Aurora, Illinois Roofing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
City Building Department (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
The Authority Having Jurisdiction for roofing permits in Aurora, Illinois, is the City of Aurora Division of Building and Permits, which operates under the Development Services Department. This division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Aurora Building Code, adopted model codes, and local ordinances. All roofing work, including replacements and major repairs, requires a permit. Applications can be submitted in person at their office located at 77 S. Broadway, 1st Floor, Aurora, IL 60505, or electronically via the city's eTRAKiT online portal.
Local Zoning and Fee Nuances
Roofing projects in Aurora are subject to specific local requirements and fee structures:
- Contractor Licensing: All roofing contractors must be registered with the City of Aurora. This requires proof of a valid State of Illinois Roofing License, a certificate of insurance (with the City of Aurora listed as primary and non-contributory additional insured), and compliance with statutory Illinois Workers' Compensation requirements.
- Ventilation Requirements: A Ventilation Calculation Worksheet is mandatory for all roofing permits. This process requires an attic inspection to verify existing attic area and ventilation to ensure the system is balanced and meets current code requirements.
- Specific Review Triggers: Certain projects require additional review, including work on flat roofs, commercial roofs, cathedral ceilings, properties within the Historic or Foxwalk Districts, or projects involving structural framing or sheathing replacement.
- Permit Fees: Fees are determined by the City of Aurora's annual fee schedule. The total cost typically includes an application fee, a permit inspection fee (PIF), and a plan review fee (PRF), which are calculated based on the valuation of the work.
- Prohibitions: The installation of a third layer of shingles is prohibited. If two or more existing roof layers are present, all existing layers must be removed prior to the installation of new material.
Resources to Learn More
Because Aurora is located within Kane, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Kane, Illinois Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Roofing Permit Requirements in Kane County, Illinois
In Kane County, Illinois, building permits are required for most construction, alteration, or repair work on properties located in unincorporated areas. This includes roofing projects. If your property is located within an incorporated city or village, you must contact that municipality's building department, as they hold jurisdiction over permits rather than the county.
For properties in unincorporated Kane County, the Development & Community Services – Building & Zoning Division manages the permit process. Roofing is specifically listed as a type of work requiring a permit application. When applying, you must provide information regarding the roofing contractor, including their Illinois State Roofing License number. The county has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code and 2021 International Building Code, which govern the standards for such work.
To obtain a permit, you must submit a completed building permit application along with the necessary documentation, such as project scope and contractor details, through the Kane County online portal or in person at the county offices in Geneva. Fees are calculated based on the estimated cost of the work, and all payments must be made electronically after the permit application has been reviewed and approved.
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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.
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