Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: January 9, 2023
With the start of a new year, many people will set goals and begin to make plans to update their homes and businesses. The Village appreciates these updates and wants to be sure they are done in a manner that prioritizes safety and the best interests of the neighborhood. Because of this, most construction, installation, and home-business improvement projects require a permit BEFORE work begins. Most projects require inspections during the process as well as after the project has been completed. Property owners are encouraged to contact the Westmont Community Development Department if there are questions regarding permits. Projects that require Building Permits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Additions & covered porches
- Antennas (commercial)
- Carpentry
- Decks and pergolas
- Drywall
- Electrical (and services/upgrades)
- Excavation
- Fences
- Flat work: asphalt, concrete and pavers - driveways, patios, walks, etc.
- Generators
- HVAC and other mechanicals
- Landscaping that affects drainage and flood ways
- Masonry replacement/repair
- New accessory buildings and structures
- New principal buildings and structures
- Pergolas and porches
- Plumbing
- Remodeling, renovations, or repairs
- Roofing - repairs and tear offs
- Sidewalks
- Signs
- Water heaters
- Windows and exterior doors
INSPECTIONS
Typically, there will be one or more inspections associated with these types of projects, including a “final” inspection. On larger projects involving multiple trades, an approved final inspection is often part of the agreement with the contractors working on the job. However, with smaller projects that might only have a single contractor, the final inspection can sometimes be overlooked because there are not clear expectations regarding who is responsible for ensuring that municipal ordinances are followed. Property owners need to be aware that ultimately it is their responsibility to make sure that the proper permits for work must be secured before work begins, that village code must be followed, and that an approved final inspection is necessary for the job to be complete.
To help avoid a situation in which the Village contacts you for a final inspection for a project that you thought was completed, the following steps are recommended:
FINAL INSPECTION AGREEMENT WITH CONTRACTOR - When you confirm payment arrangements with the contractor doing the work, confirm that they will secure the proper permits, follow village codes, and present you with a copy of the approved final inspection with the Village for you to keep and have for your records. Your final payment to the contractor may be contingent on this provision.
FINAL INSPECTION SCHEDULED UPON JOB COMPLETION - As soon as your project is completed, the homeowner and contractor quickly schedule the final inspection. This needs to be completed within 12 months of the original permit being issued to avoid formal code action, which, if not adhered to, may result in a summons for a court appearance and fines.
For more information regarding permits, please contact the Westmont Community Development Department at permitting@westmont.il.gov or 630-981-6250. Additional information pertaining to building permits and related topics can be found on the Westmont Community Development website page.
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