Below are the permits required based on project type.
Fences: City of Urbana Ordinances regulate the installation of fences. These regulations include the height, location, and visual density of fences. A permit is required to install a new fence or to replace an existing fence. We recommend applying for a fence permit at least several days before purchasing materials or signing a contract for installation so that we can verify the compliance of your proposed installation.
Decks: Ordinances regulate the construction and location of decks, and a permit is required for the project. Decks may not be built in required front or side yards. You can check with our office by phone or in person to determine if the proposed area for the deck meets the ordinance’s requirements. We can typically complete a deck permit review within several days of receiving your application and plans.
Windows: Replacement windows require a permit. Every sleeping room below the fourth story of Use Group R Occupancies shall have at least one operable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet, except on the grade floor. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm), and the minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).
Yard Sheds: Yard sheds require a permit and may not be placed in required front yards. Sheds may be no closer than 18 inches from the side and rear lot lines and must not be built in easement areas. All sheds need to be secured against being blown away.
Garages: Detached garages may be constructed in residential zoning districts. Building Permits are required for garages. The permit fee for garages is currently calculated at the rate of $6/$1,000.00 of the estimated cost with a minimum permit fee of $50. Properly installed floating mat foundation systems are allowed for detached garages. The typical review of garage projects can be completed within several days of receiving the permit application and complete plans.
Additions: Since the complexity of additions may vary widely, we recommend that you contact our office in the early planning stages when contemplating an addition to your home. We may be able to help you accomplish your project while meeting the requirements of the City’s ordinances.
Remodeling: The complexity of a remodeling project and the permit requirements may vary widely. Proper permits will be required if any walls are added, removed, or relocated, structural modifications are involved, or attic, basement, or garage areas are altered. We recommend contacting our office for specific permit requirements if you are considering a remodeling project.
Roofing: Roofing permits are required when you are re-sheathing a roof or changing a roof’s pitch (i.e., installing a gabled roof over a formerly flat roof). Shingle replacement or an overlay by itself does not require a permit. Illinois law requires that anyone who engages in roofing work for hire be licensed as a roofing contractor by the State of Illinois. We recommend that you confirm that your roofing contractor has a license with the State of Illinois.
General Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical Projects: People doing plumbing and electrical work in Urbana must be licensed. The State of Illinois licenses plumbers, and the City of Urbana licenses electrical contractors. It is important to verify that any contractor you hire to make installations or repairs is properly licensed and has obtained the required permits before beginning the work. You may verify this by calling our office or by asking to see a copy of their license and the permit.
You may obtain permits to do this type of work yourself if you are the owner and occupant of a single-family residence and can demonstrate a knowledge of the requirements for the proposed installation type. Permits are required whether you plan to do the work yourself or hire a contractor.
Water Heater, Furnace, Tub/Shower, or Lavatory Replacement: Replacement of these fixtures requires a permit. All new installations must be correctly installed as required by the applicable code. This is especially critical for gas piping, electrical supply, flue connections, and drain connections. These are important areas to check for the safety of the occupants.
Air Conditioning: If you are considering installing air conditioning in your home, it is important to verify that the building’s current electrical service has the capacity needed to properly support the new air conditioning load.
Please check with your mechanical contractor before you sign an installation contract to ensure that they have checked that the electrical service size will be able to handle the additional load. This issue should be addressed in writing so that you do not unexpectedly face the task of upgrading your electrical service.
If you have questions about the adequacy of your electrical service, we recommend that you contact an electrician or call our office. We want to make every reasonable effort to inform residents of the applicable code requirements before they begin a project.
Fireplaces: Proper fireplace installation is critical to ensure the safety of occupants. Fireplace installation requires permits. Fireplaces also must be tested and listed as approved solid fuel burning appliances unless they are masonry fireplaces that will be constructed in the field.
We recommend that the installer be thoroughly familiar with the instructions for the specific unit and install it exactly as described in the manual.
Rewiring your home or adding additional wiring: Electrical work of this type requires permits and must be performed by a licensed electrician or a homeowner who obtains a permit to rewire their own residence.
Correcting any defective or deficient electrical installations as quickly as possible is important to prevent serious fire and shock hazards. Older homes typically need upgrades in electrical systems, including grounding, service size, number of circuits, and outlet distribution
