Building Permits FAQs

Permit applications should be submitted in person to the Building Division located on the first floor of City Hall at 2 E Main St. Applications and prints may also be submitted via US mail.

Yes, handouts and permit applications can be found here.

A plat of survey is a drawing in the field by a certified Illinois licensed land surveyor that represents a single property. A plat of survey is usually required for a mortgage closing, refinancing, or building permit. Plats of Survey submitted with permit applications, need to be 11”x17” inches in size. Do you have only one copy of the plat of survey? If so, we can make additional copies for you.

Please call 630-377-4406 and we can check. You can also submit a Freedom of Information Request for this information as well.

 Yes, permits are required for each of these projects. You can find specific requirements for each of these permits here.

Yes, a permit and final inspection are required to assure the systems are installed properly.  Once the unit is installed, the homeowner is responsible for scheduling a final inspection to ensure the air conditioner and water heater is installed correctly and to code. Inspections usually take approximately 15 minutes.  We schedule these inspections Monday – Friday, and you may request a specific time for your inspection if it is available.

Yes, a permit is required as the City of St. Charles operates its own electric utility and has many specific requirements on electric services and panels. You will also need to submit an Electric Service Application with the building permit. These can be found here.

Yes, a permit is required if you are installing a new fence or replacing an existing fence. Please submit a permit application and a copy of your plat of survey, indicating the fence location on the property. If the fence is in an easement you will need to fill out an indemnity form as well and can be found here. Don’t forget to call J.U.L.I.E. at (800) 892-0123 before you dig. A final inspection is required. Please refer here for more information.  

Yes, a flatwork permit is required, we would conduct a pre-pour inspection and a final inspection for this work.

A permit is required for a pool installation.  A plat of survey is needed showing the location of the pool and a line drawn, indicating where the electric and/or gas line will be connected. Specifications on the pool/equipment to be installed should be submitted with the application.  The permit application should list all the contractors.

Additional information regarding inspections, electric/gas line depth (NO electric extension cords are permitted), pool equipment bonding, and fence requirements are listed in the Swimming Pool Handout on our website here.

Inspections required: underground electric/gas line and final inspection to close out your permit.

Inspections include a ledger board (if replacing), post holes (to check the depth), and a framing inspection before the decking is installed. Then there is a final inspection. More information can be found on our deck guide here.

A patio requires a base inspection and a final inspection.  Whether pouring concrete or installing pavers, “it’s all about the base” to ensure your patio is completed correctly and within the required lot line codes.  If steps are part of your patio, there are specific code requirement for stairs and more information can be found here.

Please make sure when submitting a patio permit that you locate your electric service line.  Service lines cannot be underneath a patio or deck unless they are installed in a 3” plastic pipe.

A final inspection closes your permit and assures the project is up to code.  Open permits can hold up the sale of your home.  If a final inspection were disapproved and the work was not done to code, that work would need to be corrected before the sale of your home.

Yes, a permit is required if you are installing a non-standard mailbox. A non-standard mailbox is defined as a mailbox that is constructed of a rigid or alternative material such as masonry, brick, block, decorative steel, or other non-standard composite.

Many properties have a St Charles mailing address but are not located in City boundaries.  The best way to determine this is if you have a letter within your numeric address (example 12N123) you are resident of unincorporated Kane County, and all permitting would go through the County.

If you are unsure if your property is located within City limits, input your address into the City's Interactive Zoning Map.