City of Rolling Meadows
Community Development Department
847-506-6030 www.cityrm.org

When do I need a permit?

If your plans involve structural changes, electrical or plumbing work, please contact the Community Development Department to check on permit requirements.

Homeowners may do some types of construction work without a permit, but call first to confirm requirements. Call in the early planning stages to avoid any unnecessary delays. An advantage of getting a permit is that it alerts the city to your construction, which in turn brings you the services of the building inspector.

Normally, your contractor will take out permits for the work you are having done. Check with your contractors to assure that they have obtained all the necessary permits before they begin working at your home. When a permit is approved a green permit placard will be issued. This card should be displayed until the final inspection is passed.

Caution : Know your contractor(s). Ask for references, verify their qualifications and watch the quality of the work being performed. You may call the Community Development Department to see if a contractor has the proper credentials to work within our city.

These are the items, which you should have available when applying for a permit:

General Information

A/C CONDENSER UNITS: A/C units may not be in the sideyard unless they are set back 65 ft. or more from the front property line.

CONCRETE: A pre-pour inspection is required after forms are completed.

DECKS: Deck piers must be 42 inches deep. A deck handout is available for your use and review.

DRIVEWAYS
: New or resurfacing of your driveway requires a permit.

EASEMENTS: No structures or concrete are allowed in the easement area(s).

FENCES: Fences are not allowed beyond the building line. The maximum height in residential areas is 6 1/2 feet.

GARAGES: Garages are not allowed on the easement. A garage handout detailing additional requirements is available.

GAZEBOS: Gazebos are not allowed on the easement. No permit is required if the gazebo is not larger than 120 sq. ft.

PATIOS: A pre-pour inspection is required after concrete forms are completed. Brick pavers require a base inspection.

POOLS: Swimming pools require a permit. A pool handout with specific details is available.

REMODELING: Installation of furnace, a/c units, water heaters, disposals, ceiling fans, electrical or plumbing fixtures as well as structural changes require permits.

ROOFING: Only two (2) layers of shingles are allowed. Contractors must be state licensed. Homeowners doing their own roofing do not require a permit.

SHEDS
: Sheds are not allowed in the easement. No permit is required if the shed is not larger than 120 sq. ft.

SIDING: Siding requires a permit if the work is to be done by a contractor. Homeowners may do their own siding without a permit.

WINDOWS:
Window replacements, which do not include changing the window openings, do not require a permit.

Business licenses are required for contractors even if a permit is not required.



Please contact the Community Development Department with any questions or for more information.



Some home improvements that will require a permit:

Additions
A/C Units
Bathroom Remodeling
Ceiling Fans
Concrete Pads
Decks
Dog Runs
Driveways
Electrical Enclosures
Fences
Furnaces
Garages
Gazebos (larger than 120 sq. ft.)
Greenhouses (larger than 120 sq. ft.)
Kitchen Remodeling
Patios (brick paver or concrete)
Plumbing
Porches
Remodeling
Roofing Service
Walks
Sheds (larger than 120 sq. ft.)
Spas / Hot Tubs
Stoops
Swimming Pools
Water Heaters
Window or Door Header Changes

 

Building Codes & Links | When do I need a Permit? | Applications, Licenses & Forms | Inspection Information| Most Common Construction Errors | Tips to Avoid Home Repair Fraud | Contractor Licensing | Fee Schedule

Building Codes & Links | When do I need a permit? | Applications, Licenses & Forms | Inspection Information | Most Common Construction Errors | Contractor Licensing | Tips to Avoid Home Repair Fraud | Fee Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Revised: 01/14/08

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