Building & Code Enforcement

Building Code and Fee Ordinance Notice

Effective January 1, 2023 the Village of Huntley will be following the 2018 ICC Building Codes and updated Village of Huntley amendments. The Village has also updated the building permit fee schedule. You can view our updates below. Please reach out to the Development Services Department at 847-515-5252 with any questions you may have.

Building Codes Effective January 1, 2023
Building Permit Fee Ordinance Updated June 14, 2023

Home Improvement Guide

If you are planning to make additions, improvements or alterations to your home or property, a permit is required. The Home Improvement Guide will assist homeowners in determining the steps they need to follow to obtain a permit. The guide explains some of the Village regulations regarding home improvements and also answers some of the most frequently asked questions.

Federal law requires contractors that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools, built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Ask to see your contractor’s certification prior to beginning any renovation project. For more information, please see the U.S. EPA’s brochure Renovate Right. Contractors can learn more about how to meet these requirements by visiting www.epa.gov/lead. For more information, please see the U.S. EPA’s Lead Safety Brochure for contractors during renovation.

Commercial Building Permit Guide

The Commercial Permit Guide will acquaint you with our process and provide you with building permit submittal information. The goal of this guide is to help owners, contractors and design professionals understand the Village of Huntley building permit submittal requirements and the process for the issuance of building permits. If you read and follow this guide it can help to provide expedient permit processing and issuance.

Construction Hours

The Village of Huntley has the following hours for construction:

Monday - Friday: 7am-8pm
Saturday: 8am -7pm
Sunday and Holidays: 10am-7pm

Building Permits and Inspections

Building permits and inspections are required to allow the Development Services Department, Building and Code Enforcement Division, the ability to ensure that each project meets the minimum requirements of the adopted building, electric and plumbing codes. The way we do this is through plan review and inspections. These processes provide the means for the Development Services Department to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction.

Below is a list of some of the more common projects that require a building permit. This is not an all inclusive list. As always, if in doubt, contact the Development Services Department at 847-515-5252.

Additions Air Conditioners Basement Remodeling / Finishing Cold Weather Concrete Decks Demolitions Drainage Improvements Driveways and Driveway Ribbons Electrical System Installations Electrical Service Updates Fences Fire Pits & Outdoor Fireplaces Fire Protection Systems Furnaces Gas Lines Generators Hot Water Heaters Irrigation System Installations New Buildings Patios	Pergolas / Gazebos Plumbing Systems Ponds (24" deep and over) Radon Reduction Systems Remodeling Residential Roofing Second water meters Sewer Repair/Clean Out Sheds Service walks Solar Panel Installation Sun Rooms / Three Season Rooms Spa & Hot Tubs Above Ground Swimming Pools Above Ground Swimming Pool Electrical Guidelines In-Ground Swimming Pools In-Ground Swimming Pool Electrical Guidelines Swimming Pool Barriers Swimming Pool Demolition Swimming Pool Placement Tents & Events

Applications and Forms

Online Permits

Ordinance and Fees

Scheduling Building Inspections

Most permits have required inspections. Have your permit number ready when you call 847-515-5252 to schedule. You must call by 2 pm to schedule for the next business day. We do not provide same-day inspections and we do not allow roughs and finals to be scheduled for the same day.

Inspection Types
Exterior surface projects such as driveways, patios and sidewalks require a base inspection and a final after all work is completed. Fences, decks and pergolas require a post hole inspection and a final. Decks also require a rough framing inspection prior to floor boards being installed. Air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters require a final inspection upon completion.

Please contact the Development Services Department for any questions regarding permit and inspection requirements such as pools, sheds, interior remodels and any other project.

Residential Backflow Preventer Testing
A residential backflow preventer is a device that is designed to stop water from a home’s fire suppression or lawn irrigation line from entering a home’s drinkable water supply. Without a backflow preventer, a loss of water pressure could result in dangerous materials being siphoned into the drinking water. The key to preventing contamination from entering your home’s water supply is to have the backflow preventer tested annually. In fact, the annual testing of backflow devices is required by the Village, State and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An approved cross connection inspector is required to conduct the annual test using calibrated gauge equipment to ensure the device is working properly. The Village Board has approved a program that allows residents to have their backflow preventers tested by the Village’s Development Services Department for the cost of $65 for one, and $85 for both fire and lawn irrigation devices tested at the same address and on the same day. Please contact the Development Services Department at 847-515-5249 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

*It is not mandatory to use the Village of Huntley to perform the annual test; any Illinois Cross Connection Control Device Inspector that is registered with the Village can conduct the test.

Elevator Inspections
Annual elevator inspections as well as elevator permit reviews and permit inspections are performed by Thompson Elevator Services, Inc. for all commercial elevators, lifts and dumbwaiters. Annual compliance inspection and re-inspection fees are invoiced and mailed out by the Village of Huntley, and elevator certificates are mailed out after a passed inspection. Beginning in 2022 the routine code inspection cycle will be reduced from twice yearly to once per year, with elevator certificates being reduced from twice yearly to once per year.

Please contact the Development Services Department for any questions regarding the elevator inspection program or billing. If you have questions about the scheduling of your inspections, the inspection cycle or types of testing required you may reach out to Thompson Elevator Services, Inc. directly at 847-296-8211.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AND REQUIREMENTS

The Village follows the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, with local amendments. The code addresses both residential and nonresidential structures, and establishes minimum standards for the maintenance of buildings and properties.

WEEDS/LONG GRASS REGULATIONS

All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 8 inches. All noxious weeds are prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plant and vegetation, other than trees and shrubs, provided however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Agricultural land shall be exempt from this requirement as long as it is zoned farm or agricultural and is actually farmed, cultivated, and in crop production. Undeveloped property not zoned for residential use shall be maintained as follows: (a) within forty (40) feet of the road right-of-way and within forty (40) feet of all occupied adjoining properties all weeds and plant growth must be maintained at a height of 8 inches or less (b) all weed or plant growth more than forty (40) feet from any road right-of-way or occupied adjoining property may be maintained at a height of 18 inches (c) State or federally protected and identified floodways are exempt from these requirements.