Des Plaines, IL
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The City requires permits for certain construction projects, as well as other registration and licenses.
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.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the City will adopt 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, the City will adopt the 2020 National Electric Code. This adoption will ensure 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 City currently enforces the following State of Illinois Codes:
- 2021 International Energy Code
- 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code
- 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code
This fall, the City's Building Committee will be conducting code hearings to review proposed code ammendments which can be found here.
- Building Committee Meeting #1 - October 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Des Plaines City Hall
- Building Committee Meeting #2 - Date TBD
- Building Committee Meeting #3 - Date TBD
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.
We welcome your questions and feedback!
Contact the Building Division at 847-391-5380 or by email permits@desplainesil.gov with questions.
Please take our short Customer Service Survey.