Berwyn, IL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 1443.01(A) of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances lists six activities that cannot start without a permit issued under the Building Code: constructing or altering a structure, constructing an addition or dormer, demolishing or moving a structure, changing occupancy, installing or altering equipment the Building Code regulates, and local improvements. Applications go to the Building Director in the written form the Director prescribes, with the fees set in Chapter 1444 and any bonds required by § 1443.08. The owner, a lessee, either one's agent or the registered design professional can apply. Anyone other than the owner in fee must attach an owner's affidavit or a signed statement witnessed by the Director or a designate.

The filing package is specific: at least two sets of construction documents, plus a site plan and plat of survey drawn to scale, with signed and sealed engineering details where the Director requires them. The Director can waive the construction documents and the site plan when the work is minor. Under § 1443.01(I), an application is abandoned 90 days after filing unless a permit has issued, and the Director can grant extensions of up to 90 days each for reasonable cause.

Ordinary repairs are the exception. Section 1441.03(C) lets owners make them without application or notice, but the exemption stops at cutting away walls or partitions, removing structural beams or bearing supports, changing required means of egress, or adding, altering, replacing or relocating water, sewer, drainage, gas, waste or vent piping, electric wiring and equipment, or mechanical work affecting public health or general safety.

Once a permit issues, the clock is short. It lapses if work does not start within 15 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 15 days (§ 1443.07(A)). A true copy must be displayed on site, and the Director must get notice at least 24 hours before work begins (§ 1443.02(E) and (F)). Demolishing a principal building also needs express City Council approval under § 1443.05(A). For rehabilitation or alteration of an existing structure, § 1443.08(E) conditions the permit on a performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit for 125% of the estimated costs plus a 10% cash warranty. Permit fees start at $30 for the first $2,000 of the value of the work, with a 1.5% rate applied to each additional $1,000 (§ 1444.01(B)(1)).