Do I need a permit for standby generator installation in Arlington Heights?
Yes. In Illinois, standby generator installation generally requires a permit, and Arlington Heights is no exception.
Arlington Heights publishes a Generator (Residential) permit packet, so installing a standby generator requires a Village permit before work begins. The electrical connection and transfer switch must be installed by a state-licensed electrical contractor. A natural-gas fuel connection is plumbing work handled by a state-licensed plumbing contractor. State-licensed electricians and plumbers are exempt from separate Village registration but must hold the required Illinois license. Apply through the Civic Access Portal and confirm the setback, electrical, and gas details with Building & Life Safety at 847-368-5560 before installation. A permanently installed standby generator requires both electrical and often mechanical/gas permits in most Illinois jurisdictions. Many local codes enforce clearance and location rules and require a listed automatic transfer switch under the adopted National Electrical Code.
Documents you may need
- Generator (Residential) permit application through the Village's Civic Access Portalrequired
- State electrical contractor license for the wiring and transfer switchrequired
- Plat of survey or site plan showing the generator location and setbacksLikely required
- Site plan showing generator location and clearancesrequired
- Electrical single-line and transfer switch detailsrequired
- Gas connection details (natural gas or propane)Likely required
- Equipment spec sheetSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Electrical inspection of the transfer switch and wiring by the Building & Life Safety Department
- Final generator inspection, including the gas connection where applicable
- Electrical rough inspection
- Gas/fuel connection inspection
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for standby generator installation in Arlington Heights?
- Yes. In Illinois, standby generator installation generally requires a permit, and Arlington Heights is no exception. Arlington Heights publishes a Generator (Residential) permit packet, so installing a standby generator requires a Village permit before work begins. The electrical connection and transfer switch must be installed by a state-licensed electrical contractor. A natural-gas fuel connection is plumbing work handled by a state-licensed plumbing contractor. State-licensed electricians and plumbers are exempt from separate Village registration but must hold the required Illinois license. Apply through the Civic Access Portal and confirm the setback, electrical, and gas details with Building & Life Safety at 847-368-5560 before installation. A permanently installed standby generator requires both electrical and often mechanical/gas permits in most Illinois jurisdictions. Many local codes enforce clearance and location rules and require a listed automatic transfer switch under the adopted National Electrical Code.
- Who issues the permit in Arlington Heights?
- The local building department for Arlington Heights handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.