Responsibilities of the Community Development Department include documenting,
reviewing, and inspecting all construction in the communities of
Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Bannockburn. The Building
section reviews and inspects a wide range of construction projects
from small sheds to large corporate office buildings.
The primary tasks of the Community
Development Department include reviewing
construction plans for compliance with building code requirements,
conducting building inspections to ensure that all construction is
consistent with approved plans, and encouragement of safe
construction practices.
The staff review and enforce
requirements for all work related to
residential construction and
remodeling, commercial construction
and remodeling, exterior lighting,
driveways, decks, roof replacements,
swimming pools & spas, fences and
pillars, and installation of
satellite dishes. If you are unsure
whether your project requires a
permit, contact the Community
Development Department at
847-810-3502.
Responsibilities of the Planning section include administering
the Zoning Code, making updates to the Comprehensive Plan, and
staffing the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic
Preservation Commission, and Building Review Board.
Planning staff also undertakes special projects such as the
Central Business District study, the Route 60 study, and the
Historic Resources Survey.
Building permits are issued by the Community Development
Department, located at the Municipal Services Center, 800
Field Drive. Building permit applications may be picked up
at the Community Development Department or downloaded from
this web site at, Building Permits and Applications.
An architect stamp on plans submitted for permit is
required on most projects. If the project is large or involves
structural changes, the permit plans should be stamped by an
architect.
An architect stamp may not be required for small projects,
such as minor alterations in which the structure of the
building is not being changed.
You need an electrical permit before electrical equipment
is added, altered, or extended within a new or existing
electrical system.
You need a mechanical permit before mechanical equipment is
installed, altered, replaced or remodeled.
You need a plumbing permit before a plumbing system or
fixture is installed, altered or remodeled.
A list of fees is available on this web site by clicking
on, Building Permit Fees.
The construction permit turnaround time depends on several
variables. These include whether the project is residential or
commercial, its complexity, whether your application was
complete and included all the necessary information, the
number of permits already in review, and how many regulations
affect your project.
In general, most permits are processed in 10
to 15 working
days.
When a building permit is issued, a list of necessary
inspections is included with instructions on when and where to
call.
It is the responsibility of the
property owner, or their
representative, to call and request
inspections as required at given
stages of the project. To arrange a
time for an inspection contact the
Community Development Department at,
847-810-3502.
Work should begin within 90 day and
completed within one year of the
issuance of a building permit. A
permit may be renewed for an
additional year. Contact the
Community Development for additional
information, 847-810-3511.
A Certificate of Occupancy is a certificate issued by the
Community Development Department which permits the use of a
building in accordance with the approved plans and
inspections. The Certificate of Occupancy certifies compliance
with the provisions of law for the use and occupancy of the
building, together with any special stipulations or conditions
of the building permit.
The following requirements must be met in order to obtain a
Certificate of Occupancy:
For a Full Certificate of Occupancy:
- A final building inspection completed and approved by
the Building section of the Community Development
Department.
- A final site grading inspection completed and approved
by the Engineering section of the Community Development
Department.
- A full certificate of occupancy will be issued within
24 to 48 hours after both of the above inspections have
been completed and approved.
- No signatures are required to receive a full
certificate of occupancy.
For a Conditional Certificate of Occupancy:
- A final building inspection completed and approved
with open items (none with life safety issues) as stated
on the final inspection sheet.
- A final site grading inspection with some open
exterior grading items incomplete, possibly due to
weather conditions or minor incomplete items.
- A cashier’s check, certified check or cash
will be accepted for the bond
necessary.
(No personal or company checks will be accepted).
- Signatures by both owner and contractor.
- You will receive a conditional certificate of
occupancy only after all of the above conditions have
been met.
For questions about construction
activity and whether or not permits
have been obtained, or required,
please call 847-810-3502.
- Building permit applications and inspection request
forms.
- Technical construction information.
- Interpretation of building and zoning codes.
- Building scale calculations.
We have a variety of applications, brochures, checklists
and maps available to help customers understand the plan
review and permit processes and procedures.
City staff references several different code books,
ordinances, and guidelines when reviewing plans and inspecting
construction projects. Below is a list of commonly used codes:
The City of Lake Forest City Code including:
Ordinances and Guidelines including:
Residence and General Residence
District Requirements
The City of Lake Forest Engineering & Construction Standards
Did you know that about 20% of the
land in the U.S. is affected by
excess water that can damage homes
and property? The good news is
that there are signs a homeowner can
look for, situations to avoid and
solutions that reduce drainage
problem. The City has
developed a brochure to assist
residents in understanding their
drainage problems and to provide
possible solutions to reduce those
problems. A copy of the
brochure can be downloaded by
clicking on the link below, or call
847-810-3556 for
more information.
In most cases, the private property owner is responsible for
maintaining the portion of the drainage system located on their
property and solving localized problems. There are many ways
to improve drainage. Some are simple and inexpensive, while
others are more complex and costly. If you plan to contract
out the work, be sure to get more than one estimate and carefully
evaluate different alternatives. Prior to beginning any work,
remember to call:
Water/Sewer Department
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847-810-3570
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- For a free home inspection to help identify problem
areas and receive helpful suggestions contact: Water and
Sewer Department.
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Community Development Department
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847-810-3554
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- Drainage regulations prior to beginning any grading work
- Approved materials and permit requirements
- Prior to installing a swale to divert water or any
earthmoving activity
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Download the Residential Drainage Brochure (33k
- 4 pages)
Each summer the
Engineering section of the Pubic
Works Department undertakes sidewalk
repairs. If you notice any damaged
areas, please contact the City at
847-810-3543.
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