Village of Riverwoods, Illinois

The Building Department's mission is to ensure all residence homes are built and or remodeled according to the minimum safety standards set by the National Building Code Organizations. We review permit applications and issue permits for new homes, remodeling, additions, sheds, fences, decks, patios, sunrooms, roofing, siding, new windows, driveways, sidewalks, sewer and water (new or repairs) just to name a few of the areas we monitor for the health and safety of the village residents.

If you are in doubt regarding the need for a permit, please call and ask, we'll be more than glad to help. You will also need a permit to remove any trees from your property, as well as grading or filling-in of your property.

We also use Lake County Building Department to monitor and do inspections on most of our Commercial Development.

Our Department has numerous people to help you with your application process, set-up inspections, and answer your questions.

Our job is to help you build a safe home for your families, and protect you and your neighbors' property values by making sure everyone in the village adheres to the Building Codes and Zoning Ordinances.

Potpourri from the Building Department
By Russell Kraly, Director, Community Services

It's the end of 2009 and it's snowing outside as I write this, winter has arrived! Hopefully spring will come early this New Year.

The Planning Commission finished drafting a new Fence Ordinance. It's now in front of the Village Board for their approval or revision of what the Planning Commission sent them. It was tabled until January 5th, 2010. By the time you read this, there will hopefully be a final version in place. The Planning Commission and the Village Board have heard lots of testimony as to what the residents would like to see in the new Ordinance. This was not an easy Ordinance to put together as there were many sides presented, and all with good arguments.

The Lake County wind Energy Commission has a preliminary draft of a new Ordinance for Wind Energy and a information booklet explaining the high-lights of wind energy systems. I will present these to the Planning Commission and the Village Board for informational purposes sometime in January. This will be the next issue for us to tackle.

The 2010 Census is around the corner. It is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The Census data is used to distribute Congressional seats and to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to state and local governments. The Motor Fuel Tax funds we receive each year are based on our Village population. Contrary to the myths circulating, the Census information cannot be used by law-enforcement, taxing bodies, or the court system for jury duty. Strict laws protect the confidentiality of all respondents and the information they provide. The questionnaire is the shortest in history, only ten (10) questions! It should only take 10 minutes or less to complete. If you don't fill it out and mail it back, someone will come knocking at your door until they get the information that they need. Do your part, Be Counted!

These are the last days of 2009. I'm sure most people will be glad to see this year end. I can't think of many things that were great about this year. I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season and I wish 2010 will be a happier and more prosperous new year for all!