Lombard to require permits for new patios

Anyone planning to build a patio in Lombard will be required to have a permit from the village.

The village board approved an amendment to the building code Thursday that requires a permit for the construction of any patio that is 100 square feet or larger.

A permit also will be required for patios of any size that include electrical, plumbing or gas fixtures, or are proposed within a drainage or public utility easement.

Patio permits will cost $75, which is the same price as a driveway permit. The change goes into effect April 28.

William Heniff, director of community development, said staff members proposed the amendment because they periodically receive complaints from residents who say their abutting neighbor's patio increased stormwater runoff into their yard.

"We have a number of regulations and codes already established, but we had no way to enforce them outside of a permit process," he said. "We found that we were one of the very few communities that did not have a permit process already in place."

The new permit will give officials a chance to review the plans for a patio and determine if it is the proper pitch and slope. It also could prevent homeowners from having to remove or modify a poorly constructed patio.

"We'd rather get the information to people before they construct a patio," Heniff said. "This is really a tool to help us minimize any impacts that these patios may have."

Village officials say the majority of patio permits can be issued in about 15 minutes.

"We want to do it as an express permit," Heniff said. "It's something pretty simple."

Residents hoping to build a patio should submit a completed permit application to the community development department, which is located in the basement of village hall.

Three copies of a plat of survey showing the patio's location and setbacks to the house and property lines should be included in the application.

Anyone with questions should call (630) 630-5750.