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Building Permits

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1. What are permits and why do I need one?

Permits are the way the City of Geneva regulates construction. The permit application review process and on-site inspections ensure that all construction in the City is safe. The safety of the occupants of buildings is the primary reason for having construction codes. The City of Geneva has adopted the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, State of Illinois Plumbing Code, and the National Electrical Code. There are also federal, state and local laws that govern construction.

Obtaining a permit is just the first step toward completing your project. During this step, you may need to submit plans to the department, provide copies of your plat of survey showing proposed improvements, and the type of construction you will be doing. Please check the appropriate information above to help you through this process.

Once plans are approved, the permit is issued and you will be required to build the project according to the approved plans. If any changes are made to the plans, they must be approved by the City's Building Division before the work is performed. Obtaining a permit and passing inspections ensure that the work complies with applicable codes.

If you plan to sell your home or building, the Building Division maintains a permit and inspection record for your property. Prospective buyers will be able to review the permit issuance and inspection records.

2. When do I need a permit?

A building permit is required for all new construction including buildings, fences, sheds, decks, gazebos, pergolas, patios, sidewalks, driveways, irrigation systems, pools, and hot tubs. A building permit also is required for existing structures where the work to be done is regulated by a code. For example, any changes or replacement of water or gas piping, wiring, heating and central air conditioning systems, or water heaters require a permit. Work that affects the structure of any wall, door or window opening, roof element, etc., as well as replacement of windows, doors and permanent exterior coverings such as roofing and siding requires a permit. If you have any questions about whether a permit is required, please call the Building Division at 630-262-0280.

3. Where do I obtain a permit?

Permits are issued at the Building Division in Geneva City Hall, which is located at 109 James St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Call 630-262-0280 for more information.

4. What kind of drawings or plans do I need?

Different types of construction require different kinds of plans. Please check the appropriate informative link above for your type of project to determine what kind of drawings you need.

5. How long will it take for my permit to be approved?

Approval time may vary, depending on the type of permit. Roofing and siding permits can usually be issued at the time of application. Residential and commercial construction permits generally take about two to three weeks to review once the required information has been submitted and there are no unusual circumstances. Unusual circumstances can lengthen this time.

6. Can I start any of my construction project work before my permit is approved?

We require applicants to wait until the permit has been issued before starting any construction. If the project involves demolition, please contact the Building Division to request authorization to proceed under these circumstances.

7. Do I have to pay the permit fees when I apply?

No. Your permit fees are due at the time the permit is issued.

8. What form of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, a personal check made payable to the City of Geneva, VISA and MasterCard.

9. When does my permit expire?

All permits, except demolition permits, will expire one year from the date of issuance. Upon written request, the Building Division may extend the permit for a period of 180 days. For demolition permits, please contact our office.

10. Are inspections required?

Inspections vary depending on the project. All projects will require a final inspection. However, other projects may require additional inspections such as concrete pre-pour, electrical or framing. A complete list of necessary inspections will be on your permit. For more information, please view the appropriate project information above.

11. What do I do when my project is complete?

Once the project is complete, call the Building Division at 630-262-0280 to set up a final inspection. This is particularly important, as it allows us to close our files on your permit.

12. What happens if I don't get a permit?

If you are working without a permit, inspectors will order all work stopped and have any contractors leave the jobsite immediately. Permit fees will double and work cannot begin again until a permit is issued.

13. Do I need to permit to remove a tree in my yard?

A tree removal permit is required prior to the removal of a live Class A or B tree located on private parcels of land that are more than 1.5 acres (65,340 square feet) in size, or parcels of land requiring review and approval of Tree Preservation Plans as set forth in the Geneva City Code, where no on-site work requiring a building permit is involved. Non- class A or B trees can be removed without a permit.

14. Will my construction project require the Tree Preservation Plan Review Application?

Submittal of a Tree Preservation Review Application is required for exterior construction projects on property that contains one or more trees over 10 inches in diameter (measured 4.5 feet above the ground) located within the Construction Activity Zone or Tree Preservation Zone. A good rule of thumb is a 10 inch or larger tree on your property or any sized tree on adjacent public or private property within approximately 50 feet of the construction project. Please refer to Title 8-5C of the Geneva City Code for further information.

15. How do I get a survey of my property?

If you do not have a plat of survey for your property you will need to contact a land surveyor to have one prepared. The City of Geneva does not provide surveys for private property.

16. If I do any work to my home, will my property taxes be increased?

The Geneva Township Assessor's Office is the responsible taxing authority for Geneva. If you are interested in determining whether or not your taxes will be increased, please contact the Assessor's Office at 630-232-3600, and they will be able to give you information on the type of projects that will increase your property taxes.

17. I live in the Historic District of Geneva and want to do some exterior work on my house and property. What is the process of getting a permit?

In order to maintain the historic integrity of properties located within the Geneva Historic District, all applications for building permits for these properties are subject to the review of the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission. A Historic Preservation Review Application will need to be submitted prior to the building permit application. A building permit will not be issued until this review occurs and approval is granted. Please contact the Historic Planner at 630-938-4541 for more information.

18. If I hire a contractor to do my work, who is responsible for obtaining the permit?

The homeowner or the contractor can obtain the necessary permit(s) for the project, but it is the homeowner's responsibility that a permit is obtained.

19. Additional questions?

If your question is not listed here, please contact the Building Division at 630-262-0280.