Before You Build in Des Plaines, IL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Des Plaines City Code requires a building permit for any fence installation, replacement, or alteration regardless of height. Applications are submitted to Community and Economic Development with a site plan showing fence location, height, and material.

Des Plaines requires all swimming pools deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates, in compliance with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and Illinois Department of Public Health rules.

Des Plaines requires a building permit for retaining walls, with engineered designs typically required for walls over 4 feet in height as required by the International Residential Code adopted by the city. Walls must comply with drainage and easement requirements.

Des Plaines requires fences to be installed entirely on the owner's property, with the finished or 'good' side facing outward toward neighboring lots and the public right-of-way. Boundary disputes are civil matters not enforced by the city.

Des Plaines MC §12-8-2 allows rear yard fences up to 6 feet. Adjacent to railroad right-of-way allows up to 8 feet solid. Corner lots and arterial streets have specific rules. Permit required.

Des Plaines requires that all swimming pools holding water more than 24 inches deep be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high (often 5 feet under City code), with self-closing and self-latching gates opening outward. Requirements follow the International Residential Code Appendix G and Illinois Department of Public Health pool barrier rules.

Des Plaines requires a building permit for installation of any swimming pool capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep. Permits are issued by the Department of Community and Economic Development and require plans showing setbacks, fencing, electrical bonding, and conformance with the Illinois Plumbing Code.

Des Plaines pool owners must comply with Illinois Department of Public Health swimming pool safety rules and the City's building code requirements covering barriers, anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act), GFCI-protected electrical, and proper chemical storage. Pool covers, alarms, and posted safety rules are encouraged for residential pools.

Above-ground swimming pools in Des Plaines require a building permit if more than 24 inches deep and must meet the same setback, barrier, and electrical bonding requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with side walls at least 48 inches high may use a removable or lockable ladder as part of the barrier system.

Hot tubs and spas in Des Plaines require a building and electrical permit. They must be installed by a licensed electrician with GFCI protection and proper bonding. Hot tubs equipped with a locked or compliant safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 are typically exempt from the perimeter fence requirement applicable to swimming pools.

Illinois has no statewide ADU mandate. Des Plaines zoning limits accessory structures to 225 sq ft for non-garage structures. ADU approval requires zoning review.

Des Plaines City Code Section 12-8-1 caps detached garages and carports at 720 square feet in floor area and 15 feet in maximum height for residential lots. A building permit is required from the Department of Community and Economic Development before construction, and Cook County electrical inspection rules apply to any wiring.

Des Plaines does not have specific tiny home zoning. Tiny homes on foundations must meet the same minimum dwelling size, setback, and building code requirements as any single-family house. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent residences in residential zones.

Carports in Des Plaines are treated as accessory structures and require a building permit. They must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage limits applicable to accessory structures in the underlying residential district. Detached carports in front yards are generally prohibited.

Accessory structures (sheds) in Des Plaines are limited to 225 sq ft. Two accessory structures maximum per lot. No more than one garage or carport. Building permit required.

Outdoor burning in Des Plaines is regulated under the Des Plaines Fire Code (MC Chapter 3) and Illinois EPA rules (415 ILCS 5). Refuse burning is prohibited. Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed.

Small recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed in Des Plaines under the Fire Code. Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau for current rules on fire pits and portable fireplaces.

Des Plaines requires property owners to maintain trees so that branches do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Parkway trees between the sidewalk and curb are city-owned and must not be pruned by residents without permission.

Street trees in Des Plaines are city-owned and require authorization for removal or trimming. Private property trees may require a permit for protected species. Contact Public Works.

Des Plaines receives Lake Michigan water through the Northwest Water Commission and enforces seasonal lawn watering restrictions during summer months. Sprinkling is typically restricted to odd/even days or specific hours per IDNR Lake Michigan allocation rules.