Aurora Building Permit Fees & Plan Review

Land Use and Zoning Illinois 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Illinois

Aurora, Illinois requires building permits and plan review for most construction, alteration, and change-of-use projects. This guide explains typical permit fees, the plan review workflow, who enforces the rules, and practical steps to apply, pay, schedule inspections, and appeal decisions in Aurora. Use the official City Building Division resources to confirm current fees and required forms before submitting your application. City of Aurora Building Division[1] and the local code provide the controlling rules and contacts. Aurora Code of Ordinances[2]

Permit fees and plan review overview

New construction, additions, significant remodels, and certain mechanical, electrical or plumbing work usually require a permit and a plan review. Fees commonly include a base permit fee plus valuation-based or unit fees; plan review may carry a separate fee and separate timeline for review completion. The City maintains application instructions and contact points on its Building Division page. City of Aurora Building Division[1]

  • Permit application and plan submission triggers review and fee assessment.
  • Plan review fees may be assessed separately from permit issuance.
  • Typical review timelines vary by project complexity and workload.
  • Contact the Building Division for pre-application guidance and fee estimates. City of Aurora Building Division[1]
Start with the Building Division's checklist to avoid delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning-related construction in Aurora is carried out by the Building Division and Code Enforcement within the Community Development Department. The municipal code and departmental pages explain authority, inspection, and enforcement procedures. Aurora Code of Ordinances[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code or contact the Building Division for current penalty schedules.
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence escalation is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, correction notices, permit revocation, or court actions are used as enforcement tools where authorized by ordinance.
  • Enforcer: Community Development - Building Division performs inspections, issues notices, and pursues compliance; complaints may be submitted through the department contact page. City of Aurora Building Division[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeals procedures and time limits for appeals are governed by the municipal code or specific ordinance sections; the cited pages do not list exact time limits, so contact the Building Division or review the code. Aurora Code of Ordinances[2]
  • Defences and discretion: variances, permits issued after-the-fact, or administrative discretion may apply depending on circumstances; consult the Building Division for case-specific options.

Common violations and typical enforcement responses:

  • Work without a permit — often results in stop-work order and required retroactive permit with fees.
  • Failure to pass inspections — corrective orders and re-inspection fees may apply.
  • Unsafe conditions — immediate abatement orders and possible civil action.

Applications & Forms

The Building Division publishes permit application forms and checklists; specific form names, numbers, and fee amounts are listed on the City pages or available at the division office. If a form number or fee is not shown on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page and you should request the current form and fee schedule directly from the Building Division. City of Aurora Building Division[1]

How-To

  1. Prepare drawings and documentation required by the Building Division checklist.
  2. Submit the permit application and plans to the Building Division for plan review.
  3. Pay assessed plan review and permit fees as instructed by the City.
  4. Schedule and pass required inspections during construction.
  5. If a permit is denied, follow the City appeal process and meet published deadlines.
Keep a complete record of submissions, approvals, and inspection reports.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for small home projects?
Many minor repairs may not require permits, but structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or changes to occupancy typically do; check with the Building Division.
How long does plan review take?
Timelines vary by project complexity and workload; contact the Building Division for current estimates.
Where do I pay permit fees?
Payment instructions are provided by the Building Division at application; some permits may be paid online or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Start early: plan review can delay project start dates.
  • Use the Building Division's checklist to ensure complete submissions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Aurora - Building Division
  2. [2] Aurora Code of Ordinances - Municode

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