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
    1. Include a copy of the proposal.

    2. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  2. Basement Finishes
    1. Include a list of all pertinent contractors.

    2. 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.)

    3. Download the Basement Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  3. Bath Remodel
    1. Layout of bath existing and proposed. Include layout of entire bath showing location of electrical outlets and switches, toilets, sink and shower/tub.

    2. Include a list of all pertinent contractors.
      Two (2) sets of complete plans (include riser and railing details).

    3. Download the Bathroom Remodel Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.

  4. Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
    1. Provide layout of space. If changes are being made, include all pertinent information.

    2. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  5. Decks
    1. Include copy of Plat of Survey. Draw in placement of deck or patio with dimensions.

    2. Sign and submit deck requirements sheet.

    3. Include a plan that shows deck construction.

    4. Download Deck-Patio Requirements.

    5. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  6. Building Demolition
    1. Include description of proposed demolition, site plan or aerial of structure(s) being removed, and contractor information.

    2. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  7. Doors (Exterior)
    1. 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.

    2. For residential properties, the maximum permitted U-factor for windows, doors, sidelights and patio doors is 0.30. 

    3. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  8. Fences
    1. Include a copy of Plat of Survey.  Highlight the location of the fence.

    2. Verify that you have completed all Zoning Ordinance Requirements. Please review requirements.

    3. Submit a copy of the proposal with specifications from the contractor.

    4. Download the Fence Requirements.

    5. Download the Building Application Short Form.


  9. Furnace
  10. Garage (Detached)
    1. Include a copy of Plat of Survey. Indicate where the garage is to be located.

    2. Include a plan/drawing of the structure, indicating foundation and framing of structure.

    3. Two (2) sets of complete plans.

    4. Download the Detached Accessory Requirements5. Download the Building Application Short Form


  11. Gazebos
    1. Include a copy of Plat of Survey. Indicate where the gazebo is to be located.

    2. 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.

    3. Download the Detached Accessory Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form

  12. Generator
    1. Include copy of Plat of Survey, showing placement of generator.

    2. Include Proposal from Contractor.

    3. Download the Generator Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.

     


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  13. Hot Tubs
    1. Submit a copy of your Plat of Survey indicating:
         --Location of the proposed pool
         --Distance from pool to adjacent lot lines, house, and easements

    2. Include proposal from contractor.

    3. Download Hot Tub Requirements.

    4. Download Electrical Requirements.

    5. Download Building Application Short Form. 
  14. Kitchen Remodel
    1. Include the layout of both the existing and proposed kitchen.

    2. Include layout of entire kitchen showing location of electrical outlets and switches.

    3. Include a list of all pertinent contractors and proposals.

    4. Include two (2) sets of complete plans.

    5. Download the Kitchen Remodel Requirements.

    6. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  15. Lawn Irrigation Systems
    1. Include a copy of Plat of Survey.

    2. Include proposal from contractor.

    3. Download the Lawn Irrigation Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  16. Occupancy Only (Move-in)
    17. For New Businesses or Change of Ownership:

    1. Provide a layout of space.

    2. Gurnee Mills tenants also need copy of lease and location map.

    3. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  17. Patios
    1. Include a copy of Plat of Survey. Draw in the placement of the patio with dimensions.

    2. Include Proposal from contractor.

    3. Download the Deck-Patio Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form. 

  18. Pergola
    1. Include a copy of the Plat of Survey, showing pergola size & placement.

    2. Include a copy of the Proposal from the contractor.

    3. Download the Detached Accessory Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  19. Reroof
    1. Include a copy of the proposal from the contractor.

    2. 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.

    3. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  20. Sheds
    1. Include a copy of Plat of Survey. Indicate where the shed is to be located.

    2. Include a plan/drawing of the structure, indicating foundation and framing of structure.

    3. Download the Detached Accessory Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  21. Siding
    1. Include a copy of the proposal from the contractor.

    2. Download the Building Application Short Form.

    3. Download the Remote Reader Mounting Block Detail to ensure the mounting block for the water meter reading device is installed properly.
  22. Swimming Pools
    1. Submit a copy of your Plat of Survey indicating:
         --Location of the proposed pool
         --Distance from pool to adjacent lot lines, house, and easements

    2. Download Pool Requirements.

    3. Download Electrical Requirements.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  23. Water Heater
    1. Include a copy of the proposal and written letter of intent from licensed plumber.

    2. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  24. Windows
    1. 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.  

    2. For residential properties, the maximum permitted U-factor for windows, doors, sidelights and patio doors is 0.30.

    3. 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.

    4. Download the Building Application Short Form.
  25. Driveway / Parking Pad
    1. Provide a copy of the contract.

    2. Provide a copy of Plat of Survey showing proposed width and length.

    3. Download the Driveway Permit Application.

  26. Sign - Ground
  27. Sign - Wall
  28. Sign - Temporary
  29. Temporary Use Permit Application
  30. Solar Panel Installation
    31. 1. Download and submit the Building Application Short Form.

    2. Include pertinent contractors. Verify the electrician is registered with the Village.

    3. Download and review Solar Panel Requirements.

    4. Submit:
         a. Two (2) sets of plans.
         b. A diagram of electrical installation.
         c. A letter acknowledging smoke/CO detector requirements to be met.
         d. Provide a signed and sealed letter by an Illinois architect or structural engineer certifying that the roof structure has been evaluated. 

Engineering Applications

  1. Clearing & Grading
  2. Consolidation of Parcels
  3. Driveway Permit (Right-of-Way Permit)
    1. 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).

    2. Download Right of Way Permit.
  4. Lawn Sprinkling System
  5. Sewer or Water Service Connection Application
  6. Tree Permit Application
    7. Download the 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.)

  7. Utility Connection
  8. Watershed Development Permit Application
    9. Download the Permit from Lake County.

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. 

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

    Download the 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.

    Download the 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).

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

    Download the 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). 

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

    Download the 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.

    Download the Planned Unit Development (PUD)—Preliminary or Final Plan.
  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.

    Download the 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.

    Download the 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.

    Download the 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. 

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

    Download the 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).

    Download the Temporary Use Permit.

    Download the Supplemental Handout.

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

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

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

    Download the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment.
  19. Administrative Exception
    20. For exceptions from the Zoning Ordinance that may cause a minor practical difficulty.

    Download the Administrative Exception Application.