Building and Permits

The City requires permits for certain construction projects, as well as other registration and licenses. Due to building construction, this division has been temporarily relocated to the second floor of City Hall.

Building permit applications and field work must comply with City building codes, which are established to safeguards public health and welfare. The City conducts a variety of building permit and code enforcement inspections.

On December 15, 2025, City Council approved the adoption of the 2021 I-Codes, which include the International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Existing Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel and Gas Code, International Pool and Spa Code and the International Property Maintenance Code. Additionally, City Council adopted the 2020 National Electric Code. This adoption ensures the City complies with Illinois State Law, which mandates the adoption of building and construction-related codes published in the current year or within the preceding nine calendar years. The newly adopted codes will go into effect on January 1, 2026.

Apply for a Building Permit

The City's building permit process is now digital! Visit our Customer Self Service Portal to apply online.

First-time user? The step-by-step video tutorial can help you through the process!

Contractor Registration is now completed through the Portal as well.

Application Portal

Please submit permit-related questions via email to: permits@desplainesil.gov. If you have any issues while applying online, staff can be reached at: 847-391-5380.

Permit Guides and Requirements

Express Permits

New Single-Family Residences and Additions

Commercial Alterations/New Commercial and Multi-Family Residential

Other Permits / Program

Restaurant and Food Businesses

Permits for restaurants and food businesses can be applied for at the customer self service portal. 

New restaurants and food businesses or those changing ownership need to be inspected by the City. Call 847-391-5366 to speak with the licensing division about the necessary inspections.

Commercial Property Alterations

Permits are required for a number of different projects in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our business owners, their employees, and the customers who frequent the location. Our streamlined process makes it easy to follow and understand the requirements and our experienced staff is always ready to assist with questions and concerns.

The checklist is a guide to what may need to be submitted. Each permit is treated individually to ensure the best outcome for all. Once the checklist items have been addressed, our team will be able to determine the most streamlined process for the applicant.

Building Inspections, Codes and Fees

Building Inspections

To request an inspection for work under permit or an inspection of a rental dwelling, seek review of compliance of sign and more, submit a request through the City's DP311 Citizen Request Portal, call 847-391-5382 or email permits@desplainesil.gov.

Building & Zoning Codes and Fees

View the Zoning Code at amlegal.com

The City adheres to these International Codes for: Building, Fire, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation and Property Maintenance. Des Plaines enforces the State of Illinois Building Codes per current state statute, as follows:

The State of Illinois has adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code w/ State Amendments which will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Building permit applicants and design professionals are responsible for ensuring that their projects comply with the adopted code and state amendments. All projects submitted after December 31, 2023 will need to comply with the adopted code and state amendments. 

 

Work Hours

Construction and demolition work is permitted 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

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