Bathroom Remodel Permit in Glendale Heights, IL (2026)

Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026

The Short Answer

A full bathroom remodel in Glendale Heights requires a permit if you're moving any plumbing fixture, adding electrical circuits, installing a new exhaust fan, converting tub to shower, or moving walls. Surface-only work — tile, vanity, or fixture replacement in place — does not need a permit.

Glendale Heights enforces the Illinois Building Code (2021 edition, which adopts the 2021 IBC and IRC) and administers permits through the City of Glendale Heights Building Department, which operates an online portal and requires all alteration work affecting structure, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems to pull permits before work begins. Unlike some collar counties that have adopted older code editions, Glendale Heights keeps pace with state adoption, meaning GFCI/AFCI bathroom requirements, modern exhaust-fan ductwork standards (IRC M1505), and current waterproofing assemblies for tile showers (IRC R702.4.2) all apply here at the same stringency as Cook County. The city's specific advantage: they maintain a relatively fast online intake system (many homeowners can submit plans and receive intake feedback within 1-2 business days), and the building department publishes a checklist for bathroom alterations on their portal, which explicitly calls out the three biggest rejection triggers — shower waterproofing-assembly certification, GFCI/AFCI circuit layout on the electrical plan, and exhaust-fan duct termination location. Owner-builder permits are allowed for owner-occupied homes, but a licensed contractor is required for any licensed-trade work (plumbing, electrical) unless you hold the appropriate license. Plan review typically takes 2-5 weeks from submission to approval, depending on whether the engineer flags resubmittals.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Stop-work order and $250–$1,000 fine from the City of Glendale Heights Building Department, plus you must pull the permit retroactively at 150% of the original fee and pass all required inspections.
Insurance claim denial: if a bathroom leak or electrical fire occurs in unpermitted work, your homeowner's policy can reject the claim, leaving you liable for the full cost of remediation ($5,000–$50,000 for water damage).
Resale disclosure hit: Illinois Property Condition Disclosure (PCD) requires you to disclose unpermitted work; failure to disclose is fraud and can void the sale or trigger a lawsuit from the buyer.
Mortgage refinance or sale blocked: lenders and title companies often require proof of permits for bathroom work; unpermitted remodels can delay closing by weeks or kill the transaction entirely.

Glendale Heights bathroom remodel permits — the key details

Glendale Heights adopts the 2021 Illinois Building Code, which means your full bathroom remodel must comply with the 2021 IRC for all plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. The permit threshold is straightforward: if you are moving any plumbing fixture (toilet, sink, tub, shower), adding new electrical circuits or outlets, installing a new exhaust fan with ductwork, converting a tub to a shower (or vice versa — this counts as a new assembly because waterproofing requirements differ), or modifying framing (removing walls, adding support beams), you must pull a permit before the first nail is driven. The City of Glendale Heights Building Department requires submission of a completed permit application (available on their online portal), a site plan showing the bathroom location within the home, a floor plan with fixture locations and dimensions, electrical single-line diagram if circuits are being added, and for any tub-to-shower conversions or new shower installations, written specification of the waterproofing assembly (cement board plus membrane, or pre-formed shower pan, or schluter-style edge detail — just not tile directly on drywall, which will fail inspection). Payment is typically 1.5% of the construction valuation, ranging $200–$800 for most full bathroom remodels; the city calculates valuation based on square footage and scope, so a 40-square-foot bathroom with relocated fixtures and new electrical usually lands around $400–$600.

The most common rejection reason in Glendale Heights is incomplete waterproofing specification for shower/tub conversions. IRC R702.4.2 requires a water-resistive membrane system behind any wall where water splash will occur, and the city's plan checklist explicitly asks you to identify your waterproofing method — cement board (not drywall) plus a sheet membrane, or a pre-formed shower pan, or fully-adhered membrane system. Do not simply write 'tile shower' on your permit; inspectors will ask for the specific assembly and may ask to see product technical data sheets before they approve the permit. A related frequent issue: exhaust-fan ductwork termination. IRC M1505.2 requires the exhaust duct to terminate to the exterior (not soffit or attic), and you must show the termination location on your plan — 'roof vent' is not specific enough; specify the roof location relative to the ridge, gables, and any nearby windows, per code requirements for preventing backdraft and avoiding re-entrainment of exhaust.

Electrical work in bathrooms is heavily regulated under the 2021 NEC (adopted by Illinois). All outlets within 6 feet of the sink (and anywhere within the bathroom, effectively) must be on GFCI-protected circuits; if you're adding outlets or circuits, your electrical plan must clearly show which circuits have GFCI protection and which have AFCI protection (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter, now required for all 15A and 20A circuits in sleeping areas and many other areas by state rule). Many homeowners submit electrical plans that don't specify protection type, which triggers a resubmittal. If you're hiring a licensed electrician (which is required in Illinois for electrical work in most cases), they'll handle this; if you're an owner-builder doing your own work, you must be very explicit. Ventilation must remove humidity to the outside; recirculating fans (which filter but don't exhaust) are not code-compliant in Illinois for bathrooms.

Permit fees and timeline in Glendale Heights are moderate. A typical full bathroom remodel with relocations and new electrical will cost $400–$600 in permit fees alone, plus the cost of plan prep (if you're hiring a draftsperson, add $200–$400). The city's online portal allows you to upload a PDF set and track the status; plan review typically takes 2-5 weeks, with most projects getting 0-2 resubmittal cycles. Once approved, you'll receive a permit card to post in the home, and you'll schedule inspections online (rough plumbing, rough electrical, and final are the standard sequence). Each inspection typically takes 1-2 hours and must be scheduled in advance. Lead-based paint is a consideration: if the home was built before 1978, the bathroom remodel qualifies as a 'renovation, repair, or painting activity' under the EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, meaning the contractor or homeowner must follow lead-safe practices (containment, HEPA vacuum, certified worker, clearance testing). Glendale Heights does not enforce this directly, but if you're hiring a contractor, they must be RRP-certified, and if you're a homeowner, you must understand the rules or hire someone who does.

Owner-builder permits are allowed in Glendale Heights for owner-occupied homes. This means you can pull the permit yourself and do some of the work, but Illinois state law requires a licensed plumber for plumbing work and a licensed electrician for electrical work, with limited exceptions (e.g., a homeowner can replace fixtures in-place without a license, but cannot relocate or install new lines). If you hire a general contractor, they will pull the permit and manage inspections. The permit is non-transferable, so if you sell mid-project or hire a different contractor to finish, you'll need to amend the permit. One final note: bathroom remodels in flood-prone areas or near the DuPage River may trigger additional stormwater or floodplain review, though this is rare for interior work; if the lot is in a floodplain, the city will flag it during intake.

Three Glendale Heights bathroom remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A

Cosmetic bathroom update, same-location fixtures — Westgate neighborhood, 1970s ranch

You're removing the existing vanity, toilet, and tub/shower surround and replacing them with new fixtures in the same locations. No walls are being moved, the exhaust fan is staying in place, and no electrical circuits are being added (you'll use the existing outlet for the vanity lights and the existing vent fan outlet). This work is exempt from permitting under the 2021 IRC because you're not altering the drainage system, not adding load-bearing changes, and not creating new electrical demand. The city calls this 'fixture replacement in kind' and does not require a permit application. You can proceed with this work immediately, but be aware that if you discover hidden issues during demolition (rotted subfloor, old cast-iron drain that needs replacement, or the old wiring is aluminum), you may need to call the city after the fact to assess whether additional work now triggers a permit requirement. Practically: before you start, take photos of the existing setup and confirm the new fixtures fit the same rough-in dimensions (standard 12-inch rough-in for toilet, 4-inch centers for sink supply lines). If everything aligns, you're clear. Total cost is fixture and material cost only ($3,000–$8,000 for quality vanity, toilet, tub surround, and basic tile/caulk work), with zero permit fees. Timeline is 3-7 days of work.

No permit required (fixture replacement in place) | New fixtures must match existing rough-in | Caulk and basic waterproofing adequate for surround replacement | Total project cost $3,000–$8,000 | $0 permit fees

Scenario B

Tub-to-shower conversion with relocated plumbing — Meadowbrook neighborhood, 1960s two-story

You want to remove the existing bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower 3 feet away, which requires relocating the plumbing lines (supply and drain). This is a classic permit-required remodel because the drain relocation triggers IRC P2706 (drainage fitting and slope requirements) and the shower installation triggers IRC R702.4.2 (waterproofing assembly). The city will require a plumbing plan showing the new drain route, slope (min 1/4 inch per foot), trap location, and vent stack routing. The shower assembly must specify waterproofing — the most common approved detail in Glendale Heights is cement backer board (Durock or Hardiebacker, minimum 1/2 inch) behind a sheet membrane (Schluter, Kerdi, or equivalent), or a pre-formed acrylic pan with lip dam. Do not submit 'tile shower' as your spec; inspectors will reject it and ask for the specific assembly. You'll also need a new P-trap and potentially a new vent arm if the old one is too far from the new drain (trap arm length cannot exceed 6 feet per code, and distance from trap to vent inlet cannot exceed 6 feet either — measure carefully). If the drain must be relocated more than a foot or two, consider hiring a licensed plumber to ensure code compliance; a common mistake is trap arm length violation, which fails rough plumbing inspection and requires expensive rework. The electrical does not typically change for a simple tub-to-shower swap, but if the new shower location means the existing outlet is now more than 6 feet from the shower valve (code requires an outlet within 6 feet for safety), you may need a new GFCI outlet, which requires a permit amendment. Permit fee for this scope runs $400–$600. Plan review takes 2-4 weeks; after approval, rough plumbing inspection happens before walls are closed, and final inspection after tile and caulk are complete. Total project timeline: 4-6 weeks from permit approval to final inspection, assuming no resubmittals. Total project cost (labor + materials): $6,000–$15,000, depending on tile grade and whether you're hiring a licensed plumber for the drain work.

Permit required (fixture relocation + waterproofing change) | Plumbing plan must show drain slope, trap location, vent routing | Shower waterproofing assembly must be specified (cement board + membrane or pre-formed pan) | Rough plumbing inspection required before walls close | Total permit fee $400–$600 | Total project cost $6,000–$15,000

Scenario C

Full gut with wall removal, new HVAC, relocated fixtures, and electrical panel upgrade — Stonehill neighborhood, 1980s colonial

You're removing the existing bathroom wall (which is load-bearing, supporting the second floor), installing a new beam to carry the load, relocating all three fixtures (toilet, sink, tub) to new positions on the opposite side of the room, installing a new exhaust fan on a fresh duct run to the roof, upgrading the electrical service to add a dedicated 20A circuit for a heated floor mat and a new GFCI outlet circuit for the vanity, and fully waterproofing the new tub/shower area with schluter-edge trim. This is a full structural and mechanical permit, not just a bathroom permit. Glendale Heights will require: (1) a structural engineer's letter or stamp on the beam design, confirming the new beam carries the load safely (cost: $300–$800 for engineering); (2) a detailed plumbing plan showing all three new drains with slope, trap locations, vent routing, and the relationship of trap arms to the main stack (IRC P2706); (3) an electrical single-line diagram showing the new circuits, GFCI/AFCI protection, and breaker assignments (the panel upgrade may require a city inspection if it involves the main service); (4) a mechanical plan showing the new exhaust duct routing, termination location (roof vent, not soffit), and CFM rating (must be at least 50 CFM, or 20 CFM per IRC M1505 for a small bathroom, but the city typically enforces 50 CFM as a practical standard for code compliance); and (5) a waterproofing specification for the tub/shower assembly. This scope will almost certainly require a full-plan architect or experienced designer to prepare (cost: $500–$1,500 for plans). Permit fee will be higher — $700–$1,200 — because the project valuation is higher (full structural and mechanical scope, not just cosmetic). Plan review will take 4-6 weeks because the city will likely send the structural drawings to a third-party reviewer or their consulting engineer. You'll need rough framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, and final inspections. If the main electrical panel is being upgraded, the local utility (Commonwealth Edison, for most of Glendale Heights) must approve the work and may require a separate utility permit. Total project timeline: 8-12 weeks from permit approval to final, assuming no resubmittals and smooth utility coordination. Total project cost (labor + materials + engineering + permits): $25,000–$50,000. This is the high end because of structural work, engineering, and permit oversight.

Permit required (structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical scope) | Structural engineer's letter required for load-bearing wall removal ($300–$800) | Detailed plumbing, electrical, mechanical plans required | Exhaust duct termination must be shown on mechanical plan | Waterproofing assembly must be specified with product detail | Utility panel upgrade may require ComEd coordination | Permit fee $700–$1,200 | Total project cost $25,000–$50,000

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Waterproofing and shower-pan requirements — the city's top rejection trigger

The most common reason a bathroom permit gets a 'resubmit' letter in Glendale Heights is vague or non-compliant waterproofing specification. IRC R702.4.2 requires a water-resistive membrane system for any wall that receives water splash in a tub or shower enclosure. The code does not specify a single approved method, but Glendale Heights inspectors have seen enough field failures (leaked bathrooms, rotted subfloors, mold in walls) that they enforce three approved details strictly: (1) cement backer board (minimum 1/2 inch, not paper-faced drywall) as the base, plus a sheet waterproof membrane (Schluter Kerdi, Wedi Waterproof Membrane, or equivalent elastomeric sheet), installed per manufacturer spec; (2) a pre-formed acrylic or gel-coat shower pan with integrated wall surround and a lip dam at the entry; or (3) a fully-adhered sheet membrane system (Schluter Kerdi Board, for example) that is certified for use as a waterproofing base in wet areas.

When you submit your permit, include a one-page detail sketch showing the exact assembly: what the substrate is (cement board, studs, or pre-formed pan), what the membrane product is (with brand and model), and how it will be installed (adhesive type, overlap distances, caulk type). Many homeowners write 'ceramic tile shower, waterproofed per code' and assume that's enough. It is not. Inspectors will request a product data sheet (download from the manufacturer website and attach to your resubmittal) and will often ask to see the membrane in person during rough-in inspection. If you specify a pre-formed pan, provide the pan's installation manual (again, manufacturer spec sheet). Neglecting this detail costs 2-3 weeks in resubmittal cycles and frustration. The reason the city is strict: older homes in Glendale Heights (1960s-1980s) often have bathrooms with rotted subfloors and mold-infested walls because waterproofing was inadequate when they were built. Inspectors learned from those failures and now enforce current best practices.

One nuance: if you're using a Schluter Kerdi Edge system (the trim-and-seal product that wraps tile edges at the tub or shower entry), that is now accepted in place of full membrane behind all tile in the splash zone; many newer homes use Kerdi Edge and drywall, and that passes inspection if the Kerdi is installed per spec. But if you're mixing old methods (drywall plus caulk, no membrane), expect a rejection. Budget 4-8 hours of labor for proper membrane installation, and expect the material cost to be $100–$300 for a 40-square-foot bathroom. The upfront investment saves thousands in rework.

Electrical GFCI/AFCI requirements and common code misunderstandings

Bathrooms in Glendale Heights must comply with 2021 NEC Article 210 (Branch Circuits and Outlets) and NEC 210.8, which requires all 125-volt, 15-amp and 20-amp outlets in bathrooms to be GFCI-protected. GFCI stands for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter, a device that detects leakage current (water contact) and trips the circuit instantly. You can achieve this in two ways: (1) install a GFCI outlet (looks like a standard outlet with two push buttons) and plug regular outlets downstream into it, or (2) use GFCI breakers in the main panel that protect the entire circuit. Most residential electricians in Glendale Heights prefer GFCI breakers because they're cleaner (no visible outlets with buttons) and provide whole-circuit protection. However, not all outlets can be GFCI-protected via a GFCI breaker; some code sources debate whether permanently-wired appliances (like a heated towel rack or exhaust fan) can be on a GFCI-protected circuit. To be safe, use a GFCI outlet for the vanity/mirror area and any standalone outlets, and protect the exhaust fan and ventilation on a separate circuit (non-GFCI is acceptable for the exhaust fan itself, though GFCI breakers won't hurt).

A second layer of electrical code applies to bedrooms: AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection. If the bathroom is in a bedroom or directly opens to one, branch-circuit AFCI protection is required on the circuit serving the bathroom. An AFCI breaker detects dangerous arcing (like a damaged wire shorting out) and trips before it starts a fire. Again, you can use AFCI breakers or AFCI outlets. Many inspectors require AFCI + GFCI on the same circuit in bathrooms that are part of sleeping areas, which means a GFCI+AFCI combo breaker. When you submit your electrical plan, be explicit: show which outlets are served by which circuits, label them GFCI, AFCI, or GFCI+AFCI, and specify the breaker size (typically 20A for bathroom outlets).

Common mistakes that trigger electrical resubmittals in Glendale Heights: (1) no GFCI/AFCI labeling on the plan at all — just 'bathroom outlets'; (2) assuming one GFCI outlet protects the whole bathroom (it doesn't; all outlets must be protected, either individually or via a breaker); (3) trying to install a regular outlet outside the 6-foot splash zone and assuming it doesn't need GFCI (wrong — all bathroom outlets, everywhere, need GFCI); and (4) failing to show which circuits are which on the electrical diagram (inspectors want a clear single-line diagram with breaker assignments). If you're hiring an electrician, they'll handle this; if you're an owner-builder, download a NFPA 70 (NEC) guide or ask the city for their electrical checklist and review it three times before submitting. A resubmittal for electrical details costs 1-2 weeks of waiting.

City of Glendale Heights Building Department
1000 Parkway Drive, Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Phone: (630) 260-6000 (main) — ask for Building Department | https://www.glendaleheights.org (building permit section under Community Development)
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (verify on city website for seasonal variations)

Common questions

Can I pull a bathroom remodel permit as an owner-builder in Glendale Heights?

Yes, owner-occupied homes in Glendale Heights can pull permits as owner-builders. However, Illinois state law requires a licensed plumber to perform plumbing work and a licensed electrician for electrical work. You can handle demolition, tile, painting, and fixture installation (replacing a toilet or vanity in the same spot), but not drain relocation or electrical circuit work. Many homeowners hire a plumbing contractor to handle the plumbing permit and scope, then pull a separate electrical permit if they want to do some electrical work themselves (though this is not recommended without proper training). Review the permit requirements with the city before you start to confirm which scopes require licensed trades.

What do I need to submit to the city to pull a bathroom remodel permit?

You'll need: (1) a completed permit application (available on the city's portal or at City Hall); (2) a site plan showing the bathroom location within the home; (3) a floor plan with bathroom dimensions and fixture locations (toilet, sink, tub/shower); (4) for plumbing work, a plumbing plan showing drain routing, trap location, vent stack, and any relocated supply lines; (5) for electrical work, a single-line electrical diagram showing circuits, breaker sizes, and GFCI/AFCI protection labeling; (6) for new or relocated exhaust fans, the CFM rating and duct termination location (roof vent or wall vent); and (7) for tub-to-shower conversions or new showers, a waterproofing specification (product name, brand, assembly detail). If you're not sure what to include, call the Building Department or download their bathroom-remodel checklist from the portal.

How long does plan review take in Glendale Heights for a bathroom permit?

Standard plan review takes 2-5 weeks from submission to approval or first-round comments. If the city requests resubmittals (common issues: waterproofing detail, GFCI labeling, exhaust-duct termination), add another 2-3 weeks per resubmittal cycle. Once approved, you'll receive a permit card to post in the home and can schedule your first inspection (rough plumbing or rough electrical). Complex scopes (wall removal, structural changes) may take 4-6 weeks due to third-party engineer review. Submit a complete, detailed plan the first time to avoid delays.

What is the permit fee for a bathroom remodel in Glendale Heights?

Permit fees are based on project valuation (estimated construction cost). A typical full bathroom remodel with fixture relocation and new electrical runs $400–$600 in permit fees. The city calculates valuation at roughly 1.5% of total construction cost. A high-end remodel with structural work, a new beam, and a panel upgrade may cost $700–$1,200 in permits. Ask the Building Department for a fee estimate when you call; they can give you a ballpark number based on your scope before you submit. Permit fees are non-refundable once work begins.

What are the inspection requirements for a bathroom remodel permit in Glendale Heights?

For a typical full bathroom remodel with plumbing and electrical, you'll schedule: (1) rough plumbing inspection (before walls are closed, to verify drain slope, trap location, and vent routing); (2) rough electrical inspection (before walls are closed, to verify circuit routing and protection); and (3) final inspection (after all work is complete, tile set, caulked, and fixtures installed). If you're removing walls, add a framing inspection before rough trades. Each inspection is scheduled via the online portal or by phone and typically takes 1-2 hours. Inspectors have 24 hours to post results; if they find defects, you'll receive a correction notice and must reschedule after fixing the issue.

Do I need a permit if I'm just replacing the toilet and vanity in the same location?

No. Replacing fixtures in-place (toilet, vanity, faucet) without relocating drains or supply lines is exempt from permitting in Glendale Heights. This counts as 'fixture replacement in kind' and does not require a permit application. However, if during demolition you discover that the old drain is cast iron and corroded, or the subfloor is rotted, and you need to repair or replace it, stop work and call the Building Department to determine if additional permits are now required. For safety and peace of mind, have a licensed plumber inspect the rough-in before you commit to the new fixture type.

What is the frost-depth requirement in Glendale Heights, and does it affect bathroom remodels?

Glendale Heights is in Cook County, and the design frost depth is 42 inches below finished grade. This affects exterior work (footings, decks, etc.) but does not directly apply to interior bathroom remodels. However, if your remodel involves a basement bathroom and you're installing a new sump pump or floor drain, the sump must be at least 5 feet from the foundation and pitched to drain away; frost depth becomes relevant if the sump pit bottoms out at or near the frost line (which can freeze and back up). For most interior bathroom work on upper floors or main-level bathrooms, frost depth is not a factor.

Is lead-paint testing required for a bathroom remodel in a pre-1978 home in Glendale Heights?

Glendale Heights does not require lead-paint testing as part of the permit process. However, federal EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule applies to homes built before 1978. If you hire a contractor, they must be EPA-certified and follow lead-safe practices (containment, HEPA vacuum, wet cleaning, certified clearance testing). If you're doing the work yourself, you must follow EPA guidelines (available at epa.gov/lead). Failure to comply with RRP Rule can result in EPA fines of up to $16,000. Have a lead-safe assessment done before work begins; many local environmental consultants offer this for $300–$500.

Can I convert my tub to a shower in Glendale Heights without a permit?

No. Converting a tub to a shower (or vice versa) requires a permit because it involves a change to the waterproofing assembly. A bathtub assembly requires different waterproofing than a walk-in shower; the code (IRC R702.4.2) specifies membrane systems for showers that may differ from tub surrounds. The city will require you to submit a waterproofing detail (cement board plus sheet membrane, or a pre-formed pan) before approving the permit. Plan review and inspection for this scope typically take 3-5 weeks.

What happens if I start a bathroom remodel without a permit in Glendale Heights?

If the city discovers unpermitted work, a building inspector will issue a stop-work order and cite you for code violation. You will be required to pull the permit retroactively, pay a penalty fee (typically 150% of the original permit fee), and pass all required inspections. The city may also fine you $250–$1,000 for proceeding without a permit. Additionally, your insurance may deny a claim if a bathroom leak or electrical fire occurs in unpermitted work, and you will be required to disclose the unpermitted work when selling the home (Illinois Property Condition Disclosure form). In worst-case scenarios, unpermitted structural work (like removing a load-bearing wall without a permit) can be ordered removed entirely, costing tens of thousands of dollars. It is always cheaper and easier to pull the permit upfront.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current bathroom remodel (full) permit requirements with the City of Glendale Heights Building Department before starting your project.

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