Getting a building permit in Naperville, Illinois shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job. But if you’ve ever tried navigating the Naperville permit portal, deciphering city requirements, or estimating permit costs across trades, you know it can get complicated — fast.
Whether you're building a custom home, retrofitting a retail space, or updating an HVAC system, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Naperville building permits:
- What types of work require a permit
- Typical building and trade permit costs
- How to submit your Naperville building permit application step-by-step
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What requires a building permit in Naperville?
The City of Naperville requires permits for most construction and mechanical work, whether you're altering a home, building a new structure, or updating systems.
Projects that typically require permits include:
- New construction or additions: Main structures and accessory buildings like sheds, garages, gazebos
- Remodeling of building areas: Kitchens, basements, bathrooms
- Structural repairs or modifications: Foundation repairs, changing load-bearing walls (engineer/design professional required)
- Roof or wall sheathing replacement outside of basic shingle/siding overlays
- Changing window or door openings, relocating, or enlarging them
- Pools or spas deeper than 24″, or larger landscape ponds with electrical
- Driveway or sidewalk installations or replacements
- Retaining walls over 3 ft in height
- Patios, decks, fireplaces, and exterior stairs or landings
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some minor updates are exempt from permitting:
- Cosmetic or non-structural finish work: Painting, wallpaper, carpeting, trim, tile, and countertop replacement
- Minor electrical tasks: Replacing lamps or connecting approved portable devices to existing outlets
- Low-voltage wiring (under 25 V, <50 W) and decorative lighting (excluding outlets)
- Minor plumbing repairs: Clearing stoppages, leak repairs, and in-kind toilet replacement
- In-kind replacements for water heaters or HVAC/furnace units
- Decks or fences under defined thresholds (e.g. sheds <150 sq ft, decks or fences exempted by size)
To confirm whether your project needs a permit, check with the Naperville Building Department page or the Naperville permit portal.
Naperville building permit fees
Naperville building permit costs depend on the type, size, and scope of your project.
Residential fees
More fees for residential projects can be found on the Single-family/Small residential permit fee schedule page.
Commercial fees
More fees for commercial projects can be found on the Commercial/Small commercial permit fee schedule page.
Naperville trade permits
Trade contractors must apply for separate permits for certain types of work. Here's how that breaks down in Naperville:
Plumbing permits
Required for new installations, repipes, water heater replacements, backflow prevention devices, and more. A licensed plumber must be listed on the permit.
Naperville plumbing permit costs
Note: All required reinspections will be charged $68 (clerical fee + inspection fee)
Electrical permits
Any new wiring, panel upgrades, circuit additions, or service changes require an electrical permit. Work must comply with the City of Naperville Electrical Code.
Naperville electrical permit costs
Roofing permits
Roof replacements require a permit, especially if structural decking or insulation is affected. Shingle overlays may be exempt depending on conditions.
Naperville roofing permit costs
HVAC permits
Installation or replacement of HVAC systems, such as ductwork, furnaces, A/C units, or ventilation systems, requires an HVAC/mechanical permit.
Naperville HVAC permit costs
Fence permits
Fences often require permits based on height (typically over 6 feet) or location (e.g., corner lots or near easements). Design and material may also impact requirements.
Naperville fence permit costs
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How to apply for a Naperville building permit
Step 1: Prepare your documents
For many projects, like decks, additions, fences, and remodels, you do not need a Concept Meeting Request or Development Petition. Instead, gather:
- Naperville Building Permit Application via Civic Access portal
- Project plans or drawings (PDF), especially if work involves structural or trade changes
- Site plan or plot plan (if required)
- Subcontractor or contractor information, licensed and registered in town, such as electrical/plumbing if needed
- Energy compliance forms (for new construction or major HVAC changes)
- Trade-specific details, only if applicable (e.g., HVAC specs, electrical plans)
Note: Concept meetings are only required for large‑scale developments (e.g., zoning variances, subdivisions), not for standard building permits.
Step 2: Submit your Naperville building permit application
You can submit the application in the following two ways:
- Online via the Civic Access Portal
- In person at Naperville Municipal Center (TED Business Group)
- 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL 60540; Mon-Fri, 9 AM-4 PM
Step 3: Plan review and approval
Once submitted, the Building Department will review your application. Depending on the scope, your submission may also require zoning, engineering, or fire department review. You may be asked to revise or resubmit plans.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you'll receive a fee invoice. Payment is required before your permit is issued.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
Schedule online or call (630) 420‑6100 at least 72 hours in advance.
Inspections are often needed for:
- Foundation
- Framing
- Electrical/plumbing/HVAC rough-ins
- Final inspection
Reinspections require prepayment and incur inspection fees (similar to original inspection cost).
Naperville permitting resources
- Naperville Building Department
- Address: Municipal Center – 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL 60540
- Phone: (630) 420-6100
- Email: buildingpermits@naperville.il.us
- Permit Portal & Resources
- Civic Access Portal
- Fees:
- Concept meeting request
- Permits and licenses
- Naperville planning and zoning commission
- Petition for zoning variance
- Development petition
Simplify permitting in Naperville with PermitFlow
Navigating Naperville’s permit process can be time-consuming, especially if you’re up against tight deadlines or new to the city’s requirements. Instead of getting bogged down by paperwork, approvals, and back-and-forth with the city, let PermitFlow handle the process for you.
Our permit management software manages every step of your permitting workflow — preparing, submitting, and tracking permits across Naperville and every other city where you build.
Why contractors choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: Our team knows Naperville’s permitting rules inside and out
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Don't let permits slow you down. Reach out today to see how PermitFlow can keep your projects moving.
