Building Permits

Some of the permits below may have an associated fee. Please check the Fee Schedule for a comprehensive listing of all fees.

There are two primary forms of Building Permit Applications:

  • Long-Form (for major construction projects, including new buildings, additions, and garages)
  • Short-Form (for everything else, including air conditioners, fences, and bathroom/kitchen remodels)

Additionally, you can complete some permits online by visiting our OneStop Online Permitting Application.

Make sure to read the Construction Document Submittal Info before submitting your building permit applications.

Need a plat of survey? You can request one here. The Village of Gurnee does not always have a copy of your plat of survey on file, so it is recommended that you check your homeowner documents prior to requesting from the Village. it can take up to five business days to receive a plat of survey through our request system.

Building Permits

  1. Air Conditioner

    2. Attachments Required

    Copy of proposal
    Download the Application

  2. Basement Finishes
    3. Include a list of all pertinent contractors.
    Include layout of entire basement showing location of stairs, existing windows, furnace and mechanicals, location of electrical (show outlets and switches, supplies and returns for HVAC, and any new walls and doors, and plumbing.)

    Basement Requirements
    Download the application
  3. Bath Remodel

    4. Layout of bath existing and proposed. Include layout of entire bath showing location of electrical outlets and switches, toilets, sink and shower/tub.

    Include a list of all pertinent contractors.
    Two (2) sets of complete plans (include riser and railing details)

    Download the application


  4. Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
    5. Provide layout of space. If changes are being made, include all pertinent information.

    Download the application
  5. Decks

    6. Include copy of Plat of Survey. Draw in placement of deck or patio with dimensions.

    Sign and submit deck requirements sheet.

    Include a plan that shows deck construction.

    Review Deck-Patio Requirements.
    Deck Patio Requirements
  6. Building Demolition
    7. Include description of proposed demolition, site plan or aerial of structure(s) being removed, and contractor information.

    Download the Application
  7. Doors (Exterior)
    8. Provide a copy of the contract with contractor performing said work, detailing door sizes, and locations. If you are doing the work yourself, then provide a copy of the order giving this information.

    For residential properties, the maximum permitted U-factor for windows, doors, sidelights and patio doors is 0.30. 

    Download the Application
  8. Fences

    9. Include a copy of Plat of Survey.  Highlight the location of the fence.

    Verify that you have completed all Zoning Ordinance Requirements. Please review requirements.

    Submit a copy of the proposal with specifications from the contractor.

    Fence Requirements
    Download the Application
  9. Furnace
  10. Garage (Detached)

    11. Include a copy of Plat of Survey. Indicate where the garage is to be located.

    Include a plan/drawing of the structure, indicating foundation and framing of structure.

    Two (2) sets of complete plans.


    Detached Accessory Requirements
    Download the Application
  11. Gazebos

    12. Include a copy of Plat of Survey. Indicate where the gazebo is to be located.

    If gazebo is detached, submit a drawing showing foundation, framing, etc. If gazebo is attached (even by a deck), Illinois Architecture stamped plans must be submitted depicting construction.


    Detached Accessory Requirements
    Download the Application
  12. Generator

    13. Copy of Plat of Survey, showing placement of generator.

    Generator Requirements

    Proposal from contractor.


  13. Hot Tubs

    14. Submit a copy of your Plat of Survey indicating: location of the proposed pool; distance from pool to adjacent lot lines, house, and easements.  Include proposal from contractor.

    Hot Tub Requirements
    Electrical Requirements

    Download Application 

  14. Kitchen Remodel

    15. Layout of kitchen existing and proposed. Include layout of entire kitchen showing location of electrical outlets and switches.

    Include a list of all pertinent contractors and proposals.

    Two (2) sets of complete plans.

    Download the Application
  15. Lawn Irrigation Systems

    16. Include a copy of Plat of Survey.

    Include proposal from contractor.

    Lawn Irrigation Requirements
    Download the Application

  16. Occupancy Only (Move-in)
    17. For New Businesses or Change of Ownership

    Provide a layout of space.

    Gurnee Mills tenants also need copy of lease and location map.

    Download the Application
  17. Patios

    18. Include a copy of Plat of Survey. Draw in placement of the patio with dimensions.
    Include Proposal from contractor.

    Patio Requirements

    Download Application


  18. Pergola

    19. Copy of Plat of Survey showing size & placement.

    Copy of Proposal from contractor.

    Detached Accessory Requirements
    Download the Application

  19. Reroof

    20. Include a copy of the proposal from the contractor.

    NOTE:  Not more than one layer of asphalt or fiberglass shingles shall be applied over an existing asphalt or fiberglass shingle roof; asphalt or fiberglass shingles shall not be applied over existing wood shingles or shakes. No second layer of wood shingles or shakes is permitted.  Asbestos – cement shingles are prohibited.

    Download the Application
  20. Sheds

    21. Include:
    A copy of Plat of Survey. Indicate where the shed is to be located.
    A plan/drawing of the structure, indicating foundation and framing of structure.

    Detached Accessory Requirements
    Download the Application

  21. Siding
    22. Include a copy of the proposal from the contractor.

    Download the Application
  22. Swimming Pools

    23. Submit a copy of your Plat of Survey indicating: location of the proposed pool; distance from pool to adjacent lot lines, house, and easements.


    Pool Requirements
    Electrical Requirements
    Download the Application
  23. Water Heater
    24. Copy of proposal and written letter of intent from licensed plumber.

    Download the Application
  24. Windows
    25. Provide a copy of the contract with contractor performing said work, detailing window styles, sizes, and locations, and including energy (U-factor) ratings for each window or window style. If you are doing the work yourself, then provide a copy of the order giving this information.  

    For residential properties, the maximum permitted U-factor for windows, doors, sidelights and patio doors is 0.30. 

    For commercial properties, the maximum permitted U-Factor is 0.38 for fixed fenestration, 0.45 for operable fenestration, and 0.77 for entrance doors.

    Download Application
  25. Clearing & Grading
  26. Driveway / Parking Pad

    27. Provide a copy of the contract.

    Provide a copy of Plat of Survey showing proposed width and length.

    Download the Application
  27. Sign - Ground
  28. Sign - Wall
  29. Sign - Temporary
  30. Temporary Use Permit Application
  31. Solar Panel Installation
    32. 1. Submit a building permit application (short-form).
    2. Include pertinent contractors. Verify electrician is registered with the Village.
    3. Submit two sets of plans, diagram of electrical installation, letter acknowledging smoke/CO detector requirement to be met (see attached), provide signed and sealed letter by Illinois architect or structural engineering certifying that the roof structure has been evaluated. 

    Solar Panel Requirements