If you’re planning to build a deck at your Aurora home, you’ll need a building permit from the City of Aurora before any work begins. This guide walks you through the entire process — from the application and fees to zoning setbacks and inspections — so you know exactly what to expect.
Who Handles Deck Permits in Aurora?
Deck permits in Aurora are managed by the Division of Building & Permits, which operates under the city’s Development Services Department. This is where you’ll submit your application, schedule inspections, and pick up your approved permit.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Division of Building & Permits |
| Address | 77 S Broadway, 1st Floor, Aurora, IL 60505 |
| Phone | (630) 256-3130 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Online Portal | eTRAKiT |
| Website | aurora.il.us – Building & Permits |
Important note: The Building & Permits office at 77 S Broadway is separate from Aurora’s main City Hall at 44 E Downer Place. Make sure you go to the Broadway location for all permit-related business.
Does Your Deck Require a Permit?
In Aurora, the answer is almost always yes. The city classifies decks as accessory structures and requires a permit for new construction. This applies whether you’re building a small platform deck off your back door or a large, multi-level outdoor living space.
Even if your deck will be at or near ground level, you should contact the Building & Permits Division at (630) 256-3130 to confirm whether your specific project needs a permit. Building without one can result in stop-work orders, fines, and being required to tear down non-compliant work.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Aurora uses the Accessory Structure permit application for decks, porches, gazebos, and ramps. You can submit your application online through the eTRAKiT portal or in person at the Broadway office. Here’s what to have ready:
- Completed application form — Available as a PDF on the City of Aurora Permit List page under “Residential/Commercial.”
- Site plan / plat of survey — Must show your property lines, all existing structures, and the proposed deck location with distances to each property line (setbacks).
- Construction drawings — Include dimensions, materials, footing details, post sizes, beam spans, joist spacing, ledger board attachment, and railing height. Commercial applications require plans stamped by a licensed design professional.
- Manufacturer specs — Cut sheets for any proprietary hardware, connectors, or composite decking products you plan to use.
- Proof of contractor licensing — Your contractor must be licensed and registered with the City of Aurora before the permit is issued. Homeowners doing their own work are typically exempt from this requirement.
If you’re thinking about which surface material holds up best under Midwest summers, it’s worth reading about composite boards designed to resist heat buildup before you finalize your plans.
Permit Fees for a Deck in Aurora (2026)
Aurora updated its building permit fee schedule effective January 1, 2026. For a residential deck or gazebo, expect the following base fees. Additional costs may apply depending on your project’s total valuation.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $77 (non-refundable, due at submittal) |
| Permit Inspection Fee (PIF) | $93 minimum (calculated as valuation × 1.75%) |
| Plan Review Fee (PRF) | $77 minimum (calculated as PIF × 15%) |
| Certificate of Completion | $23 |
You can view the full 2026 fee schedule on the city’s website or use the eTRAKiT portal for a project-specific estimate. The application fee is non-refundable — this was added to offset costs from abandoned applications.
Zoning Setbacks That Affect Your Deck
Before you finalize your deck’s size and placement, you need to know your property’s zoning setbacks. Aurora’s zoning ordinance dictates how close structures — including decks — can be to your property lines.
Most single-family homes in Aurora are zoned R-1 (Single-Family Residential). In this district, the standard setbacks measured from the property line to the nearest point of the structure are:
| Setback | R-1 Residential Minimum |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | Average of adjacent properties, no less than 20 feet |
| Side Yard | 5 feet |
| Rear Yard | 20 feet minimum |
Because Aurora spans parts of Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall counties, and includes several zoning districts and planned developments, your property’s setbacks may differ from the standard R-1 requirements above. Always verify your specific setbacks with the city before designing your deck. You can call the Building & Permits Division at (630) 256-3130 or submit a land use inquiry through the city’s website.
If your property is in a historic district near downtown Aurora, you may also need a Certificate of Appropriateness before you can proceed. Check with the city’s Historic Preservation office to find out.
Structural Requirements to Know
Aurora follows the International Residential Code (IRC) for single-family construction. Here are the key structural requirements that come up most often with deck projects:
- Footings must extend to frost depth — In northern Illinois, that’s a minimum of 42 inches below grade. This prevents frost heave from shifting your deck.
- Residential accessory structures over 768 square feet require full frost-depth footings and a continuous foundation.
- Guardrails are required on any deck surface more than 30 inches above grade, and must be at least 36 inches high.
- Ledger board connections must be properly flashed and lag-bolted or through-bolted to the house’s rim joist — no nails.
- Stairways need handrails and must meet code for riser height, tread depth, and width.
When comparing lumber versus manufactured boards for your project, keep in mind that the structural framing — posts, beams, and joists — will still typically be pressure-treated wood regardless of your decking surface choice.
The Inspection Process
After your permit is approved and work begins, the city will need to inspect your deck at key stages. You can schedule inspections through the eTRAKiT portal or by calling (630) 256-3130.
While the exact inspections required depend on your project scope, a typical residential deck permit in Aurora includes:
- Footing inspection — Before pouring concrete. The inspector verifies hole depth (42″ minimum), diameter, and soil conditions.
- Framing inspection — After the structural framework is in place 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, stairs, and any electrical (if applicable). Passing this inspection leads to your Certificate of Completion.
Keep your approved permit and plans on site at all times during construction. Inspectors will reference them during each visit.
How Long Does the Permit Process Take?
Aurora publishes estimated review timeframes in a Timeframes and Inspector Contact handout (PDF) available on their website. For a straightforward residential deck, plan review typically takes a few weeks, though timelines can vary based on the city’s current workload and the completeness of your submission.
The most common reason for delays is an incomplete application. Missing site plans, unclear drawings, or unlicensed contractors can all add weeks to your timeline. Submit everything the first time and you’ll move through the process faster.
Tips to Keep Your Project on Track
- Call before you dig. Illinois law requires you to contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at 811 at least 48 hours before any digging. This is free and protects you from hitting buried utility lines.
- Get a current plat of survey. If you don’t have one, your title company or a local surveyor can provide it. The city will need it to verify setback distances.
- Confirm your zoning district early. Don’t assume you’re in R-1. Aurora has several zoning districts, and planned developments may have unique rules.
- Make sure your contractor is Aurora-registered. The city won’t issue the permit until the contractor’s license is on file. Ask your builder for their Aurora registration number before signing a contract.
Quick-Reference: Deck Permit Checklist for Aurora Homeowners
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Verify your zoning district and setbacks with the city |
| 2 | Call 811 to mark underground utilities |
| 3 | Prepare site plan, construction drawings, and material specs |
| 4 | Submit the Accessory Structure application via eTRAKiT or in person |
| 5 | Pay the application fee ($77) at submittal |
| 6 | Wait for plan review approval and pay remaining permit fees |
| 7 | Begin construction and schedule inspections through eTRAKiT |
| 8 | Pass final inspection and receive Certificate of Completion |
Ready to Build Your Deck in Aurora?
Platinum Decking helps homeowners across the Aurora area navigate the entire deck-building process — from permit planning to final inspection. If you’d like help getting started, give us a call at (224) 634-4345 or visit platinumdecking.com to request a consultation.