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1. Why do I need a permit?

Permits provide the property owner with the following:

1. The contractor chosen to perform the work has the appropriate documentation on file with the Village, specifically, license and insurance. Contractor's required to have specific documentation on file with the Village prior to the issuance of any permit are electrical contractors, excavators, roofers, plumbers, sewer contractors and fire suppression contractors.
2. The required inspections are completed so that the project meets the minimum construction standards required by code.
3. The intended project is designed to meet our codes.

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If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact Community & Economic Development at 630.350.3413. 

2. What work requires a permit? What happens if I don't obtain a permit?

Any work that requires a structural change such as:

Residential: New Construction, Additions, Remodels, Driveways, Patios, Decks, Water Heater Replacement, Furnace, A/C replacement, Sheds, Detached Garages, Roof, Gutters, Siding, Sanitary Sewer Replacement, Demolition, Chicken Coop Installations, Window Replacements*

Non-Residential: New Construction, Additions, Remodels, Parking Lot, Curb Replacement, All Plumbing, Mechanical, Electric Work, Accessory Structures, Fire Sprinkler Installations/ Modifications, Demolition, Sign Installations, Warehouse Racking

*no permit required, however owner must provide efficiency rating of windows to be installed to ensure compliance with 2015 Illinois Energy Conservation Code. 

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If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact Community & Economic Development at 630.350.3413. Staff does not recommend proceeding with any project without obtaining the appropriate permit. You may be asked to take down or remove whatever work has been completed and start the project over in its entirety.

3. What do I need to obtain a building permit?

The items vary based on permit type. 

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If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact Community & Economic Development at 630.350.3413. Staff does not recommend proceeding with any project without obtaining the appropriate permit. You may be asked to take down or remove whatever work has been completed and start the project over in its entirety.

4. How long does it take to obtain a building permit? Do permits expire?

The type of work to be completed determines the length of time required in issuing a permit. Other factors that play a role on the time it takes to issue a permit are accurate drawings, contractor requirements and accurately completing all necessary paperwork. For more information, please contact Community & Economic Development at 630.350.3413.

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Once a permit is issued it is valid for a period of six months.  

5. Who is responsible for obtaining the permit?

The property owner is ultimately responsible for obtaining permits or ensuring that the appropriate permits have been obtained before the start of any project. The issue of who actually obtains the permit is between the property owner and the general contractor.

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If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact Community & Economic Development at 630.350.3413. 

 

6. When am I obligated to contact JULIE?

Many activities require notification of JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) before you dig for safe digging in Illinois. Some of these activities, such as tree planting and landscaping, do require a call to JULIE even though they do not require a building permit.

For more information, contact JULIE at 8-1-1 or 1-800-892-0123. You may also make a request online.

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If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact Community & Economic Development at 630.350.3413. 

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1. How often does the Village bill for Water, Sewer and Refuse service?

The Village of Bensenville bills residential accounts every month for the prior month’s usage. Bills are generally generated in the beginning of the month with the due date 20 days from the print and mail date. 

For more information visit the Utility Billing Division section of our website.

2. My water usage has recently increased, what are the reasons for that?

There are a number of reasons why your water bill may have increased. One would be that you used more water than in the past. Are there more people living in your home? Have you accidentally left a faucet on? Have you been washing your house siding, vehicle or sprayed your patio furniture or walkways? Have you filled a swimming pool? Have you been watering your lawn or garden? Another possibility is that you may have a leak in your pipes or fixtures (primarily toilets). While your interior pipes and fixtures are your responsibility to maintain the Village would be happy to determine weather you do or do not in fact have a leak. Please call 630-594-1011 to schedule an appointment if you are unable to determine weather or not you have a leak. 

For more information visit the Utility Billing Division section of our website.

3. What can I do to lower my water bill?

One option is to conserve water within your home. This can be as simple as not running the water when washing the dishes or brushing your teeth. Another option would be to water your plants/lawn less often. You can often save water by checking for leaks regularly and dealing with them promptly. One simple leak checking option is to use die strips, tablets or food dies in your toilet tank (do not flush) and checking (after 10-30 minutes) if the color migrates into your bowl on its own.

For more information visit the Utility Billing Division section of our website.

4. How do I know if I have a leak?

If you get a bill that seems unusually high, the first thing to check is the water meter. On the top of your water meter is a register that contains the water reading. Make sure that all faucets and appliances that use water such as washing machines and dishwashers are off. Watch the meter register for at least three minutes. If the dials are moving at all, there is a leak somewhere. Often, this means that the toilet is not shutting off. Consider signing up for our new leak prevention AquaHawk Alerting system. This system can help you pinpoint the date and time the leak took place. For more information go to the AquaHawk page on our website and/or review one of our bill inserts we have mailed to you in the past. You may also call us at 630-594-1011. We would be very happy to help you sign up.

For more information visit the Utility Billing Division section of our website.

5. What should I do if there is a water main break?

The Department of Public Works is available to repair water main breaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you know of a possible water main break during business hours, please contact the Public Works Department at 630-350-3435 (8:00 am - 3:30 pm) or the Village Hall at 630-766-8200 (8:00 am - 5:00 pm M,W,F or 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday or 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday) . After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at 630-350-3455.

For more information visit the Utility Billing Division section of our website.

6. How do I know when it’s safe to drink my water after a main break?

The Department of Public Works posts fliers in cases of boil orders and once the order is lifted. If you did not receive a notice, please call the Department of Public Works between the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM at 630-350-3435 to check if the boil order is still in effect.

For more information visit the Utility Billing Division section of our website.

7. Do I need a vehicle sticker?

Yes, a vehicle owner has thirty (30) days from date of purchase or establishment of residency to purchase vehicle sticker without penalty. Failure ta purchase the sticker by December 31st is a violation of Village Ordinance 5-4-12 and will result in ticketing and late charges. Purchase your vehicle sticker online at www.bensenville.il.us. Click ONLINE PAYMENTS at the left of the screen. Follow the prompts and your sticker will arrive in the mail in 3-5 business days.

For more information visit the Finance Department section of the website.

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1. Where can I sign up for utilities?

For Village Water Service contact the Village Hall at 12 S. Center Street or call: (630) 766-8200. Or visit the Utility Billing Division of our website.

2. Do I have to license my pets?

Pets can be licensed through the Village Clerks Office at Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street, Bensenville, IL.