Homeowners in Cicero must obtain building permits for a variety of home improvements and modifications, regardless of whether they are doing the work themselves or hiring a contractor.
When Are Building Permits Required?
Plumbing & Bathrooms: Replacing existing plumbing (this includes tubs, toilets, and shower stalls). New plumbing installations (faucets, tubs, sinks, shower stalls, toilets in new areas). Bathroom vanities and countertops (only for new installations in non existing areas).
Kitchen Renovations: Replacing kitchen cabinets or countertops.
Windows & Doors: Replacing windows. Door and frame replacements (in existing openings). Altering openings for doors or windows (any unit requiring altered openings).
Concrete & Roofing Work: Concrete work includes sidewalks, stairs, patios, or garage aprons. Roof work excludes minor shingle repairs. New shingle roof of flat roof work must be performed by a licensed contractor.
Electrical & Major Remodeling: Electrical work includes any new lines or circuits (must be installed by a licensed contractor).
Outdoor Structures & Features: Fences, decks, patios, and swimming pools.
Additional Structural & Mechanical Works: Demolition. Chimney Work. Soffits, Facias, Siding, and Roofing. HVAC Installations (furnace or central air conditioning by a licensed contractor). Reconverting illegal rooms or apartments.
Specialized Installations: Flood Control Systems (Installed by a licensed contractor). Generators (With converters or natural gas lines). Fireplaces, skylights, hot tubs (Installed by a licensed contractor). Attic fans. Backwater valve (Contact the town’s water department for follow-up inspection).
When Are Building Permits NOT required?
Homeowners or Licensed and Bonded Contractors conducting the following works typically do not need a building permit. However, it’s crucial to consult with the Building Department to confirm in your specific job requires a permit, especially since some projects may exceed the scope of “minor” work described here.
Permit-Exempt Work Includes: Painting (both interior and exterior of house and garage). Glass Pane Replacement (in windows or doors). Flooring (installing rugs, carpeting, wood floors, linoleum, or ceramic tiles). Plumbing Repairs (fixing or replacing faucets, sinks, tubs, toilets, shower stalls, and installing shutoff valves). Bathroom Fixtures (Repairing or replacing existing bathroom vanities and countertops). Door Replacement (For storm doors, screen doors, or overhead garage doors in existing openings). Landscaping (including planting, sodding, and installing sprinkler systems). Minor Concrete Patching (in sidewalks or stairways). Tuck-pointing. Gutter Maintenance (fixing, repairing, or replacing gutters). Drywall And Plaster Repair (on interior walls or ceilings). Hot Water Heater Installation. Awnings or Canopies (submit a plan for size and design for compliance with ordinances). Minor Porch Repairs (wooden porches, balconies, stairs, and steps). Fence Repairs (minor repairs only). Electrical Work (In single-family dwellings, changing or repairing light switches, receptacles, ceiling fans, and installing GFIs in existing boxes). Roof Vent Units (replacing existing ones). Gas Appliances (installing gas stove, dryer, or range to existing gas line).
Important Note:
It’s advisable to check with permit staff before beginning your project. What may seem minor could require a permit due to specific regulations (e.g., replacing a fence post might require a pre-pour inspection for post holes). To avoid potential issues, always verify with the Building Department whether your project meets the “minor” standard.
WHEN PERMITS ARE NOT REQUIRED PRINTABLE DOCUMENT
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