Naperville Permits for a Bathroom Remodel

A building permit, plus separate permits for plumbing and for electrical work. Naperville requires residents to obtain building permits before any new construction project, and it names additions and remodeling among those projects. On top of that:

• Plumbing: the city requires a permit for any installation or repair of plumbing.
• Electrical: a permit is required prior to beginning any electrical work within city boundaries.

The city notes that many projects include multiple features that may require separate permits, and asks applicants to identify the primary feature when they apply. Applications go through the Civic Access portal.

Plumbing and electrical work in Illinois must be done by state-licensed trades and usually needs a city permit. Ask the bathroom remodeling pro you're connected with who holds those licences. In Naperville specifically:

• Plumbing contractors must provide a copy of their State Contractor's Registration with any building permit application where plumbing work is performed.
• All electrical installations must be performed by a state-licensed electrical contractor who is registered with the City of Naperville.
• Effective Dec. 31, 2022, the city no longer renews electrical licenses that it originally issued.

At state level, the Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers and requires plumbing contractors to register with the state and pay an annual fee.

The 2024 codes: plans submitted on or after April 1, 2026 are reviewed against the 2024 International Residential Code, the 2024 International Plumbing Code and the 2023 National Electric Code, among others, plus Naperville's local amendments, under a city ordinance passed in February 2026.

$18 plus $25 per plan page, then $50 per inspection: the residential fee schedule lists remodeling of a single-family home or duplex at an $18 clerical fee plus $25 per plan page, with inspections at $50 each and reinspections at $68. Admin and review fees are due when the application is submitted. The cost guide puts the fee next to the price of the work.

Post the permit where the street can see it, keep the stamped plans on site and book each inspection at least 72 hours ahead. Once the permit is issued, the applicant must print it and post it at the work site where it can be seen from the street, and one printed copy of the approved, stamped plans must be on site during inspections. Inspections are scheduled through the portal or by calling (630) 420-6100, option 1, and the city asks for at least 72 hours' notice.

Each town runs its own permits:

• Downers Grove wants drawings stamped by an Illinois licensed design professional for an interior renovation.
• Wheaton publishes a bathroom remodeling guideline with the plans it expects.
• Aurora requires contractors to be licensed and registered with the city before the permit is issued.
• Glen Ellyn asks the general contractor to list every contractor on each permit.
• Elmhurst lists Interior Remodel on its required permit list.