ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
 
Making an investment in your property with the addition of a DECK, PATIO, PORCH or PERGOLA requires a "building permit". 
 
 
The application is not only a form to fill out, but also requires additional drawings and a fee to be paid before we can begin the review process. And we only approve it, if the property it is on is compliant with all ordinances and the structure will be placed in a compliant manner. So, our permit process gives you "proof" that your property, and your planned investment, is compliant. You may need this documentation for insurance companies, mortgage companies or even neighbors if they question what you are doing.
 
The application is below. But here are some answers to some questions you should ask prior to finalizing your plans.
 
 
 
FAQ's 

Who fills out the permit? Who is the applicant?

 

The property owner is always the applicant because of need to grant permission to access the property.  The property owner sometimes requests the contractor to complete the application package and interface with the Village. It is acceptable for the contractor to sign as the applicant with proof of permission of the property owner. The APPLICANT signs a disclaimer and commitment statement so the property owner should read the disclaimer on the application to know what the contractor (their authorized agent) is agreeing to on their behalf. The Village may request proof of ownership

 
What limitations do I need to think about prior to applying for a permit?
  1. Easements – Accessory Structures cannot be located in easements.  Most are created by the FINAL PLAT for the subdivision. Others are recorded at the County by separate documents. Property title work lists all easements that are found other than the platted ones. 
  2. Home/Property Owners Association (HOA/POA) approval - It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain any HOA/POA or Architectural Review Committee APPROVAL when required for planned property improvements. Recorded subdivision documents (covenants) may prohibit or restrict certain types of improvements. Please review your subdivision documents to determine what limitations, in addition to the Village Ordinance requirements, apply to your property. Village permits do not supersede or replace any HOA/POA approvals. Additionally, while a HOA might approve your project, if it does not meet Village ordinances, it won't be permitted. However, we could approve an application and issue a building permit for a project that your HOA may not allow.
 
Do I need to find my lot/property pins?
 
Maybe. It depends on where you are putting the structure. There are two areas of your lot - the buildable area and the setback area. These are defined by the zoning of the property.  Unlike your house, an accessory structure can be placed in a "setback" - the area of your property between property lines and the buildable area. As you get closer to a property line, you have more restrictions on what you can build or place.
  1. Yes.
    1. If the structure is being placed on a setback, outside the buildable area of the lot (see graphics above). 
  2. No.
    1. If the structure is being placed in the buildable area of the lot. 

 

Does the permit application fee differ for different types of projects?

 

  1.  Yes
    1. Patios in the buildable area of the lot are $25.00 and $50.00 in the rear or side yard setback. 
    2. Detached decks are $75.00; attached decks are $50.00.
    3. All others are a minimum of $50.00. Specifics are on the application form.

 
Single Frontage Lot  
 
Multiple Frontage Corner Lot  
Can I put privacy screen on the structure?
  1. In most cases, if you are flexible in how private. In setbacks, you will have to have more openness than if you are in the buildable area of the lot.
    1. Include your preferred design concept or product specifications in your submittal documents and we will work with you on your options.
 
Do I need a permit to change or expand an existing deck,  porch or pergola?
 
If your structure was properly permitted, you may not. If we don't have a permit for it on file, you will no matter what.
  1. Yes. 
    1. If new post holes will be dug.
    2. If more than 50% of the posts are being reset.
    3. If more than 50% of the structure is being replaced.
    4. Any change to an existing structure that was constructed without a permit issued by the Village.
  2. No.
    1. If the structure to be altered was originally constructed under a permit issued by the Village and the change(s) doesn't meet the 50% threshold for repair or replacement.
    2. If replacement of less than 50% of the existing posts and structure.
    3. If a weather event damages an existing structure, the damage can be repaired with no changes to the footprint of the existing structure prior to the weather damage.
 
What happens after I complete the application?
 
The building inspector will contact you regarding the status of your application within three (3) business days by either an email with "approval" or a "pending" status requesting more information. 
 
Please contact the Community Development Department if you receive nothing after 3 business days. 217-586-4456 x 123.
 
 
 
In the approval email, you will receive instructions about required inspections. 
  1. "Stake Out" Inspection - This  inspection is where have you physically marked by paint, flags, stakes or the like, where the boundaries of the project are and we come out to your property to make sure it matches what we have approved before you start work. The building permit will be issued upon a successful stake out inspection. Wait for our "application approval" prior to prepping for the stake out inspection.
  2. Special inspections:
    1. Pre-Decking (framing) Inspection - Prior to installing the deck floor on a permitted deck.
    2. Flashing inspection - for attached structures like pergolas.
  3. "Final" Inspection - A final inspection must be completed to close out the permit for compliance and receive a Certificate of Completion for the permitted structure. The permit holder calls our office to schedule this inspection when work is done. Most permits require all work to be completed in 6 months but extensions are possible. 

  

.

 

Recommendations  Each property can have its own unique constraints so call us at 217-586-4456 ext. 123 if you have any questions. We will be happy to help. 

For more information about your property lines visit Champaign County’s GIS program: