Renovation and repair in Des Plaines, IL

Des Plaines is a city in Cook County, northwest of Chicago along the Des Plaines River.

Permits in Des Plaines

Building permits here are handled by the Building and Permits – Community and Economic Development (opens in a new tab) (Cook County). Before work starts, we confirm what your project needs and who will pull the permit.

Des Plaines handles building permits digitally through its Customer Self Service Portal, and contractor registration runs through the same portal. The City publishes Express Permit guides for projects like decks, sheds, fences, roofs and non-structural kitchen or bathroom remodels.
Source: Building and Permits | City of Des Plaines, IL (opens in a new tab)
Contractors working in Des Plaines must register with the City, and registrations expire every December 31. A homeowner acting as their own contractor needs no contractor's license, though letters of responsibility may be required.
Source: Contractor License & Bond Requirements | City of Des Plaines, IL (opens in a new tab)
Under the City's roofing guide, general repairs to roughly a quarter of the roof or less within a 12-month period don't need a permit; larger roofing work does.
Source: Roofing Repairs and Permits in the City of Des Plaines: What You Need to Know (opens in a new tab)
The City's Flood Rebate Program partly reimburses homeowners and landlords of single-family homes and townhomes for flood-mitigation work such as overhead sewers, backwater valves, footing tile with sump pumps, and basement waterproofing. Routine plumbing or sump pump replacement doesn't qualify.
Source: Flood Rebate Program | City of Des Plaines, IL (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.