Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Downers Grove?
Yes. In Illinois, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Downers Grove is no exception.
Additions and structural alterations require a permit in essentially all Illinois jurisdictions. Illinois has no statewide residential building code for this work, so the permit threshold is set by your municipality or county. The statewide codes that took effect on 1 January 2025 apply to commercial, public and state-funded buildings. Many local codes require zoning review for lot coverage and setbacks, and properties in a mapped flood zone face additional elevation requirements. Additions and structural alterations require a building permit and zoning review in Downers Grove. Projects are checked against the Zoning Ordinance and the Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance. A plat of survey is a standard submittal for additions. Confirm plan and engineering requirements with Community Development.
Documents you may need
- Plat of survey / site plan showing setbacksrequired
- Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations)required
- Structural details or engineered plansLikely required
- Contractor license and insurance informationSometimes required
- Building permit application via the Village permit portal (cvportal.downers.us)required
- Plat of survey and architectural/structural plansrequired
- Zoning review for setbacks, lot coverage, and stormwater compliancerequired
Possible inspections
- Footing/foundation inspection
- Framing inspection
- Rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical inspection
- Final inspection
- Footing inspection
- Foundation inspection
- Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections
- Insulation inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Downers Grove?
- Yes. In Illinois, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Downers Grove is no exception. Additions and structural alterations require a permit in essentially all Illinois jurisdictions. Illinois has no statewide residential building code for this work, so the permit threshold is set by your municipality or county. The statewide codes that took effect on 1 January 2025 apply to commercial, public and state-funded buildings. Many local codes require zoning review for lot coverage and setbacks, and properties in a mapped flood zone face additional elevation requirements. Additions and structural alterations require a building permit and zoning review in Downers Grove. Projects are checked against the Zoning Ordinance and the Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance. A plat of survey is a standard submittal for additions. Confirm plan and engineering requirements with Community Development.
- Who issues the permit in Downers Grove?
- The local building department for Downers Grove 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.