Garage Requirements
Permit Procedure
All applicants must submit a completed permit application, estimated cost of construction, and a sketch showing the size and location of all existing structures (house, sheds, pool, fencing etc.), and the proposed garage with dimensions from the property lines.
Additional information required upon application includes:
- Provide an Illinois roofing license for any contractor hired to do roofing on the project.
- Before digging, call J.U.L.I.E. at 1-800-892-0123, or just dial 811.
- Building permit fee.
- If adding electrical to the garage, an electrical inspection fee may apply.
Inspection Requirements
- Footing inspection: Once the contractors are ready to pour the concrete, they need to call the Zoning Department, and the footings will need to be inspected before they pour the concrete.
- Framing inspection: After walls and roof are framed and sheeted.
- Electrical rough-in inspection: If installed, there will be a $75 electrical inspection fee.
- Final inspection: After the garage completion.
Zoning Requirements
- Garage cannot cover more than 40% of the backyard.
- Garage needs to be at least eight feet from the rear property line.
- Garage needs to be at least 10% of the property width from the side property lines (usually around six feet or so).
- Garages cannot be built beyond the front of the house.
- Minimum concrete depth must be four inches thick.
If you would like to build a garage that may be closer to the property lines than the required setbacks, the owner must go in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals to request a variance.