Permits and Inspections
Processes and Protocol during the COVID-19 PandemicThe Community Development Department continues to provide services including building permit processing, plan review, and permit issuance as well as in-person inspections with restrictions in place. In an effort to exercise flexibility during this time and to take measures to keep Village inspectors, contractors, and residents as safe as possible, the Village has developed temporary protocols for permit application and processing and inspection scheduling.
This situation is constantly evolving and Village services and protocols are subject to change at any time.
Looking for a specific handout or application? The Building and Zoning Resources Page provides a list of forms, applications, and project guidelines.
Permit Application Process:
Before beginning any work, please familiarize yourself with the inspection requirements for your project! Inspection requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Inspection Protocol:
As always, a minimum of 48-hours' notice is required for all inspections.
Please contact the Community Development Department at 847-459-2530 (leave a message) or email permits@vbg.org for more information or to schedule an inspection.
Summer 2020 UpdateCheck out our list of common spring home projects and see which ones require permits!
This situation is constantly evolving and Village services and protocols are subject to change at any time.
Looking for a specific handout or application? The Building and Zoning Resources Page provides a list of forms, applications, and project guidelines.
Permit Application Process:

Before beginning any work, please familiarize yourself with the inspection requirements for your project! Inspection requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Inspection Protocol:

As always, a minimum of 48-hours' notice is required for all inspections.
Please contact the Community Development Department at 847-459-2530 (leave a message) or email permits@vbg.org for more information or to schedule an inspection.
Summer 2020 UpdateCheck out our list of common spring home projects and see which ones require permits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Any new construction or improvements require a permit before the work commences.
Permits are required for new construction; additions; interior remodeling including kitchen and bath; driveways and aprons; patio or walkways; decks; sewer repair or cleanout; shed; fence; and replacement of roof, windows, furnace, air conditioner, or water heater. This list is not all-inclusive. Residents are urged to call the Building Department at 847-459-2530 to determine if a permit is required.
Building permits are a way to enforce construction standards, which ensures the safety of residents and businesses.
Permits are required for new construction; additions; interior remodeling including kitchen and bath; driveways and aprons; patio or walkways; decks; sewer repair or cleanout; shed; fence; and replacement of roof, windows, furnace, air conditioner, or water heater. This list is not all-inclusive. Residents are urged to call the Building Department at 847-459-2530 to determine if a permit is required.
Building permits are a way to enforce construction standards, which ensures the safety of residents and businesses.
- Apply for a Permit.
- All contractors must be registered with the Village.
- All building projects must be constructed and installed in accordance with the Village of Buffalo Grove Code.
- The Village currently enforces the following codes as amended:
- 2018 ICC Building Codes
- 2017 National Electric Code
- 2014 State Plumbing Code
- As well as the 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code.
Types of permitsSame Day Permits are issued to the permittee on the same day after review.
Express Permits require further review, which takes on average 3-5 days before a permit is issued.
Standard Permits are related to bigger projects which involve multiple, inter-departmental reviews and takes on average 7 – 10 days before a permit is issued.
Express Permits require further review, which takes on average 3-5 days before a permit is issued.
Standard Permits are related to bigger projects which involve multiple, inter-departmental reviews and takes on average 7 – 10 days before a permit is issued.
Same Day Permits | Express Permits | Standard Permits |
Air Conditioner | Driveway | Accessory Structure |
Burglar Alarm | Fence | Addition |
Furnace | Fire Alarm | Basement Remodel |
Radon | Fire Suppression | Demolition |
Roof | Lawn Sprinkler | Electrical |
Sewer Repair | Patio & Sidewalk | Elevator |
Water Heater | Sign | Fire Repair |
Windows | Solar Panels | Footing |
Special Event | Mechanical | |
Tent | New Construction | |
Parking Lot | ||
Plumbing | ||
Remodel | ||
Swimming Pool |
- Request an inspection and allow a minimum of a 48-hour notice for all requested inspections, except for:
- sewer/water repair inspections (same day inspections)
- emergency inspections (same day inspections)
- All inspections are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.
- Inspection scheduling occurs between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
- To schedule an inspection, call Community Development at (847) 459-2530 or email.
When a permit is issued, the approved plans must be followed. If those plans change, an amendment is required to update the records. Submit an amendment form along with any supporting documents and/or plans showing the changes.
No further inspections will be scheduled until the amendment is approved and picked up.
No further inspections will be scheduled until the amendment is approved and picked up.
List of Contractors registered with the Village. Please note that the list is current as of March 1, 2021 , but does change on a daily basis. Village staff will verify contractor’s current registration status upon permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Not an exhaustive list)
- Fence
- Patio / stoops / walkways
- Driveway/apron
- Deck
- Swimming pool
- Roof replacement
- Lawn irrigation systems / modifications
- Shed
- Gazebo / pergola, etc
- Window replacements
- Air conditioner / furnace
- Gutters
- Siding
- Soffit/Fascia
- Pop up drains / French drains – must remain within 10’ of house
- Tree removal on private property
- Swing sets and other residential play equipment
- Basketball hoops (must be on private property)
- Dumpster (must be on private property)


