Winnetka · 2026

Building permits for remodeling in Winnetka, IL

When you need a permit

Per the official site: a permit is required to remove, relocate, construct or alter building walls or perform any other structural alterations, and for any work involving mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems. Specifically for interior remodels (kitchens/baths/basements): construction of new walls, removal of existing walls, or removal/replacement of existing wall or ceiling covering (drywall, plaster) of 100 sq ft or greater; new electrical circuits, circuit extensions, or hard-wired devices; modifications to plumbing waste/drain/vent lines, water supply lines, or mechanical ductwork. Basement finishes/remodels require a permit when they involve wall construction, electrical circuits, plumbing, or ductwork. Additions require a permit regardless of size. Cosmetic work exempt (Work Not Requiring Permits page): 'replacing plumbing and lighting fixtures, carpeting, floor refinishing, painting, installing cabinets and shelving'; cabinet replacement is exempt provided no electrical work is included and plumbing fixtures use existing supply and drain lines; fixture replacement on existing supply/drain lines; selective trim/stair-tread replacement so long as no more than 100 sq ft of wall finish is removed; in-kind window replacement in existing openings (must still meet Illinois Energy Conservation Code); most siding repair/replacement (stucco/EIFS installation DOES require a permit). The Village encourages calling Community Development (847-716-3520) before any work to confirm whether a permit is required.

How to apply

No online permit portal is named anywhere on the official pages read. Applications are Village PDF forms downloaded from the Building Permit Applications page — e.g., Single Family Residential Remodeling Permit Application, Single Family Residential Addition, Basement Finish or Remodel, Electrical Miscellaneous & Service, Plumbing Miscellaneous — submitted to the Community Development Department, 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 (permit technicians: Stacy Kelly 847-716-3527 / [email protected]; Jessica Polony 847-716-3529 / [email protected]). Residential interior remodels/repairs and additions must include a completed Scope of Work form; supporting forms include Contractor List, Authorized Designee, Change of Contractor, MEP Permit Fee Worksheets, and Zoning Calculation Worksheets. A Community Development representative emails or calls the primary contact on the application once the permit is approved. Permits are valid 15 months; a 9-month extension is available if requested before expiration with payment of 50% of the original permit fee.

Review times

Published on the official FAQ: interior remodeling projects typically take 2 to 3 weeks; new home construction or additions typically take 3 weeks for initial plan review; driveway/fence applications take 2-3 business days; revision submittals add 7-10 business days.

Inspections

The official Inspections & Permit Fees page states only that 'inspection requirements vary depending on the type of project' — a specific inspection type list/sequence for remodels is not published. Inspections are scheduled by phoning the Permit/Zoning Technician at 847-716-3527 with at least 24 hours advance notice, providing contact name, phone, job site address, inspection type, and Village permit number.

Fees

Published: effective January 1, 2024, all major permits — new building, remodeling, and addition projects — are calculated at 3% of the estimated value of improvements (shown on the fees page as $30 per $1,000 of construction cost, $100 minimum for remodeling, decks, sheds, new construction). Applicants must be prepared to justify the estimated value; the Community Development Director may base the fee on the applicant's estimate, an architect's/engineer's cost certification, an owner affidavit, or an RS Means Square Foot Costs calculation. As of the 2024 change, separate add-on fees previously collected with major permits (roofs, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, HVAC equipment, impermeable surfaces) are no longer collected on those permits. Standalone sample fees published on the site: fence $85; roofing $85; impermeable surface $75; plumbing $90 base for 5 fixtures + $13 per additional fixture; furnace/AC $100 base + $120 per unit; pool $680; electric service listed verbatim as '$13,200 (200 amp service) / $26,000 (400 amp service)' (as printed on the Village page). Project-specific fees: contact the Permit Coordinator at 847-716-3520. The complete fee resolution is available on the Village website or by request.

Contractor registration

The Village of Winnetka does not maintain a contractor licensing program; it accepts licenses issued by the State of Illinois or by other municipalities that test licensees. Electrical, plumbing, irrigation, roofing, and fire suppression contractors must have current licenses on file with the Village. No general-contractor registration requirement is published.

Worth knowing

Right-of-way bond: a $25,000 License and Permit Bond must be filed with Community Development before permit issuance, but only when the permit includes work on Village property or within a public right-of-way; the owner or GC files it (or the subcontractor doing the ROW work if there is no GC).
Historic preservation: the Historic/Landmark Preservation Commission reviews applications for alterations affecting designated landmarks and reviews demolition permit applications, deciding whether a Historic and Architectural Impact Study (HAIS) must be conducted before a demolition permit is issued — relevant to additions/gut projects involving demolition.
Per the Village FAQ, exterior work on commercial, multi-family, or institutional buildings requires permits — the official pages do not apply any extra design review to single-family interior remodels.
The 100 sq ft drywall/plaster threshold is the bright line between cosmetic work and a permit-required interior remodel.
Fee basis audit: the Village may independently verify your stated construction value via RS Means.
Permits expire after 15 months; extension costs 50% of the original fee.

We handle the permits for you

On every GS Construction remodel in Winnetka, 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 Winnetka.

Official sources

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

Remodeling in Winnetka? We pull the permits.

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