Renovation and repair in Arlington Heights, IL

Arlington Heights is a village in Cook County, northwest of Chicago.

Permits in Arlington Heights

Building permits here are handled by the Building & Life Safety Department (opens in a new tab) (Cook County). Before work starts, we confirm what your project needs and who will pull the permit.

Anyone applying for a permit in Arlington Heights must use the Village's online Civic Access Portal, which is also used to track permits, upload documents, schedule inspections and message staff.
Source: Permits and Licensing (opens in a new tab)
Contractors register online through Civic Access by choosing the license for their trade, and all contractor registrations expire on December 31 each year.
Source: Register as a Contractor (opens in a new tab)
Inspections are requested through the self-service portal at least 24 hours ahead and are scheduled for a morning or afternoon window. A hard copy of the approved, stamped plans must be on site for every inspection.
Source: Inspections (opens in a new tab)
Emergency repair work still needs a permit, which must be submitted within 24 hours after work begins. Permits expire if substantial work hasn't started within six months or isn't finished within one year.
Source: Permits and Licensing (opens in a new tab)

Rules change. Facts on this page were checked on September 30, 2026; always confirm with the official office before relying on them.