Deck, Patio, and Other Exterior Residential Improvements Permits
The City of Naperville requires that all decks, patios and open porches added to a residential structure, or the installation of other secondary structures and improvements on the property, have an issued building permit prior to beginning any construction.
Decks
A permit is required for the construction of any elevated deck structure. Permits are also required for the replacement of any structural or safety items on an existing deck including beams and joists, stairs, or railings. A deck permit may include basic electrical work for lighting or receptacles. It may also include an open structure such as an arbor, gazebo, trellis, pergola or pavilion if it is integrated into the design of the deck and separate from the main building.
To apply for a deck permit, please visit the City of Naperville Permitting, Plans and Licensing Portal. The Permitting, Plans and Licensing Portal gathers all of the information needed to apply, pay for, and manage permits in one convenient place.
For details on the permitting process, including submittal, reviews, fees and issuance, visit the Building Permits page.
Patios and Athletic Courts
A permit is required for the installation of a new patio or the expansion of an existing patio where the total paved area will exceed 500 square feet. Any patio, regardless of size, will require a permit if the design includes a permanent fire pit, fireplace, grill, is more than 30 inches from the adjacent ground, electrical, plumbing or gas fixtures. All paved surfaces intended for athletic activities (a.k.a. sport courts or game courts) require a permit regardless of the total size. All patios and athletic courts must still follow all setback and easement restrictions.
To apply for a patio/athletic court permit, please visit the City of Naperville Permitting, Plans and Licensing Portal. The Permitting, Plans and Licensing Portal gathers all of the information needed to apply, pay for, and manage permits in one convenient place.
For details on the permitting process, including submittal, reviews, fees and issuance, visit the Building Permits page.
Sheds and Coops
The construction of a storage shed or playhouse with a floor area exceeding 150 square feet requires a building permit. The installation or expansion of any pen, coop, building or other enclosure used for the purposes of housing fowl or livestock, regardless of size, also requires a building permit.
Download the Shed and Coop Permit Application (PDF) and submit the completed application by email. For details on the permitting process, including submittal, reviews, fees and issuance, visit the Building Permits page.
Deck and Porch Safety
The City of Naperville reminds homeowners, condominium owners and apartment dwellers to visually inspect porches, balconies, elevated free-standing decks and similar structures at least twice a year for safety. Residents should check for the following signs of an aging porch:
- Split wood, rotting wood, loose or missing nails or screws.
- Loose or missing anchors where the porch attaches to a house or building.
- Missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking.
- Wobbly handrails or guardrails.
If your porch moves when one person walks or jumps on it, or if you have any doubts about its safety, it is important that you have your structure inspected by a professional.