Building a deck in Glen Ellyn involves more than a standard permit application. The Village has an active Historic Preservation Commission, a substantial inventory of landmarked properties, and architectural standards that apply to exterior work — all operating alongside the standard building permit process. This guide covers both tracks: what the Building Division requires for any deck permit in Glen Ellyn, and what additional review applies if your property carries a landmark designation.
Does My Deck Project Require a Permit in Glen Ellyn?
Yes. The Village of Glen Ellyn Building Division requires a permit before you construct any new deck or alter an existing one. The Village also explicitly states that any work affecting the exterior appearance of a Glen Ellyn Landmark requires a permit — which means landmarked properties face an additional review layer that standard properties do not.
Glen Ellyn enforces the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments, effective for all permit applications received after January 1, 2024. Glen Ellyn also enforces the 2018 IBC, the 2017 NEC, the 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, and the 2024 Illinois Energy Conservation Code. Illinois Public Act 103-0510 (effective January 1, 2025) sets the 2018 IRC as the minimum statewide baseline, which Glen Ellyn meets.
Where to Apply
| Detail | Information |
| Department | Community Development Department – Building Division |
| Address | 535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 |
| Phone | (630) 547-5250 |
| Fax | (630) 547-5370 |
| buildingpermits@glenellyn.org | |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Primary Submission | LAMA Online Permit Portal (glenellyn.onlama.com) |
| Alternative | Email PDF documents to buildingpermits@glenellyn.org; drop box at Community Development counter; mail |
| Fee Payment | Credit card by phone; check by mail or drop box; plan review fee paid at time of submission |
Glen Ellyn’s permit system has moved to the LAMA online platform as its primary application channel. Prepare all documents in PDF format before starting the application. The permit placard and approved documents will be issued through your LAMA account and must be printed and posted at the construction site, visible from the public way, throughout the project.
What to Submit with Your Deck Permit Application
Glen Ellyn uses a Residential Outdoor Structure Permit Application for decks. The following documents must be submitted to initiate plan review:
- Permit application signed by the property owner (owner signature required; contractor may sign as authorized agent)
- Plan review fee payment — amount determined by the Permit Clerk at time of submission
- Contractor Listing Sheet identifying all contractors working on the project, each of whom must comply with Village Code Section 4-1-11 license and insurance requirements
- Plat of Survey — 3 copies, marked to identify the proposed deck location with dimensions and distance from the principal structure and all lot lines
- Construction plans — 3 copies containing all construction details: footing size and depth, post size and spacing, beam size and span, joist size and spacing, decking, stairs, and railing with all dimensions and member sizes
- Tree Preservation Plan — required if the project disturbs more than 300 sq ft of existing grade, or if the deck enlarges an existing structure by 20% or more
- Drainage/Stormwater Plan — required if more than 300 sq ft of existing grade is disturbed
Construction plans are generally required to be prepared and stamped by an Illinois licensed architect or structural engineer, unless the project does not include structural or significant life safety work — a determination made by the Building Official. Confirm with the Building Division at (630) 547-5250 whether stamped plans are required for your specific scope before hiring a designer.
Permit Fees and Deposits
Glen Ellyn permit fees are calculated based on permit type and construction costs per the Village Code fee schedule. A new permit fee schedule became effective April 21, 2025 — confirm current fees with the Building Division before submitting. Some fees are paid at application; others at permit issuance following plan review. Glen Ellyn also charges refundable deposits to cover potential damage to public property during construction, returned in full after the final inspection if no damage occurred.
Contractor Requirements
All contractors must comply with Village Code Section 4-1-11 license and insurance requirements and must be identified on the Contractor Listing Sheet at time of application. Contractors in violation of this section may face citations, a Stop Work Order, or permit suspension or revocation.
The Landmark Property Layer: What Changes If Your Home Is Designated
Glen Ellyn takes historic preservation seriously. The Village has an active Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), an ongoing landmarking program, and preservation guidelines based on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. If your property carries a current Glen Ellyn Landmark designation, a deck project triggers an additional approval step that runs alongside the building permit process.
How to Know If Your Property Is Landmarked
The Village maintains a list and map of landmarked properties on the Village website. If you’re unsure whether your property is landmarked, call Community Development at (630) 547-5250.
What the HPC Review Requires
If your property is landmarked, any work affecting the exterior appearance — including the addition of a deck — requires you to submit an Application for Exterior Alteration of a Landmarked Property to the HPC in addition to your building permit application. The HPC reviews proposals against the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation:
- New additions shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the historic property
- New additions shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property
- New construction shall be differentiated from the old — it should not pretend to be original historic fabric
- New additions shall preserve the essential form and integrity of the historic property, even if removed in the future
- Materials must be commensurate in quality with the historic building’s materials and craftsmanship
The HPC meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane Street. Contact the Planning Division at (630) 547-5250 to confirm current submission deadlines before the next HPC meeting.
Practical Guidance for Landmarked Properties
Glen Ellyn’s preservation guidelines note that rear portions of buildings — less visible from the street — are more flexible for alterations and additions. A deck added to the rear of a landmark home is generally viewed more favorably than a front porch or streetside addition. All exterior alterations on landmarked properties require HPC review regardless of location.
Material choices matter. The HPC looks at whether deck materials are compatible with the historic character of the structure. Pressure-treated wood or naturally durable wood decking in stained or natural tones typically reads as more compatible with historic fabric than high-gloss composites or aluminum-framed systems. The Commission specifically notes that material samples may be required to be brought to the HPC meeting.
Required Inspections
Inspection requirements are detailed at permit issuance in your LAMA account. For a standard residential deck, inspections typically include at minimum a footing inspection before concrete is poured and a final inspection before the deck is put into use. To schedule an inspection, use the LAMA system or call Community Development at (630) 547-5250. The approved permit and plan set must be on site and accessible to inspectors at every inspection stage.
Before You Dig: Call J.U.L.I.E.
Illinois law requires you to call J.U.L.I.E. at least 48 hours before any digging. Dial 811 or visit illinois1call.com. Free and available 24/7. Glen Ellyn’s permit materials specifically reference the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act as an applicable regulation.
Quick Reference: Glen Ellyn Deck Permit Checklist
- Confirm whether your property is a designated Glen Ellyn Landmark (check Village maps or call (630) 547-5250)
- If landmarked: submit Application for Exterior Alteration to the HPC before or alongside your building permit application
- Confirm zoning setback requirements for your lot type with Community Development
- Determine whether stamped architect/engineer plans are required for your project scope
- Prepare construction plans and all required documents in PDF format
- Prepare 3 copies of Plat of Survey marked with deck location, dimensions, and distances to all lot lines
- Prepare 3 copies of construction plans with all structural details
- Confirm whether Tree Preservation Plan or Drainage/Stormwater Plan is required (>300 sq ft disturbed or >20% enlargement)
- Complete Contractor Listing Sheet identifying all contractors (each must comply with Village Code §4-1-11)
- Submit application through LAMA online portal (glenellyn.onlama.com) or by email to buildingpermits@glenellyn.org
- Pay plan review fee at time of submission
- Pay remaining permit fee and deposit at issuance
- Print permit placard and post at property, visible from public way
- Keep approved plan set at construction site at all times during construction
- Call J.U.L.I.E. at 811 at least 48 hours before digging
- Schedule footing inspection before pouring concrete
- Schedule final inspection before using the deck
For a look at how a neighboring municipality handles the permit process with a different procedural structure, our guide on Carol Stream’s deck permit requirements for homeowners covers how that Village uses its UDO zoning rules alongside the building permit process.
For landmarked properties where material compatibility with historic fabric is part of HPC review, our overview of how wood and composite decking compare in durability and appearance over time can help you evaluate which options are most likely to satisfy both code and Commission standards.
Building a Deck in Glen Ellyn? Talk to Platinum Decking.
Platinum Decking builds decks and outdoor living spaces throughout DuPage County — managing permit applications, landmark review coordination, and the complete build. Call us at (224) 634-4345 to talk through your project.