Commercial properties are encouraged to review the complete list of work that requires a permit and follow the steps below before applying for a permit.
Step 1: Preliminary Walk Through
The Village can organize a preliminary walk through of your location before building plans are submitted. When scheduling a walk through inspection please provide a general description of the business including products sold, services provided, number of employees during peak time, and a sketch showing your proposed layout. The walk through will include all Village staff that would be involved in the official opening of your business at this location. This includes:
- Fire Marshal
- Plumbing Inspector
- Electrical Inspector
- Building Inspector
- Village Sanitarian (restaurants)
- Assistant Village Administrator (Supervisor of the Building & Zoning Division)
The project architect and/or general contractor should be present to ensure the information being shared is fully understood. This will reduce the time it takes to issue the building permit.
Step 2: Submit Permit and Drawings
Fill-out the building permit application and submit five sets of construction drawings (six for restaurants) stamped by a registered architect. Your permit will be reviewed without the contractors identified on the application; however, they will need to be identified before the permit can be issued. Also, all contractors must have a current Village of River Forest contractor’s license. The codes used to evaluate the permit are listed here. Exterior changes may require additional permits. Please contact the Village for more information.
Step 3: Inspections and Occupancy
Inspections should be scheduled and completed upon milestones in the project. Your contractor will know when the inspections are necessary and generally are completed in two stages (rough and final). If you need direction on inspections, please contact the Village, or review the inspection guidelines for more information.
Inspections need to be scheduled at least 24-hours in advance of the desired inspection time. Once all inspectors approve final inspections a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued granting occupancy to your business. Restaurants will also need a final inspection from the Sanitarian. Please call for a health inspection 48-72 hours before your plan to open, to avoid any disruption in food delivery. Health inspections may be scheduled by calling the Health Inspection Pros at 630-222-9359.