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1. What are your hours of operation?

The Community Development Department is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inspections are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the half hour.

2. What are your telephone and fax numbers?

The department's telephone number is 847-506-6030. The department fax number is 847-483-0365. Please note that faxed applications and bonds are not accepted.

3. Where is the Community Development Department located?

We are located in the City Hall Municipal Building just east of Route 53 at:
3600 Kirchoff Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4. What time can I start construction in the morning?

The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration or repair, of any building in any residential district or section in any residential district or section, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays- A permit is required for any other times.

5. Can I pay by credit card or check?

We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards.

6. How do I obtain a Building Permit?

We suggest you review the information contained in this site for your specific project to determine the requirements. Information handouts and permit applications are available for downloading by clicking the Forms and Applications page.

7. What are the regulations and specifications for construction projects?

Most typical building projects require permits. As a quick reference and service to the public, the Community Development Department maintains handouts on common construction projects. The individual handouts are available at our department or you may download them from the website under the Forms and Applications page.

8. Is my permit ready?

When your permit application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a call from our department staff advising you that your permit is ready. Our follow-up and notification process is very efficient so we ask that you not call for status of a permit.

If we have not called you, it is still in process. If additional information is needed, a call will be made advising you that your plan review is ready.

9. Why did I get a plan review instead of a permit?

A plan review is a point-by-point letter advising how your submittal needs to be revised or changed to meet the building code.

10. What is a stop work order?

A stop work order is issued for jobs that were started without a permit or for jobs that are not being constructed according to the approved plans. When a stop work order is issued, no work may take place until the situation has been resolved and the stop work order has been removed by the Community Development Department.

11. What if I need to make changes to my approved plans during construction?

Any changes must be approved by the Community Development Department prior to the work being done. A cover letter explaining the changes along with 3 sets of revised drawings should to be submitted for our review. Once the changes have been approved you will be notified and you will be issued revised job site copies.

12. What is the purpose of a refundable bond?

A refundable bond is added to the permit fee to insure the work is inspected as required or to cover the cost of excessive reinspections. Once the project has passed the final inspection, the bond refund will be processed and returned to you. Generally, it takes 3 to 6 weeks for the bond to reach you.

13. Is a permit necessary for a garage sale?

No permit is required for garage sales. Garage sale signs must be placed in the ground and not on poles or trees.

14. Is there a restriction on Lawn Watering?

Lawn sprinkling is prohibited between Noon to 6:00 PM every day from May 15th through September 15, nor is it permitted on any two consecutive days.  The need for adequate water pressure and water conservation makes this restriction necessary.  Violation of this ordinance may result in a fine.

15. Am I required to have House Numbers?

Please post address numbers clearly on your house or mailbox.  Every second counts during a fire, medical, or police emergency.  Valuable time can be lost if your address number is not clearly posted where emergency personnel can see it.

Please make sure to:

-Post your address number in a well lit area at the front door of your house so as to be visible from the street.

-If you have curbside mailbox, place numbers on this as well.

-Use large 4-inch or larger plain, block numbers.  Script letters are too difficult to read.

16. May I open burn?

Burning of garbage or other debris is prohibited within the City limits.  Outdoor fireplaces are legal to use.  Contact Community Development Department at 847-506-6030 or the Fire Department at 847-397-3352 for more information.