The Village of Westmont requires a building permit for all new decks, porches, gazebos, and patios — as well as for any structural modifications to existing outdoor structures. The Community Development Department handles the process from application through final inspection, and the Village has recently adopted the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments. If you’re planning to add a deck to your Westmont home, this guide explains how the process works.
The Community Development Department
The Village of Westmont Community Development Department manages building permits, plan reviews, inspections, zoning compliance, and contractor registration. The department’s Permitting (Building) Division handles all residential construction permits, including decks.
| Detail | Information |
| Department | Community Development |
| Address | 31 W. Quincy St, Westmont, IL 60559 |
| Phone | (630) 981-6250 |
| permitting@westmont.il.gov | |
| Planner (Zoning) | (630) 981-6262 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Online Portal | Civic Access Portal (westmont.illinois.gov) |
| Building Code | 2021 IRC with Westmont amendments |
The Village’s recommendation: contact Community Development at (630) 981-6250 or email permitting@westmont.il.gov before starting any property improvement to confirm whether a permit is required.
When a Permit Is Required
Per Westmont Municipal Code Section 18-36, a permit is required before constructing, erecting, altering, installing, adding to, enlarging, repairing, converting, removing, or demolishing any building or structure — including decks, porches, patios, and gazebos.
The penalty for working without a permit is significant: $300 or double the total permit cost, whichever is greater, plus the cost of the permit itself. First-time offenders on small projects may receive a $100–$300 fine on top of permit costs.
How to Apply
Westmont offers online permit submission through the Civic Access Portal for select permit types. Deck permits can also be submitted in person at Village Hall or by emailing documents to permitting@westmont.il.gov.
Every construction project requires a completed General Permit Application. For a deck project, plan to submit:
- A completed General Permit Application with property owner and contractor signatures
- A plat of survey showing property lines, easements, and all existing structures
- A dimensioned site plan showing the proposed deck location and distances from property lines
- Construction drawings: framing plan, footing plan, ledger board details, and elevation drawings
- Material specifications
- Relevant Westmont Specification Sheets or manufacturer cut sheets
- Contractor registration documentation
Fees
All permit submittals require a non-refundable application fee at submission. The fee is $100 or 0.4% of the approved construction cost, whichever is greater. Remaining balance for permit and inspection fees is due at permit issuance. Applications without the fee will not be accepted.
Contractor Registration
All contractors working in Westmont must be registered with the Village before permits are issued. Registration requires a $50 fee, a minimum $10,000 surety bond naming the Village, and proof of insurance. Electricians must also provide a current license. Registration is valid for one year.
Zoning and Lot Coverage
Westmont is a largely built-out community in DuPage County, which means most lots are smaller than newer subdivisions farther west. The Village’s zoning ordinance sets a maximum lot coverage of 35%. This includes the footprint of your house, garage, deck, patio, driveway, shed, and all other structures.
The Village recently completed a comprehensive zoning ordinance update — the first major revision since the late 1970s — adopted in 2025 and effective in early 2026. If you received zoning information before this date, confirm the current rules with the Village Planner at (630) 981-6262.
Code Requirements for Decks
Westmont follows the 2021 IRC with local amendments. Key requirements:
- Footing depth of at least 42 inches (DuPage County frost line)
- Guardrails required for any deck surface more than 30 inches above grade
- Minimum guardrail height of 36 inches; baluster spacing no greater than 4 inches
- Ledger boards attached with approved fasteners; joist hangers at all connections
- Stair tread depth at least 10 inches, riser height no more than 7.75 inches
- All structural lumber must be pressure-treated or naturally decay-resistant
Construction Hours
Construction noise in Westmont is regulated between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Construction work is effectively permitted from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Village has specific construction site management requirements depending on project scope.
Inspections
Standard deck inspections include:
- Footing inspection — Before concrete is poured, verifying hole depth (42″ minimum), diameter, and placement
- Framing inspection — After substructure is built, checking joist spacing, beam connections, ledger attachment, and hardware
- Final inspection — Confirming railing height, stair dimensions, baluster spacing, and overall plan compliance
Choosing the Right Materials
Our review of heat-resistant composite decking (platinumdecking.com/heat-resistant-composite-decking/) covers how different products handle DuPage County’s climate. For a contractor’s perspective on material trade-offs, see our breakdown of selecting the right decking material. And for help choosing colors, take a look at our guide to picking deck colors.
Ready to Build?
Platinum Decking designs and builds custom decks for homeowners in Westmont and across the western suburbs. We handle the full permit process — from plan preparation through Village submission and all required inspections. Call us at (224) 634-4345 to discuss your project.