Aurora, Illinois Building Permit Guide

Building permits in Aurora are issued by the Division of Building and Permits of the Development Services Department, 77 S Broadway, 1st Floor. All permit applications can be submitted through the city’s e-TRAKiT Online Portal, which also gives fee estimates.

This guide covers Aurora’s permit office, what needs a permit, contractor licensing, the 2026 fee schedule and inspections. Aurora’s adopted code editions are listed only in the city’s online code library, which was not checked, so confirm them with the division.

What requires a building permit in Aurora?

Roofing work always needs a permit, and so does any work in the public right of way, which may also need a licensed Public Works Contractor.

No permit is needed for siding or same-size window replacement (except in a Historic/Foxwalk District), water heater replacement (unless going from tank to tankless) or low-voltage electrical of 50 volts or less. Backyard patios not connected to a driveway need no permit, but zoning requires a share of each lot to stay green space.

Illinois leaves building codes to local government, but since 1 January 2025 any local code must regulate structural design at least as strictly as baseline editions of the International Building, Existing Building and Residential Codes, and where no code was adopted the statute sets minimums for commercial buildings and new homes (Public Act 103-0510). Illinois codes and the statewide baseline

Who handles permitting in Aurora?

Any delinquent or past-due balance owed to the City of Aurora delays permit issuance.

Contractors and owner-builders in Aurora

All contractors must meet City of Aurora licensing before a permit is issued. The Contractor Registration form goes in person or by email to devservicesadmin@aurora.il.us, and the general liability certificate must name the City of Aurora as primary and non-contributory additional insured.

An owner-occupant who will stay at least 6 months may act as their own contractor by completing a Homeowner Liability Waiver, but electrical work over $500 needs a licensed electrical contractor.

Illinois licenses plumbers through the Department of Public Health and roofing contractors through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; there is no state general contractor or electrician licence, and many jurisdictions require local registration. Contractor credentials in Illinois

Aurora permit costs and fees

A non-refundable application fee is charged when you apply. Under the 2026 fee schedule (permits applied for after Jan 01st 2026):

• Residential new construction and additions: $278 application fee, then a permit inspection fee of valuation x 0.5% (minimum $1,817), a plan review fee of 15% of that fee (minimum $278) and a $115 certificate of occupancy fee. Garage and unfinished basement area is valued at $31.50 per sq. ft.
• Commercial new construction and additions: $1,003 application fee.
• Residential roof: $55 application, $31 minimum inspection, $56 minimum plan review and $23 certificate.
• Deck or gazebo: $77, $93, $77 and $23 for the same four items.

New homes and commercial buildings also owe separate Engineering, Fire Impact, Land Cash/School & Park, Sewer Connection and Fox Metro Inspection, Water Meter and Water Connection fees.

How to get a building permit in Aurora

A building permit carries a validity period set by Aurora; confirm the expiry on phased or delayed work before it passes. Permit validity in Illinois

Energy code in Aurora

The City of Aurora is considering adopting the Illinois Stretch Energy Code for residential and commercial buildings. Once a municipality adopts it, it becomes the minimum standard there.

Inspections in Aurora

Request inspections by phone or text, in person or on e-TRAKiT. They are conducted Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm; for a tighter window, call the inspector between 7:30am and 8:30am that morning.

Field copies of the stamped approved plans must be on site, the permit must be displayed in a window or door visible from the street, and permits typically expire after 6 months of inactivity.

Official Aurora permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Aurora permits
• Aurora Building and Construction
• Aurora permit fee schedule
• Aurora review timeframes handout
• Aurora and the Illinois Stretch Energy Code

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to replace siding in Aurora?

No, unless the property is in a Historic/Foxwalk District. Roofing work always needs a permit.

Can I pull my own permit in Aurora?

An owner-occupant staying at least 6 months can, with a Homeowner Liability Waiver; electrical work over $500 still needs a licensed electrical contractor.

When are Aurora inspections done?

Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm. Call the inspector between 7:30am and 8:30am that morning for a tighter window.

Simplify Aurora permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Check what the village or city needs for the project: permit, contractor registration, plans and outside approvals
• Prepare and file the application in the right portal, inbox or counter
• Track review, book the inspections and close out the permit

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Illinois. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Aurora permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.