BUILDING PERMITS

Welcome to the Village of Winthrop Harbor Building Permit Page

We are pleased to assist you with your building project in our community. The Village of Winthrop Harbor is committed to supporting safe, well-planned development that enhances the quality of life for our residents and businesses. Our permitting process ensures that all construction complies with the most current building codes, protects property values, and promotes the safety and welfare of the community.

Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or developer, this page is designed to guide you through the application process and provide the resources you need for a smooth experience. We encourage you to carefully review the requirements, complete all necessary forms, and provide the required documentation to avoid delays. Our staff is here to help answer your questions and work with you at every step.

Generally, the Village follows the 2006 International Building Codes (with local amendments as adopted). The Village also follows the Illinois Plumbing Code and a number of specialized codes for work beyond common carpentry. We can provide a list upon request or simply comment when we review your plans.

To avoid unnecessary delays in the issuance of permits, please ensure that all applications are complete and include all required documentation before submission. We hope you find this page useful as you prepare and submit your building permit requests.

Quick Building Department Links

2006 International Building Code

Electronic Building Permit Application

Building Permit Application - PDF Form

Homeowner Affidavit Form

Contractor Letter of Intent Form

Electronic Contractor Registration Form

Homeowner Doing Work - Homeowners Affidavit

A Homeowner’s Affidavit is required by the Village of Winthrop Harbor when a homeowner chooses to perform construction work on their own property instead of hiring a licensed contractor. By signing this affidavit, the homeowner confirms they are the legal property owner and accept full responsibility for the work, including compliance with all Village building codes, zoning regulations, and inspections.

This requirement ensures that the homeowner understands they are acting in place of a licensed contractor and assumes all liability for the quality and safety of the project. It protects both the Village and the property owner by making sure the work is properly authorized, inspected, and completed to the same standards expected of a contractor.

Homeowners Affidavit Form CLICK HERE

Contractor Registration Requirements

To protect public safety and ensure quality construction, all contractors and subcontractors must be registered with the Village of Winthrop Harbor before they can be issued a Building Permit or listed on one.

General Information

No Fee to Register – Registration is required but free of charge.
Why Registration Matters – Registration helps the Village verify that contractors carry proper insurance, licenses, and bonding, which protects homeowners, workers, and the public in the event of accidents, damage, or incomplete work.

What You Need to Submit

Contractor Registration Form – Must be completed in full.
Certificate of Insurance – Must include the following:
- Village of Winthrop Harbor listed as Certificate Holder
- Village of Winthrop Harbor listed as Additional Insured
- Proof of General Liability Insurance showing amounts of coverage and expiration date
- Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance showing amounts of coverage and expiration date
  - Important Note: If a contractor is self-employed with no employees, Workers’ Compensation insurance is not required. Instead, the contractor must provide a signed written statementconfirming this.

Additional Trade-Specific Requirements

Excavators – Must provide a Surety Bond in the amount of $15,000 as required by Municipal Code §50.068. This bond ensures protection against damage to public infrastructure during excavation work.
Plumbers – Must provide:
- A Surety Bond in the amount of $5,000 (Municipal Code §121.02)
- A current copy of IDPH licenses 055 and 058, which verify compliance with state plumbing regulations.
Electrical Contractors – Must submit a current license issued by a recognized local/area municipality (such as Waukegan, McHenry, Libertyville, etc.). This ensures the contractor meets local competency standards.
Roofing Contractors – Must provide a current IDFPR license showing both their 104 and 105 numbers as required under Illinois law. This demonstrates that the contractor is properly certified to perform roofing work in Illinois.

Contractor Registration Form CLICK HERE

Contractor's Letter of Intent

A contractor’s letter of intent for a building permit is a formal document submitted by the licensed contractor hired to complete work on a construction project. This letter confirms that the contractor is responsible for the specific scope of work outlined in the permit application and provides assurance to the municipality that the work will be completed by a qualified professional. The letter typically includes the contractor’s business name, license number, and signature, and serves as an official record that ties the contractor to the project.

Municipalities require this document to ensure accountability and compliance with building codes and licensing laws. By having the contractor on record, the village can verify proper credentials, insurance, and responsibility for the project. This process helps prevent unlicensed or unqualified individuals from pulling permits and provides the community with confidence that construction work is performed safely and according to regulations.

Contractor Letter of Intent CLICK HERE

Insurance Requirements

General Information

No Fee to Register – Registration is required but free of charge.
Why Registration Matters – Registration helps the Village verify that contractors carry proper insurance, licenses, and bonding, which protects homeowners, workers, and the public in the event of accidents, damage, or incomplete work.

What You Need to Submit

Contractor Registration Form – Must be completed in full.
Certificate of Insurance – Must include the following:
- Village of Winthrop Harbor listed as Certificate Holder
- Village of Winthrop Harbor listed as Additional Insured
- Proof of General Liability Insurance showing amounts of coverage and expiration date
- Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance showing amounts of coverage and expiration date
  - Important Note: If a contractor is self-employed with no employees, Workers’ Compensation insurance is not required. Instead, the contractor must provide a signed written statementconfirming this.

Additional Trade-Specific Requirements

Excavators – Must provide a Surety Bond in the amount of $15,000 as required by Municipal Code §50.068. This bond ensures protection against damage to public infrastructure during excavation work.
Plumbers – Must provide:
- A Surety Bond in the amount of $5,000 (Municipal Code §121.02)
- A current copy of IDPH licenses 055 and 058, which verify compliance with state plumbing regulations.
Electrical Contractors – Must submit a current license issued by a recognized local/area municipality (such as Waukegan, McHenry, Libertyville, etc.). This ensures the contractor meets local competency standards.
Roofing Contractors – Must provide a current IDFPR license showing both their 104 and 105 numbers as required under Illinois law. This demonstrates that the contractor is properly certified to perform roofing work in Illinois.

Building Permit Application

To begin the permitting process for apartment construction or renovation projects, please complete and submit the Village of Winthrop Harbor Building Permit Application.

You may access the application in two ways:

Click the link below to download a fillable PDF copy of the building permit application.

Download Building Permit Application (Fillable PDF) CLICK HERE

Click the link below to open and complete the application directly through our online permitting portal.

Submit Application Online CLICK HERE

Once completed, applications and supporting documents may be submitted electronically through the portal or delivered in person to Village Hall. Please ensure all required information and attachments (plans, insurance certificates, contractor registrations, etc.) are included to avoid delays.

Disclaimer – Submission of Plans

While most building permit applications may be completed electronically, please note that larger projects may still require the submission of three (3) stamped copies of building plans. These copies must be delivered in person at Village Hall or mailed to the Community Development Department before the application can be considered complete. Applicants will be notified if their project falls under this requirement.

Village Right-of-Way Permit Application

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Have Question? We’re Here to Help

We understand that navigating the building permit process can sometimes feel overwhelming — whether you're unsure about what documents you need, timelines, fees, or inspection requirements. If you have any questions, need clarification, or want to confirm whether your project requires a permit, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Submit Your Question

The question form is provided below for your convenience. Simply fill it out and a member of our Building & Permits team will review your inquiry. To help us serve you more quickly and accurately, please be as specific as possible when describing your question. For example, include details such as:

The type of project (e.g., deck, fence, addition, remodel, garage, etc.)
The property address
Any drawings, sketches, or documents you already have
Specific concerns (e.g., zoning setbacks, required inspections, contractor requirements)
Providing more information up front allows us to give you a clear and timely response.

Please allow 24 to 48 hours for a response (this does not include weekends). We’re dedicated to helping you move forward with confidence in your project, and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Schedule a Meeting with Community Development

The Village of Winthrop Harbor is committed to making the building permit and development process as efficient and convenient as possible. To better serve residents, contractors, and business owners, we now offer the option to schedule an appointment with the Community Development Department.

You may choose from:

A phone call
An in-person meeting
A virtual meeting

Appointments are available throughout the week, with preferred scheduling times Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

While the Village will always continue to welcome walk-ins, scheduling a meeting helps minimize waiting times and ensures that staff are available to address your specific questions and project needs. This approach allows us to provide more efficient service and save you valuable time.

We highly recommend scheduling a meeting in advance whenever possible but rest assured, walk-ins will always be welcomed.

Schedule a Meeting

Lake County Stormwater Management Jurisdiction

Please note that certain projects in Winthrop Harbor fall under the jurisdiction of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC). Depending on the scope and location of your project, you may be required to obtain a separate stormwater permit through their office.

Projects that commonly require SMC review and approval include:

New construction or additions that disturb more than 5,000 square feet of land
Grading, filling, or excavation work that alters drainage patterns
Construction near wetlands, floodplains, or other sensitive areas
Installation of storm sewers, detention ponds, or other drainage improvements

Applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with all SMC regulations before proceeding with work.

For more information and to review permitting requirements, please visit the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission CLICK HERE

Call 811 Before You Dig

Before beginning any excavation or construction project, it is required that you contact 811 to have underground utilities properly located and marked. This free service helps prevent damage to gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecommunications lines, protecting both your safety and the integrity of the community’s infrastructure.

By calling 811 at least a few business days before you dig, you ensure compliance with state law, avoid costly repairs, and safeguard workers and the public. Always remember—call before you dig, it’s the law and it could save lives.

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