Building Permits

Permits are required by Village Code. Permits and inspections are required for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. The Village inspection staff enforces adopted codes to assure that the construction is safe and in compliance. Projects not built to Village standards may have a negative impact on the sale of your home and on insurance costs.

Applying for a Permit

Online

Skokie has two types of Building Permits:  

1.) Over-the-Counter Permits

Over-the-counter permits are for simpler jobs and can be easily obtained via this website.  Homeowners can do so just by providing basic information about the job and their email information.  Contractors can do the same, but we also ask them to establish an account with login credentials.  The following types of jobs are considered over-the-counter:  Air Conditioner, Amplifier, Dumpster, Electrical Service Upgrade, Furnace, Raffle, Sewer Repair on Private Property and Water Heaters. Please click here to apply for an over-the-counter permit.    

Video Tutorial - How to Apply for an Over-the-Counter Permit

2.) Building Permits

Building Permits are for jobs which have a review process.  

To apply, the applicant (whether homeowner or contractor) needs to first establish an account by clicking here. 

Then the applicant should login to apply for a permit.  The following types of projects have reviews and fall under building permits:  Addition, Covered Porch or Carport, Deck, Driveway, Fence, Fire Alarm and Sprinkler, Garage, Gazebo or Pergola, Interior Remodeling (Residential or Commercial), Lawn Sprinklers, New Single Family Home, New Commercial Building, Patio or Sidewalk, Sign, and Swimming Pool.  Please click here to apply for a building permit. 

Video Tutorial - How to Apply for a Building Permit

Please view our video tutorials for on creating a Skokie permits account, how to apply for an over-the counter permit and how to apply for a building permit. 

How to Create a Skokie Permits Account

How to Apply for an Over-the-Counter Permit

How to Apply for Building Permit

In Person 

The Village of Skokie no longer accepts in person permit submittal for the following types of projects: Residential Additions or New Homes, Non-Residential projects or projects where the plans are over 11" x 17". We are sorry for the inconvenience. 

Building & Inspection Services Division Handouts

A brick house

Contact Us

  1. Building & Zoning Services

    Phone: 847-933-8223

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Public Information

Permit records are public information available in the Community Development Department and can be accessed by citizens by following simple procedures. The property owner of record, with proof of ownership such as a driver's license, title insurance policy, etc., can view their own property records.


Requests for property information from non-owners must be filed under the Freedom of Information Act through the Village Manager's Office.

Projects Requiring Permits

A building permit is required when the project involves new construction, alterations, or an addition to your building. Additional projects that require a permit include new or replacement of the following:

  • Electric outlets and fixtures
  • Flood control systems
  • Garages, fences, decks, patios, or storage sheds
  • Mechanical work such as furnaces, central air conditioning, hot tubs, or whirlpools
  • Paving, sidewalks, and driveways (approved by Civil Engineering)
  • Plumbing or electrical systems
  • Signage or changes to existing signs
  • Swimming Pools (above or in-ground)
  • Windows* (if size of opening is modified or any window protrudes from face of wall)

Projects Not Requiring a Permit

You do not need a permit for:

  • Exterior or interior painting
  • Installation of siding, gutters and downspouts
  • A new roof
  • Tuckpointing
  • Window replacement* (same size opening)
  • Little Free Library

*Note: Glass block in residential occupancies is permitted provided that required light and ventilation amounts are maintained. Safety glazing to be installed where required by 2021 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.


Engineering Residential Plan Submittal Requirements

All civil engineering residential plans submitted for permit application review must be properly bound and include all pertinent information found in the Engineering Residential Plan Submittal Requirements (PDF).


Information via Email

For information regarding your permit send us an Email.


Additional Information

If you are unsure if your project needs a permit call the Building & Zoning Division at 847/933-8223.