Building Permits

State law requires anyone digging anywhere to call J.U.L.I.E. (Joint Utilities Location Information and Excavators) for underground utility locations. The new FCC designated national N-11 number for J.U.L.I.E. is 811. Calls are received 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A 48 hour notice must be provided before J.U.L.I.E. will complete the utility locates. The J.U.L.I.E. operator will advise the caller of when the locates will be completed. This is a free service.

Call 811 before you dig!

Message from the Building Department

We know you’ll have a lot of questions concerning when and what kind of permits you will need to do any improvements to your home. This information will help you plan your projects according to the Village Codes and Ordinances, and let you know when you’ll need permits.

Remember if you have a project planned and it is not covered here, do not assume you don’t need permits. Please call and ask. We are highlighting the most commonly built projects. Not all information is covered here.

The Village no longer requires contractors to register in our Village, however, we do need a copy of roofer, plumbing and electrical licenses with the building permit application, if applicable.

OCCUPANCY INSPECTIONS FOR SALE OF PROPERTY ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED. INSPECTIONS FOR RENTALS IS STILL IN EFFECT.

Code & Ordinances

The basic Codes and Ordinances the Village uses are as follows:

  • The ICC International Building Code 2012 – As Amended
  • The ICC International Residential Code 2012 – As Amended
  • The National Electric Code 2011 – As Amended
  • The ICC International Mechanical Code 2012 -As Amended
  • The ICC International Fuel Gas Code 2012 – As Amended
  • The ICC International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2012 – As Amended
  • The ICC International Fire Code 2012 – As Amended
  • The Illinois State Plumbing Code – Current Addition
  • The Illinois State Accessibility Code – Current Addition

In addition to these codes, the Village has passed Ordinances regulating the construction and placement of fences, decks, patios, sheds, swimming pools and hot tubs. Permits are required for finishing a basement, adding a fireplace, re-shingling a roof, putting on new siding, widening a driveway, installing air conditioning, adding a bathroom or remodeling a kitchen.

HOA Considerations

Some residents live in areas where there is a Homeowners Association which regulates what can and cannot be done. Usually approval from the Association is required before you can begin a project. Contact the HOA first and make sure what is planned is not in violation of the HOA covenants.

Just because the Village may issue a permit does not mean HOA covenants can be violated!  We do not regulate or have any legal responsibilities over Homeowners Organizations or covenants they are enforcing.

Permit Procedures, Requirements and Application

The Village of Hainesville contracts with SAFEbuilt Illinois for our Building Department Services. This includes plan reviews, building permits, building inspections, and rental occupancy inspections. The entire permitting process is done online with all communications being conducted via email. Permit and plan review fees can be found in Village Ordinance 15.04.020

Prior to beginning a project within the Village, it is the residents’ responsibility to make sure that a permit is required, applied for, and obtained. You will find a common list of projects that require a permit on the tab below. Work cannot be started until a permit is paid for and displayed. Failure to secure the proper permitting could result in fines, being required to remove or uninstall a project, or cause issues with insurance companies down the road. A permit is there to protect you!

Remember, the goal is to help you improve your property safely and within the guidelines of the Codes and Ordinances.

  • Check out these Contractor Hiring Tips.
  • If a project has already been completed without getting a permit, that is a violation. A permit application will need to be filled out including applicable drawings and pictures showing what has been completed, the materials used, and a copy of the survey (if needed). There is a fine of double the price of the permit.
  • If during an Occupancy Inspection (before a new tenant moves in), it is found that work has been done without a permit, the resident, landlord, or property manager will need to go through the permitting process and pay the permit fee plus a penalty.

When applying for a permit, depending on the project you may need the following:

  • Construction drawings showing what materials and how you plan to build your projects.
  • PDFs of construction drawings are needed for commercial projects. Full Size drawings may be requested as well.
  • A copy of your plat of survey showing the location of the project on your property with all the measurements.
  • For roofers, plumbers and electricians, copies of your Illinois License will be required.
  • For our Townhome properties, any outdoor alterations may require written HOA approval.

RESIDENTIAL Permits

Contractors and/or residents may apply for permits online via SAFEbuilt Community Core Online Permit Portal.

RESIDENTIAL Inspections

To request an inspection, please contact SAFEbuilt at (847) 510-4104 or submit a request to ILinspections@safebuilt.com .

COMMERCIAL Permits

If you are a new business coming into the Village of Hainesville, please contact the Village Hall at (847) 223-2032 prior to submitting any permit applications. You must submit a business license application to the Village and have approval to move forward before permitting can begin. Once approved, or if you are an existing business within the Village, you may apply for permits online via SAFEbuilt Community Core Online Permit Portal.

COMMERCIAL Inspections

To request an inspection, please contact SAFEbuilt at (847) 510-4104 or submit a request to ILinspections@safebuilt.com .

Rental Property & Inspections

The Village of Hainesville requires that a certificate of occupancy be obtained for ALL structures that are being rented – commercial, industrial, townhomes and single family homes. A certificate of occupancy is required for a rental property whenever there is a new occupant which requires an inspection by the building department. These inspections are conducted by SAFEbuilt Illinois. To request an Occupancy Inspection, please contact SAFEbuilt at (847) 510-4104 or submit a request to ILinspections@safebuilt.com. The inspection fee is payable BEFORE the inspection takes place. (See fees below.)

Fees

Inspection, Re-Inspections/Missed Appointments: $50.00
Inspection Penalty (moving a renter in without an Occupancy Permit): $100.00

Occupancy Checklist

Below is an Occupancy Inspection checklist. Please be aware that the list is NOT all inclusive but it does give you an idea as to what the inspector will be looking for during the inspection. The inspection is to ensure that the home meets basic life/safety requirements as specified in the 2012 International Residential Code.

  • CO Detectors must be working (There must be one within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping.)
  • Smoke Detectors must be working and interconnected so that the activation of one alarm will activate all alarms
  • Sump Pump correctly installed and working
  • Handrails on all staircases including deck stairs
  • Guardrails installed at all balconies, landings and decks
  • Electric Panel Labeled
  • Walls (no holes in walls, excluding nail holes)
  • Windows (must have screens)
  • Light fixtures need covers
  • Doors/hardware
  • Floor Covering (no bare sub-floors)
  • Furnace & Air Conditioning Vents
  • Hot Water Tank functioning and properly vented
  • Water Meter Properly installed
  • Water, heat and electricity must be on
  • Outlets including GFCI must be working
  • Fire resistant drywall under basement stairs
  • Homes with Sprinkler Systems – properly installed RPZ Valve

Any work that was done (e.g., fence, deck, patio, roof, siding, finished basement, pool, etc.) that needed a permit must have a permit on file. If not, the homeowner will need to apply and pay for a permit plus a penalty. The work will be inspected.

This inspection is to ensure that the home meets basic life/safety requirements as specified in the 2012 International Residential Code.

Projects Requiring a Permit

Below is a list of projects that require a permit. This list is NOT all-inclusive; please call the Village Hall if you have any questions.

  • Air conditioner
  • Alarm System
  • Basement – Finished
  • Deck/Patio (view Deck Requirements)
  • Demolition (Garage or House)
  • Dog Run
  • Driveway (Residential, Commercial)
  • Electric Service Update or Enlarge
  • Fence – repair or new 
  • Fireplace
  • Garage
  • Garage Headers
  • General House Repairs (Including Carpentry, Elec., Plumb. & HVAC)
  • Generators (Residential, Commercial)
  • Grease Collector (for businesses)
  • HVAC Repairs or Additions
  • Plumbing Repairs or Additions COPY OF ILLINOIS PLUMBER’S LICENSE REQUIRED
  • Pool/Hot Tubs/Spa/Fountains (view Pool Guidelines)
  • Roof (IRC R905.2.8.5 drip edge is required at all eaves & gables) COPY OF ILLINOIS ROOFER’S LICENSE REQUIRED
  • Screened Porch/Gazebo
  • Sewer and Water Line Repair (Residential, Commercial)
  • Shed (view Shed Requirements)
  • Siding – No permit needed for soffit, fascia or gutters
  • Signage (Non-Electric, Electric)
  • Solar Systems
  • Sprinkler System – Lawn (no 2nd water meter needed; need RPZ backflow preventer)
  • Sunroom/Four Seasons Room
  • Water Heater
  • Windows/Doors (when design is changed)

*Permits are issued for any building or property changes including fencing, decks, patios, sheds, paving, new furnace, water heater, air conditioner etc. Call the Village Hall before making any interior or exterior changes to your property. The Village of Hainesville contracts with SAFEbuilt Illinois for our Building Department Services. This includes plan reviews, building permits, building inspections, and rental occupancy inspections. The entire permitting process is done online with all communications being conducted via email. To apply for a permit please visit SAFEbuilt Community Core Online Permit Portal.

Zoning Map

Click the thumbnail to view the Zoning Map.

General Application

The General Application covers Annexation, Planned Unit Development, Rezoning, Special Use Permit, Subdivision Plat Approval, Plat of Consolidation, Variances and Zoning Map/Text Amendment.  The fee for this Application is $200 at the time it is submitted. To complete and submit the General Application, visit the General Application Form below.

Loan Resources

Please call Affordable Housing at 847-263-7478 for low interest Loans and Rehab Assistance. Available for single family residents only.

Comprehensive Plan

View the Comprehensive Plan

General Application Form

FORM General Application Form
Select the appropriate type of application below. A $200 application fee is due prior to your application being processed.
Application Type

Petitioner Information

Petitioner Name
Petitioner Name
First Name
Last Name
Enter email address
Re-enter email address
Petitioner Address
Petitioner Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
State / Province
ZIP / Postal Code
Petitioner Primary Phone Type
Petitioner Secondary Phone Type
Status
Are there any other Legal and Beneficial Owners?

Other Legal or Beneficial Owners

Other Legal or Beneficial Owner Name
Other Legal or Beneficial Owner Name
First Name
Last Name
Other Legal or Beneficial Owner Address
Other Legal or Beneficial Owner Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Other Legal or Beneficial Owner Phone Type
plus4 Add Another Legal/Beneficial Owner minus4 Remove This Line

Principal Consultant(s) (Attorney / Engineer)

Principal Consultant Name
Principal Consultant Name
First Name
Last Name
Principal Consultant Address
Principal Consultant Address
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Principal Consultant Phone Type
plus4 Add Another Principal Consultant minus4 Remove Line

Project Information

Property Located in 100 year floodplain?

Proposed Height / Setbacks

Provide measurements in feet

Proposed Ingress/Egress

Provide measurements in feet
Lot Type

Proposed Parking / Loading

(including handicap spaces)
(Industrial uses only)
(drive-ups only)

Proposed Signs

Type
(square feet)
(inches)

Proposed Outdoor Storage

Proposed Outdoor Storage Type

Proposed Refuse Storage Enclosures

(for commercial & industrial uses only)
(inches)
(inches above base)
Self-Closing
Self-Latching
Is this a Repeat Application

Petitioner Acknowledgements

By execution of this application in the space provided below, the petitioner and owner of the project property do hereby certify, agree, and affirm that

  • Elected and appointed Village officers and employees have the right, and are hereby granted permission and license to enter upon the project property, and into any structures located thereon, at reasonable times for the purposes of conducting any inspections that may be necessary and pertinent to this application.
  • I (We) have carefully read this application, the Hainesville Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and Subdivision Ordinance and fully understand the terms and provisions of each.
  • I (We) have researched the information contained in this application and it is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
  • I (We) waive any rights to exemption from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of any and all documents and information submitted in connection with this application.
  • I (We) agree to pay all fees and costs associated with the processing of this application.
Consent

Building Permits FAQs

When do I need a Building Permit and how can I apply for one?

Permits are issued for any building or property changes including fencing, decks, patios, sheds, paving, new furnace, water heater, air conditioner etc. Call the Village Hall before making any interior or exterior changes to your property. The Village of Hainesville contracts with SAFEbuilt Illinois for our Building Department Services. This includes plan reviews, building permits, building inspections, and rental occupancy inspections. The entire permitting process is done online with all communications being conducted via email. To apply for a permit please visit SAFEbuilt Community Core Online Permit Portal.

What is an Occupancy Permit and when do I need one?

The Village of Hainesville does not require Occupancy inspections for a closing on a home. However, the Village of Hainesville requires that a certificate of occupancy be obtained for all property being rented out — commercial, industrial and single family and townhomes. A certificate of occupancy is required for rental property whenever there is a new occupant. An inspection by the building department is required. The cost for this inspection is $50.00 payable BEFORE the inspection takes place. Please call the Village Hall at 847-223-2032 to set up your inspection.

Does the Village of Hainesville require contractors to register?

As of 8-2021 the Village no longer requires contractors to register in our Village, however, we do need a copy of roofer, plumbing and electrical licenses with the building permit application, if applicable.

Where can I find local Municipal Codes?

View the local Municipal Codes.

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