Have a upcoming project? These are some of the most common building permit types issued in Lake Bluff. Follow the steps shown to receive a building permit as quickly as possible.
Exterior site improvements
Driveways
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Indicate on application whether driveway is being replaced with the same layout as the existing or if new paved area is being added.
- Provide sketch or drawing if new paved area is being added.
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Fences
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Draw location of proposed fence on a photocopy of a survey.
- Indicate the height of the fence.
- Indicate whether the fence is same appearance on both sides or has a good appearance side and a rough side.
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Decks
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Submit drawings (done by contractor or architect) of proposed deck or deck alterations.
- Drawings should show the location and dimensions of the deck as well as construction details including footing sizes, joists and joist spacing, method of attachment to house, etc.
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
- Sample guidelines for deck design can be found here: Example 1, Example 2.
Lawn Sprinklers
- Fill out a Lawn Sprinkler Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Provide drawing showing location of sprinkler heads, RPZ backflow prevention device, and rain gauge or moisture sensor.
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Landscape, grading, and utilities
Tree removal
- Fill out Tree Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, or by email (preferred)).
Underground water, sewer, or drainage pipes
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Attach a drawing showing the location of the proposed pipes and a description of the work.
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Grading work
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Attach grading plan (3 copies of paper plans & 1 electronic copy).
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Home improvements
Water heater replacement
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
Roofing
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Attach detailed description of proposed work (such as contractor’s description from contract).
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Alterations (siding, windows, etc.)
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Attach detailed description of proposed work (such as contractor’s description from contract).
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Residential remodel
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Submit drawings and/or description of proposed work (PDF copy preferred).
- Remodeling projects of over 2,000 square feet are required to have a Construction Debris Recycling Plan.
- Provide a copy of the Homeowner’s Association approval if in a subdivision that requires it (such as Tangley Oaks, Armour Woods, Wimbledon Court, and The Sanctuary).
Residential addition
- Fill out a Building Permit Application (and submit in person, by mail, by email (preferred), or via web).
- Contractors to renew/apply for Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
- Submit drawings of proposed work (PDF copy preferred).
- Submit Building Scale Calculation Guide.
- Projects of over 2,000 square feet (total of addition + remodeling) are required to have a Construction Debris Recycling Plan.
- A Demolition Site Management Plan is required if your project meets these criteria.
New house construction
Before Permit is Issued:
1. Fill out a Building Permit Application
2. Submit a $200 deposit for plan review
3. Submit Architectural Plans (3 paper copies & one pdf)
4. Complete a Building Scale Check Sheet
5. Submit Civil Engineering Plans, including Tree Protection Plan with Tree Inventory (3 paper copies & one pdf)
6. Submit a survey (pdf)
7. Complete a Tree Removal Permit (if applicable)
8. Submit HVAC Calculations (1 pdf of Manuals J & S)
9. Have contractors renew/apply for a Lake Bluff Contractor’s License if not currently licensed.
10. Complete a Construction Debris Recycling Plan
11. Submit a North Shore Water Reclamation District Permit (for sewer connection)
If Permit Includes Demolition of Existing Home
1. Submit a Demolition Site Management Plan (can be combined with civil engineering plans, see Section 9-1-5 I & J for requirements)
2. Submit a ComEd disconnect letter
3. Submit a North Shore Gas disconnect letter
4. Submit an Asbestos Inspection Report
After Foundation is Poured
1. Complete a Spot Survey
45 Days before Rough Inspections
1. Submit Fire Sprinkler Drawings
Before Occupancy
1. Submit engineering as-built (grades and locations of sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water service, see complete list in Section 9-1-5K)
2. Complete a Construction Debris Recycling Verification
3. Submit a Blower Door Test
Note to architects and engineers:
- Please make sure your plans comply with the wall bracing requirements of the 2015 IRC, Section R602.1
- Please make sure either architectural plans or civil engineering plans contain all of the info listed in the Site Plan Requirements, Section 9-1-5H & J, and the items required for the Tree Protection Plan & Tree Inventory in Section 10-11-8C
Fire Review Documents
- Submit all fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and fire suppression documents electronically by email ONLY.
