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Development & Planning

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1. Can I subdivide my residential property?

The prospect of subdividing a residential property is complicated and depends on various factors. When subdividing, the newly created lots must comply with the below lot areas specific to the zoning district of the property, as well as comply with the below lot width requirements. If the subdivided lots can meet the requirements for their specific zoning district, than you can proceed to contact the Development & Planning Services Department to further discuss a request to subdivide a property. For more information, review the

Subdividing Residential Property page.

2. Where can I dispose of sharps / used needles in the Village?

Sharps / used needles can be placed next on top of your refuse cart on your regularly scheduled garbage pick up day in a securely taped or closed milk jug, laundry detergent jug, or sharps container. In addition, the container must be clearly marked "Sharps" with a dark permanent marker. For questions on sharps disposal, contact the Village Manager’s Office at 847-664-4010. 

3. Where can I find out the zoning classification of my property?

The Village of Northbrook offers an Interactive Zoning Map where you can search the Village for various property information. Simply type in your address in the "Find" field, and you will be able to view all of the property information along the left sidebar on the screen. Color identified zoning classes are automatically displayed when searching for a property.

As an alternative, the Village also has created a Zoning Map (PDF)

4. Do building plans need to be drawn by a licensed architect?

For any project that requires plans be submitted, an Illinois licensed design professional must sign and seal all documents as is required by the State of Illinois. The only exceptions include decks, or patios and driveways where the drawings are done utilizing industry standard drawing conventions. The Village still retains the right to request design professional documents, if the drawings are inadequate or the project is more complicated.

5. How do I obtain a building permit?

A building permit can be obtained by visiting the Development and Planning Services Department located on the 2nd floor of the Village Hall at 1225 Cedar Lane. For more information, contact 847-664-4050 or visit the Building Permit page.

6. Where can I go to obtain copies of surveys, or historic information on my property?

To ensure proper procedures for storing Village documents in compliance with the Illinois State Records Retention Act and to facilitate public access to the documents through Freedom of Information requests. All document requests are managed through the Document Imaging Department. For more information, review the Information Request page.

7. What are the allowable construction hours in the Village?

Allowable hours for construction noise in the Village include 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. No construction noise is allowed on Sundays.

If you have observed that these restrictions are not being met, you may inform the Village by making a Citizen's Request.

8. What edition of the building codes has Northbrook adopted?

The Village of Northbrook uses several state, national, and international codes to regulate building activity in the community. Review a listing of all applicable building codes.

9. Where can I find the bulk standards (i.e. setback requirements) for my property?

Setback requirements for properties are dependent upon their zoning classification. Once you know your zoning classification for the property, you can view bulk, space and yard standard requirements in the Zoning Code.

For residential zoned properties, simply click on the Article III - Single Family Residential Districts link on the Northbrook Zoning Code webpage. Bulk standards will be located in Section 3 to 110 of the Zoning Code, or page. III-6. Review Zoning Code.

10. What are the regulations for landscaping maintenance (i.e. grass, bushes, trees)?

The Village has regulations that prohibit weeds and grass from growing to an average height of more than 8 inches. The Village does not have regulations regarding the maintenance of landscaping bushes and trees. View the Village's

procedures for weeds and grass violations.

11. How do I file a complaint?

To register a concern, residents may submit a form through GONorthbrook online by completing and submitting a request. If you provide your email address on the form you will be sent updates regarding any enforcement activity that takes place. Residents may also call the Village at 847-272-5050, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Online Complaint Form.

12. What do I do if I have mold in my rental unit?

The Village does not have regulations specifically addressing rental properties. If you are having problems with your rental unit, please visit the Information for Renters webpage.

13. Can the Development and Planning Services Department recommend contractors?

Unfortunately, the Village of Northbrook cannot provide recommendations to homeowners or general contractors regarding contractors. However, the Village regularly provides a listing of all Current Contractors Licensed (PDF).

14. What contractors are required to be licensed?

General Contractors, Concrete / Paving Contractors, Electrical Contractors, Plumbing Contractors and Sewer Contractors are required to have valid licenses in order to conduct work within the Village of Northbrook.

15. When are inspections available?

Inspections are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 to 11 a.m. & 1 to 3 p.m. It is recommended that the responsible trade person for the requested inspection is present at all inspections. A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for all Building Inspections.

All Fire related inspections must be scheduled with the Fire Department at 847-272-2141. Building & Site Inspections must be scheduled by contacting the Permit Coordinators.

16. How do I schedule an inspection?

Generally, inspections can be scheduled by contacting the Development and Planning Services Department at 847-664-4050.

17. Are inspections required for my project?

Inspections vary depending on the job. All jobs will require a final inspection, however most jobs will require additional inspections. The best way to find out what inspections are required for your project is to review the Required Inspections listing for each project type.

Inspections are required at different stages of a project to inspect work before it is covered up. For example, footing inspections are required after excavation and forming is completed, but before concrete is laid. Rough-in, framing and insulation inspections are required before walls or ceilings are closed in.

18. What is the cost of a building permit?

Since every project is unique, the best way to find out how much a permit costs would be to review the applicable fees and deposits information for each project type.

Projects requiring a plan review typically require the payment of an application fee deposit at the time the application is made. The remaining cost is not paid until after the permit is approved and the applicant is notified of the final amount. Permit fees for large scale projects are typically calculated based on information such as square footage, number of fixtures, estimated cost of construction, etc. The final permit fee is paid to the Development and Planning Services Department at the time the permit is issued. For more information, contact the Development and Planning Services Department at 847-664-4050.

19. How long will it take to get a building permit?

The process of obtaining an approved building permit can take many weeks, with some of that time being on the applicants’ side in responding to any unaddressed code items that were identified during the plan review process. The following information indicates (by permit category) how long you may expect to wait to receive notice of any outstanding information necessary or if all items are addressed in on your plans, for acknowledgement that your plans have been approved:

- Over the counter (sewer repair, electrical only, etc.) up to 24 hours
- Small Projects (Decks, sheds, basements, kitchens/baths, parking lot resurfacing, etc) up to 10 business days
- Large Single Family Residential (SFR) Projects (Additions or large scale remodeling) take up to 15 business days
- New Single Family Residence or Large Commercial Remodeling can take up to 20 business days
- New Commercial Building Negotiated time frame (size and scope dependent)
- Reviews of “Re-submittals” from plan review comments generally take 10 business days

*What can you do to improve the total time it takes to obtain your permits? You can use our submittal guidelines and other informative handouts to ensure that you have included all the information necessary for your permit review.

20. What if my building permit expires?

If your building permit expires, and you have not obtained a final Certificate of Occupancy, you may request a permit extension to allow you to continue to complete the permitted work. The applicant is required to complete and submit a new building permit application, a letter explaining the reasons for the extension and what work is left to be completed along with a schedule for completion. Once submitted those items are approved by the Director of Building & Development, the permit extension may be processed with a fee of $200.