Building Department
The mission of the Department of Building and Inspectional Services is to assure property and structures are developed and maintained to the standards of Village building, zoning, health, and property maintenance ordinances.
NOTICE: All permit applications for new and replacement detached garages and accessory structures measuring 400 square feet or greater require a drainage plan to be submitted with the application.
Work that Requires a Permit:
- Any new buildings or additions to buildings
- New or replacement detached garages, yard sheds, fences, gazebos, pergolas
- Disturbance of any walls/drywall
- Signage, including change of box sign panels
- Swimming pools, ponds, and spas two (2) feet or more in depth
- Revisions to electrical service, new circuits, receptacles, and light fixtures
- New or replacement furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning units
- Relocation of plumbing fixtures
- Sewer and water line repairs
- Installation of sewer cleanouts, flood control valves, and overhead sewers
- Changes in grade to your lot
- Water heaters, AC units, and furnaces
Work that Does Not Require a Permit:
- Normal maintenance of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
- Power rodding of sewer lines
- Replacement windows and doors in existing openings
- Swimming pools, ponds, and spas less than two (2) feet deep
- Temporary signage (requires prior Village authorization, contact commdev@mortongroveil.org)
Permit Application
- Application forms are available online or may be obtained at the Department of Building & Inspectional Services.
- Submit the completed application form along with the necessary plans for review and approval to the Building Department at 6101 Capulina Avenue.
Requirements (see application for copy sets needed):
RESIDENTIAL
This application must be accompanied by the following:
- Plat of Survey
- Plot Plan
- Construction Plans

MULTIFAMILY:
This application must be accompanied by the following:
- Plat of Survey
- Plot Plan
- Construction Plans

COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL / OTHER NONRESIDENTIAL:
This application must be accompanied by the following:
- Plat of Survey
- Plot Plan
- Construction Plans

- Work with the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer and enforce zoning regulations established in the Unified Development Code.
- Provide residents, businesses and property owners with assistance relating to zoning requirements for projects of all sizes. For more information on Morton Grove's zoning regulations, please visit the zoning webpage.
- Provide staff support to the the Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commission, and Appearance Commission.
- All contractor and subcontractors (other than landscapers and painters) working in the village require a village contractor's business license
- All licensed contractors mus provide liability insurance and a $10,000 surety bond for the type of work they perform
- general contractors and any contractors working within the Village Right-of-Way must show proof of liability insurance
- Village must be named as an additional insured on the policy using an ISO form GC2026 or the equivalent.
- Village license is valid for a twelve month period from date of issuance
The Illinois Attorney General's Office provides information on Illinois law related to financing home repairs, avoiding home repair fraud, and three-day right to cancel contracts.
Three-day right to cancel contracts
Filing a consumer complaint with the Illinois Attorney General

- A licensed environmental health practitioner is responsible for completing required inspections of all food service establishments, and periodic inspections of other facilities covered by village health and environmental ordinances.
- Coordinates the village recycling programs www.swancc.org
- Serves as liaison to the North Shore Mosquito abatement District by providing information to residents as necessary.

The department coordinates semiannual inspections of all elevators and escalators in the community. Elevator Inspection Services, Inc., Indianhead Park, IL, performs these inspections under contract with the village.
This application is for Morton Grove residents seeking a permit to construct a decorative driveway or private sidewalk on the public right of way ("ROW"). The ROW is owned by the Village and is generally the area from the public sidewalk to and into the street, including driveway aprons. A permit is needed for any kind of construction within the ROW. If a property owner has or intends to install a decorative private driveway or private sidewalk (using non-standard materials such as brick pavers or colord, stamped or aggregate concrete), and wishes to construct a driveway apron or service walk in the ROW using the same decorative materials, a variance permit is also required pursuant to Village Code Section 7-1-15. Click here for an application.
Building and Inspectional Services Department
James English
Manager Building and Inspectional Services
- 6101 Capulina Avenue
Morton Grove, IL 60053 - Office Hours
Mon. - Fri.:
8:30 am to 5:00 pm - Inspection Hours
Mon. - Fri.:
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Telephone Contacts
- (847) 470 - 5214
- (847) 663 - 6185