Where do I apply for a permit online?
You can access our online permits page, with links to this FAQ, a permit type list and the permit portal link here.
Which permit type do I select for my application?
You can view a listing of the permit types available to submit online along with descriptions to help you determine which type applies to your project here.
Which permit application should I use?
Most permits will use either the residential permit application or non-residential/commercial permit application. These are intended as general purpose applications to fit a variety of projects. Many projects also have a hand-out that provides additional information about what should be provided with the submittal.
We also have some specialty permit applications for demolitions, residential new construction homes, lawn irrigation systems, occupancy-only permits for new business and signs.
Some items listed on the applications may not apply to all projects. Please give us a call at 847-515-5252 if you need assistance selecting the right application or filling out the requested items.
You can access our applications and hand-outs here.
I'm renting, can I apply for a permit?
A tenant renting a house or apartment may submit the application request online but the building permit application must be signed by the property owner, or a formal letter must be included from the property owner stating that the tenant has permission to make the requested modifications.
I selected the wrong permit type. How do I change it?
Unfortunately the permit type on an application can't be changed. The permit application must be deleted and re-applied for. If you accidentally select the wrong permit type please contact us for assistance.
How do I create a permit based on a parcel number?
An address must be assigned to a parcel number in order to submit an application request online. If you're applying for a sign permit and have only the intersection or parcel number please contact us at 847-515-5252 so that an address can be created or provided to you if one has already been made.
I'm performing the work myself, do I need a contractor?
Residential:
The International Residential Code allows homeowners to perform their own work as long as they are the property owner with some exceptions. Effective January 1, 2023, homeowners must hire a licensed electrician to install new electrical service, swimming pools or hot tubs. See Huntley Building Regulations Chapter 150, Article 110.
There are also restrictions for plumbing work performed by a homeowner. State of Illinois Plumbing Codes (Sec. 3 (2)(225ILCS3201) require that the owner must occupy the house for a minimum of six (6) months if the owner does the plumbing. Homeowners performing their own plumbing work must provide a notarized letter of intent stating the project location and work they will be performing.
During the online application process you can select 'HOMEOWNER/PROPERTY OWNER' as the contractor type from the drop down box.
Commercial:
For commercial properties all electrical, plumbing and roofing work must be performed by a licensed contractor. If you're acting as the General Contractor and performing your own construction work you can select 'HOMEOWNER/PROPERTY OWNER' as the contractor type from the drop down box. However, you will need to provide the appropriate licenses along with your permit documents during the application process. Permit reviews won't begin until all necessary licensing is provided.
My contractor registration has expired, can I still apply for a permit?
Contractors who wish to apply for a permit must have a registered account that has already been activated, with valid insurance and applicable licenses on file and all fees must be paid for the calendar year. If you're logged into your e-permits account and your license is expired you will receive an error indicating you're not eligible to apply for the specified permit type. You can renew your contractor license in the license portal linked below. You will need your license ID number and your renewal number. Please contact Development Services at 847-515-5252 if you do not have these. You can access the license portal here: Huntley eSuite Licensing
I have multiple projects, can I list them all on one permit?
Typically, if you see multiple permit types in the drop down box that apply to you then you may need to submit an application for each, especially if they're being managed by different contractors. You will also need to supply documentation for each one, even if they share the same documentation, such as the plat of survey or the quote from your contractor.
Example 1: You're applying for a patio, and you're installing a hot tub on the new patio. A landscaper is installing your patio, and the electric line is being installed by an electrician for the hot tub. You'd apply for a patio permit with the landscaper as the primary contractor, and a hot tub permit with the electrician as the primary contractor.
Example 2: You're applying for a pool permit, and a fence permit. Each of these will be a separate permit each with their own primary contractor.
Exceptions: A concrete pool deck can be included as part of an in-ground pool submittal. The pool installation company is usually performing or overseeing the concrete work and the concrete is integral to the project. This project can be submitted together. A shed being installed on a concrete pad for example would also be submitted together. The concrete pad is being installed specifically for the shed. Like-for-like projects can often also be submitted together. Surface projects are a good example, if you're having one contractor install a new driveway, along with ribbons, and the front walkway, those can be submitted together, with the largest project being the permit type. You'd apply for a driveway permit in this scenario.
If you're not sure if your project requires multiple permits please give us a call first to inquire at 847-515-5252.
What types of projects count as alterations?
Alteration permits typically cover interior and external modifications that don't have a specific permit type from the drop down list, and aren't part of a remodel permit.
A few examples of alteration permits are:
- Commercial Awnings
- Commercial Tuck-pointing
- Commercial Facade Improvements
- Front Porch
- Handrails
- Porticos
- Solar Tubes
- Skylights
- Window well replacements
- Window and Door installations
The old property owners' name is listed on my permit in the portal?
Each parcel owner record has information provided by Kane or McHenry county. Parcel owner updates can often be delayed and owner transfers at the County can take a while to be updated. If you see a previous property owner or trust name on your account please let us know and we can make a correction. We do regularly submit updates on an as-needed basis as permit applications come in so there's a good chance it will be updated during the permit approval process.
Can I pay for my permit online in advance?
Please do not pay for a permit until specifically instructed to do so by the building department. Once your permit application has been accepted for processing by a permit technician you may see a Pay Now button enabled for your permit with a fee listed. This fee may not be final however, as some permit types require manual fee calculations. Paying for a permit before you've been instructed to do so could result in over or under paying. Most permit fees are not refundable.
If application or plan review deposit payments are required you will be instructed by email to proceed with a payment for the deposit amount. Once your permit is approved and all obligations are met you will receive an email letting you know the total permit fee due.
My plans were not approved, how do I resubmit?
For permits with a plan review, the applicant will be sent an email once the review has been completed. If your permit could not be approved as submitted you will receive a review letter with comments from each applicable reviewer. When you're ready you will need to upload your revised plans in the esuite permit portal.
Resubmittal information:
Each resubmittal must contain the following information:
- Review response letter addressing each comment from the review letter.
- Complete set of revised plans. Do not provide only the sheets that need correction
- Each digital file name should include the property address and describe the document - if possible, combine your pdfs into one document
- Once all of your files are uploaded you must call us at 847-515-5252 or email us at inspections@huntley.il.us to let us know you're ready for a re-review. You must provide the property address.
Uploading your Resubmittal in the portal:
Log in to the portal here: https://esuite-huntley-il.tylertech.com/nwprod/eSuite.Permits/
- Click on the linked permit or application number from the 'My Permits' screen
- Scroll down to the Documents section at the bottom of the screen
- Click on the blue Select Files to Upload button
- Select the appropriate file(s) from your computer - you can upload multiple files at one time
Next Steps:
Once your review has been completed we will email you with a new review letter, an approval letter or a list of items to be addressed before final approval can be granted.
How long is my permit application valid?
After your permit application has been processed we will reach out to you with any additional information needed. If your permit requires a plan review but could not be approved as submitted we will email you a plan review letter.
If we have not received a resubmittal or the additional information requested within 30 days we will try to reach out to you for a status update. If we do not hear back from you or have not received additional information or revisions for re-review after 60 days your permit application will be cancelled. Once the permit is cancelled you will need to submit a new application request with new documentation.
How long is my issued building permit valid for?
Issued building permits are valid for 6 months from the issue date. If you need a permit extension please send an email to inspections@huntley.il.us. Let us know the current status of your project and an estimated completion date. We will email you confirmation once your request is approved by the building official. Permits can be extended for an additional 6 months at no charge.
My contractor has changed, what do I do?
If you're changing your contractor for a permit application in process, or for an issued permit you must contact us immediately at 847-515-5252. Permits are issued based on the information originally provided and we'll need to ensure your new contractor is registered and added to your permit. Work for issued permits must be paused until you're notified by the building department.
