FAQs

How long is a build permit good for?: Building permits are good for six months. Permits can be renewed for an additional six months, provided that construction began within the first six months, and it is renewed prior to the expiration date of the original permit. There is no charge for the first renewal.

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Community Development and Building Department

1. How can I obtain a building permit?: Miscellaneous building permits can be obtained from our application and forms portal. For new construction or additions, please obtain a building packet from the Building Department: 66 Thillen Dr. Fox Lake, IL 60020 Please allow at least one week for permits to be processed. New construction and addition permits will have a longer processing time.

2. How long is a build permit good for?: Building permits are good for six months. Permits can be renewed for an additional six months, provided that construction began within the first six months, and it is renewed prior to the expiration date of the original permit. There is no charge for the first renewal.

3. How will I know when my building permit is approved?: The Building Department will contact you once the permit is approved. The permit can then be paid for and picked up.

4. What forms of payment are accepted by the Building Department?: The Village of Fox Lake accepts cash, checks, Visa or MasterCard.

5. What are the Building Department's hours of operation?: The Building Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

6. Where is the Building Department located?: Fox Lake Building Department
66 Thillen Dr.
Fox Lake, IL 60020

7. What is the Building Department phone number?: The Building Department direct phone number is (847) 587-3176.

8. Does the Building Department have a copy of my plat of survey?: The Building Department may have a copy of your plat of survey. Please contact our office to verify at (847) 587-3176. For new construction and addition permits a new plat of survey must be submitted with the application. The Village of Fox Lake is not responsible for permit applications submitted with an outdated plat of survey.

Property owners may use the following toll-free numbers to obtain information about flood mapping:

10. How do I file a complaint about a property?: To file a complaint about a work site or property, please call the Building and Community Development Department at (847) 587-3176.

11. Does the Village of Fox Lake require a real estate transfer tax or inspection?: No, the Village of Fox Lake does not have a real estate transfer tax or inspection requirement.

12. What hours are construction work allowed?: Work shall not commence prior to seven (7:00) A.M. and shall cease at eight (8:00) P.M. Monday - Saturday, and ten (10:00) A.M. to five (5:00) P.M. on Sundays/legal holidays.

13. Can a homeowner be their own general contractor?: Yes, a homeowner can act as their own general contractor and a homeowner can complete work on his or her property. No bonding requirements or certificate of insurance is needed. The homeowner assumes all liability for the project.

14. What requirements are needed for a renter to apply for a building permit?: The renter needs a handwritten and notarized approval form from the property owner to submit with the permit application.

15. What are the requirements for contractors?: Electrical contractors must supply a copy of their License and an original Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) listing the Village of Fox Lake. Plumbing contractors must supply a copy of the ’055 License, Letter of Intent and an original Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) listing the Village of Fox Lake. Roofing contractors must supply a copy of their License and an original Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) listing the Village of Fox Lake. All other contractors must supply an original Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.).

16. Do I need a permit for a dumpster?: No, but the dumpster must be located on private property. Dumpsters on public property or in the parkway can be cited with an ordinance violation.

17. When can I burn yard waste?: Burning of leaves and branches is allowed from April 1 to June 1 and September 1 to December 1. All burns must be located at least 30 feet from any structure.