Permits
Update
The City’s Community Development Department is reviewing permits and development applications. Starting the week of May 4, the City’s Building Division has expanded its hours of operation and also is introducing remote virtual inspections for some projects. Please review the department’s submission requirements. Questions can be directed to the City’s Building Division at 630-262-0280.
Required Building Permits
| A-Frame Signage (commercial) | Kitchen Remodel |
| Air Conditioner | New Commercial |
| Attic Finish | New Residential |
| Basement Finish | Patio |
| Change of Tenant (for business owners) | Pergola |
| Commercial Remodel | Residential Addition |
| Deck | Residential Remodel |
| Door Replacement (exterior) | Roof |
| Demolition | Sewer Repair |
| Driveway (concrete, asphalt, pavers) | Shed |
| Electrical (residential upgrade) |
Sidewalk |
| Fence | Sidewalk Café (commercial) |
| Furnace | Siding Replacement |
| Garage | Signage (commercial) |
| Generator | Swimming Pool |
| Hot Tub / Spa | Water Heater |
| Irrigation (lawn sprinkler) | Window Replacement |
| ***COLD WEATHER CONCRETE POLICY*** |
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Contractor Registration - The City of Geneva does not have contractor registration.
Permit Application
Complete an Application for Permit for all projects. Your signed application will usually require additional documentation. See specific details above for your project. For permit applications with plans that are larger than 11x17 inches, an electronic PDF copy must be submitted via disk or emailed to pdf@geneva.il.us.
Permit Application - New homes, new commercial buildings and additions over 400 square feet.
Permit Application - All other permit types.
Historic Preservation Commission Review Application - For exterior improvement projects to historic landmarked properties or properties located in the Historic District, submit this form at the same time as your building permit application form. Please refer to the Historic Preservation Review Matrix to determine the level of review your project will require.
Property owners, where building or development is proposed in the vicinity of mature trees, are required to complete a Tree Preservation Plan Review. In addition, property owners of lots equal to or greater than 1.5 acres must complete a Tree Removal Permit Review prior to removing any large trees.
Permit Fees
Permit fees are set forth in Section (10-1-6) of the City's municipal code.
Inspections
The number of inspections that will be required for your project will vary based on the type of construction. All projects will require a final inspection. For more information about inspections, please view the appropriate information above.
To schedule an inspection, contact the Building Division at 630-262-0280 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Please call at least one day in advance for residential inspections. Commercial inspections may require more time.
Right-Of-Way
You will be required to get a permit from the Public Works Engineering Division if you are excavating within the right-of-way or other work within the right-of-way. Examples include overnight storage pods, dumpster, saw cutting/removal or a curb/sidewalk, or pavement removal and replacement.