Planning construction or trade work in Elgin, Illinois? Whether you’re breaking ground on a new development, renovating a home, or handling specialty work like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, you’ll need the right Elgin building permit to move forward legally and avoid costly delays.
This guide explains how to get permits in Elgin step by step. You'll learn which projects need permits, how much they cost, what forms you need to fill out, and how to apply correctly.
Simplify permitting in Elgin with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Elgin?
A permit is required for most construction and remodeling work in Elgin.
Any alterations to a building or structure, such as:
Additions
Decks
Sheds
Roof replacements
Window replacements
Siding
Fences
Porches
Driveways
Swimming pools
Mechanical/plumbing/electrical system changes
Both residential and commercial work generally require a permit, and owner-occupants may do some residential work, but major systems (e.g. electrical service upgrades) must be performed by licensed contractors
Who manages permitting in Elgin?
Permits are administered by the Building & Development Services Division within the Community Development Department.
Address: 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 311 within city, or 847‑931‑6001
Elgin building permit cost
Elgin’s permit fees are set according to the 2025 Fee Schedule. Below is a summary:
Project type
Fee
Tenant space up to 150 sq ft
$85
Tenant space over 150 sq ft
$40 per 100 sq ft
Based on valuation
$65 per $1,000 (or portion)
Certificate of Occupancy / Change of Use
$230 per tenant space
Decks under or over 48″, fireplaces, patios, fences, garages, sidewalks
$85 each
Larger buildings: up to 500 sq ft
$85
500–5,000 sq ft
$0.15 per sq ft
Over 5,000 sq ft
$0.11 per sq ft
Re-inspection (annual or other)
$85 each
Work without permit (penalty)
Up to $720
Elgin trade permits
Whether you're handling HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or roofing work, you must apply for the relevant trade permit. Each requires specific documentation and is processed separately, even if the fee structure is the same.
Electrical permits
Up-to-date electrical work such as new circuits, EV chargers, or panel changes. A permit is required and must be obtained before starting work.
Electrical permit costs
Category
Details
Fee
Electrical – Alteration, Residential
Change or relocation of service
$85
Other work
$85
Electrical – Alterations, Commercial & Industrial (plus wiring and circuiting)
0–400 amp service
$240
Over 400 amp service
$320
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
Single or Two-Family Residential (incl. Townhouses)
$0**
All other (per 1,000 sq. ft. of wiring and circuiting)
$85
Electrical Heat – New/Alteration
All uses
$170
New Construction – Commercial & Industrial
0–400 amp service
$240
Over 400 amp service
$320
New Construction – Residential
Single family
$460
Multiple-family (per unit)
$320
Miscellaneous Lighting
Parking lots, security, passageways, etc.
$245
Solar
Single or Two-Family Residential (incl. Townhouses)
$0**
All other (per 1,000 sq. ft. of wiring and circuiting)
$85
Temporary Installation – All Uses
Inspections of temporary installations, underground or overhead; wires and apparatus, changeover, and other inspections not specifically provided for herein
$85
Temporary Service – All Uses
Inspection of temporary services
$170
Wiring & Circuiting – Commercial & Industrial
First 1,000 sq. ft.
$85
Each additional 1,000 sq. ft.
$85
**Fee waiver includes installation, electrical upgrades, plan review, and any other associated fees.
Plumbing permits
Required for new or altered water, sewer, or gas systems, even if costs mirror other trades.
Plumbing permit costs
Category
Details
Fee
Fixture Addition, Replacement, or Relocation
All uses – per fixture, unit, or opening
$85
Lawn Sprinkler System
All uses
$85*
New Construction – Residential
Single-family (incl. sewer & water)
$390
Multiple-residential (per unit, incl. sewer & water)
$390
New Construction – Commercial & Industrial
1–5 fixtures and gas opening
$170
Each additional fixture or gas opening beyond 5
$75
Piping Alterations Only
All uses
$85
Private Water Supply System
All uses
$85*
Sewer and/or Water Service Connection, Repair, or Replacement
All uses
$85
Sprinkler or Fire Protection System – All Uses
1–20 heads
$240*
21–50 heads
$370*
51–100 heads
$485*
101–300 heads
$730*
Over 300 heads
$120/hour*
Water Heaters
Replacement
$85
*Requires additional plan review fee
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Permits needed for HVAC system installation or replacement, including ductwork.
HVAC permit costs
Category
Details
Fee
Warm Air Furnace and Boiler
Replacement or conversion (per unit)
$85
New installation (first unit)
$170
Each additional unit
$85
Central Air Conditioning
New installation only (per unit)
$85
Duct Work Only – Changes or Addition
Residential (per dwelling unit)
$115
Commercial & industrial (per 1,000 sq. ft. or portion thereof)
$85
Roofing permits
A permit is required for reroofing projects that go beyond minor repairs, particularly when the deck or underlying structure is affected.
The permit fee to repair a section of roof or tear-off and reroof is $85.
Pull permits faster and effortlessly Let PermitFlow handle permitting so you can stay focused on the build. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Elgin
Step 1: Choose the correct permit type
Visit the City of Elgin Permits page to select the appropriate application type. Quick-reference guides are available for common projects like decks, fences, HVAC work, and additions.
Elgin's permitting system can be a major roadblock, especially when you're working with tight deadlines or navigating Illinois building codes for the first time. Instead of navigating complicated forms and long wait times, let PermitFlow manage the entire process for you.
PermitFlow is permit software that takes permitting off your plate. Use our software to effortlessly prepare, submit, and track your permits (in Elgin and beyond).
Why builders trust PermitFlow:
Local expertise: Our team has deep knowledge of Elgin's specific requirements and Community Development Department processes.
Centralized control: View and manage all your Elgin permits through one dashboard.
Faster approvals: We get applications right the first time, cutting out rejections and delays.
Don’t let permitting stall your projects. Contact PermitFlow today and keep your projects moving forward.
Planning construction or trade work in Elgin, Illinois? Whether you’re breaking ground on a new development, renovating a home, or handling specialty work like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, you’ll need the right Elgin building permit to move forward legally and avoid costly delays.
This guide explains how to get permits in Elgin step by step. You'll learn which projects need permits, how much they cost, what forms you need to fill out, and how to apply correctly.
Simplify permitting in Elgin with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Elgin?
A permit is required for most construction and remodeling work in Elgin.
Any alterations to a building or structure, such as:
Additions
Decks
Sheds
Roof replacements
Window replacements
Siding
Fences
Porches
Driveways
Swimming pools
Mechanical/plumbing/electrical system changes
Both residential and commercial work generally require a permit, and owner-occupants may do some residential work, but major systems (e.g. electrical service upgrades) must be performed by licensed contractors
Who manages permitting in Elgin?
Permits are administered by the Building & Development Services Division within the Community Development Department.
Address: 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 311 within city, or 847‑931‑6001
Elgin building permit cost
Elgin’s permit fees are set according to the 2025 Fee Schedule. Below is a summary:
Project type
Fee
Tenant space up to 150 sq ft
$85
Tenant space over 150 sq ft
$40 per 100 sq ft
Based on valuation
$65 per $1,000 (or portion)
Certificate of Occupancy / Change of Use
$230 per tenant space
Decks under or over 48″, fireplaces, patios, fences, garages, sidewalks
$85 each
Larger buildings: up to 500 sq ft
$85
500–5,000 sq ft
$0.15 per sq ft
Over 5,000 sq ft
$0.11 per sq ft
Re-inspection (annual or other)
$85 each
Work without permit (penalty)
Up to $720
Elgin trade permits
Whether you're handling HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or roofing work, you must apply for the relevant trade permit. Each requires specific documentation and is processed separately, even if the fee structure is the same.
Electrical permits
Up-to-date electrical work such as new circuits, EV chargers, or panel changes. A permit is required and must be obtained before starting work.
Electrical permit costs
Category
Details
Fee
Electrical – Alteration, Residential
Change or relocation of service
$85
Other work
$85
Electrical – Alterations, Commercial & Industrial (plus wiring and circuiting)
0–400 amp service
$240
Over 400 amp service
$320
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
Single or Two-Family Residential (incl. Townhouses)
$0**
All other (per 1,000 sq. ft. of wiring and circuiting)
$85
Electrical Heat – New/Alteration
All uses
$170
New Construction – Commercial & Industrial
0–400 amp service
$240
Over 400 amp service
$320
New Construction – Residential
Single family
$460
Multiple-family (per unit)
$320
Miscellaneous Lighting
Parking lots, security, passageways, etc.
$245
Solar
Single or Two-Family Residential (incl. Townhouses)
$0**
All other (per 1,000 sq. ft. of wiring and circuiting)
$85
Temporary Installation – All Uses
Inspections of temporary installations, underground or overhead; wires and apparatus, changeover, and other inspections not specifically provided for herein
$85
Temporary Service – All Uses
Inspection of temporary services
$170
Wiring & Circuiting – Commercial & Industrial
First 1,000 sq. ft.
$85
Each additional 1,000 sq. ft.
$85
**Fee waiver includes installation, electrical upgrades, plan review, and any other associated fees.
Plumbing permits
Required for new or altered water, sewer, or gas systems, even if costs mirror other trades.
Plumbing permit costs
Category
Details
Fee
Fixture Addition, Replacement, or Relocation
All uses – per fixture, unit, or opening
$85
Lawn Sprinkler System
All uses
$85*
New Construction – Residential
Single-family (incl. sewer & water)
$390
Multiple-residential (per unit, incl. sewer & water)
$390
New Construction – Commercial & Industrial
1–5 fixtures and gas opening
$170
Each additional fixture or gas opening beyond 5
$75
Piping Alterations Only
All uses
$85
Private Water Supply System
All uses
$85*
Sewer and/or Water Service Connection, Repair, or Replacement
All uses
$85
Sprinkler or Fire Protection System – All Uses
1–20 heads
$240*
21–50 heads
$370*
51–100 heads
$485*
101–300 heads
$730*
Over 300 heads
$120/hour*
Water Heaters
Replacement
$85
*Requires additional plan review fee
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Permits needed for HVAC system installation or replacement, including ductwork.
HVAC permit costs
Category
Details
Fee
Warm Air Furnace and Boiler
Replacement or conversion (per unit)
$85
New installation (first unit)
$170
Each additional unit
$85
Central Air Conditioning
New installation only (per unit)
$85
Duct Work Only – Changes or Addition
Residential (per dwelling unit)
$115
Commercial & industrial (per 1,000 sq. ft. or portion thereof)
$85
Roofing permits
A permit is required for reroofing projects that go beyond minor repairs, particularly when the deck or underlying structure is affected.
The permit fee to repair a section of roof or tear-off and reroof is $85.
Pull permits faster and effortlessly Let PermitFlow handle permitting so you can stay focused on the build. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Elgin
Step 1: Choose the correct permit type
Visit the City of Elgin Permits page to select the appropriate application type. Quick-reference guides are available for common projects like decks, fences, HVAC work, and additions.
Elgin's permitting system can be a major roadblock, especially when you're working with tight deadlines or navigating Illinois building codes for the first time. Instead of navigating complicated forms and long wait times, let PermitFlow manage the entire process for you.
PermitFlow is permit software that takes permitting off your plate. Use our software to effortlessly prepare, submit, and track your permits (in Elgin and beyond).
Why builders trust PermitFlow:
Local expertise: Our team has deep knowledge of Elgin's specific requirements and Community Development Department processes.
Centralized control: View and manage all your Elgin permits through one dashboard.
Faster approvals: We get applications right the first time, cutting out rejections and delays.
Don’t let permitting stall your projects. Contact PermitFlow today and keep your projects moving forward.
