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
Building Permit? -- check
Building permits are required for home improvement projects 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. 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 whoever you hire is licensed and bonded to work in the Village. Link to a list of licensed contractors now.
The Building Department also reminds residents that May is national “Building Safety Month,” with a focus on a different topic each week: Week 1 - Fire Safety & Awareness; Week 2 - Disaster Safety & Mitigation; Week 3 - Backyard & Pool Safety; Week 4 - Energy & Green Building. Residents can visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org for more information.
Ordinance 2013-09 Foreclosed & Vacant Buildings
On February 19, 2013 the Bartlett Village Board passed Ordinance 2013-09 amending Title 9 of the Bartlett Municipal Code, Chapter 25, entitled "Vacant Buildings."
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by
- Establishing a program for identification, registration, and regulation of buildings which are or become “vacant” as defined herein; and
- Determining the responsibilities of owners of vacant buildings; and
- Providing for administration, enforcement, abatement of public nuisances, and the imposition of penalties. (read/download entire ordinance) or the Vacant Building Registration From
FEMA launches new web application – the Online LOMC!
Visit www.fema.gov/online-lomc to learn more about the new Online Letter of Map Change (LOMC) application and to see the new live site. Applicants can use this new website to electronically request a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) instead of applying for a LOMA using the MT-1 or MT-EZ paper forms. A LOMA is a letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land will not be inundated by the base flood. LOMA-eligible requests must be concerning properties on naturally high ground, which have not been elevated by fill.
In the near future, the Online LOMC application will be able to process all types of LOMC requests.
Energy Impact Rebates for Homeowners Extended thru August
Homeowners looking to save money on their monthly energy bills and increase the comfort of their homes are in luck. Energy Impact Illinois, a program partnership of local government, utility companies like ComEd, Nicor Gas, and other non-profit groups, has extended rebates and loans available to homeowners who complete energy efficiency home improvements by August 2013. Homeowners are encouraged to sign up for the program as soon as possible, to allow for time to complete improvements before the August deadline.
The extension will allow more area homeowners an opportunity to get a low-cost energy assessment and complete home energy improvements that will result in immediate improved comfort and cost savings. The program saw an uptake this fall and winter with more than 1,300 area homeowners taking advantage of the rebate.
Rebates, in conjunction with area utilities, of up to $1,750, or up to 70 percent off the cost of home energy upgrades like sealing air leaks and improving insulation, are available to homeowners who complete improvements by August 26, 2013 or when funds are expended. Discounted energy assessments, which typically cost hundreds of dollars, are also available for only $99. In addition, Energy Impact Illinois is offering a free home assessment for homeowners who host a house party, where family, friends, and neighbors learn about energy efficiency from a program expert and a certified contractor by using your home to illustrate building science concepts.
Sealing air leaks and insulating a home are two of the most cost-effective and permanent improvements that homeowners can make. More than half of total energy costs come from heating and cooling a home and almost all homes let too much air escape or penetrate. Most homes also have incorrectly installed or insufficient amounts of attic insulation. Energy Impact Illinois connects homeowners with certified and vetted contractors who take a whole-home approach to maximize savings.
“No matter the season, making energy efficiency improvements to your home has immediate comfort benefits as well as near- and long-term cost savings benefits for homeowners,” said Daniel Olson, Program Manager at Energy Impact Illinois. “We’re thrilled to offer more homeowners the opportunity to participate in our rebate program, but it’s important to act now as the rebate is limited-time.”
In addition to the rebates, Energy Impact Illinois offers a loan option that enables homeowners to make improvements now and repay over time. Qualified borrowers can get an interest rate of 8 percent or less, and Energy Impact Illinois will pay the interest for the first year. Energy Impact Illinois is run by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Bartlett homeowners should call 855-9-IMPACT to take advantage of the extended rebate offer.
DuPage Single Family Rehabilitation Accessibility Program
Are you a DuPage County homeowner with a severe disabiltiy or do you know someone who is? You may qualify for help with the following improvements to your home:
- a wheelchair ramp
- railings
- bathroom grab bars
- accessible doorknobs
- a warning system for the hearing impaired
- other limited services
You may qualify if you are a DuPage County homeowner that meets certain income guidelines (ranging from $42,100 gross annual income for a 1-person family to $54,100 for a 3-person family, for example) and you fit the following criteria:
- use a wheelchair or another special aid for 6 months or longer; or
- are unable to perform one or more functional activities (seeing, hearing, having one's speech understood, lifting and carrying, walking up a flight of stairs and walking); or
- need assistance with activities of daily living (getting around inside the home, getting in or out of bed or chair, bathing, dressing, eating and toileting) or instrumental activities or daily llving (going outside the home, keeping track of money or bills, preparing meals, doing light housework and using the telephone) or
- are prevented from working at a job or doing housework; or
- have a selected condition, including autism, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer's disease, senility or dementia, mental impairment; or
- are younger than 65 years of age and are covered by Medicare or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Grants for this program are available up to $4,999.00 and must be eligible under applicable federal regulations. All work performed must fix a condition or install a "fixture" in your home and must be performed by contractors who are qualified as determined by DuPage County.
For more information, call DuPage County Community Services, 630-407-6500 or 1-800-942-9412.
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.