Berwyn, IL Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Re-inspection fee
- $50 when work is "not ready"
- Who pays
- Original applicant for the permit
- Notice before work
- At least 24 hours to the Director
- Certificate of occupancy
- Issued within 30 days after completion
- Pre-sale inspection
- Certificate of compliance, valid six months
- Elevator inspection
- $100 per unit annually
Summary
In the City of Berwyn, Illinois, no one can request a Building Department inspection until the permitted work, or the portion covered by a separate permit, is ready. An inspection called too early triggers a $50 re-inspection fee, paid by the original permit applicant under Berwyn Code of Ordinances § 1443.08(D).
(D) Re-inspection fees. (1) No person shall request a Building Department inspection until the work or project for which a permit has previously been issued is completed, or until that portion of any project for which a separate permit has previously been issued is ready for inspection. (2) If an inspection has been requested and the work or project is found to be at a stage such that it is “not ready” for inspection, the work shall be re-inspected upon the payment of a $50 fee for the re-inspection. The ultimate responsibility for the payment of a re-inspection fee shall be borne by the original applicant for the permit.
Full Breakdown
Berwyn's inspection rule sits in § 1443.08(D) of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances. Division (D)(1) bars anyone from requesting a Building Department inspection until the work or project covered by a permit is completed, or until the portion covered by a separate permit is ready for inspection. Division (D)(2) puts a price on getting it wrong: if an inspection is requested and the work is found "not ready," the work is re-inspected only after payment of a $50 fee, and the original applicant for the permit carries the ultimate responsibility for that fee.
The stages around that rule are set by neighboring sections of Chapter 1443. Before work starts, the Director must receive notice at least 24 hours in advance (§ 1443.02(F)), and one set of stamped "Approved" construction documents stays at the building site, open to inspection by the Director or an authorized representative at all reasonable times (§ 1443.02(C)). If an inspection of homeowner-built work turns up violations caused by a lack of expertise, a contractor licensed and bonded with the city must fix the work, and additional inspections carry the additional fees of § 1443.08(D) (§ 1443.03(D)).
At the end of the job comes the certificate of occupancy. Under § 1443.04, a person applies for it when applying for the building permit, and the certificate must be issued within 30 days after completion of all work described in the application and construction documents. No newly constructed or newly altered building can be occupied or used until the Director has issued a certificate stating that the building and premises comply with all building and health regulations. A temporary certificate can be issued while construction is pending, but not if the building falls short of the Building Code to a degree that makes the proposed occupancy unsafe.
Berwyn also inspects at sale. Section 1446.02 requires the party in title to apply to the Building Director for an inspection before offering property for sale or entering a sale contract. The application is valid if the transfer occurs within six months of submission.
Violations & Fines
Calling for an inspection before the work is ready costs $50 for the re-inspection under § 1443.08(D). Occupying or using a newly constructed or newly altered building without a certificate of occupancy violates § 1443.04(B) and is a $100 fine per offense under § 1443.99(C), with each day a separate offense. Entering a contract to sell or buy real property without a current certificate of compliance inspection report is prohibited by § 1446.02(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I request a building inspection in Berwyn?
Who pays the $50 re-inspection fee?
How long does the Building Director have to issue a certificate of occupancy?
Do I need an inspection before selling a Berwyn property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berwyn
Compare Berwyn to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Building Inspections in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle building inspections.