Building Department Forms

These forms are made available here for your convenience. Please keep in mind, that the Town’s original forms are carbonized, as multiple departments receive copies of these documents. If you are taking advantage of downloading a form online, please make at least two (2) copies when you submit the documents to the Building Department. The Town of Cicero Building Department is not accepting applications via email or the website at this time. All documents must be printed and submitted directly the Building Department. Thank you for your cooperation.

• Building Permit Application
• Electrical Permit Application
• Real Estate Transfer Tax
• Vacant Building Registration
• Vacant Building Appeal Application
• Architectural Review Application
• Sign Application
• Temporary Sign Application
• Escrow Application
• Escrow Extension Request
• Basic Affadavits
• Permitting Procedures – Garage
• Permitting Procedures – Existing Buildings
• Plan Review Checklist

The Town of Cicero requires Building Permits to ensure structures are safe with respect to public health, fire protection, code compliance, and structural sufficiency. A permit ensures that the construction meets the minimum standards set out in the Town of Cicero’s adopted building codes and ordinances.

Seven (7) Steps of the Building Permit Process

(Does not apply to new construction and commercial construction, which may require additional steps (see New Construction Section for More Details))

Below are listed the seven (7) steps of the permit process. Please remember that this process should be planned out and included in your project timeline. While the Town makes every effort to expedite the permit process, delays do occur, and most delays can be avoided with careful planning, and providing detailed information with your permit application.

Step 1 – Town of Cicero Building Department Permit Staff

A visit or telephone call to the Town of Cicero Building Department will provide you with the information necessary to make your project progress smoothly and to avoid potential problems which could cost you time and money.

Be prepared to discuss your project with permit staff who will ask you questions such as “What are you planning to do?” and “Where are you planning to do it?” The permit staff will discuss the specific process for your project with you.

Step 2 – Permit Application

A completed permit application is required prior to beginning the administrative review process. You may pick up a permit application at the Town of Cicero Building Department. While the permit application may seem easy to complete, many do so incompletely. The town recommends answering several questions when completing your application.

1. “who” will perform the work and
2. “what,” “where,” and “how” the work will be completed.

Drawings, plans or other documentation of the proposed work may be required (consult with permit staff prior to visiting Town Hall to avoid multiple trips). Please remember that delays can be avoided, by completing your application in full, and with as much detail as possible. Also, please remember to include contact telephone information so staff can contact you if needed, and to schedule any required inspections. Some important documents that may be required include but are not limited to:

• Plat of Survey,
• Signed Contract for work to be performed,
• Zoning Clearance, etc.)

When at the Building Department Counter, you should also ask if you or your contractor has outstanding debt to the town (see below).

Step 3 – The Review Process

Once your completed permit application has been received, the review process begins. During the review process, your permit application will be reviewed by multiple people. Town staff will determine if your project is in compliance with the building code(s), the zoning ordinances, and other town ordinances. The length of the review process will depend on the type and complexity of the project. Many small residential applications can be processed in one day. Please keep in mind that you may be contacted for more information if needed. During the review process, Town Building Inspectors may need to perform pre-inspections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. You will be contacted as soon as this requirement has been determined.

Also during the review period, The Town investigates several items:

• Is your contractor licensed and bonded to work in the Town of Cicero?
• Does your contractor have a debt to the Town?
• Do you have a debt to the Town?

All contractors performing work, must be licensed and bonded to work in the Town, if not, they will NOT be issued a permit. Also NO permits will be issued if either you, or your contractor has outstanding debt to the Town. All debt must be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Step 4 – Permit Approval

When compliance with the code, zoning ordinances and other applicable statutes are determined, the permit application is approved by the Building Commissioner, and written up by the permit staff. You will be contacted when your permit is ready. Once all final permit fees are paid, the permit is issued.

If the permit application is not approved or a review has failed, your permit application (as submitted) will be denied. When a permit application is denied, you must make the necessary corrections and resubmit the application (if you wish to continue your project). You will be contacted if your permit has been denied, and the reasons of said denial.

Step 5 – Construction

During the entire construction phase, the permit must be placed in a window or other prominent place at the project site and a copy approved building plan (if applicable) and related documents must be maintained at the site ready for inspection.

Step 6 – Inspections

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by a Town of Cicero Building Inspector to make certain the work conforms to the code, the permit as issued, and the approved plans.

It is up to the homeowner and/or contractor to ensure all applicable permit inspections are performed. Please refer to your permit for information regarding which inspections are needed. For example, for cement work, the town requires pre-pour inspections, and final inspections. Normally, the response is one business day after the request is made. Please work inspections into your project timeline, and call the town before 4:00 PM to schedule your inspection for the next available business day.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REQUIRED INSPECTIONS WILL RESULT IN YOU REMOVING THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE, SO APPROPRIATE INSPECTIONS CAN BE PROCESSED. VIOLATION NOTICES AND/OR TICKETS MAY ALSO BE ISSUED.

If an inspector finds that work does not conform to the approved plans, the inspector will fail the inspection and provide comments. Corrections will need to be made, and another inspection will be necessary before work is resumed.

Step 7 – Project Completion

When the project is completed and code compliance is determined, the inspector issues a final inspection. The final inspection marks the completion of your project and grants permission to occupy a building with the knowledge that it has met the minimum safety standards as required by code.

Eight (8) Steps of the New Construction Building Permit Process

Below are listed the eight (8) steps of the New Construction Building Permit process. Please remember that this process should be planned out and included in your project timeline. While the Town makes every effort to expedite the permit process, delays do occur, and most delays can be avoided with careful planning, and providing detailed information with your permit application.

These steps closely mirror those for regular rehabilitation, with several differences. This list is meant for overview, and other items may be required, please consult with Building Department Staff for more information.

Step 1 – Town of Cicero Building Department Permit Staff

A visit or telephone call to the Town of Cicero Building Department will provide you with the information necessary to make your project progress smoothly and to avoid potential problems which could cost you time and money.

Be prepared to discuss your project with permit staff who will ask you questions such as “What are you planning to do?” and “Where are you planning to do it?” Is Zoning an issue with your proposed project? The permit staff will discuss the specific process for your project with you.

Step 2 – Architectural Review Committee (if applicable)

If the lot where the proposed new construction is taking place is a “non-standard lot” (under 3,500 square feet), the project must first be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee (see Zoning Section 11).

In order to have your proposed project reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee, the following documents are required to be submitted:

• Completed Building and Architectural Review Committee Application (see building department for application).
• Specification Sheet
• Three (3) sets of Stamped blueprints, and one (1) digital version, including the PIN Number and Address

(Only one [1] stamped set of plans is needed for architectural review… three (3) stamped sets and one (1) digital set will be needed once the Architectural Review Committee approves the plans, and the plans move to plan review).

• Two (2) Checks or Money Orders

One made payable to the “Town of Cicero Building Department”, and

One made payable to the “Town of Cicero Architectural Review Committee”.

Once your plans are reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee, you will receive, in writing, the determination of that review. If approved, the regular technical review process of the Building Department will move forward (see item 2 below). If your plans are rejected, you will need to resubmit new plans with any changes requested.

Step 3 – Permit Application

A completed permit application is required prior to beginning the administrative review process. You may pick up a permit application at the Town of Cicero Building Department.

If the lot where the proposed new construction is taking place is greater than 3,500 square feet, (or your plans have been approved by the Architectural Review Committee), the following documents are required to be submitted above and beyond the Seven (7) steps for a building permit.

One (1) set of digital plans must be submitted for technical review (Initial deposit toward the Plan Review fee deposit $500, and must be paid at time of application (if you went through architectural review committee, this was already paid). The Town is reducing paper and printing costs for large projects, thus the digital set only for initial review. At the time plans are approved, the Town of Cicero Building Department will require a stamped final set of plans, and the owner/contractor is required to maintain a full set of plans on site.

2. Completed Building Permit Application

3. Copy of all Contracts/Subcontracts totaling the value of construction (all contractors must be Licensed and Bonded to work in the Town of Cicero).

You may also be required to submit an application from the Water Department for any plumbing work required. Please contact the Water Department for more information on when their permit is required.

If your project is commercial, and requires a fire alarm system, and/or sprinkler system, the following must be submitted:

• 1 set of digital Fire Alarm plans
• 1 set of digital Sprinkler plans
• 1 set of digital Hood and Asul plans
  • At the time plans are approved, the Town of Cicero Building Department will require a stamped final set of plans, and the owner/contractor is required to maintain a full set of plans on site.
• Copy of Sign Specifications, including size, type, and location
• Electrical Permit Application,
• Contracts/Proposals on Company Letterhead
• Address of Job Location
• The Value of Construction
• Contracts signed by both parties (Contractor doing work, and The person hiring the contractor)
• Completed Electrical Permit Application
• Completed Building Permit Application

Step 4 – The Review Process

Once your completed permit application has been received, the review process begins. During the review process, your permit application will be reviewed by multiple people (including the plan review specialist). Town staff will determine if your project is in compliance with the building code(s), the zoning ordinances, and other town ordinances.

The length of the review process will depend on the type and complexity of the project. Minimum turn-around time for plan review is 4 business days. If the plan review specialist approves the plans, the project will move forward. If the plan review specialist rejects the plans, you will receive comments in writing, of changes needed. And three (3) revised sets of plans will need to be submitted for a re-review.

Also during the review period, The Town investigates several items:

• Is your contractor licensed and bonded to work in the Town of Cicero?
• Does your contractor have a debt to the Town?
• Do you have a debt to the Town?

All contractors performing work, must be licensed and bonded to work in the Town, if not, they will NOT be issued a permit. Also NO permits will be issued if either you, or your contractor has outstanding debt to the Town. All debt must be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Once plan review is completed, and plans have been approved, the project will move forward.

Step 5 – Permit Approval

When compliance with the code, zoning ordinances and other applicable statutes are determined, the permit application is approved by the Building Commissioner, and written up by the permit staff. You will be contacted when your permit is ready. Once all final permit fees are paid, the permit is issued (there may be additional plan review fees due, based on square footage of the property, and re-review fees, and fees from the water department).

Step 6 – Construction

During the entire construction phase, the permit must be placed in a window or other prominent place at the project site and a copy approved building plan (if applicable) and related documents must be maintained at the site ready for inspection.

Step 7 – Inspections

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by a Town of Cicero Building Inspector to make certain the work conforms to the code, the permit as issued, and the approved plans. You will receive a listing of required inspection at the time your permit is issued.

It is up to the homeowner and/or contractor to ensure all applicable permit inspections are performed. Please refer to your permit for information regarding which inspections are needed. For example, for cement work, the town requires pre-pour inspections, and final inspections. Normally, the response is one business day after the request is made. Please work inspections into your project timeline, and call the town before 4:00 PM to schedule your inspection for the next available business day.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REQUIRED INSPECTIONS WILL RESULT IN YOU REMOVING THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE, SO APPROPRIATE INSPECTIONS CAN BE PROCESSED. VIOLATION NOTICES AND/OR TICKETS MAY ALSO BE ISSUED.

If an inspector finds that work does not conform to the approved plans, the inspector will fail the inspection and provide comments. Corrections will need to be made, and another inspection will be necessary before work is resumed.

Step 8 – Project Completion

When the project is completed and code compliance is determined, the inspector issues a final inspection. The final inspection marks the completion of your project and grants permission to occupy a building with the knowledge that it has met the minimum safety standards as required by code. Final inspections may also be needed from multiple departments, including the Fire Department.

Please note that the turn-around times for plan review may delay your project. Please include these times into your project timeline. Please plan for, and make arrangements for if your plans are rejected, and require re-submission. Once rejected, it is the owner’s responsibility to re-submit plans for review. Town staff is on hand to assist with this process, so at any time during your project, you have questions, we are here to assist!

When Permits are Required

Homeowners are required to obtain building permits for the following work, whether or not they are performing that work themselves:

1. Replacing existing plumbing, such as tubs, toilets, and shower stalls;
2. Any roof work other than replacing or repairing loose or missing shingles;
3. Replacing kitchen cabinets or countertops;
4. Replacing windows;
5. Replacing door and frame combinations in existing openings;
6. Replacing any door or window unit in any opening which must be altered;
7. All concrete work including, but not limited to, sidewalks, stairs, patios, or garage aprons;
8. Installing all or any new plumbing faucets, tubs, sinks, shower stalls, or toilets in any nonexisting area;
9. Installing all or any new bathroom vanities or countertops, kitchen cabinets or countertops in any non-existing area;
10. Any and all major remodeling;
11. Any and all electrical work requiring new electric lines or circuits, to be installed by a contractor licensed and bonded to work in the town;
12. Installing a new shingle roof or performing any work on a flat roof, including but not limited to hot tar or rubber membrane, must be installed or performed by a contractor licensed and bonded to work in the town;
13. Any and all fences;
14. Demolition;
15. Chimney work;
16. Swimming pools;
17. Any and all decks;
18. Any and all patios;
19. Replacing soffits, facias, siding, and roofing;
20. Installing new furnace or central air conditioning, which must be installed by a contractor licensed and bonded to work in the town;
21. Reconverting illegal rooms or apartments;
22. Flood control systems, which must be installed by a contractor licensed and bonded to work in the town;
23. Generators with converters or with natural gas lines;
24. Fireplaces, skylights, or hot tubs, which must be installed by a contractor licensed and bonded to work in the town;
25. Attic fans; and
26. Inside backwater valve for flood control, the town’s water department must be contacted for a follow-up inspection.

Permit Fees

Every homeowner is allowed up to $700.00 as a per year allowance for repairs for work that the homeowner is performing himself, up to which a building permit shall be given free of charge.

The homeowner is still required to apply for a building permit even if he has not exceeded the $700.00 allowance. The $700.00 allowance does not include work to be performed by contractors.

No permit fees shall be charged for installation of lifts for persons with disabilities. The contractor installing the lift for the disabled is required to apply for all necessary permits and submit to all necessary inspections; however, there will be no fee imposed for either the permit allowing the installation of such lift or for the inspection of the lift.

No permit fees established by Section 22-3(1), Section 22-3(2) or Section 22-3(3) of the Town of Cicero Code of Ordinances shall be charged to entities operating solely for charitable, religious or educational purposes, school districts, units of local government or other entities exempt from taxation as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. This shall not affect the imposition of any other applicable fee, including, but not limited to, plan examination fees, sprinkler review fees, electrical review fees and fire prevention review fees.

A fee for each plan examination, building permit and inspection shall be paid in accordance with the following schedule:

Residential structures. The building permit and inspection fee for residential structures shall be 1.5 percent of the cost of construction, but shall not be less than the minimum fees set forth in this section. The applicant shall submit to the building commissioner a notarized affidavit attesting to the cost of construction and a copy of any contract for the work to be performed at the time the application for a building permit is filed.

Commercial structures. The building permit and inspection fee for commercial structures shall be one percent of the cost of construction, but shall not be less than the minimum fees set forth in this section. Structures having both commercial and residential uses shall be charged at the rate set forth for commercial structures. The applicant shall submit to the building commissioner a notarized affidavit attesting to the cost of construction and a copy of any contract for the work to be performed at the time the application for a building permit is filed.

Minimum fees. Minimum fees shall be as follows:

Demolition and Wrecking Permits. Before the Town will issue any permit for demolition or wrecking work, the individual or entity requesting the permit must provide the Town with adequate proof that the individual or entity requesting the permit owns the property to be demolished or wrecked. In the event that the name of the applicant is different than the name of the owner of said property, the Town shall deny the request for a permit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the applicant is applying for a demolition permit at the request of the owner of the property to be demolished or wrecked and if the Town receives a notarized affidavit from the owner stating that the owner of the property has authorized the demolition and wrecking permit to be filed on his, her or its behalf, then the Town may issue the permit.

Business License

All Businesses that operate in the Town of Cicero are required to obtain a business license prior to operating. If you are interested in opening a business in the Town of Cicero, be sure to follow these important steps:

• Choose a location best suited for your desired business;
• Come to the Business License Department and fill out a Business License Application, which includes a $95 non-refundable fee;
• Insert a contingency clause in your purchase or lease contract, before you sign, assuring that all monies will be returned to you if the location does not comply with all Town ordinances;
• Zoning for the intended business use must be approved by the Legal Department and you must be able to conform to the off-street parking requirements (defined as parking other than parking on the street), if applicable;
• You will be notified by the Business License Department after final approval is obtained. If approval is denied, you will be notified by certified mail, along with the reasons for denial;
• You must contact the Fire, Building, Electrical and Health departments and set Property Inspection appointments;
• You must correct/repair all violations found on inspection;
• You must call and schedule reinspections with the department(s) citing the violation(s). If the inspections confirm that all violations have been corrected satisfactorily, the License Department will receive the necessary approvals;
• You will be notified by the license department to come and fill out another application and you must provide copies of the following documentation
  • Certificate of insurance;
  • Annual report, or, the first three pages of the corporate papers with the names of the corporate officers;
  • Illinois Business Tax Number;
  • Current Real Estate Tax Bill and Evidence of Payment; i.e. a receipt or front and back of check
• Pay for your Business License in accordance with the schedule of costs set by Town ordinance.Contact the Business License office for an application for a Business License.

US EPA Lead Rules and Information

http://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-safe-certified-media-campaign-outreach-contractors
http://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program-rules
http://www.epa.gov/lead/getcertified

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