Apply

Addition

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

New Building

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Interior Alteration/Remodel

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Demolition

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Exterior Remodel (Non-Structural)

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Exterior Remodel (Structural)

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Windows

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Accessory Structure

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Fence

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Swimming Pool

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Grading, Paving/Driveways or Patios

As part of this application, a Site Layout submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Electrical

Electrical Permits are required for:

• New Outlets or Lights (Interior or Exterior)
• Panel Changes
• Rewiring
• New, Temporary or Upgrades to Service
• Generators
• Directly Wired Smoke Detectors

Electrical permit applications must be signed by the Registered Supervising Electrician who must be licensed and bonded with the Village.

Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Masonry

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Mechanical

Mechanical Permits are required for:

• Air Conditioning
• Heating
• Storage Tanks (underground or above ground)
• Boiler Work
• Gas Piping

 Mechanical permit applications must be signed by the Registered Supervising Mechanical Contractor who must be licensed and bonded with the Village.

All applications involving the placement of new mechanical equipment must be accompanies accompanied by a diagram showing its location and distance between the equipment and property lines or fire-rated walls.

Plumbing Interior or Fixtures Only

Only plumbers license by the State of Illinois and registered with the Village of River Forest may submit Plumbing permits.

Applications must include:

• A Letter of Intent - A letter of intent shall be included with all plumbing permit applications. The letter shall be written on the licensed plumber of record’s business stationery and shall include the license holder’s signature and if the license holder is incorporated, the licenses holder’s corporate seal. If the license holder is not incorporated the letter must be notarized.
• Plan showing any alterations to locations of plumbing components or fixtures

Plumbing with Digging

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Solar Energy Systems

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completeion can be issued.

Underground Storage Tank

A Permit is required for the removal or remediation or abandonment of any underground storage tank as required by the International Fire Prevention Code (IFC) 2003, Section-105 Permits and applicable Sections of IFC Chapter 27- Hazardous Materials and Chapter 34 -Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Applicants must provide a copy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) removal permit with this application. Site Plan as approved by Illinois OSFM Upload a copy of the State of Illinois UST License belonging to the company that will be performing the removal/remediation work. A $30 fee must be collected prior to issuance of this permit pursuant to Municipal Code of the Village of River Forest, Section 7-2-11 The River Forest Fire Department will make periodical inspections during the tank removal operations. Fire Prevention can be reached at 708-714-3562.

Addressing Change

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Block Party

Dumpster/Temporary Right of Way Obstruction

Dumpsters / Roll-off receptacles may be placed on the public right-of-way with the following conditions:

• Dumpster is not placed within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Not placed within 25 feet of a crosswalk
• Not placed within 10 feet of a private driveway
• Must be located in a legal parking area on the street
• Must be protected by a barricade with flashing lights
• Clearly marked with the name and 24-hour phone number of the owner
• Free of graffiti
• Owned and placed by a company that is licensed and bonded with the Village.  View the contractor licensing requirements to obtain a copy of the application.
• Applicant pays the $350 per month application fee as well as the $350 deposit

Dumpsters / Roll-off receptacles may be placed on Private Property $50 per month.

Portable Toilets may be placed in the front yard for $100 per month.

These permits are valid for a maximum of 120 days and may be extended past the initial 30 day period with the approval of the Village.

Applications for a placement of a dumpster or portable toilets must be accompanied by a site plan showing:

• The location of all structures on the property, labeled
• The adjacent street(s)
• Location where dumpster/portable toilet will be located

Film

After application submittal, upon determination that this application submittal is complete, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to erect the Tent and request an inspection.

Sign

A sign permit is required to erect, enlarge, expand, alter, operate, or relocate a sign within the Village.

Please note the Village updated its sign regulations in November 2020.

Please see the Village Code or click here for the current regulations.

To expedite review, please be sure to submit the following with the permit application found below.

• Plans and specifications showing the location on the lot or building face and the methods of construction, illumination and support
• A scale drawing showing sign faces, exposed surfaces and the proposed message and design, accurately represented as to size, area, proportion and colorPhotographs of the street sides of the property, showing all existing signs
• A calculation of the total amount of sign area presently on the property
• The applicant's assertion that the sum of the areas of the requested sign and any existing sign do not exceed the maximum allowed
• Evidence of a valid business license (when required)Letter from a licensed architect, structural engineer, or sign manufacturer/installation company verifying the structural integrity, safety and overall soundness of the sign design and installation

Special Event

Permits are required for Special Events and Amusements pursuant to Title 8, Chapter 12 of the Code of the Village of River Forest. Applications must be received no later than 10 days prior to Special Event.

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE: Any temporary occurrence conducted by a person, organization, entity or association, where fifty (50) or more individuals are gathered, involving a display, demonstration, performance, exhibition, entertainment or amusement which includes, but is not limited to:

• festivals,
• concerts,
• carnivals,
• haunted houses,
• food truck rallies,
• arts and craft shows,
• fundraisers,
• sporting events,
• parades,
• runs & walks,
• rallies, and
• other similar circumstances, where:
• village resources or property are affected, or
• village resources or property are reasonably expected to be affected.

Special Events do NOT include regularly scheduled events conducted on property where such events are normally held for such purpose (Ex: University school soccer game at University stadium).

Prior to beginning their application, applicants should be prepared to supply the names of contact information of any:

• Vendors
• Entertainment
• Security Providers
• Waste Hauling Services, and Plans for Clean-up and litter abatement
  

Pre-App Meeting Planned Development

Tent Only (Not an Event)

Utility Provider Work Permit

Pre-Application Meeting

Zoning Verification

A Change of Use permit is required when changing the Use or Occupancy type of a building. A Life Safety Plan document submittal is required to verify compliance with all adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination by the Building Department that this application submittal is complete, and the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required. Upon completion and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Beekeeping

All residents and educational institutions must have a current beekeeping permit in order to keep honey bees.  Apiaries are not permitted on commercial property. See A guide to beekeeping for state and local requirements and other helpful links.  Also available is a Village beekeeping ordinance FAQ sheet. The placement of hives , maintenance, barriers, flyways, and signage must be in compliance with Village Code.  Click here for fence permit and requirements if the property does not meet apiary fencing requirements.  The following application materials are required in order to obtain a permit: Adjacent property notification - must be sent via First Class U.S. mail in no more than 30 calendar days and no less than 15 calendar days prior to the submission of permit.  A copy of the notification form as well as a completed list of addresses form are required.    Copy of Illinois Department of Agriculture registration (click here for ADOA registration information) Plat of survey marked with location of hive Proof that applicant is over 18 years old (driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport) $25 non-refundable fee The Village will issue a maximum of 22 permits; renewal applications take priority over new applications. New applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. No more than 2 colonies per lot are permitted.

Business License

A license is hereby required for the maintenance, operation or conduct of any business or establishment, or for doing business or engaging in any activity or occupation, from a location within the village. Any person shall be subject to the requirement if directly or through an agent, employee, or partner, such person, firm or corporation, holds itself forth as being engaged in the business or occupation; or solicits patronage therefor, actively or passively; or attempts to perform any part of a business or occupation in the village. All of the above activities are included when this chapter refers to "engaging in or carrying on any business, occupation or trade" or similar provisions ---- OR ---- Except as may be prohibited by law or otherwise expressly exempted herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or carry on any business, occupation or trade within the village without first having registered and having obtained a village license therefor. When the term "license" is used herein it shall include licenses in either written or sticker format. In order to apply all applicants must submit: a Business Name Registration with the Illinois Secretary of State or Trade Name registration with Cook County, and Citizenship & Private Employer Affidavits Additionally non-profits must submit proof of 501 status, and professional service providers must submit a copy of their State of Illinois Professional License.

Liquor License

A liquor license is required for the sale or offer of sale (including temporary events) of any alcoholic beverage. The Village maintains several different classifications of liquor licenses for businesses and restaurants. A formal application along with a non-refundable application fee of $500 is required. License fees vary with the type of license required. This application must be completed in full and submitted with a document outlining the applicant’s program for training its employees to properly handle the sale of alcoholic liquor and a non-refundable application fee of $500.00. The application shall be signed by the appropriate party as indicated below: The applicant if the applicant is an individual. The president and secretary if the applicant is a corporation. A general partner if the applicant is a partnership. Two duly authorized officials if the applicant is a not-for-profit institution.

Temporary Liquor License Only

Alarm Contractor 

Antenna Installation 

Asbestos/Mold 

Asphalt Paving 

Brick Paving 

Carpenter 

Concrete 

Demolition 

Directional Boring 

Drywall Contractor 

Electrical

Elevator 

Environmental Excavation 

Excavation 

Fence 

Fire Sprinkler 

Flood Control 

Forester (Only)

Forester/Pesticide (Combination)

Foundation Repair 

Glazing 

Insulation 

Landscaper/Pesticide/Snow Removal (Combination)

Landscaping (Only)

Landscaping/Pesticide (Combination)

Landscaping/Snow Removal (Combination)

Masonry 

Mechanical 

Mechanical/HVAC

Pesticide Applicator (Only)

Playground 

Pool Installation 

Roofer 

Siding 

Temporary Food Service

Fire Suppression/Sprinkler System

Sign Installation 

Snow Removal  (Only)

Pet License

Solar

Structural Iron 

Fire Alarm

Synthetic Turf 

Tile Layer

Waterproofing 

Utility 

Waste Hauling/Scavenger

Waterproofing 

Addition

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

New Building

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Interior Alteration/Remodel

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Demolition

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Exterior Remodel (Non-Structural)

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Exterior Remodel (Structural)

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Windows

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Accessory Structure

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Fence

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Swimming Pool

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Grading, Paving/Driveways or Patios

As part of this application, a Site Layout submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Electrical

Electrical Permits are required for:

• New Outlets or Lights (Interior or Exterior)
• Panel Changes
• Rewiring
• New, Temporary or Upgrades to Service
• Generators
• Directly Wired Smoke Detectors

Electrical permit applications must be signed by the Registered Supervising Electrician who must be licensed and bonded with the Village.

Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Masonry

As part of this application, a Site Plan submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Mechanical

Mechanical Permits are required for:

• Air Conditioning
• Heating
• Storage Tanks (underground or above ground)
• Boiler Work
• Gas Piping

 Mechanical permit applications must be signed by the Registered Supervising Mechanical Contractor who must be licensed and bonded with the Village.

All applications involving the placement of new mechanical equipment must be accompanies accompanied by a diagram showing its location and distance between the equipment and property lines or fire-rated walls.

Plumbing Interior or Fixtures Only

Only plumbers license by the State of Illinois and registered with the Village of River Forest may submit Plumbing permits.

Applications must include:

• A Letter of Intent - A letter of intent shall be included with all plumbing permit applications. The letter shall be written on the licensed plumber of record’s business stationery and shall include the license holder’s signature and if the license holder is incorporated, the licenses holder’s corporate seal. If the license holder is not incorporated the letter must be notarized.
• Plan showing any alterations to locations of plumbing components or fixtures

Plumbing with Digging

As part of this application, a Construction Drawing submittal is required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completion can be issued.

Solar Energy Systems

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Completeion can be issued.

Underground Storage Tank

A Permit is required for the removal or remediation or abandonment of any underground storage tank as required by the International Fire Prevention Code (IFC) 2003, Section-105 Permits and applicable Sections of IFC Chapter 27- Hazardous Materials and Chapter 34 -Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Applicants must provide a copy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) removal permit with this application. Site Plan as approved by Illinois OSFM Upload a copy of the State of Illinois UST License belonging to the company that will be performing the removal/remediation work. A $30 fee must be collected prior to issuance of this permit pursuant to Municipal Code of the Village of River Forest, Section 7-2-11 The River Forest Fire Department will make periodical inspections during the tank removal operations. Fire Prevention can be reached at 708-714-3562.

Addressing Change

As part of this application, a Site Plan and Construction Drawings submittals are required to verify compliance with the adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination that this application submittal is complete, and after the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to begin construction. Upon completion of the work and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Block Party

Dumpster/Temporary Right of Way Obstruction

Dumpsters / Roll-off receptacles may be placed on the public right-of-way with the following conditions:

• Dumpster is not placed within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Not placed within 25 feet of a crosswalk
• Not placed within 10 feet of a private driveway
• Must be located in a legal parking area on the street
• Must be protected by a barricade with flashing lights
• Clearly marked with the name and 24-hour phone number of the owner
• Free of graffiti
• Owned and placed by a company that is licensed and bonded with the Village.  View the contractor licensing requirements to obtain a copy of the application.
• Applicant pays the $350 per month application fee as well as the $350 deposit

Dumpsters / Roll-off receptacles may be placed on Private Property $50 per month.

Portable Toilets may be placed in the front yard for $100 per month.

These permits are valid for a maximum of 120 days and may be extended past the initial 30 day period with the approval of the Village.

Applications for a placement of a dumpster or portable toilets must be accompanied by a site plan showing:

• The location of all structures on the property, labeled
• The adjacent street(s)
• Location where dumpster/portable toilet will be located

Film

After application submittal, upon determination that this application submittal is complete, a Permit Fee payment will be required for Permit Issuance. Permit Issuance provides permission to erect the Tent and request an inspection.

Sign

A sign permit is required to erect, enlarge, expand, alter, operate, or relocate a sign within the Village.

Please note the Village updated its sign regulations in November 2020.

Please see the Village Code or click here for the current regulations.

To expedite review, please be sure to submit the following with the permit application found below.

• Plans and specifications showing the location on the lot or building face and the methods of construction, illumination and support
• A scale drawing showing sign faces, exposed surfaces and the proposed message and design, accurately represented as to size, area, proportion and colorPhotographs of the street sides of the property, showing all existing signs
• A calculation of the total amount of sign area presently on the property
• The applicant's assertion that the sum of the areas of the requested sign and any existing sign do not exceed the maximum allowed
• Evidence of a valid business license (when required)Letter from a licensed architect, structural engineer, or sign manufacturer/installation company verifying the structural integrity, safety and overall soundness of the sign design and installation

Tent Only (Not an Event)

Utility Provider Work Permit

Zoning Verification

A Change of Use permit is required when changing the Use or Occupancy type of a building. A Life Safety Plan document submittal is required to verify compliance with all adopted related codes and regulations. Upon determination by the Building Department that this application submittal is complete, and the Plan Review is complete and approved, a Permit Fee payment will be required. Upon completion and passing of the final inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Fire Suppression/Sprinkler System

Fire Alarm

Special Event

Permits are required for Special Events and Amusements pursuant to Title 8, Chapter 12 of the Code of the Village of River Forest. Applications must be received no later than 10 days prior to Special Event.

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE: Any temporary occurrence conducted by a person, organization, entity or association, where fifty (50) or more individuals are gathered, involving a display, demonstration, performance, exhibition, entertainment or amusement which includes, but is not limited to:

• festivals,
• concerts,
• carnivals,
• haunted houses,
• food truck rallies,
• arts and craft shows,
• fundraisers,
• sporting events,
• parades,
• runs & walks,
• rallies, and
• other similar circumstances, where:
• village resources or property are affected, or
• village resources or property are reasonably expected to be affected.

Special Events do NOT include regularly scheduled events conducted on property where such events are normally held for such purpose (Ex: University school soccer game at University stadium).

Prior to beginning their application, applicants should be prepared to supply the names of contact information of any:

• Vendors
• Entertainment
• Security Providers
• Waste Hauling Services, and Plans for Clean-up and litter abatement
  

Temporary Liquor License Only

Temporary Food Service

Pre-App Meeting Planned Development

Pre-Application Meeting

Beekeeping

All residents and educational institutions must have a current beekeeping permit in order to keep honey bees.  Apiaries are not permitted on commercial property. See A guide to beekeeping for state and local requirements and other helpful links.  Also available is a Village beekeeping ordinance FAQ sheet. The placement of hives , maintenance, barriers, flyways, and signage must be in compliance with Village Code.  Click here for fence permit and requirements if the property does not meet apiary fencing requirements.  The following application materials are required in order to obtain a permit: Adjacent property notification - must be sent via First Class U.S. mail in no more than 30 calendar days and no less than 15 calendar days prior to the submission of permit.  A copy of the notification form as well as a completed list of addresses form are required.    Copy of Illinois Department of Agriculture registration (click here for ADOA registration information) Plat of survey marked with location of hive Proof that applicant is over 18 years old (driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport) $25 non-refundable fee The Village will issue a maximum of 22 permits; renewal applications take priority over new applications. New applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. No more than 2 colonies per lot are permitted.

Business License

A license is hereby required for the maintenance, operation or conduct of any business or establishment, or for doing business or engaging in any activity or occupation, from a location within the village. Any person shall be subject to the requirement if directly or through an agent, employee, or partner, such person, firm or corporation, holds itself forth as being engaged in the business or occupation; or solicits patronage therefor, actively or passively; or attempts to perform any part of a business or occupation in the village. All of the above activities are included when this chapter refers to "engaging in or carrying on any business, occupation or trade" or similar provisions ---- OR ---- Except as may be prohibited by law or otherwise expressly exempted herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or carry on any business, occupation or trade within the village without first having registered and having obtained a village license therefor. When the term "license" is used herein it shall include licenses in either written or sticker format. In order to apply all applicants must submit: a Business Name Registration with the Illinois Secretary of State or Trade Name registration with Cook County, and Citizenship & Private Employer Affidavits Additionally non-profits must submit proof of 501 status, and professional service providers must submit a copy of their State of Illinois Professional License.

Liquor License

A liquor license is required for the sale or offer of sale (including temporary events) of any alcoholic beverage. The Village maintains several different classifications of liquor licenses for businesses and restaurants. A formal application along with a non-refundable application fee of $500 is required. License fees vary with the type of license required. This application must be completed in full and submitted with a document outlining the applicant’s program for training its employees to properly handle the sale of alcoholic liquor and a non-refundable application fee of $500.00. The application shall be signed by the appropriate party as indicated below: The applicant if the applicant is an individual. The president and secretary if the applicant is a corporation. A general partner if the applicant is a partnership. Two duly authorized officials if the applicant is a not-for-profit institution.

Pet License

Alarm Contractor 

Antenna Installation 

Asbestos/Mold 

Asphalt Paving 

Brick Paving 

Carpenter 

Concrete 

Demolition 

Directional Boring 

Drywall Contractor 

Electrical

Elevator 

Environmental Excavation 

Excavation 

Fence 

Fire Sprinkler 

Flood Control 

Forester (Only)

Forester/Pesticide (Combination)

Foundation Repair 

Glazing 

Insulation 

Landscaper/Pesticide/Snow Removal (Combination)

Landscaping (Only)

Landscaping/Pesticide (Combination)

Landscaping/Snow Removal (Combination)

Masonry 

Mechanical 

Mechanical/HVAC

Pesticide Applicator (Only)

Playground 

Pool Installation 

Roofer 

Siding 

Sign Installation 

Snow Removal  (Only)

Solar

Structural Iron 

Synthetic Turf 

Tile Layer

Utility 

Waste Hauling/Scavenger

Waterproofing