Aurora, Illinois Roofing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Aurora, Illinois Roofing Permit Ordinances
In Aurora, Illinois, the Division of Building and Permits is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for roofing permit ordinances. This division is responsible for administering and enforcing the Aurora Building Code, adopted model codes, and local ordinances to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents and businesses.
For roofing projects, a building permit is always required in Aurora, regardless of the scope of work. Contractors performing roofing work must be licensed with the City of Aurora. This includes registering as a Roofing Contractor or, if sub-contracting, as a General Contractor. Specific requirements for contractor registration include a completed application, proof of active business registration with the Secretary of State or a County DBA Certificate, a State of Illinois Roofing License, and a Certificate of Insurance. The insurance must meet specific minimums: $1,000,000 in general liability with $500,000 per occurrence, and the City of Aurora must be listed as primary and non-contributory additional insured. Worker's Compensation insurance in compliance with Illinois statutes is also required.
Specific Local Zoning or Fee Nuances:
- Permit Application and Fees: A completed permit application is required, which can be submitted in person or electronically via the eTRAKiT Online Portal. Permit fees are based on the project scope and valuation. For single-family residential roofing, the application fee is $70. For commercial roofing, the application fee is $105. A detailed permit fee schedule is available, with adjustments made annually.
- Ventilation Calculation Worksheet: All roofing permits require a Ventilation Calculation Worksheet. This worksheet necessitates an attic inspection to verify the attic area and existing ventilation, even if no changes are planned. Each separate attic space requires its own worksheet.
- Reviews for Specific Roof Types: Certain roofing projects may require additional reviews. These include projects involving cathedral ceilings, flat roofs, commercial roofs, historic districts, the Foxwalk District, replacement of structural framing, replacement of all sheathing material, or the installation of a new power vent.
- Contract Requirements: A copy of the roofing contract is required. If the contract is in the name of a third-party company, that company must also register as a General Contractor.
- Shingle Limits: A maximum of two layers of shingles are permitted. If there are two or more existing layers, all existing layers must be removed before installing new roofing material.
- Zoning Considerations: While not directly a roofing permit fee, zoning ordinances require properties to maintain a certain percentage of green space. For questions regarding zoning, contact 630-256-3080.
Resources to Learn More
Because Aurora is located within Kane County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Kane County, Illinois Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Kane County Building & Safety Jurisdiction
In Kane County, Illinois, building permit administration, plan review, and inspection services for unincorporated areas are managed by the Kane County Development & Community Services Department, specifically the Building & Safety Division. This division ensures that construction projects comply with adopted building codes, which currently include the 2021 editions of the International Code Council (ICC) codes.
Roofing Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
Properties located in unincorporated Kane County are required to obtain a building permit for most construction, alteration, or repair work, which includes roofing projects. When applying for a permit involving roofing work, the following requirements generally apply:
- Permit Application: Applicants must submit a completed Kane County Building Permit Application, which specifically includes a section for roofing work.
- Contractor Information: The application requires detailed information regarding the roofing contractor, including their name, contact details, and their Illinois Roofing Contractor License number. A copy of the license must be submitted with the application.
- Scope of Work: The application must include a clear description of the proposed roofing work.
- Submission Methods: Applications and required documents can be submitted via the Kane County online portal, via email to the Building & Safety Division, or in person at the county office in Geneva.
- Fees: Permit fees are calculated based on the project scope and are payable electronically through the county's online portal system after the permit application has been approved.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Illinois:
Illinois Roofing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State-Level Building Codes and Legislation for Roofing in Illinois
As of January 1, 2025, Illinois has implemented a statewide baseline building code requirement pursuant to Public Act 103-0510, which amended the Capital Development Board Act. This legislation mandates that all municipalities and counties in Illinois must adopt and enforce building codes that meet or exceed the minimum structural requirements of the International Code Council (ICC) standards, specifically the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). Prior to this, Illinois did not have a unified statewide building code, and regulations were determined entirely at the local municipal or county level.
While the state now requires a baseline, local jurisdictions retain the authority to adopt their own specific editions (such as the 2018, 2021, or 2024 editions) and implement local amendments, provided those amendments do not reduce the structural requirements below the state-mandated baseline. Consequently, specific roofing requirements—such as those for ice and water shields, ventilation, and shingle layering—can still vary significantly between different cities, villages, and counties. Property owners and contractors must consult their local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm the specific code edition and local amendments applicable to their project.
Primary State Agency
The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) is the primary state agency responsible for the administration of the state's building code framework. Under the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105), the CDB is tasked with identifying and publishing local building codes and ensuring that municipalities and counties comply with the requirement to report their adopted codes and amendments to the state.
Resources to Learn More