Building Permit Applications: Work Requiring a Permit

Licenses, permits and inspections are required for most construction activity, including many repair or replacement projects, in order to assure that work is performed in compliance with Village code requirements. Building codes adopted by the Village of Winnetka establish minimum requirements for the safety and well-being of the property owner, occupants and the general public.

The following permits may be required for residential, commercial, multi-family or institutional building projects in Winnetka. For assistance in determining whether your project requires a permit, contact the Permit Desk at 847-716-3520 or send them an email.

• Accessory Structure Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for accessory structures such as detached garages, sheds, gazebos, greenhouses, arbors and trellises, and children’s play houses (View additional information regarding playhouse and treehouse zoning requirements.  View additional information regarding shed zoning requirements).
• Addition Permit: A permit is required for addition on a building, regardless of the size.
  • Single Family Residential Addition Permit Application (PDF)
  • Commercial/Multi-Family/Institutional Permit Application (PDF)
• Air Conditioning Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for new, additional, or replacement furnaces or air conditioning systems.
• Basement Finish or Remodel Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for construction or alteration of walls, installation or extension of electrical circuits, plumbing drains or vents, or duct work.
• Chimney, Fireplace or Similar Heating Appliance Permit Application: A permit is required to alter, install or construct a fireplace or chimney, or to install or replace any other similar fuel burning appliance.  (Email us for application submittal requirements.)
• Deck or Balcony Application (PDF): A permit is required for new decks and balconies, or replacement or modification of existing decks or balconies.
• Demolition Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required to demolish an existing structure. Before the demolition may begin either a permit for the construction of a new structure or a permit for site restoration must be approved by the Village.
• Electrical Miscellaneous Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for new branch circuits or extension of branch circuits or placing additional fixtures or receptacles on an existing circuit.
• Electrical Service Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required to add or upgrade an existing electrical service.
• Elevator Permit Single Family Residential Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation of elevators, platform lifts and stairway lifts in existing buildings.
• Fence or Wall Permit Application (PDF): A fence permit is required to install a new fence and for substantial updates to existing fences and walls. Minor repairs including limited replacement of individual posts, boards or pickets do not require a permit.
• Fire Sprinkler Permit (PDF): A fire sprinkler permit is required to install a new or modify an existing commercial or residential fire sprinkler system.
• Floodplain Development Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for any work within the FEMA-designated floodplain. This is a supplemental permit that is processed together with another permit type such as a building permit for an addition.
• Foundation Repair and Foundation Drainage Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for all foundation repairs except minor maintenance and repair, such as epoxy injections. Depending on project scope, foundation projects may also require application for approval of a Sump Pump Discharge Permit. (Email us for application submittal requirements.)
• Furnace Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for new, additional, or replacement furnaces or air conditioning systems.
• Garage Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation of an attached or detached garage.
• Gas Line Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation of a new or replacement gas line or extending an existing gas line.
• Generator Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation of a new or replacement electrical generator.
• Impermeable Surface Permit: A permit is required to install, alter or replace any impermeable surface such as driveways, patios, terraces, walkways, parking lots.
  • Single Family Residential Impermeable Permit Application (PDF)
  • Commercial/Multi-Family/Institutional Impermeable Permit Application (PDF)
• Irrigation Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation or replacement of lawn sprinkler systems. Irrigation permits may also require application for a right-of-way permit if system components will be located within public a public street right-of-way.
• Land Grading Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for alteration to existing site topography to remove existing soils, add fill, or otherwise alter the terrain of a parcel. (Email us for application submittal requirements.)
• New Single Family Building Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for construction of a new single-family dwelling.
• New Commercial / Multi-Family / Institutional Building Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for construction of a new commercial, multi-family or institutional structure.
• Outdoor Fire Structure or Outdoor Cooking Source Application (PDF): A permit is required for any outdoor fire pit, fire place, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven or similar fire sources.
• Plumbing Miscellaneous Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for new water lines, extending existing water lines, placing additional fixtures, repairs under floors, and repairs involving changing materials. A permit is not required to replace existing plumbing fixtures utilizing existing water supply or drain lines.
• Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Construction Permit Application (PDF): Swimming pools or other similar water features with a depth of more than 18 inches at any point require a permit. All spas and hot tubs require a permit. Pools, spas and hot tubs also require enclosure by a fence or wall to restrict unauthorized access.
• Remodeling/Repair Permit: A permit is required for construction of new walls, removal of existing walls, or removal and replacement of existing wall or ceiling covering (drywall, plaster) with an area of 100 square feet or greater.
  A repair/remodeling permit is also required for the installation of new electrical circuits, extension of existing electrical services, or installation of new hard wired electrical devices.
  A repair/remodeling permit is also required for installation or modification of plumbing waste, drain or vent lines, water supply lines, or mechanical ductwork.
  • Single Family Residential Remodeling Permit Application (PDF)
  • Commercial/Multi-Family/Institutional Remodeling Permit Application (PDF)
• Retaining Wall Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for all retaining walls. Walls with a height of 48” or greater must be designed by an Illinois licensed engineer or architect. All retaining walls should be setback a minimum of two feet from any right of way line and one foot from any other property line.
• Right-of-Way / Street Opening Information & Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for any work in the public right-of-way, including the street. This application form is required in conjunction with the specific permit application based on the type of work being
•  performed.
• Roof Replacement Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required to recover or replace an existing roof.
• Sewer Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation of new or repair or replacement sewer lines.
• Shed Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation of storage shed or similar building (View additional information regarding shed zoning requirements).  
• Solar Panels: A permit is required for installation of rooftop solar panels and related systems.
  • Single Family Residential Solar Application (PDF)
  • Commercial/Multi-Family/Institutional Solar Application (PDF)
• Sump Pump Discharge or Downspout Alterations Application (PDF): A permit is required to install or alter systems intended to pump or redirect groundwater or roof drainage.
• Temporary Tent Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required for installation of a tent on a temporary basis for events. Permit applications should be submitted a minimum of 5 days prior to installation.
• Trampoline Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required to install any trampoline on private property, and includes requirement for the securing of such areas to prevent unauthorized use.
• Tree Removal Permit Application: A permit is required to remove any tree greater than 8 inches in diameter.
• Water Heater Permit Application (PDF): A permit is required to add or replace a water heater.

Individual Forms & Informational Material

• Authorized Designee Form (PDF)
• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Change of Contractor Form (PDF)
• Coin-Operated Amusement Device License (PDF)
• Contractor Bond Requirements (PDF)
• Contractor List Form (PDF)
• Delivery of Construction Notification (PDF)
• Filming Application (PDF)
• Flood Plain Development Application (PDF)
• Little-Free Library (PDF)
• Lot Coverage Calculations (PDF)
• Notification of Proposed Construction (PDF)
• Permit Extension Request Form (PDF)
• Plumbing, Electric, Mechanical Permit Fee Worksheet (PDF)
• Pop-Up Store Application and Agreement (PDF)
• Recycling - Step 1 (PDF)
• Recycling - Step 2 (PDF)
• Right-Of-Way Street Opening Restoration Permit (PDF)
• Temporary Tent(s) Application and Information (PDF)
• Tree Removal Application
• Valet Parking Permit Application (PDF)
• Water Service Guidelines (PDF)
• Zoning Calculation Worksheets (PDF)