Bellwood, IL Building Permits: Quick Guide
The Bellwood Building Department handles construction permits, building inspections, contractor licensing, property-maintenance enforcement, and pre-sale inspections within the Village of Bellwood in Cook County, Illinois. Homeowners and contractors can obtain official application forms from the village website and contact the department before starting work.
To apply for a building permit in Bellwood, download the village’s application, describe the proposed work, attach the required plans or contract, and submit the documents through the method confirmed by the Building Department. Construction generally must not start before permit approval.
Bellwood, IL 60104
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Office information is based on published village resources reviewed in October 2026. Confirm holiday schedules and in-person service availability before visiting.
What Permits Does Bellwood Issue?
Bellwood requires permits for various construction and improvement activities. Requirements depend on the project, property type, zoning conditions, and applicable building codes.
| Project | What to Know |
|---|---|
| New construction and additions | Building permit, construction documents, applicable zoning approval, and inspections. |
| Remodeling and structural repairs | Permits may be required depending on the work; plans or contracts may be needed. |
| Electrical work | Separate electrical permit requirements and qualified contractor documentation may apply. |
| Plumbing work | Plumbing permit and Illinois plumbing-licensing requirements may apply. |
| Roofing | Roofing fees are established in the village code; verify requirements for replacement or repair. |
| Fences and accessory structures | Fence permits are issued; location, dimensions, and zoning restrictions must be checked. |
| HVAC and mechanical work | Mechanical permit requirements depend on equipment and project scope. |
| Commercial alterations | Building, fire, accessibility, and occupancy requirements may apply. |
Before replacing a roof, installing a fence, remodeling a basement, or building a garage: Call 708-547-3545 with the property address and a description of the work. Confirm the permit category, required drawings, contractor qualifications, and inspections.
How to Apply for a Building Permit in Bellwood
- Open the official permits page. Visit the Village of Bellwood Permits & Applications page.
- Download the application. Select “Building Permit Application,” or open the official building permit PDF.
- Complete the property and project information. Enter the property address, parcel identification number if available, owner details, contact information, project description, proposed work cost, and contractor information. Sign the application.
- Prepare supporting documents. Include the work contract and/or plans. Exterior work requires a plat of survey according to village guidance. Additional drawings may be requested.
- Check contractor requirements. Contractors need the applicable current Bellwood licensing and bonding documentation. Homeowners performing their own work must provide the village’s Homeowners Completion Statement when required.
- Submit the application. Contact the Building Department to confirm current accepted submission methods. The official resources provide a downloadable form but do not establish a complete online submission and payment workflow.
- Wait for review and approval. Bellwood identifies Building, Finance, and Police department approvals as part of its permit process. Outstanding water bills, code violations, or parking tickets can delay issuance.
- Obtain and display the approved permit. Pay the applicable amount after approval, post the permit card visibly from the street, and arrange required inspections as construction progresses.
Bellwood Building Permit Fees
Building permit costs vary by the nature, size, and valuation of work. Bellwood Municipal Code Section 150.19 provides a detailed schedule covering new construction, alterations, roofing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical work, and other projects.
| Fee Category | Published Amount |
|---|---|
| Permit application/review fee | $50 nonrefundable |
| Residential roofing | $75 |
| Accessory garage roofing | $40 |
| Fence construction | $35 or 1%, whichever is higher, under the ordinance |
| Residential accessory building, first 1,000 sq. ft. | $150 basic fee, plus additional charges as applicable |
| New one- to three-family dwelling, first 1,000 sq. ft. | $312 basic fee, plus applicable incremental charges |
These are selected amounts from the published ordinance, not guaranteed final permit totals. Plan review, bonds, licensing, additional work categories, and other charges can increase the amount due.
See the official Bellwood permit fee ordinance, Section 150.19 →
Schedule Building Inspections
The Building Department enforces inspection requirements for permitted construction, repairs, additions, and alterations. Section 150.28 requires inspections according to the department’s maintained inspection schedule and the applicable adopted codes.
How to Request an Inspection
- Locate your approved permit number and property address.
- Identify which stage of the project is ready for inspection.
- Call the Building Department at 708-547-3545.
- Ask which inspection is required, the available appointment dates, and how much advance notice is needed.
- Ensure the permitted work and approved plans are available for the inspector.
- If corrections are identified, complete them and request reinspection as directed.
Foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections may be applicable depending on the project. Confirm the required sequence before covering work with drywall, concrete, or other finishes.
Inspection timing: The public resources reviewed did not establish a universal online construction-inspection scheduler or a guaranteed next-day appointment policy.
Property Sale and Rental Inspections
Bellwood requires pre-sale inspections for residential and commercial property transfers. The village also describes inspections for rental properties and periodic inspections of certain multifamily and commercial buildings.
Pre-Sale Inspection Fees
The following amounts come from the village’s revised February 26, 2025, pre-sale checklist.
| Property Type | Listed Total |
|---|---|
| Single-family home | $175 |
| Duplex | $200 |
| Commercial/industrial, up to 5,000 sq. ft. | $225 |
| Commercial/industrial, over 5,000 sq. ft. | $250 |
| Single condominium/multifamily unit | $125 |
| Multifamily building | $200 plus $10 per unit |
| Additional required reinspection | $125 per inspection |
Steps Before Selling Property
- Request the required pre-sale inspection and pay the applicable fee.
- Arrange any additional fire inspection required for commercial, industrial, or multifamily property with three or more units.
- Obtain the inspection report. The village’s checklist estimates 3–5 business days for issuance.
- Address identified violations. Obtain permits before performing corrective work when required.
- Prepare the original survey, notarized deed, attorney’s contract information, and any required purchaser acknowledgment.
- Arrange the final water reading, water-meter inspection, and public sidewalk inspection according to village instructions.
- Clear outstanding charges and complete the transfer-tax-stamp process.
Pre-sale inspection reports are valid for six months under the published checklist. The document also advises sellers to coordinate certain inspections well before closing, so do not wait until the final week.
Download the official pre-sale procedures and closing checklist (PDF) →
Rental Inspections
Bellwood’s published business guidance lists a $35 residential rental inspection fee and a $50 commercial rental inspection fee. Owners receive an inspection report and must address violations before the village issues the applicable compliance letter. Verify the latest fee and inspection procedure when registering or preparing a rental property.
Bellwood Contractor Licensing Requirements
Contractors performing regulated work should confirm their Bellwood licensing status before the permit application is submitted.
- General contractors: Complete the village application and provide the required insurance and surety bond.
- Insurance: The village’s contractor procedure document specifies a $1 million liability insurance certificate for listed contractor categories.
- Surety bond: A $10,000 bond is listed for applicable contractor categories.
- Roofers: Must provide the applicable Illinois roofing license.
- Electrical contractors: Must provide acceptable electrical certification documentation.
- Plumbers: Must provide applicable state plumbing credentials. The village’s procedures identify a local license-fee exception for plumbers.
The contractor application lists a standard annual fee of $175 for the May 1–April 30 licensing year, with prorated amounts for later application periods. Confirm the amount for your trade before submission.
Download the official contractor license application and requirements (PDF) →
Building Codes Enforced in Bellwood
Bellwood Municipal Code Chapter 150 identifies the village’s adopted construction codes and local amendments. Key editions listed in the municipal ordinance include:
| Code | Village-Listed Edition |
|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2018 |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2018 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2017 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2018 |
| International Fire Code (IFC) | 2018 |
| International Property Maintenance Code | 2018 |
| Illinois Plumbing Code | 2014, as listed in the village ordinance |
Although Bellwood’s older adopted-code list references the 2018 energy code, Illinois’ amended 2024 International Energy Conservation Code became effective statewide on November 30, 2025 for applicable residential and privately funded commercial projects. For a new 2026 permit, verify the current state energy requirements and applicable local amendments rather than relying solely on the village’s 2020 code flyer.
Read Bellwood Municipal Code Chapter 150 →
Permit Validity and Certificates of Occupancy
Under Bellwood Code Section 150.20, most permits may become invalid if authorized work is not started, is abandoned, or is not completed within 180 days, subject to the ordinance’s specific rules and extension provisions. Certain larger new-construction projects have a one-year period.
Contact the Building Commissioner before a deadline if the project needs additional time. Written extension requests may be considered under the ordinance.
Bellwood also requires certificates of occupancy for categories including new buildings, certain additions, basement build-outs, and commercial or industrial build-outs. Required approvals may involve Building, Zoning, and Fire departments.
Official Certificate of Occupancy application (PDF) →
Official Bellwood Forms and Resources
- Building Department contact and services
- All village permits and applications
- Building Permit Application (PDF)
- Contractor License Application (PDF)
- Property Sale Inspection Checklist (PDF)
- Bellwood Building Ordinances
- Illinois Energy Conservation Code
Bellwood Building Department FAQs
1. Where is the Bellwood Building Department located?
The Building Department is at 3200 Washington Blvd., Bellwood, IL 60104. Call 708-547-3545; published hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
2. How do I apply for a building permit in Bellwood?
Download the official building permit application, complete the property and project details, attach the required plans or work contract, and confirm the submission method with the Building Department.
3. Can I apply for a Bellwood building permit online?
The village provides a downloadable application. A complete online submission and payment portal was not confirmed in the official resources reviewed. Call the department for current submission options.
4. Do I need a permit for roofing or fencing in Bellwood?
Bellwood issues fence permits and publishes roofing permit fees. The exact requirement depends on the project. Confirm your scope with the Building Department before starting work.
5. How much does a Bellwood building permit cost?
Permit fees depend on the work performed. The municipal ordinance lists a nonrefundable $50 application and review fee, along with project-specific charges. Confirm the complete total before payment.
6. How do I schedule a building inspection in Bellwood?
Call 708-547-3545 with your permit number, property address, and inspection stage. Ask the department about required notice, appointment availability, and preparation.
7. Do contractors need a Bellwood license?
Contractors generally need applicable village registration and supporting credentials. The published requirements include insurance, bonding, and trade-specific documentation, with exceptions for certain plumbing license fees.
8. Is a pre-sale inspection required to sell a home in Bellwood?
Yes. The village requires a pre-sale inspection for property transfers. Its February 2025 checklist lists a $175 single-family inspection total, and reports are valid for six months.
9. What building codes apply in Bellwood in 2026?
Bellwood lists the 2018 IBC and IRC, among other adopted construction codes. Illinois’ amended 2024 energy code became effective November 30, 2025. Local amendments and applicable state requirements must also be checked.
10. How long is a Bellwood building permit valid?
Under Chapter 150, most permits can become invalid if work does not begin, is abandoned, or is not completed within 180 days. Certain larger new projects have a one-year period. Ask about written extensions before the deadline.
Last source review: October 9, 2026. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website, not the Village of Bellwood or an official government department. Permit requirements, fees, office procedures, and applicable regulations can change. Confirm project-specific requirements directly with the administering agency.