c. Window-mounted noncommercial message signs must meet the coverage limitations of window signs. If no coverage is specified, the limitation is 30% of the window area.
d. Freestanding noncommercial message signs must be located five feet from any lot line.
e. Noncommercial message signs posted on private property must have the permission of the property owner.
f. Noncommercial message signs may not be illuminated.
g. Noncommercial message signs cannot be used as a temporary off-premise sign.