The Benefits of Building Permits

The Benefits of Building Permits

The following information describes simple steps you can take to obtain a building permit and how permits can work for you. You’ll be surprised at how easy the whole process is.

The truth is, building permits are very beneficial to you and your community. By working with expert code officials, you will benefit from their knowledge of building codes to ensure your construction project is built right, will be safe, and will last.

What's a Building Permit?

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

When Do You Need a Permit?

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call your local building department. Discuss

your plans with the code official before beginning construction to determine whether you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, the code official will answer construction questions and may provide valuable advice. Permits are usually required for the following:

  • New buildings
  • Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
  • Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters, etc.)
  • Renovations (garage conversions, basement furnishings, kitchen expansions, reroofing, etc.)
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems

Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or make costly repairs.

Building/Home Safety
Building Permit Process
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Fees
Inspection Information
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Code Enforcement

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.

Adjudication Court Dates
Common Code Violations
Occupancy Inspection Process