Wilmette · 2026

Building permits for remodeling in Wilmette, IL

When you need a permit

Permits ARE required for (Residential Permits page list): remodeling, additions, new construction, demolitions, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC/air conditioning/furnace, drain tile/basement waterproofing, decks, patios, roofing, fencing, generators, EV chargers, grading, swimming pools/spas, dumpsters, portable storage containers, security/alarms, sidewalks, and any work in the public right-of-way. This means kitchen, bath, and basement remodels involving electrical, plumbing, or structural changes need permits. Permits are NOT required for (cosmetic work, though it must still meet zoning regulations): flooring replacement, window/door replacement in single-family homes, gutters/downspouts, driveway seal coating, sheds 64 sq ft or less, playhouses under 64 sq ft, satellite dishes 18 inches or smaller, window air conditioners, free-standing basketball hoops, flag poles, temporary ice rinks, playground equipment. The village says "When in doubt" contact Community Development at 847-853-7550.

How to apply

Apply to the Community Development Department at Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Avenue (847-853-7550, [email protected]). Paper submittals are preferred; electronic submittals by email to [email protected] are acceptable "for most but not all project types," and the village notes permits filed electronically will take longer for issuance. Online payments are handled through the Munis Citizen Self Service portal (wilmette.munisselfservice.com, Permits & Inspections module). Required documents per the Permit Submittals page: permit application (Pages A/B/C), a boundary plat of survey conforming to Illinois minimum standards (not marked "for mortgage" use), and drawings. An Illinois Registered Architect or Structural Engineer signature and stamp is required on drawings when the project involves structural work OR construction cost exceeds $25,000; for projects under $25,000, the plan reviewer has discretion to require a stamp for complex work "like kitchens, baths, new window openings, and basement remodeling." A Permit Application Checklist and the Single-Family Construction and Permit Handbook are on the Applications & Forms page.

Review times

Published target: "the village has a goal of 10 business days for each reviewer to complete the first review" for most projects. Same-day or next-day issuance is offered for single-family fences, roofs, dumpsters and portable storage containers on private property, and water/sewer repairs. The site also states permits filed electronically will take longer for issuance.

Inspections

Inspections are required to verify work meets applicable codes; scheduling is by PHONE ONLY at 847-853-7550, at least 24 hours in advance, and must be confirmed over the phone (a voicemail does not count as scheduled). Provide project number, inspection type, desired day/time, and contact info. Building, electrical, and plumbing inspections run Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-noon and 1-3 pm. The Building Inspections page lists 25+ common inspection types including tree pre-construction, footings, foundation, framing rough, plumbing rough, electrical rough, mechanical rough, and separate final inspections for construction, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. Per the 2026 fee schedule, each inspection and re-inspection costs $39. Certificate of occupancy procedures: not published on the pages read.

Fees

Published in the 2026 Construction-Related Fee Schedule (effective Jan 1, 2026, issued 12/22/2025). Base building permit fee: $20.16 per $1,000 of estimated job value. Single-family permit DEPOSITS due at application: new construction $900; additions $591; remodeling/detached garages/generators/pools $118. Plan examination fees (deducted from the deposit at issuance): single-family new construction $202; additions $118; remodeling/detached garages/generators/pools $79. Inspection and re-inspection: $39 each. Trade fees: electrical base $45 plus $1.15 per outlet/switch/receptacle, service installations $34 (100A)/$45 (200A)/$62 (400A); mechanical base $45, A/C $39 per unit; plumbing base $45 plus $8 per fixture (incl. water heater, water closets). Fence permit $39; roofing permit $39; demolition of principal structure $4,500. Engineering: grading permit $235 (new construction/additions/detached garages) or $120 (other), re-review $80; right-of-way permit $62 plus $1,000 refundable protection deposit; dumpster/POD on private property $45. Most permits are valid 12 months; fence, roof, tree removal, dumpster and POD permits are valid 6 months and grading permits 18 months; extension fee is 1/12th of the original permit fee per month/30 days after expiration. Surcharge for working without a permit: $153 or 50% of the permit cost, whichever is greater.

Contractor registration

Yes — "All contractors on a building permit must have a Wilmette contractors' license before a building permit will be issued." The license is calendar-year based, renewed annually, with an $80 fee plus a completed application. Trade-specific add-ons: electrical contractors must provide a current local or City of Chicago electrical license; plumbing contractors are exempt from the $80 fee but must provide a state or City of Chicago Journeyman Plumbers License plus State of Illinois Certificate of Registration; roofing contractors must provide a current state roofing license; sewer contractors need a state or Chicago sewer license, a $10,000 bond, and a certificate of insurance; lawn sprinkler contractors need an IDPH certificate, $10,000 bond, insurance, and journeyman plumber license. Any contractor working in the public right-of-way must provide a certificate of insurance listing the Village of Wilmette as additional insured. Contractors disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 homes must be USEPA (RRP) certified.

Worth knowing

Historic preservation: a Certificate of Appropriateness (no fee) from the Historic Preservation Commission is required BEFORE beginning exterior work on a Wilmette Local Landmark — additions, alterations, removals, exterior repairs, relocations — and is required even when no building permit is needed; staff may issue CoAs for in-kind repairs/maintenance; unapproved work can draw a stop work order. Three areas of the village are designated National Register Historic Districts. The Village also has a separate Appearance Review Commission, with a published handbook and application.
Architect/structural engineer stamp required at a relatively low threshold: structural work OR cost over $25,000, with reviewer discretion to require it for kitchens, baths, new window openings, and basement remodels under $25,000.
Permit deposits are due at application (e.g., $118 for single-family remodeling, $591 for additions), with plan-exam fees deducted from them.
Paper submittals are preferred and electronic filings are stated to take longer to issue.
Inspections are phone-scheduled only and must be verbally confirmed.
Site development plan required for excavation deeper than 3 ft or over 100 sq ft; JULIE dig number required for any excavation; construction signage required at all sites; 24-hour written neighbor notice before principal-structure demolition.
$1,000 refundable right-of-way protection deposit when working in the ROW.
Unpermitted-work surcharge of $153 or 50% of permit cost.

We handle the permits for you

On every GS Construction remodel in Wilmette, 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 Wilmette.

Official sources

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

Remodeling in Wilmette? We pull the permits.

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