Do you need a building permit? St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia rules

New roof, new fence, finished basement? In St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia, the answer to "do I need a permit?" is usually yes, even for jobs that feel like simple replacements. Here is what each city requires and how to apply.

What needs a permit

All three cities cover far more than additions. Geneva requires a permit for fences, sheds, decks, pergolas, patios, sidewalks, driveways, irrigation systems, pools and hot tubs. It also covers replacing water or gas piping, wiring, furnaces, central air, water heaters, windows, doors, roofing and siding. Batavia's list is similar and also includes sod or seed installation, trellises and solar systems.

St. Charles requires permits for the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of any structure. Its FAQ confirms roofs, siding, windows, doors, furnaces, air conditioners, electric panels, fences, pools, small driveway or sidewalk patches and non-standard mailboxes made of brick or masonry.

What usually does not need one: St. Charles lists painting, wallpaper, flooring, cabinets, countertops, most finish work and swapping appliances when no electrical or plumbing work is involved. If you are not sure, call before you start.

St. Charles

• Apply in person at the Building Division, first floor of the Municipal Center, 2 E. Main St., or by mail. Email applications are not accepted.
• Some permits, such as roofs, water heaters, windows and siding, can be issued the same day if they need no plan review or historic review and your paperwork is complete. Other residential permits take one to two weeks.
• Basement finishes, additions, remodels and three-season rooms need five sets of drawings.
• Work must start within three months of getting the permit and finish within a year.
• The city runs its own electric utility, so a new panel or service also needs an Electric Service Application.
• If your address has a letter in it, like 12N123, you are in unincorporated Kane County and permits go through the county.
• Contact: 630-377-4406 or permits@stcharlesil.gov.

Geneva

• Apply at the Building Division, 109 James St., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Every project uses an Application for Permit form. Plans larger than 11 by 17 inches also need a PDF sent to pdf@geneva.il.us.
• Roofing and siding permits can usually be issued when you apply. Most other projects take about two to three weeks to review.
• Fees are due when the permit is issued, not when you apply. The city takes cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard.
• Permits expire one year after they are issued. You can request a 180-day extension in writing.
• Exterior work in the Historic District needs a Historic Preservation Review application first. The historic planner is at 630-938-4541.
• Either you or your contractor can pull the permit, but making sure one exists is the homeowner's responsibility.
• Contact: 630-262-0280.

Batavia

• Most residential permits can be filed online through the city's One Stop Permit Portal, any time. Paper applications are still accepted in person or by email, but they may take longer.
• The city aims to process most residential permits within 10 business days.
• Inspections run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Schedule at least 48 hours ahead.
• All new and replacement driveways need a driveway permit.
• Like St. Charles, Batavia runs its own electric utility, so new or upgraded service needs a separate electric application.
• Historic District exterior work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Contact: 630-454-2700 or permits@bataviail.gov, 100 N. Island Ave.

Skipping the permit costs more

In St. Charles, work done without a required permit can be charged double fees, and unresolved cases can lead to a citation and fines. In Geneva, inspectors will stop the job and fees double. St. Charles also notes that open permits can hold up the sale of your home, so schedule that final inspection.

Before you dig

Fences, decks, patios and pools all involve digging. Call JULIE, Illinois' utility locating service, at 800-892-0123 first.