Schaumburg · 2026

Building permits for remodeling in Schaumburg, IL

Per the official site, "Additions, alterations, and new construction projects require a permit" and plan reviews are conducted for these. Specifics by project: KITCHEN — "If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, a permit is required.

When you need a permit

Per the official site, "Additions, alterations, and new construction projects require a permit" and plan reviews are conducted for these. Specifics by project: KITCHEN — "If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, a permit is required. An electrical permit is also required for the electrical work to be performed." BATHROOM — a permit is required to remodel a bathroom, BUT "Permits are not required for countertop replacement, refacing of existing cabinets or replacement of cabinets same as existing layout with no electrical or plumbing changes. However, a permit may be required whenever bathroom cabinets are replaced or added." BASEMENT — "Building permits are required for a finished basement when any walls are being built, moved or altered and/or a change of use in the proposed area (including hanging gypsum board on walls and/or ceiling). Permits are required if any electrical, HVAC, plumbing or gas piping is being performed." ADDITIONS — "A permit is required to construct an addition on your premise." Whenever remodeling a basement, bathroom or kitchen, a Residential Building Permit must be submitted and a plan review conducted, with a detailed drawing and written scope of work. Cosmetic exceptions published: window replacement needs no permit "if there are no changes to the size and location of the existing exterior window openings and no new openings are proposed." Water heaters DO require a permit. Express Permits (no plan review) are available only for roofing, siding, air conditioner, furnace, water heater, sewer repair, and plumbing. Small improvements (decks, fences, patios, pools, sidewalks, stoops) also require permits. Land Development permits (Engineering Division) required for lot grading/regrading, retaining walls, underdrains and sump pump piping.

How to apply

Online via the OpenGov portal (schaumburgil.portal.opengov.com) — "All residential building permits have moved to the OpenGov portal, other than demolition." Applicants create an OpenGov account and submit the Residential Building Permit application; demolition, multi-family HOA, or multi-location submittals go through Permit Services at 847-923-4420 / [email protected]. The village is phasing all permit types into OpenGov ("one-stop shop"). Published 4-step process: (1) Online submittal — detailed drawings + written scope of work; plat of survey (legible, dimensioned, scope highlighted) when applicable; signed/approved Homeowner's Association Form for exterior projects if the residence is HOA-governed; single collated PDF drawing set digitally stamped/signed by architect and engineer of record — EXCEPT projects under $10,000 construction cost with no structural modifications; (2) Prescreen and technical plan review, corrections issued as a plan review letter through the portal; (3) Payment and issuance — fees paid online (credit card 2.9% + $0.30 service fee, or e-check $2.25) or in person; (4) Inspections. Applications also published in Hindi, Gujarati, Spanish, and Polish (email to [email protected]). Construction valuation is checked against R.S. Means square-foot costs (must be within 10%); undervalued submittals may be repriced by the village.

Review times

Published on the Permit Services Q&A page: "Ten (10) business days is the goal for the plan review" for residential permits; peak season is spring through summer, so include a minimum of ten business days in the project schedule. "All plan reviews are processed in date order received. There are no expedited options." Express Permits (re-roofs, siding, AC, furnace, water heater) are issued without plan review.

Inspections

All inspections require a minimum 24-hour advance notice; schedule up to 4 p.m. on the business day prior via the OpenGov portal or by calling Permit Services at 847-923-4420. Published sequences: KITCHEN and BATHROOM — rough plumbing/mechanical/electrical/framing; insulation inspection; final plumbing/mechanical/electrical/framing. Bathroom guide adds a pre-start step: "Field verify code compliance of plumbing and electrical prior to start of project by setting up a Meeting on Site once the permit is issued." BASEMENT — rough framing/electrical/mechanical/plumbing; ceiling inspection (for suspended ceilings); insulation; final framing/electrical/mechanical/plumbing. ADDITION — prepour (before all footing, foundation and slab pours); rough (framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical); insulation; active roofing; final. Construction must remain accessible and exposed until approved by the inspector; the printed permit card and approved-as-noted permit set must be visible/available on site; J.U.L.I.E. (811) must be called at least 48 hours before any digging.

Fees

Published per-project fee for kitchen alterations, bathroom alterations, basement alterations, AND additions: "1% of construction value. $100 minimum, and $4,600 maximum fee." Complete fee schedule is in Village Code Title 3 Ch. 41 §41.01 (Municode link from the village site). Online payment service fees: credit card 2.9% + $0.30; e-check $2.25. Out-of-town Contractor's Business License: $125/year (includes required $10 Schaumburg Business Association fee), prorated to $67.50 July–November.

Contractor registration

Yes — "A Contractor's Business License is required for all contractors performing work in the Village of Schaumburg" before a permit can be issued. "There is no bond or insurance required." Out-of-town contractors receive an "Out of Town Contractors License" ($125/year incl. $10 SBA fee; prorated $67.50 July–Nov; valid through Dec. 31; renewals open ~Nov. 15). Contractors based in Schaumburg apply for a regular Business License or Home Based Business License instead. Exception: plumbers and roofers are licensed by the State of Illinois, not the village — current copies of state licenses must be submitted prior to permit issuance. All plumbing permit applications must include a letter of intent on the licensed plumber of record's business stationery with signature and corporate seal (or notarized if not incorporated), per 225 ILCS 320/37.

Worth knowing

We handle the permits for you

On every GS Construction remodel in Schaumburg, 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 Schaumburg.

Official sources

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

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