With a high volume of building permit activity expected again this spring and summer, the City of Evanston’s Building and Inspection Services Division is encouraging residents and businesses to submit permits as soon as possible this year to avoid delays to their projects.

The division issues permits for remodeling, repairing, and all new construction projects. Most applications for small projects are reviewed within a week of the city receiving complete permit materials, but that timeframe increases as spring approaches and more projects are submitted. Home additions, new construction and other larger projects may take longer to review and approve. If the property is a landmark or in a historic district, this requires a preservation review that will lengthen the time of the approval process.

Permits are valid for six months or more, so it’s a good idea for community members to apply for their permit early so that they can begin their project when the weather permits.

Resources and Reminders

  • Check the city’s About My Place tool to find your zoning district. With any outside project, the local zoning district determines the property line setbacks and buildable locations on a property. City staff can determine if a project meets zoning requirements.
  • Call 847-448-4311 to schedule a building inspection as a project progresses. City inspectors can help ensure compliance with the building codes.
  • Use the Citizen Portal to submit applications for express permits, which cover simpler projects, such as window replacement, tuckpointing and roofing.
  • Projects requiring review such as new buildings, kitchen and bath remodels and additions should submit applications through the online application on the City’s Building & Inspection Services page.

Permits are processed in the order in which they are received. It may take a couple of days before an application begins the approval process.

For more information about building permits, visit cityofevanston.org/buildingpermit or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may also dial 311 in Evanston.

Source: City of Evanston