Mount Prospect · 2026

Building permits for remodeling in Mount Prospect, IL

Per the Village FAQ: "new buildings, additions to existing structures, renovations, demolitions, and temporary buildings usually require building permits and inspections." Less obvious projects that may require a permit include swimming pools, decks, fences, and roofs, plus "some tasks that involve electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and fireplaces." The Village's published rule of thumb: "if it involves adding, moving, or exposing water, gas, electricity or walls, or it involves your property lines, it is going to need a permit!" The Village publishes permit supplements specifically for Kitchen remodels, Bathroom remodels, Basement Buildouts, plus decks, egress windows, HVAC, roofs, fences, sheds, generators, pools, etc. — all permit-required scopes.

When you need a permit

Per the Village FAQ: "new buildings, additions to existing structures, renovations, demolitions, and temporary buildings usually require building permits and inspections." Less obvious projects that may require a permit include swimming pools, decks, fences, and roofs, plus "some tasks that involve electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and fireplaces." The Village's published rule of thumb: "if it involves adding, moving, or exposing water, gas, electricity or walls, or it involves your property lines, it is going to need a permit!" The Village publishes permit supplements specifically for Kitchen remodels, Bathroom remodels, Basement Buildouts, plus decks, egress windows, HVAC, roofs, fences, sheds, generators, pools, etc. — all permit-required scopes. A list of exempt cosmetic work (paint, flooring, etc.) is not published on the pages read. FAQ also notes homeowners must apply "whether a professional or a do-it-yourselfer does the job."

How to apply

Online via the Village's Citizenserve Online Portal (linked as "Online Portal" from the Building Permit page; www.citizenserve.com/mpportal, also reachable via www.mountprospect.org/permits) — upload required documents; or in person at the Building Division, 2nd floor of Village Hall, Community Development, 50 S. Emerson St. Required with the application (per kitchen/bathroom/basement supplements): application completed and signed by the homeowner; signed copy of the contractor's estimate (or a detailed written scope/material list if the homeowner does the work); a detailed dimensioned plan (hand-drawn acceptable; cabinet-maker layout acceptable for kitchens); electrical devices/circuits marked on the plan plus a photo of the open electrical panel; plumbing isometric drawing for basement plumbing work. Removal of any wall requires architecturally stamped plans or a stamped architect letter stating whether the wall is load-bearing (and the required support if it is); "Structural changes require architectural stamped plans." Main permit page: "some residential projects will require an Architect or a Licensed Professional." A free pre-submittal meeting can be scheduled at (847) 870-5675 or [email protected]. Building Division hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Review times

not published (no plan-review turnaround time appears on the Building Permit, Fee Code, or FAQ pages read)

Inspections

Permit applicant is responsible for scheduling ALL inspections; minimum 24 hours advance notice (48+ hours during construction season) at (847) 870-5675 option 2. Published "Residential Required Inspections and Testing" list (not exhaustive; scope-dependent): soils report (new construction/demolition/unusual sites); steel test reports; pre-pour inspections (footings, foundation walls, slabs, flatwork, driveways); concrete/steel test reports; water and sewer inspection prior to backfill; backfill inspection (incl. damp-proofing and drain tile); plumbing stack test and gas pressure test; rough inspection after all structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing/fireplace/fire-suppression work but before walls are covered; fire suppression hydro test; electric service inspection before energizing; A/C inspection; insulation inspection after fire stopping; masonry inspection; and final inspections (roof, HVAC, plumbing and water heaters, structural, site concrete, fire suppression/fire alarm acceptance test, zoning, engineering, sewer & water service, etc.). Basement projects with plumbing also require an end-of-project water pressure test; WaterSense fixture labels are checked at final inspection (Village Ordinance 6209). FAQ: inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead and failed items get a written correction list.

Fees

Published flat-fee tiers on the Residential Fee Code page (flat fees replace construction-cost-based fees): $75 each for fences, roofs and sheds; $200 (with $100 refundable) for decks, concrete pavement, and simple mechanical, electrical or plumbing projects; $500 ($150 refundable) for kitchen remodels or to finish a basement; $750 ($250 refundable) for full interior remodels or fire restorations. Additions and new construction: $2 per square foot of new construction, minimum fee $750, plus a $350 refundable escrow; interior remodel associated with an addition: $1 per square foot. Contractor license fee: $200.

Contractor registration

Yes — Village contractor licensing is required for "all Contractors that are general or specialized trade"; a company that is the only contractor on a project or oversees multiple trades is considered a General Contractor. Licenses are applied for or renewed electronically through the Online Portal (Citizenserve); fee is $200.00 and licenses are valid one year from date of issuance. State-licensed roofers, fire alarm, sprinkler, plumbing, and electrical contractors must submit their required state licenses/registrations and complete the Village application. Printed applications are accepted in person at the Building Division (cash, check, or credit card).

Worth knowing

We handle the permits for you

On every GS Construction remodel in Mount Prospect, we prepare the application and drawings, register with the village where required, track the plan review, and schedule every inspection through to final sign-off — you never stand in line at village hall. See how the GS process works or talk to us about your project.

Planning a project here? See Remodeling in Mount Prospect.

Official sources

Last verified against official Mount Prospect sources: 2026-07-14. Requirements and fees change — confirm with the village before you build.

Remodeling in Mount Prospect? We pull the permits.

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