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• Q. What is a building permit
• A. A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to begin construction of a building project. Permits and inspections are necessary to verify that local building and fire code standards are met. If they aren't, the public's health, safety and welfare is at risk.
   
• Q. What work requires a building permit?
• A. Most people know that new buildings, additions to existing structures, renovations, demolitions, and temporary buildings usually require building permits and inspections. Less obvious projects that may require a permit include installing a swimming pool, deck, fence and/or roof. Also, some tasks that involve electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and fireplaces require a building permit.
   
• Q. When should I call the Building Division?
• A. The time to call the Building Division is before you start a project. Tell them what you plan to do and they will explain the requirements and assist you until the project has been safely and successfully completed. If you hire a professional contractor to do the work, select one who is familiar with local building codes. Then apply whether a professional or a do-it-yourselfer does the job.
   
• What is a building permit application?
• After contacting the Building Division, you will have to complete an application for a building permit. It will require basic information about the project, such as who will perform the work, what work will be done, and how it will be done. The application process also will require you to submit drawings, plans or other documents for review. If the construction plans do not meet the Village's Building Code and Zoning Ordinance, or other related ordinance requirements, a code official will explain what needs to be corrected.

To receive a permit you will have to pay a fee. The permit fee helps defray the cost of the Building Division's time spent on the application, and the review and inspection process. It also gives you access to the Building Division's knowledge and experience when you have questions about the construction project.

• Q. Does the Village need to inspect my project?
• A. When the work begins, the Building Division will inspect each major phase of construction. It is the responsibility of the person doing the work to schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance. If the inspector finds that some of the work does not meet minimum code requirements, he will provide a written explanation of the corrections that must be made to bring the work up to acceptable standards. Click here to access inspection checklists.

When the work has been completed and the inspector approves the final project, you will receive either a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance. This will formally mark completion of the project with the understanding that it meets applicable codes.

• Q. How can I contact the building division?
• A. The Village of Mount Prospect's Building Division exists to help make residential and business improvement projects safe and long-lasting. If you need more information about building permits, inspections, and fees, please call 870-5675 (TDD: 392-6064) between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Q. What documents must I display at the job site?

• A. The building permit card must be in a visible location at the construction site. A copy of the approved plans and the Tree Protection Plan must be on the job site at all times. Any proposed changes to the original plan must be brought to the attention of the Building Official. Some changes will require review and approval.

Once the work begins, the Building Division will inspect each major phase of construction. It is the responsibility of the person doing the work to schedule inspections at least 48 hour in advance. If the inspector finds that some of the work does not meet minimum code requirements, the inspector will provide you with a written explanation of the corrections that need to be made to bring the work up to acceptable standards.

• Q. What is a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.)/Completion?

• A. When the work is done and the inspector approves the final project, you will receive either a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance. This certificate formally marks completion of the project with the knowledge that it meets code and safety standards. All areas disturbed by the construction must be restored to their original condition. This includes, but is not limited to streets, sidewalks, parkways, trees, bushes, and fences. COs require a minimum of 48 hours to be issued.