Geneva may require permits for window, door replacements

Geneva wants to make it crystal clear that building permits are needed to replace windows and exterior doors anywhere in town.

The council gave preliminary approval Monday, 6-3, to add the requirement for a permit to its building code laws. For the last year, it has been just a building department policy.

The city recently lost a court case over window replacements in its historic district, where any work that requires a building permit must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. In that district the city required permits for any replacing of windows or doors, regardless of whether the window opening size was being changed. However, outside the historic district, owners did not need to get permits if the opening wasn't being changed.

The Illinois 2nd District Appellate Court ruled in July that "at best it appears that Geneva is inconsistent in its interpretation and application of its building code."

The suggested permit cost is $75 per project. Alderman Dorothy Flanagan suggested the price be lowered for people replacing just one door. Alderman Ray Pawlak suggested a permit shouldn't be needed for door replacement if it is just a matter of installing a new door, without changing the door frame or headers.

Building Commissioner Chuck Lencioni pointed out that the building department wouldn't know whether the opening is being altered unless a person applies for a building permit and inspectors can then review their plans. And the fee has been calculated to cover the cost of processing the permit paperwork, scheduling and conducting an inspection, and filing follow-up paperwork, he said.

Alderman Robert Piper is inclined to leave the fee at $75, whether somebody is replacing one or several doors and windows. "The cost is what it is. It may seem excessive, but let's not kid ourselves, we are paying for it somewhere (if the fee is reduced)," he said.

Pawlak, Flanagan and Alderman Sam Hill voted against the measure, which will come before the council Monday for official action.