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1. Where do I go to apply for a Permit?

Building & Permits
65 Water Street
Aurora, IL 60507

Phone: 630-256-3130
Fax: 630-256-3139

Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2. What work requires a permit? Do I need a permit for ______?

For a complete list of Residential and Commercial building permits, visit the Building & Permits page.

3. How much will my permit cost?

View the 2017 Permit Fee Schedule.

4. Do I need a permit for a fence? What are the fence regulations for my property?

A permit is required. For more information, visit the Buildings & Permits page.  Fence regulations for your property can be found in Section 4.2-4 Fences and Walls of the Zoning Ordinance. 

5. Do I need a permit for a driveway? Can I expand my driveway?

A permit is required. For more information, visit the Buildings & Permits page.  Please refer to Table 3: Residential Driveways of the Zoning Ordinance for driveway regulations and requirements. If your property is located in a Historic District, a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA) is also required.

6. Do I need a permit to demo a garage or shed on my property?

A permit is required. Please be advised, pursuant to Sec. 4.4-2.5 of the Aurora Zoning Ordinance "...when a structure has been constructed on a slab or foundation, and demolition occurs for whatever reason, the accessory structure may be re-established at its previous location without the necessity of a variation provided that an application or building permit is made no later than 6 months after demolition."

7. Do I need a permit to build/rebuild a garage or shed on my property?

A permit is required. For more information, visit the Buildings & Permits page.  For additional information regarding location, setbacks, materials, and other regulations, see Section 4.4 Accessory Uses & Structures in the Zoning Ordinance.

8. Do I need a permit to paint my house?

A permit is not required for paint color.  If the property is located in a Historic District, appropriate color suggestions can be found on the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) website.  You may also call the Aurora Historic Preservation Planner for suggestions at 630-256-3080.

9. I want to replace the existing ground sign for my business. Do I need to get a permit?

A permit is required. Any changes to ground signs must be reviewed both by Zoning for compliance with the City’s Sign Ordinance, and by the Building Department for compliance with all applicable building codes.

If the zoning of your property is Planned Development District (PDD), please submit a Land Use Inquiry to determine if the sign proposal constitutes a significant change to any approved Final Plan. To see if your property is PDD you may call the Planning office at 630-256-3080.

10. I want to add an Electronic Message Center to the existing sign for my business. Is this allowed?

Chapter 41, Section 6 - Miscellaneous Signs of the Aurora Municipal Code limits the types of special events that attention getting devices (banners, balloons, wind wavers, etc.) can be used for, to Grand Openings, community activities, holiday celebrations, carnivals, festivals, and parades.  All other types of activities are prohibited from having temporary signs posted to advertise such events.