Permit Services Q&A · Village of Schaumburg

Commercial Permit Related Q&A

Do general contractors and sub-contractors have to be licensed and bonded to perform work in the Village of Schaumburg?
1. All contractors must be licensed with the Village of Schaumburg, apply for a contractor's business license, and pay the appropriate annual fee, per the Village's fee schedule, prior to permit issuance.
  - Plumbing and roofing contractors are not required to be licensed with the Village of Schaumburg, but must be licensed with the State of Illinois, and a copy of their license must be submitted prior to permit issuance.
2. No bond or insurance is required.
What is required to open a business in the Village of Schaumburg?
1. A New Tenant Occupancy must be applied for at the Community Development Department if a tenant space is leased and there are no alterations to the existing space.
2. Then inspections are scheduled for all trades such as, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire.
3. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued after all inspections are approved.
4. Then a business license can be obtained at the Collections Division of the Finance Department.
5. NOTE: A Zoning Approval may be required depending on the type of business.
When is a commercial permit required from the Engineering Division of the Community Development Department?
1. Land Development permits are issued for new construction and existing site improvements. The following types of projects require permits:
  - Curb & Sidewalk Repairs
  - Parking Lot Patching or Resurfacing
    - NOTE: A permit is not required for striping &/or seal coating
  - Retaining walls
  - Underdrains
Where do I display my Permit Card and for how long?
1. The Permit Card or "Building Permit" should be displayed in the main entrance window and must be clearly visible for the inspector.
2. It must remain in place until the final inspections are approved.
3. The approved as noted permit submittal and related permit drawings must be printed and located on site during construction at all times.

Residential Permit Related Q&A

How long does the plan review take for residential permits?
1. Ten (10) business days is the goal for the plan review. However, keep in mind that our peak season begins in spring and runs through the summer, so make sure to include a minimum of ten business days in your project schedule for this plan review portion of the permitting process.
2. All plan reviews are processed in date order received. There are no expedited options.
3. If the scope of work is only for re-roofs, siding, air-conditioners, furnaces, or water heaters an Express Permit can be issued without a plan review.
Is a building permit required to replace the windows on my home?
1. A building permit is not required if there are no changes to the size and location of the existing exterior window openings and no new openings are proposed. Any changes to these will require a building permit.
Is a permit required for the installation of a water heater?
1. Yes, a permit is required. The plumbing contractor must supply the Village of Schaumburg with a copy of their State of Illinois Plumbing Contractor license.
2. A letter of intent must be included with all plumbing permit applications. The letter must be written on the licensed plumber of record's business stationery and must include the license holder's signature and, if the license holder is incorporated, the license holder's corporate seal. If the license holder is not incorporated, the letter must be notarized.
3. An inspection is required after work is completed.
4. Applicant must schedule inspections up to 4 p.m. on the business day prior to the requested inspection date by calling Permit Services at 847-923-4420.
When is a residential permit required from the Engineering Division of the Community Development Department?
1. Land Development permits are issued for new construction and existing site improvements. The following types of projects require permits:
  - Detached Garage Grading
  - Lot Grading & Regrading
  - Retaining Walls
  - Underdrains & Sump Pump Piping

General Permit Related Q&A

How can I appeal a decision related to my permit or inspection?
1. As part of the Community Development Permit Services, all customers are offered an opportunity to inquire about or appeal the decision of a plan reviewer or field inspector during any phase of their project.
2. From time to time, a permit applicant (design professional, homeowner, business owner, contractor, or other project representative) may not agree with a staff member’s code interpretation provided during the permit submittal/plan review process and/or the inspection process. The applicant is first encouraged to attempt to resolve with the staff member and/or his or her supervisor. Staff will offer a written interpretation to the code with applicable references to the specific project condition. If the applicant is not agreeable to the supporting documentation, the applicant may appeal per Village Ordinance §153.03.1 - APPEAL PROCESS as outlined in the flow chart, click this link for flow chart.