Community Development Applications & 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)

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

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

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.

    Driveway Permit 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

Engineering Applications

  1. Consolidation of Parcels
  2. Driveway Permit (Right-of-Way Permit)
    3. For any work to be accomplished in the public right-of-way (including but not limited to sewer or water extensions, franchise utility work, storm drainage, driveway connections, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, landscaping, undergrounding of utilities, street lighting, paving or any other excavation or pertinent installation in the right-of-way).

    Download Right of Way Permit
  3. Lawn Sprinkling System
  4. Sewer or Water Service Connection Application
  5. Tree Permit Application
    6. Application for the removal, replacement, or relocation of existing trees on vacant lots or lots already developed/built upon/occupied. (Exempt Lots: Residential lots subdivided before July 16, 2001.)
    Download Application
  6. Utility Connection
  7. Watershed Development Permit Application

Planning and Zoning Applications

  1. Special Use Permit
    2. For a use subject to special provisions and because of unique characteristics cannot be properly classified as a permitted use. 

    Special Use Permit
  2. Annexation
    3. For annexing property into the Village of Gurnee.

    Annexation Application & Checklist
  3. Escrow Agreement
    4. For an agreement on the reimbursement costs (i.e. Consultant) incurred by the Village in processing a development or land use application.

    Escrow Agreement
  4. Informal Review
    5. For a potential applicant to informally present a project proposal before the Planning and Zoning Board (not a formal action item).

    Informal Review Application
  5. Interpretation
    6. For formal review and interpretation of a specific provision of the Zoning Ordinance performed by the Zoning Administrator.

    Interpretation Application
  6. Natural Resource Information Report Request (NRI)
    7. For Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District NRI reports to be obtained by parties petitioning for municipal zoning action (typically only needed with construction of a new building and in conjunction with the following applications: Annexation, PUD, & Rezoning). 

    Natural Resource Information Report Request (NRI)
  7. Personal Wireless Appearance Review
    8. For Cellular Tower/Antenna Collocation.

    Personal Wireless Appearance Review Application
  8. Planned Unit Development (PUD)—Preliminary or Final Plan
    9. For a parcel of land planned as a single unit with design flexibility from traditional siting regulations or land use restrictions.

    Planned Unit Development (PUD)—Preliminary or Final Plan (PDF)
  9. Minor Modification—PUD or Special Use Permit
    10. For a project seeking Final PUD approval (where a Preliminary PUD has been previously approved) or for a project seeking to make a "minor" change to certain provisions previously approved with a Final PUD.

    Minor Modification—PUD or Special Use Permit
  10. Administrative Modification—PUD or Special Use Permit
    11. For changes to a Final PUD that are neither major or minor.

    Administrative Modification—PUD or Special Use Permit
  11. Minor Sign Exception Permit
    12. For any sign that does not meet the requirement(s) of the Sign Ordinance and which does not require a Special Use Permit, per the sign ordinance.

    Minor Sign Exception Permit Application
  12. Master Sign Plan
    13. For all new ground and wall signs associated with new multi-tenant development or redevelopment. 

    Master Sign Plan Application
  13. Site Plan Review
  14. Subdivision Plat
    15. For the creation of new lots or changes to existing lots.

    Subdivision Plat Application
  15. Temporary Use Permit
    16. For temporary uses such as: carnivals/circuses, christmas tree sales, contractor's offices & equipment sheds, real estate sales office, outdoor storage containers for residential & C/B2 zoned properties, and non-residential outdoor sales (i.e. sidewalk & rummage sales).

    Temporary Use Permit
    Supplemental Handout
  16. Variance
    17. For granting a property owner relief from certain Zoning Ordinance provisions if compliance results in a particular hardship.

    Variance Application
  17. Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning)
    18. For changing the zoning of a lot. 

    Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning)
  18. Zoning Text Amendment
    19. For amending the text of the Zoning Ordinance.

    Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment