Building Department - Answers To Frequent Questions
What is a permit?
A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to begin construction of a building project.
You're planning an addition to your house; will you need a building permit?
Yes, pick-up a Permit Application and Building Requirements Information packet from the Prospect Heights Building
Department.
You want to build a patio deck or a pool, are there building codes that apply to this project?
Yes, the Building Department will supply you with a permit application and an information sheet to help you.
Your roof is leaking; do you need a permit to repair it?
A permit for a roof is only required if you change over 20% of the sheathing or change the elevation/roof design.
No permit is needed for new shingles only.
You need to build a Natural Fence around your boat or RV, what are the requirements?
Minimum 6 ft. high, minimum 3 ft. apart, non-deciduous plants (evergreens).
What are the current City Codes being used by Prospect Heights?
- Building: 1995 BOCA - One and Two Family Dwelling Code
- Building: 1996 BOCA - National Building Code
- Mechanical: 1996 BOCA International
- 1997 Illinois Accessibility Code
- Fire Prevention: 1996 BOCA National
- Existing Structure: 1996 BOCA National Property Maintenance Code
Plumbing: 1993 Illinois Plumbing Code with
Amendments (PVC above ground only for waste and vent, Type L copper, 95/5 or no lead solder on all
potable water lines. Basements with only floor drain for condensate need not have a sanitary pit, pump. Tub waste
must have a sustaining Clean Out. Outside Clean Out must be at grade).
Electric: 1996 National Electric (Only metallic system listed in code shall be allowed in R-group installations.
GFI required in all bath and exterior locations and require the installation of metallic conduit sleeves with
all low voltage wiring).
What are the Residential Building Setback requirements?
Front Yard - Forty (40) ft.
Interior Side Yards - Fifteen (15) ft.
Corner Side Yard - Twenty-Five (25) ft.
Rear Yard - Fifty (50) ft.
What are the Smoke Detector requirements?
In accordance with CABO '95, One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Section 316, 110 volt smoke detectors (with
battery back-up), shall be installed in each sleeping room, on every habitable level of the home, including the
basement, and must be interconnected, so as to sound all alarm devices when only one has been activated.
Are Carbon Monoxide Detectors required?
Currently, only the City of Chicago requires carbon monoxide detectors. However, we strongly recommend installing
'CO' detectors in all dwellings and businesses. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, which
is a by-product of the combustion process. Sources of "CO' are natural gas appliances, such as furnaces, stoves,
hot water heaters and fireplaces. Early warning detection of 'CO' is critical in preventing unnecessary injury and
death.
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