Des Plaines, IL
Home MenuBuilding 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 Portal Guide and step-by-step video tutorial can help you through the process!
Contractor Registration is now completed through to the Portal as well.
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.