Planning a kitchen remodel in La Grange Park? The right permits can keep your project on schedule and protect your investment when it is time to sell. You want a smooth process, clear steps, and no surprises. In this guide, you will learn which projects need a permit, what to submit, typical fees and timelines, and how to avoid common delays. Let’s dive in.
Do you need a permit?
Most kitchen remodels in La Grange Park need a building permit. The Village treats interior remodeling of habitable space as permit work, except limited cosmetic items like painting, carpeting, tile, paneling, and drywall repairs. If your project touches plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or any structural changes, a permit is required. You can review the Village’s requirements in the Residential Interior Remodel packet for details on scope and documents.
- See the Village’s overview on the Getting a Permit page for how reviews work and where to start: Village of La Grange Park – Getting a Permit
- For project-specific rules and submittals, check the Residential Interior Remodel Application Packet
Which permits and codes apply
The primary approval is the Residential Interior Remodel building permit. Depending on your scope, plan reviewers will require trade inspections for electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas piping, and framing if walls are altered. Structural changes require plans signed and sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or engineer.
La Grange Park enforces current model codes, including the 2024 IBC/IRC, the 2023 NEC, the 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, and the 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code. You can confirm the adopted list here: Updated Building Codes – 2025. For state energy rules that may affect lighting, ventilation, or envelope work, see the state guidance on the Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
What to submit with your application
For a kitchen remodel, be ready to provide:
- Completed building permit application and contractor registrations.
- Reimbursement of Fees (ROF) agreement and a $250 deposit.
- Three sets of plans that show plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and any framing.
- A detailed scope of work and your contract/proposal.
- Signed and sealed structural drawings if you are removing or modifying walls.
Keep an approved set of plans on site once your permit is issued. The full submittal list appears in the Residential Interior Remodel packet.
Fees and review timelines
Permit fees for interior remodels are assessed at 1.75% of construction costs, with minimums that may apply. The Village holds the $250 ROF deposit and deducts plan review or reinspection fees from it if needed. See the current Fee Schedule for details.
Express permits for limited work can be approved within about 72 hours. Most kitchen remodels go through plan review that averages about 10 business days. The Village notes that 2 to 3 weeks is typical, and busier seasons can take longer. The Getting a Permit page explains timing and next steps.
Inspections and scheduling
Your permit or plan review comments will list required inspections. Kitchen projects often include rough and final inspections for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and framing if applicable. A final inspection is required for all permits.
- Schedule inspections with the Building Department at least 24 hours in advance, and call before 3 p.m. The Village does not offer same-day inspections. Reinspection fees apply for failed or not-ready visits. See the Inspections page for how to schedule.
Permit duration and extensions
Work should start within six months of permit issuance. If work stops for six months, the permit may terminate. If work is not completed and there is no occupancy within 12 months, rights under the permit terminate. The Director can grant extensions of up to six months when you submit a written request and pay the applicable fee. You can read the permit timing rules in the municipal code here: Permit expiration and extensions.
Common kitchen scenarios
- Cosmetic refresh: Painting, flooring, tile replacement, and similar surface updates often do not need a permit. If you touch plumbing, electrical, or structure, you will need one. When in doubt, ask the Village.
- Replacing appliances in place: Swapping an electric range on an existing circuit may not need a permit. Adding a new circuit or gas line, or changing ventilation, triggers permits and inspections.
- Moving the sink or dishwasher: Changing drains or supply lines requires a plumbing permit and inspections.
- Removing a wall: Any structural change needs sealed plans and framing inspections.
- Adding or relocating a hood vent: Penetrations and ventilation changes fall under mechanical permitting and can also touch energy and ventilation requirements.
You can confirm scenarios and submittals in the Residential Interior Remodel packet.
Choose and manage your contractor
La Grange Park requires contractor registration before a permit is released. Registration includes a bond of $10,000, insurance naming the Village as certificate holder, proof of applicable licenses, and a fee. General contractors pay $75, most other trades pay $50, and electrical contractors must provide a license from an accepted testing site. Registration expires annually and must stay current. Review the Village’s Contractor Registration requirements.
You can apply as the owner or have your contractor apply as your agent. If you act as an owner-builder, all subcontractors still must be registered and insured per Village rules.
Planning tips to speed approval
- Define your scope clearly and separate cosmetic items from trade work in your proposal.
- Get sealed structural plans early if you plan to remove or alter walls.
- Show electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and ventilation details on your drawings.
- Confirm lighting and ventilation choices that meet the 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
- Build time into your schedule for plan review and inspections, especially in busy seasons.
Check the Village’s adopted codes list for current standards: Updated Building Codes – 2025 and the state’s Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Verify your contractor is registered with the Village and insured.
- Gather your application, ROF deposit, plans, scope, and contract.
- Post your permit card on site and keep approved plans available.
- Schedule inspections at least 24 hours ahead and plan for a final inspection.
- Keep final approval documents for your records and future resale.
Ready to remodel with resale in mind or prepping your home for market after upgrades? Let a local expert guide your timing and return on investment. Reach out to LaBelleSells for neighborhood-smart advice and connected vendor support.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to replace kitchen cabinets in La Grange Park?
- Cabinet replacement that is cosmetic only often does not need a permit, but adding new circuits, moving outlets, or altering plumbing or structure does require one per the Village’s remodel packet.
How much are kitchen permit fees in La Grange Park?
- Interior remodel permits are assessed at 1.75% of construction costs, and you will submit a $250 Reimbursement of Fees deposit at application per the Village’s fee guidance.
How long does kitchen permit review take in La Grange Park?
- Most reviews take about 10 business days, and the Village advises 2 to 3 weeks for many permits, with longer timelines possible during busy seasons.
Who can pull a kitchen permit in La Grange Park?
- The owner or the owner’s agent can apply, but contractors performing the work must be registered with the Village and carry required bonds, insurance, and licenses.
What inspections are required for a La Grange Park kitchen remodel?
- Plan reviewers list required inspections, which often include rough and final electrical, plumbing, and mechanical, plus framing if structural work is involved, and a final inspection is required for all permits.
What if I start kitchen work without a permit in La Grange Park?
- The Village can assess penalties that include doubled permit fees and corrective actions, so confirm permit needs with the Building Department before work begins.
