IL License Number: 104.017181
IL License Number: 104.017181
Below is a summary of permit requirements for each exterior renovation service we offer in Arlington Heights. This was verified directly by phone with the Building Department.
| Service | Permit? | Fee | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Replacement | YES | $75 | Flat fee residential, no physical inspection (affidavit form) |
| Garage Roof | YES | $25 | Flat fee for detached garage roof replacement |
| Siding Replacement | NO | N/A | No permit required for siding replacement |
| Gutters | NO | N/A | No permit required for gutter replacement or installation |
| Soffit & Fascia | NO | N/A | No permit required for soffit and fascia replacement |
| Insulation | CALL | CALL | Depends on scope - contact plan reviewer at Building Dept |
| Windows | YES | Varies | Online checklist, U-factor requirement, proposal needed |
Arlington Heights has one of the most streamlined roofing permit processes in the Chicago suburbs. The $75 flat fee is lower than many neighboring communities, and the lack of a physical inspection requirement (replaced by a contractor affidavit) means less scheduling hassle and faster project completion.
Yes. Arlington Heights requires a building permit for roof replacement. The fee is $75 for a residential roof (flat fee) or $25 for a detached garage. One unique advantage: Arlington Heights does not require a physical inspection – your contractor submits an affidavit/acknowledgment form instead.
Siding replacement does not require a building permit in Arlington Heights. This applies to all siding materials including vinyl, LP SmartSide engineered wood, and James Hardie fiber cement. However, if structural damage is discovered during siding removal, contact the Building Department as additional permits may be necessary.
Vinyl siding for a full house re-side typically costs $10,000-$30,000 depending on home size. LP SmartSide and James Hardie fiber cement siding cost $20,000-$50,000. Arlington Heights has many larger homes, so projects tend to fall in the mid-to-upper range.
Vinyl is the most affordable and virtually maintenance-free. LP SmartSide offers the warmth of real wood with engineered durability and a 5/50-year prorated warranty. James Hardie fiber cement is the premium choice with superior fire resistance, a 30-year substrate warranty, and 15-year ColorPlus finish warranty. For Arlington Heights homes, all three are popular choices. James Hardie and LP SmartSide tend to add more resale value in this market.
More on our blog: Ultimate Siding Materials Guide: Which Product is Best for Your Home’s Unique Needs?
Seamless aluminum gutter replacement for a typical home costs $3,000-$6,000, including new gutters, downspouts, and all hardware.
Soffit and fascia replacement for a typical home costs $6,000-$12,000. This is often combined with a siding project for better pricing and seamless results.
Permit required: UNCERTAIN, as this depends on scope. Contact the plan reviewer at the Building Department.
Sue at the Arlington Heights Building Department indicated that insulation permit requirements depend on the scope of work. For standard blown-in attic insulation, a permit may not be required, but if the project involves any electrical modifications or significant structural interaction, a permit could be needed. We recommend contacting the plan reviewer at (847) 368-5560 to confirm for your specific project.
Blown-in attic insulation for a typical home costs approximately $10,000. This covers bringing your attic up to or exceeding the Illinois energy code minimum of R-49. We typically install R-60 or higher.
Permit required: YES – Arlington Heights requires a permit for window replacement.
Process: Online checklist, contractor must provide proposal showing U-factor compliance.
U-factor requirement: Maximum U-factor of 0.30 per Illinois Energy Conservation Code (Climate Zone 5).
Unlike some neighboring villages where window replacement (same size, same opening) is exempt, Arlington Heights requires a permit for window replacement. The process involves an online checklist, and your contractor must provide a proposal that demonstrates the new windows meet the required U-factor of 0.30 or better.
Each municipality sets its own permit requirements. Arlington Heights uses the window permit process to verify that replacement windows meet current energy code standards (U-factor 0.30 maximum). This protects homeowners by ensuring energy-efficient installations.
Address: 33 S Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (847) 368-5560
Email: building@vah.com
Website: https://www.vah.com/
Contractor license fee: $130/year (or $65 if applying from July onward)
Bond requirement: NO bond or insurance required for general contractor registration (confirmed on vah.com website).
Exception: Demolition/Excavation contractors need a $20,000 bond. Sewer contractors need a $10,000 bond.
Roofing: State roofing license (IDFPR) required for roofing work.
Arlington Heights has one of the simplest contractor registration processes in the area – no bond or insurance requirement for general contractors. However, this means homeowners should be extra diligent about verifying their contractor’s insurance independently. Always ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
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