Villa Park outlines permitting rules, emergency procedures and new online tools; residents press for inspection fixes

Director House, who led the Village of Villa Park’s permitting presentation at the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 12, described why the village issues permits and walked trustees through what types of work require them, how long permits last and how residents can apply.

House said permits protect safety, health and welfare and ensure construction meets minimum standards and outside-agency requirements. "Please call us," she told attendees, adding, "We have very friendly staff. We're happy to help," and urging homeowners and contractors to check with the permit office before starting work. House said Villa Park follows the 2021 International Building Code with local amendments and several state and county codes.

The presentation listed common permit triggers — new construction, demolition, remodeling, HVAC and plumbing work, generators, solar panels, changes to grades, right-of-way work and sewer or water infrastructure — and noted a set of smaller home projects that typically do not require permits, such as interior painting, some landscaping and small retaining walls under 36 inches. Certain routine items can be issued same day, House said, naming roofs,…