Northbrook · 2026

Building permits for remodeling in Northbrook, IL

Interior remodels: "An alteration permit is required when any interior walls or structural elements are to be changed" (Single-Unit or Individual Multi-Unit Residential Interior Alteration permit). The Village also issues distinct residential permit types for Addition (increase in floor area), Major Renovation (over 115% increase in floor area of an existing residence), Interior Alteration, and Exterior Alteration (change to exterior or roof).

When you need a permit

Interior remodels: "An alteration permit is required when any interior walls or structural elements are to be changed" (Single-Unit or Individual Multi-Unit Residential Interior Alteration permit). The Village also issues distinct residential permit types for Addition (increase in floor area), Major Renovation (over 115% increase in floor area of an existing residence), Interior Alteration, and Exterior Alteration (change to exterior or roof). Cosmetic work explicitly exempt from permits per the Licenses & Permits page: residential re-roofing (shingle/shake replacement), residential/commercial painting, residential drywall repair, residential floor covering installation/removal (carpet, tile, laminate), residential low-voltage installations (security, cable TV, phone), residential siding installation, soffit replacement, stucco installation, asphalt sealcoating (contractor license still required), like-for-like electrical fixture replacements, like-for-like plumbing fixture replacements, and prefabricated sheds up to 80 sq ft (zoning compliance still required).

How to apply

Submittal is by email: "Please email all submittal documentation / drawings to [email protected]" (Development and Planning Services, 1225 Cedar Lane, 847-664-4050). Credit-card payment is accepted on fees up to $15,000. Required documents for an interior alteration packet include: Permit Application, Building Site and Utility Data Worksheet, Water Service and Meter Worksheet, Tree Protection Agreement, Fire Protection Letter of Understanding, Contractor of Record documentation, and plumbing contractor credentials (State 055 registration plus a notarized/sealed plumbing letter of intent) if applicable. Additions also require a Zoning Worksheet – Residential, separate architectural and civil engineering drawings, and a sealed to-scale survey. The Village recommends reviewing its Residential Plan Review Checklist and "Common Residential Plan Submission Mistakes" before submitting. Properties in the Mission Brook Sanitary District need a separate sewer application.

Review times

Published on the Village FAQ: over-the-counter permits (sewer repair, electrical only, etc.) up to 24 hours; Small Projects (decks, sheds, basements, kitchens/baths, parking lot resurfacing, etc.) up to 10 business days; Large Single Family Residential projects (additions or large-scale remodeling) up to 15 business days; New Single Family Residence or large commercial remodeling up to 20 business days; re-submittals from plan-review comments generally 10 business days.

Inspections

"The Development and Planning Services Department requires mandatory inspections for permitted work within the Village." Per the FAQ: "All jobs will require a final inspection, however most jobs will require additional inspections" at various construction stages, and work is inspected before it is covered up. Scheduling: call the Permit Coordinator Desk at 847-664-4050 a minimum of 48 hours in advance with the property address. A re-inspection fee is charged for each failed inspection or an inspection not canceled at least 4 hours prior. A Spot/Location Survey Approval step applies during construction of additions. A specific named inspection list (e.g., footing, framing, insulation) is not published.

Fees

Interior Alteration: "Building Construction and Inspection Fee - $3.00 per square foot of floor area with a minimum of $280," due at permit issuance; additional fees may apply upon approval. Single-Family Addition: $3.00 per sq ft of floor area (due at permit pick-up) plus a $250 Permit Application Deposit requested after the application is accepted, with additional fees possible at approval. The FAQ states every project is unique and directs applicants to per-project-type fee/deposit information; a consolidated fee schedule amount for every remodel type is not published on the pages read. Contractor license fees: General $100; Electrical, Sewer, Pavement, Sealcoat $70 each; Plumbing and Landscape no fee.

Contractor registration

Yes. "General Contractors, Concrete / Paving Contractors, Electrical Contractors, Plumbing Contractors and Sewer Contractors are required to have valid licenses" to work in the Village, and "plumbing, electrical, concrete, and general construction work must be performed under the direct supervision of contractors licensed by the Village of Northbrook for that particular trade." License is good for one year from application date (annual renewal). Fees: General Contractor $100; Electrical/Sewer/Pavement/Sealcoat $70; Plumbing and Landscape no fee. Electrical contractors must submit a valid electrician's registration; plumbing contractors must submit their State of Illinois Plumbing Contractor Registration (055). A Village license is NOT required for HVAC, Fire Protection, Fence, or Sign contractors.

Worth knowing

We handle the permits for you

On every GS Construction remodel in Northbrook, 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 Northbrook.

Official sources

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

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