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1. When is a Building Permit required?

Permits are required for the following improvements:

• To establish any new use of property
• To change the use of any building, structure, or land from one use to another
• To excavate or change the grade of the property
• To erect, construct, alter, enlarge, or move any building or structure which would include, but not be limited to: additions, garages, signs, sheds, decks, porches, patios, swimming pools, fences, retaining walls, a fireplace, car ports, a canopy, a satellite dish 36 inches or greater, public sidewalks, driveways, lawn sprinkling systems, and private walkways.
• For installations of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems
• For alterations or replacement of water supply lines; sanitary and storm sewer drainage lines; soil; waste lines, vent lines, gas lines, or similar piping; electrical wiring and electrical services; mechanical systems; water heaters; re-roofs; and siding
• For alterations and repairs, which include the cutting away of any wall portion; the removal or cutting of any structural beams or bearing support
• To remove or change any required means of egress affecting the exit requirements for the building, such as replacement of doors and windows
• To demolish or remove a building or structure

Any changes made within the Historic District are subject to the Certificate of Appropriateness approval process.  Please contact the Planning Department for more information.

2. When is a Building Permit not required?

A permit is not required for ordinary, non-structural repairs, including but not limited to the following:

• Painting
• Patching
• Tuckpointing
• Patching a roof
• Replacement of floor coverings
• Kitchen cabinets in the same location 
• Wall coverings
• Electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and water softeners
• Installation of aluminum soffit, fascia, or gutters

Properties located in the Historic Preservation District have special regulations which must be followed.  The above list does not apply to any property located in this district.

3. Who is responsible for obtaining a permit?

The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained before any work begins.

4. What is the processing time for a permit?

Typical review time for most residential and commercial projects is ten (10) to fourteen (14) business days; provided all required information is submitted and all contractors have become registered with the City.

For new construction, such as new homes, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, etc., review time is typically ten (10) to fourteen (14) business days; provided all required information is submitted. New construction permits are reviewed by multiple departments, requiring longer review times in some instances.

If a plan review has been rejected, a letter will be sent to the applicant requesting further information. Once the required information is received, a re-review of the permit will be performed within the above time frames, depending on project type.

5. What type of payment do you accept?

We accept credit, debit, cash ($50 bills or less, we do not have change for large bills), personal or business check, money orders, or cashier’s check. 

6. How can I find my plat of survey?

The first place to check would be in your closing papers from when you purchased your home. If you did not receive one, you may want to check with the bank that holds your mortgage.
The City does not typically receive a plat unless the home is new construction (2002-current).
If you are unable to locate your survey, you may want to have a new survey performed. Typical costs are about $500, and can be completed by any Land Surveyor company.
A plat of survey is a private document between the seller and purchaser of a home, so be sure to keep your survey in a safe and secure place.

7. What codes does the City of Lockport follow?

 

8. How long is a permit valid?

Once issued, a miscellaneous or remodeling permit is valid for 6 months. A new commercial or residential building permit is valid for 1 year.

9. How can I be sure the contractor I have chosen is trustworthy?

We highly recommend checking the contractor’s references and checking with the Better Business Bureau for accreditation. You can also check with the Building Department to see if the contractor is currently registered.

10. Are contractors required to register with the Building Department?

Yes, any contractor working within the City of Lockport is required to obtain registration with the Building Department prior to starting the work. Please see our Contractor Registration application (PDF) for specific information.

11. What hours are contractors permitted to work?

Per City Code (Ord. §93.131) contractors are permitted to perform work on the following days of the week at the following times: 

Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to City staff regarding this requirement, please contact the Building Department at (815) 838-0549 option 5. 

12. I am a homeowner, can I complete work on my own home?

Yes, as long as you are the owner and primary occupant of the single-family residence. This does not apply to multi-family dwellings such as condos, apartments, or other commercial properties. We do not allow "house flipping" unless all tradespeople complete the registration process. Before beginning work, all permits must be applied for and issued.

13. What is J.U.L.I.E. and what is the number?

J.U.L.I.E. stands for Joint Utilities Locating Information for Excavators. J.U.L.I.E. will locate and mark each underground utility before excavation work begins. You must call J.U.L.I.E. at least 48 hours prior to digging at 800-892-0123. J.U.L.I.E. is a free service, and it is required by law that you call prior to any work which requires digging.

14. What are the swimming pool regulations within the City of Lockport?

All swimming pools with a designed height of 24 inches or deeper are required to have a permit. These pools are also required to have a safety barrier (fence) with a minimum height of 4 feet completely around the pool, and have a self-closing, self-locking gate. Also, if the pool is provided a filter, the filter must have a UL label, and proper electric service is required. No extension cords are allowed. Please see the Above Ground (PDF) and In-Ground (PDF) permit applications for more information.

15. Why is a street bond required for my project?

A street bond is required when any permit is issued for an accessory structure which requires excavation and/or removal of dirt. These include in-ground and above ground pools, detached garages, and additions. This is to ensure the prompt removal of any dirt, mud, stone, or debris deposited on any street, sidewalk, or alley within the city. Street bonds are typically returned by mail within 4-6 weeks of final inspection of the project.