Planning to add a deck or patio to your North Aurora home? The Village requires a building permit for both types of projects before any construction begins. This guide covers everything you need — from the application and fees to setback rules and inspections — so you can move through the process smoothly.
Where to Apply for a Deck or Patio Permit
Deck and patio permits in North Aurora are handled by the Community Development Department at Village Hall. You can apply online through the village’s Cloudpermit platform, submit your application in person, or email it to the department.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Village of North Aurora – Community Development |
| Address | 25 E State Street, North Aurora, IL 60542 |
| Phone | (630) 897-1457 |
| cdinfo@northaurora.org | |
| Online Portal | Cloudpermit |
| Website | northaurora.org – Building & Zoning Applications |
| Village Hall Hours | Monday – Friday |
You can also reach the Building Permit Technician, Kathleen Shields, directly at (331) 385-6170 or kshields@northaurora.org with questions about your application.
Deck Permits vs. Patio Permits: What’s the Difference?
North Aurora has separate applications for decks and patios. While both cost the same and follow a similar submission process, they have different structural requirements and setback rules. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Requirement | Deck | Patio |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | $75 | $75 |
| Rear Lot Line Setback | 5 feet | 10 feet |
| Interior Side Lot Line Setback | 5 feet | 5 feet |
| Allowed in Front Yard? | No | No |
| Inspections | Posthole, Rough Framing, Final | Pre-Pour or Final, Gas Line (if applicable) |
Notice that patios require a larger setback from your rear property line (10 feet) compared to decks (5 feet). This is something to plan around early, especially on smaller lots. Both the deck application (PDF) and patio application (PDF) are available on the village’s website.
What You’ll Need to Submit
North Aurora won’t accept an incomplete application, so it’s important to gather everything upfront. The village requires:
- Completed residential building permit application — Available on the Building & Zoning Applications page or through Cloudpermit.
- Current plat of survey — Must show all existing improvements, the proposed deck or patio drawn to scale, and the distance from the project to each property line. No structures are allowed within easements.
- Location worksheet — Included with the application. Distances and dimensions must match your plat of survey.
- Contract or proposal — One copy from the contractor performing the work.
- Scope of work with construction details — For decks, this means drawings showing footing layout, post sizes, beam spans, joist spacing, ledger connections, and railing details.
If you’re building a deck with composite boards, you’ll want to finalize your material choice before applying. Understanding how different composites perform in direct sunlight can help you make a confident decision for your submittal documents.
Permit Fees at a Glance
North Aurora uses a simple tiered fee structure. Most backyard outdoor living projects fall under Tier 1 at $75. Here are the fees most relevant to deck and patio work:
| Permit Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Deck | $75 |
| Patio | $75 |
| Pergola / Gazebo | $175 |
| Gas Line Inspection | $75 (if adding a gas fire feature) |
| Reinspection Fee | $100 (if an inspection fails) |
You can view the complete fee schedule in the village’s Construction Permitting Fees document (PDF). Payment can be made over the phone with a debit or credit card once your permit is approved.
Contractor Requirements in North Aurora
Here’s a detail that sets North Aurora apart from many neighboring municipalities: contractor registration is not required. Your deck or patio builder does not need a separate village license to work in North Aurora.
However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:
- Plumbing work requires a State of Illinois Plumbing License, plus a Letter of Intent from the plumber.
- Roofing-related work (such as solar panel installations) requires a State of Illinois Roofing License.
- If you’re working on a home built before 1978, contractors must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified under the federal RRP rule.
While the village doesn’t require registration, you should still verify that any contractor you hire carries proper insurance and has experience pulling permits in Kane County. When weighing different surface options with your builder, ask how their material recommendations affect the structural design and approval process.
Structural Rules for Decks
North Aurora’s deck application spells out specific construction standards your project must meet:
- Footings — Concrete piers must be at least 10 inches in diameter and 42 inches deep (frost depth for northern Illinois).
- Posts — Decks that are 60 inches (5 feet) or more above grade require 6×6 posts.
- Guardrails — Required on any deck surface 30 inches or more above grade. Rails must be at least 36 inches high with less than 4 inches of space between balusters.
- Stairs — Must have equal treads and risers, land on a hard surface, and include a handrail if there are four or more risers.
Patio-Specific Rules
If you’re building a patio instead of (or in addition to) a deck, note these requirements from the village:
- Patios cannot be located in any easement, front yard, or corner side yard.
- The maximum stair riser height is 7¾ inches.
- Outdoor fireplaces must be at least 10 feet from the rear lot line.
- Fire pits must be at least 25 feet from any structure. With an approved container, that distance drops to 15 feet from combustible materials.
- A gas line inspection ($75 additional) is required if you’re running gas to an outdoor fire feature.
The Inspection Process
After your permit is approved and work begins, you’re responsible for scheduling all required inspections. Your permit job card — which the village issues with your approved permit — must be visible from the street during construction.
For a deck, expect three inspections:
- Posthole inspection — Before pouring concrete into the footings. The inspector checks hole depth (42″ minimum) and diameter (10″ minimum).
- Rough framing inspection — After the structural framework is up but before the decking surface is installed. This covers posts, beams, joists, ledger attachment, and hardware.
- Final inspection — After all work is complete, including decking, railings, and stairs.
For a patio, there are typically one to two inspections: a pre-pour inspection (for concrete patios) or a final inspection (for pavers), plus a gas line inspection if applicable.
If any inspection fails, a $100 reinspection fee applies and must be paid before you can reschedule.
How Long Does the Permit Take?
The Village of North Aurora asks applicants to allow 10 working days for permit review. That clock doesn’t start until your application is complete with all required documents. Missing items — like a plat of survey without the proposed project drawn to scale or a missing contractor proposal — will delay the process.
Once approved, a staff member will contact you by phone or email to let you know the permit is ready to be picked up and paid for.
Construction Hours
North Aurora enforces specific construction hours that your contractor needs to follow:
| Day | Allowed Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Tips for a Smooth Permit Experience
- Call JULIE (811) before digging. Illinois law requires you to contact JULIE at least 48 hours before any excavation to mark underground utility lines. This is free and required for deck footings.
- Check your HOA rules. The village makes clear that it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the project complies with any Homeowner Association bylaws or covenants. Your permit approval from the village doesn’t override HOA restrictions.
- Use Cloudpermit to track your application. The online platform sends automatic email updates when your application status changes, so you don’t have to keep calling the office.
- Don’t forget the location worksheet. This is the most commonly overlooked item. The distances on your worksheet must match the plat of survey exactly.
Quick-Reference: Permit Checklist for North Aurora Homeowners
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm your project meets setback requirements (5′ side / 5′ rear for decks, 5′ side / 10′ rear for patios) |
| 2 | Call 811 to mark underground utilities |
| 3 | Gather your plat of survey, location worksheet, contractor proposal, and construction details |
| 4 | Submit your application via Cloudpermit, email, or in person at Village Hall |
| 5 | Allow 10 working days for review |
| 6 | Pay the $75 permit fee when notified of approval |
| 7 | Post your permit job card visible from the street and begin construction |
| 8 | Schedule and pass all required inspections |
Need Help With Your North Aurora Deck or Patio Project?
Platinum Decking works with homeowners throughout the Fox Valley area, including North Aurora, to plan and build outdoor living spaces that meet local code requirements. Give us a call at (224) 634-4345 or visit platinumdecking.com to start a conversation about your project.