Berwyn, IL Building Permits and Inspections
The City of Berwyn Building Permits Department oversees building permit applications, construction reviews, and required inspections for properties within Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois. Homeowners and contractors can download official permit forms and submit completed applications by email or in person at City Hall.
To apply for a Berwyn building permit, download the appropriate application, prepare the required plans and contractor documents, and submit everything to buildingpermits@berwyn-il.gov or City Hall at 6700 W. 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402.
For permit questions and inspection scheduling, call 708-788-2660.
Official Building Department →Department Contact Information and Hours
| Department | City of Berwyn Building Permits Department |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois |
| Address | 6700 W. 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402 |
| Phone | 708-788-2660 |
| buildingpermits@berwyn-il.gov | |
| Monday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Wednesday–Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Time Zone | Central Time |
| Website | berwyn-il.gov |
Permit counter cutoff: Building permits are not issued after 4:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, or after 7:30 PM on Tuesday. These are issuance cutoffs, not guarantees of same-day permit approval. Holidays and special closures may affect service availability.
What Projects Require a Building Permit in Berwyn?
Berwyn Municipal Code § 1443.01 requires permits for applicable construction, alterations, additions, demolition, changes of occupancy, and regulated equipment installations. The exact requirement depends on the project.
| Project | Permit or approval considerations |
|---|---|
| Home addition | Building permit, zoning review, construction plans, and inspections. |
| Kitchen or bathroom renovation | Review structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work involved. |
| Roof replacement | Confirm roofing permit requirements and applicable specifications. |
| Electrical installation | Electrical permit, applicable contractor requirements, and inspections. |
| Plumbing or sewer work | Plumbing permit review and applicable Illinois licensing requirements. |
| HVAC replacement | Confirm mechanical permit and inspection requirements. |
| Garage or deck | Building plans, site survey, setbacks, and structural requirements. |
| Fence or concrete work | Local improvement permits, property boundaries, and zoning rules. |
| Commercial remodeling | Building permits, occupancy considerations, and applicable code reviews. |
| Demolition | Demolition permit and any required safety or utility approvals. |
How to Apply for a Berwyn Building Permit
Berwyn accepts downloadable permit applications by email or in person. Follow these steps to prepare a complete submission.
- Open the official forms page. Visit Berwyn Useful Forms and find the Building Department Applications section.
- Select your application. Choose the Building Permit Application, Electrical Permit Application, Garage Permit Application, or another relevant form.
- Fill in the project information. Provide the property address, owner information, proposed work, estimated value including labor and materials, and contractor details.
- Prepare the required documents. Include construction plans, a plat of survey for exterior work, contractor contracts, and any project-specific supporting documents.
- Submit the application. Email the completed documents to buildingpermits@berwyn-il.gov or deliver them to Berwyn City Hall, 6700 W. 26th Street.
- Complete the review process. Respond to any correction requests and confirm all applicable permit and plan-review fees.
- Receive approval before beginning regulated work. Follow the permit conditions and arrange the required construction inspections.
Download Building Permit Application (PDF) →
Application detail: The city’s published building permit form requires a plat of survey for exterior work. It also requires signed contractor contracts describing the work and its value. Where plumbing contractors are involved, a separate letter of intent with the required authentication must accompany the application.
Permit Application Document Checklist
- Completed and signed permit application.
- Accurate job-site address and property owner information.
- Description and estimated cost of the work.
- Current plat of survey for applicable exterior projects.
- Construction drawings and structural information, when required.
- Contractor names, contact details, and required agreements.
- Plumbing contractor letter of intent, where applicable.
- Additional approvals requested during departmental review.
Berwyn’s permit ordinance generally provides for construction-document submission requirements, with discretionary accommodations for qualifying minor work. Confirm the number and format of plans required for your project before submitting.
Berwyn Building Permit Fees for 2026
Berwyn’s building-related charges depend on project value, plan-review requirements, and additional inspections or approvals. Ordinance 26-02, passed February 10, 2026, amended the city’s published fee schedule.
| Fee category | Published fee |
|---|---|
| First $2,000 of building or local-improvement value | $30 |
| Value above the first $2,000 | 1.5% applied under the ordinance’s additional-$1,000 valuation rules, rounded upward as specified |
| Residential new-construction plan-review deposit | $500 |
| Residential addition plan-review deposit | $250 |
| Residential minor repair/remodel plan-review deposit | $150 |
| Commercial new-construction plan-review deposit | $5,000 |
| Commercial addition plan-review deposit | $2,500 |
| Commercial minor repair/remodel plan-review deposit | $500 |
| Applicable consultant/inspection visit charge | $50 per visit |
Plan-review deposits listed in the ordinance are nonrefundable. Other trade, inspection, consultant, occupancy, and project-related charges may apply.
Example: For a $2,000 building project covered by the general valuation fee, the listed base fee is $30. A larger or more complex project may trigger additional valuation-based fees and review charges. Do not treat the base fee as your complete permit cost.
Official Berwyn Municipal Code § 1444.01 — Fees →
How to Schedule Building Inspections in Berwyn
Approved construction work may require inspections before certain stages can proceed. The appropriate inspection depends on the permit and approved plans.
Inspection Scheduling Steps
- Locate your building permit number and project address.
- Identify the inspection needed, such as foundation, rough-in, or final inspection.
- Call 708-788-2660 and request the Building Department’s inspection scheduling instructions.
- Provide the permit number, job-site address, inspection type, and contact information.
- Confirm the inspection date, access requirements, and any scheduling cutoff.
- Keep work that requires inspection accessible and visible until it has been approved.
- If corrections are required, complete them and arrange reinspection as instructed.
Important: Berwyn Municipal Code § 1443.02 also establishes a notice requirement of at least 24 hours before beginning permitted work. This is separate from any notice required to schedule a particular inspection.
A dedicated public online inspection booking system and a universal inspection response time could not be confirmed from the reviewed official resources. Contact the department for the current procedure.
Can Berwyn Homeowners Perform Their Own Work?
Berwyn provides an official Work By Owner handout for homeowners undertaking certain residential improvements.
Owner-performed work is subject to conditions. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work can involve additional qualification and assessment requirements. The handout also addresses situations where a homeowner hires a contractor after initially declaring the work owner-performed.
For applicable owner-performed trade work, the handout includes a condition concerning use of the property as the owner’s primary residence after completion.
Before starting a do-it-yourself project, review the current handout and confirm that your proposed work qualifies.
Find the official Work By Owner Handout →
Contractor Registration and Licensing
The Berwyn Building Permit Application states that contractors performing work must be licensed with the City of Berwyn.
The application directs applicants to the Collector’s Office for contractor requirements and lists these contact numbers:
Before hiring a contractor, check applicable city licensing or registration requirements, verify required state trade licensing, and obtain a written agreement covering scope, cost, and permit responsibilities.
Official Berwyn Collector’s Office →
Building Codes and Construction Standards in 2026
The City of Berwyn publishes its applicable building-code resources through the Building Permits Department. The following editions are listed on the city’s department page.
| Code category | City-listed reference |
|---|---|
| Residential construction | 2024 International Residential Code |
| Electrical | 2023 National Electrical Code with local amendments guidance |
| Property maintenance | 2012 International Property Maintenance Code |
| Plumbing | 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code |
| Energy conservation | 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code resource |
2026 electrical update: Ordinance 26-05, passed March 24, 2026, amended Berwyn’s electrical-code provisions and expressly identifies the 2023 National Electrical Code.
The municipal code also contains provisions relating to subsequent code editions, while the department’s informational resources identify specific editions. Confirm the currently enforceable code and local amendments for the permit application date. This is especially important for energy, electrical, residential, and commercial projects.
Official references:
- Building Department Code Resources
- National Electrical Code — § 1424.01
- Berwyn Building and Housing Code
- City Ordinances and Amendments
Permit Status, Expiration and Common Problems
How to Check Permit Status
Contact the Building Permits Department with your property address, permit number, and applicant details. Ask whether the application is pending, needs corrections, has been approved, or requires additional inspections.
No general public self-service building-permit status search was confirmed from the reviewed official resources.
Incomplete Applications
Berwyn states that incomplete permit applications will not be sent for Building Director review. Missing contractor documents, signatures, surveys, or required plans can delay processing.
Submit all applicable paperwork together, and confirm receipt if your application was emailed.
When Does a Building Permit Expire?
Berwyn Municipal Code § 1443.07 states that a permit may lapse if authorized work does not begin within 15 days after issuance, is not actively pursued, or is suspended or abandoned for 15 days after work begins.
The ordinance provides a possible reinstatement process where the Building Director determines there is reasonable cause. Reapplication, fees, and restrictions may apply when a permit is no longer valid.
Official Permit Lapse and Reinstatement Rules →
What If Work Was Started Without a Permit?
Stop unpermitted work and contact the Building Department. The city may require an application, inspections, corrections, and additional charges before work can continue legally.
Do not conceal construction that may need inspection.
Property Sales and Compliance Inspections
Building permits and real-estate transfer compliance services serve different purposes. Property owners planning to sell should check whether presale inspections, certificates of compliance, or occupancy documentation are required.
Berwyn Compliance Department →
Official Berwyn Building Department Resources
| Official resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Building Permits Department | Department information, permit guidance, and code references. |
| Permit Forms and Handouts | Building, electrical, garage, and other application resources. |
| Building Permit Application PDF | Official application form and contractor document requirements. |
| Building Permit Fees | General permit charges and plan-review deposits. |
| Permit Expiration Rules | Permit lapse, reinstatement, and stop-work provisions. |
| Collector’s Office | Contractor licensing and related administrative matters. |
| Compliance Department | Property sales, compliance inspections, and occupancy information. |
For another Cook County project, see our Blue Island building permit guide or Arlington Heights building permit guide. Their application and inspection procedures are separate from Berwyn’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Berwyn Building Department located?
The City of Berwyn Building Permits Department serves Berwyn, Illinois, from City Hall at 6700 W. 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402. Call 708-788-2660 for assistance.
2. What are the Berwyn Building Department office hours?
City Hall’s published hours are 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 9:00 AM–8:00 PM Tuesday. Building permits are not issued during the final 30 minutes of these hours.
3. Can I apply for a Berwyn building permit online?
Berwyn accepts downloadable building permit applications by email at buildingpermits@berwyn-il.gov or in person at City Hall. A general online building-permit application portal was not confirmed.
4. What construction projects require permits in Berwyn?
Permits are required for applicable construction or alteration of structures, additions, demolition, changes of occupancy, and regulated equipment work. Requirements for specific repairs, fences, roofs, and other improvements should be confirmed with the city.
5. What documents are required for a building permit?
Prepare a completed application, work description, estimated project value, applicable construction plans, site survey, and contractor information. Exterior projects and certain trade work require additional documents.
6. How much does a Berwyn building permit cost?
Under the published 2026 fee ordinance, the first $2,000 of building or local-improvement work value carries a $30 fee, with additional valuation-based charges. Plan-review deposits and other fees may also apply.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Berwyn?
Call the City of Berwyn at 708-788-2660 with your permit number, property address, and inspection type. Confirm scheduling availability, required notice, and site access before covering inspected work.
8. Can I do construction work myself as a Berwyn homeowner?
Berwyn allows qualifying owner-performed residential work subject to its Work By Owner requirements. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work have additional conditions, and hired contractors must be properly identified.
9. Do contractors need to be licensed in Berwyn?
The city’s building permit application requires contractors to be licensed with Berwyn. Verify applicable registration, bonding, insurance, and trade-specific requirements through the Collector’s Office.
10. Which building codes apply in Berwyn in 2026?
The city’s resources identify the 2024 International Residential Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, and other applicable standards. Confirm the enforceable editions and amendments for your project with the Building Department.