One of the most common questions we get at Anix Remodeling is, “Do I really need a permit for this?”
It’s a fair question. You want to start your kitchen or bathroom renovation, not get bogged down in paperwork. But here is the reality: the rules in the Northwest Suburbs are very different from the City of Chicago. What requires a permit in Palatine might be exempt in Inverness.
As we head into the 2026 building season, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know to keep your project legal, safe, and on schedule.
The Golden Rule of Remodeling Permits
A permit isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s your protection. It ensures your contractor is doing work up to code (safety) and provides proof of compliant work when you eventually sell your home (resale value).
The Myth: “I only need a permit for structural changes.”
The Reality: In most of our service area, you need a permit for plumbing, electrical, and even some window replacements.
Cheat Sheet: Do I Need a Permit?
Every village has its own quirks. Here is the quick breakdown for the most common projects we handle:
1. Village of Palatine
Palatine has modernized its system significantly with an online portal, but they are strict about what requires approval.
YES, Permit Required: Kitchen & Bath remodels (even if no walls move), finishing a basement, new driveways/patios, and replacing windows (even same size).
NO Permit Needed: Painting, installing new flooring, replacing a faucet, or swapping a door (if it’s the same size and not the door to the garage).
The Anix Advantage: We are registered with the Village of Palatine and submit all plans digitally through their CSS portal, usually getting approvals in 5-10 business days for standard renovations.
2. Village of Inverness
Inverness is unique because of its large estate lots and septic systems. Their process is more traditional and hands-on.
YES, Permit Required: Additions, kitchen/bath remodels, and any work involving septic systems.
NO Permit Needed: Surprisingly, Inverness typically exempts “like-kind” replacements for windows, doors, and siding, unlike Palatine.
Critical Detail: If you are in Inverness, you almost always need a fresh Plat of Survey. Because many homes here are on septic, the village ensures your new addition or patio doesn’t interfere with your septic field.
The Process: Inverness requires in-person permit submissions by appointment. As your general contractor, Anix handles these meetings for you so you don’t have to take off work to visit Village Hall.
3. City of Prospect Heights
YES, Permit Required: Most interior remodels, re-roofing, and enlarging windows/doors.
NO Permit Needed: Cabinets, tiling, painting, and carpeting.
The Process: Prospect Heights often requires hard-copy packets for submission. We prepare these detailed packets, including the required “Spot Surveys” for exterior work.
The “Hidden” Requirements Most Homeowners Miss
If you try to pull a permit yourself, you might get rejected for missing these details. When you hire Anix Remodeling, we prepare all of this for you:
The Plat of Survey: Most villages require a current survey of your property. If you can’t find the one from your closing papers, we can help coordinate a new one.
The “2026 Code” Updates: Villages frequently update which version of the International Residential Code (IRC) they follow. We ensure your electrical and plumbing plans meet the current adopted year, not the old ones.
HOA Letters: If you live in a subdivision in Inverness or a condo in Palatine, the Village often won’t release the permit until they see an approval letter from your HOA.
Don’t Let Paperwork Delay Your Dream Home
Navigating the permit office shouldn’t be your job—it’s ours.
At Anix Remodeling, we classify our services as “Turn-Key.” That means we handle the architecture, the design, and yes—the permits. Whether it’s the online upload in Palatine or the in-person appointment in Inverness, we ensure your project is approved fast so we can start building.
Planning a renovation in 2026? Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s build something beautiful (and code-compliant) together.
Disclaimer: Building codes and village ordinances in Palatine, Inverness, and Prospect Heights are subject to change. This guide is based on regulations effective as of early 2026. Anix Remodeling always verifies the latest code requirements before starting any project.
