Short answer: almost certainly yes. On Chicago's North Shore, nearly every kitchen or bathroom remodel that touches plumbing, electrical, gas, or walls requires a building permit — and many villages also require separate plumbing and electrical permits. The good news: as a licensed design-build remodeler, Paradise Home Design pulls the permits and handles inspections for you, so you never deal with the village counter.
When a permit is required
You almost always need a permit if your project includes any of the following:
- Moving or adding plumbing (sinks, showers, gas lines)
- New or relocated electrical circuits, outlets, or lighting
- Removing or altering a wall (especially load-bearing)
- New windows, structural changes, or an addition/bump-out
Like-for-like cosmetic swaps (paint, hardware, a same-spot faucet) often don't — but when in doubt, the village decides, and an unpermitted remodel can stall a future home sale. We confirm the requirement for your village before work starts.
Who issues the permit, by village
- Lake Forest — City of Lake Forest Community Development Department
- Lake Bluff — Village of Lake Bluff Community Development Department
- Highland Park — City of Highland Park Building Division
- Highwood — City of Highwood Building Department
- Winnetka — Village of Winnetka Community Development Department (historic-district review may apply)
- Glencoe — Village of Glencoe Community Development Department
- Northbrook — Village of Northbrook Development & Planning Services
- Deerfield — Village of Deerfield Building & Code Enforcement
- Vernon Hills — Village of Vernon Hills Community Development Department
- Buffalo Grove — Village of Buffalo Grove Building & Zoning Division
- Chicago — City of Chicago Department of Buildings
How the process works on a Paradise project
We design the project, prepare the drawings the village needs, submit the permit application, schedule the inspections at each stage (rough-in, then final), and close the permit out. Condo and historic-district properties can add a review step — we plan that timeline into your schedule up front so approvals don't surprise you mid-project.
Pulling the permit isn't red tape — it's what protects your home's value and proves the work was done to code when you sell.
Planning a remodel? Book a free consultation and we'll tell you exactly what your village requires. Call (847) 681-9000.