Protecting Yourself and the Public

A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met––as demonstrated by a code official’s carefully maintained records––has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit.

Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you.

Building Permit Process

Talk To Your Local Code Official

Your code official wants your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money. You will be asked some basic questions such as What are you planning to do? Where are you planning to do it?, advised of any requirements, and if necessary, referred to other departments for their approval. The code official will provide you with the resources and information needed for compliance with the applicable building codes. You will then receive an application for a building permit.

Submit Application

At this stage you will document the “Who, What, When, Where, and How” of the job, along with any sketches or plans of the proposed work.

Review Process

In a brief amount of time, the code official will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with local requirements. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit is issued. If not, the code official may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.

Receive Permit

Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction. A fee, based on the size of the job, is collected to cover the cost of the application, the review, and the inspection process. An experienced code official is available to you should you have any questions concerning your project. You should consider your code official as an ally who will help you make your project a success. Separate permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air conditioning work.

Job Site Visits

On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes, and plans. Again, you will have access to the expertise of the code official to help you with questions or concerns regarding the project and to minimize potentially costly mistakes. The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. Usually, a one- or two-day notice is needed when requesting visits.

Final Approval

The code official will provide documentation when construction is complete and code compliance is determined. You will then have the personal satisfaction of a job done right. Enjoy your new surroundings with the peace of mind and the knowledge that they meet the safety standards in your community.

It takes everyone in a community to keep our homes, schools, offices, stores, and other buildings safe for public use. Your safe construction practices help protect you, your family, your friends, and your investment. Be sure to get your local code official involved with your project, because the building department is an important ally, from start to finish.

Building Permit Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to many of your questions regarding the Building Department. If you do not see the answer to your question, please give our offices a call at 708.481.8950 ext 155.

Why are permits required?

Building, Electrical and Plumbing permits are required for most construction projects. The purpose of the permit is to assure that the work performed meets Village zoning and building code requirements. This is achieved through plan review and inspection.

When is a permit required?

A building permit is required prior to starting any construction, alteration, addition, removal, demolition or restoration of any building or structure or its service equipment. The following is a list of typical projects that require a permit. This list is not all-inclusive so please check with the Building Department to see if your project requires a permit.

• New Construction Additions
• Garages Sheds
• Fences Decks
• All Concrete Work Swimming Pools
• Driveways
• Windows/Doors
• Siding/Fascia/Soffit/Gutter Roof Tear-off or Overlay
• Sewer Repairs/Clean-Outs Patio
• Electrical Service/Revision Plumbing Revision
• Furnace/Air Conditioning Water Heater
• Demolitions Lawn Irrigation System
• Masonry Mailboxes

When is a permit NOT required?

Cosmetic improvements, such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting and trim work do not require permits. A homeowner may perform most ordinary repairs on their home without a permit . Any contractors hired to perform these types of work must be registered with the Village prior to work starting.

Who is responsible for getting the permit?

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to obtain the building permit prior to the start of any work. A contractor, acting as the owner's agent, may also obtain the building permit.

What if I do not obtain a permit?

Per Village ordinance, the Building Permit Fee will be doubled if work starts prior to obtaining the Building Permit.

What do I need to bring to the Building Department to obtain a permit ?

• A copy of your plat of survey showing existing and proposed structures
• Property Identification Number (PIN)
• Pertinent drawing and blueprints
• Registered Contractor's name
• Contractor Proposal or Scope of Work with valuation
• Subdivision/HOA approval (if applicable)

How long does the permit process take?

Most projects can be reviewed and permit issued within 2-3 days. The Village uses a third party plan review company for larger projects (new homes, additions). A 10-14 day review period may be required for these projects.

What does a contractor need to register with the Village?

A contractor must fill out the Contractor's Registration application and provide a Certificate of Insurance and a License and Permit Bond. Plumbing, Lawn Sprinkler and Roofing contractors must provide copies of their current State of Illinois License. Electrical contractors must provide a copy of their current Electrician License. The annual fee for a subcontractors is $100. The annual fee for a general contractor is $200.

When do I need an inspection?

As a general rule, an inspection is required before any work is covered. Please refer to the specific Hazel Crest Guide for your particular project to see at what point of construction inspections are required. A final/completion inspection is always required.

When are inspections performed ?

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Inspection request must be received 24 hours prior to the requested time.

When does a permit expire ?

Work must commence within 180 days (6 months) of the issuance of the permit. The building permit will become invalid one-year from the date of issuance.

Can the Village recommend a contractor ?

The Village will not recommend a contractor, but will provide a list of registered contractors by trade.

Permit Fees

Contractors License

• General Contractor - $200 Annually
• Subcontractor - $100 Annually

Occupancy Inspections

• Apartments / Condominiums - $50
• Single Family Homes / Townhomes - $75
• Commercial- $100
  • Paid each time a new occupant moves into a unit

Building Permits

General Building Permit

• General Building Permits are based on the cost of construction. $30 for the first $1,000 of construction costs and $10 for each $1,000 thereafter.
• Permits that require a zoning evaluation will be assessed a review fee.

Permit Prices

Inspection Information

Hazel Crest Project Guides

• Concrete
• Deck
• Demolitions
• Detached Garage
• Driveway, Apron, and Sidewalk
• Fence
• Furnace / AC Replacement
• Lawn Irrigation System
• Masonry Mailbox
• Patios, Walks, Stoops, and Steps
• Roofing
• Sewer Clean-out
• Storage Shed
• Swimming Pools
• Water Heater
• Zoning

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement Department promotes life, health, fire prevention, building safety and helps maintain property value. This is archived by inspecting existing structures at change of occupancy and patrolling the neighborhoods to identify properties not complying with the property maintenance code. This Department also provides assistance to the Health Department with inspections of food and health establishments, the building and zoning department by identifying work being conducted without permits and inspections on home improvements. It enforces compliance by issuing tickets through administrative court, and contracting work from an outside source.

Other duties in the department are receiving and investigating complaints by the residents, ticketing abandon cars on properties, and follow up investigation on violation of the property maintenance code. They also are liaison for the beautification committee, handle correspondence, awards, and the budget.

Mission Statement

The goal of the Code Enforcement Division is to eliminate blight, improve the appearance of residential and commercial areas, and create a community where all those who live, work, or visit can experience a sense of pride and well being. While our goals may sound simple, your partnership is needed to make them a reality.

Introduction and Goals

The Village of Hazel Crest property maintenance, codified, and zoning codes are designed to assist in maintaining community property values, protect the atmosphere of neighborhoods, and prevent unsafe and unsightly use of property by requiring that all properties be kept in an orderly, clean, and safe condition. Only through compliance with the municipal codes and knowing how to take action when violations occur, can we work together to achieve the quality of life everyone deserves in Hazel Crest.

Code Violation Reporting

If you see a violation in your neighborhood and want to report it, please contact Code Enforcement at (708) 481-8950. It is village policy that the identity of all complainants is kept strictly confidential. Residents should be aware that most of the complaints investigated by Code Enforcement did not occur overnight. There are also legal requirements which require proper notification to the property owner. As so, a remedy may not be immediate. Though not often, the notification process alone can sometimes delay the process for several weeks. Please know that staff is working diligently on the abatement of violations in your area and throughout the village.

We encourage you to become familiar with the property maintenance and zoning codes, and become a Partner in Pride in Hazel Crest.