Building Department
Building Director: Brian Goralski
Assistant Building Director: Don Fredericks
In 1947, the Building Department was approved by ordinance to provide safety inspections and regulations for all phases of construction in the Village. Today, the Building Department enforces the provisions of all adopted codes and issues permits for all building activities from decks, pools and driveways, to new commercial, existing commercial and residential buildings. The issuance of permits includes the review of all plans and specifications for Village code compliance, as well as the inspection of all phases of construction to assure that building and fire regulations are being met to protect the safety, health, and welfare of residents. In addition, the Building Department, along with the Fire District, conducts annual business life safety inspections. The department maintains records of all building-related issues, as well as responds to questions on drainage and/or concerns presented by builders, attorneys, engineers, and citizens. The Building Director is the Insurance Service Officer for the Village and provides information to mortgage companies and realtors for flood information. The Building Department works closely with the Village’s consulting engineering firm and in-house engineer during inspections and on the Village drainage system.
Building News & Highlights
Home Improvement Day 2011
To get up-to-date information on local building codes and also learn how to make your next home improvement project more energy efficient and friendly to the environment, stop by the Village of Bartlett Building Department Home Improvement table at the Earth Day event on Saturday, April 30, noon until 4 p.m. at the Bartlett Nature Center in James “Pate” Philip State Park, 2054 W. Stearns Road. Building staff can answer your questions and guide you through the details for proper permitting so that your home not only looks great when you are done with your building project, but can be safely enjoyed for many years to come. There also will be coloring books for the kids and free CFL light bulbs (limit of two per family).
Building permits are required because your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with Village codes, the value of your investment is reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to make costly repairs or leave it unoccupied. Also, by following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.
If you are hiring an outside contractor for your next home project, please make sure that whoever you hire is licensed and bonded to work in the Village. Please call the Building Department or the Main Office, 630-837-0800, to verify that a contractor is currently licensed in Bartlett.
The Building Department also reminds residents that May is national “Building Safety Month,” with a focus on a different topic each week: Week 1 - Energy & Green Building; Week 2 - Disaster Safety & Mitigation; Week 3 - Fire Safety & Awareness; and Week 4 - Backyard Safety. Residents can visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org for more information.
“Go Green and Save Green”
Bartlett residents and business owners can take advantage of a new Nicor Gas program that provides financial rebates for the purchase of energy-
saving heating appliances. By installing qualifying natural gas-saving products, including water heaters, furnaces and boilers, through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program, residential and business customers have the opportunity to “go green and save green,” reducing their natural gas consumption while lowering their energy bills and their greenhouse gas emissions.
According to ENERGY STAR, a government backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency, the average American home spends $2,200 per year on energy costs, including space heating and water heating. A study conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that in Midwestern states, such as Illinois, space heating accounts for 54% and water heating accounts for 18% of an average home’s total energy use.
The Energy Efficiency Program runs through May 31, 2011 or until funding is exhausted, and is available to current Nicor Gas Rate 1 (residential) customers and current Nicor Gas Rate 4 or 74 (non-residential) customers. The rebate program also requires that qualifying equipment -- high efficiency storage water heaters, furnaces, boilers -- be installed between May 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011.
Customers must secure their own local contractors to install eligible equipment and submit a rebate request after the work is completed. Nicor does not provide a list of contractors and does not qualify or recommend specific contractors. For more information and a list of qualifying high efficiency equipment, you are invited to visit www.nicorgasrebates.com, call 1-877-886-4239 or email customerservice@nicorgasrebates.com.
You Should Know
Building Permits
Building permits are required for all construction and home improvement projects, whether the work is completed by the homeowner or a contractor. Construction projects include, but are not limited to, additions, exterior repairs, demolitions, fences, swimming pools, driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, sheds, central air conditioning, dog runs, dish antennas, furnace & water heater replacement and electrical revisions. In addition, landscaping constructed in a drainage or utility easement requires a permit. You can obtain a permit application online or by visiting the Building Department at Village Hall.
Home Improvement Day
The Building Department hosts its annual Home Improvement Day in early spring each year. This event is a great place to learn about the latest building materials and techniques, pick up home safety tips and to get permit information for your home improvement projects.