Bathroom Remodel Permit in Lombard, IL (2026)

Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026

The Short Answer

A full bathroom remodel in Lombard requires a permit if you're relocating plumbing fixtures, adding electrical circuits, installing a new exhaust fan, converting a tub to shower, or moving walls. Surface-only work—tile, vanity swap, faucet replacement in place—is typically exempt.

Lombard enforces the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and follows DuPage County's administrative rules, which means the city does NOT accept owner-builder permits for bathroom work—you must hire a licensed plumber and electrician for any fixture relocation or new circuits. This is a critical distinction from some collar counties (e.g., Kane County allows owner-builder work if you own and occupy the home). Lombard's Building Department issues permits through an in-person or mail submission process (no automated online filing for mechanical/electrical work), which adds 3–5 days to the intake phase before plan review even starts. The city also enforces a strict 42-inch frost depth for any new drain lines that exit the foundation, and DuPage County's stormwater rules can trigger additional stormwater-management permitting if your project involves new roof drains or sump discharge. Most full bathroom remodels in Lombard run $400–$800 in permit fees (calculated as 1.5–2% of project valuation, capped at roughly $3,000 for residential), and plan review typically takes 2–3 weeks for mechanical/electrical coordination before the first rough-in inspection.

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

Stop-work order issued by Lombard code enforcement carries a $100–$500 administrative fine, plus you'll owe double the original permit fee when you finally pull the permit to legalize the work.
Plumbing/electrical inspector cannot sign off on the home sale; DuPage County title insurance may flag unpermitted mechanical work, delaying or blocking closing by 30–60 days and reducing offers by 3–5%.
Insurance denial: if a water damage claim arises from unpermitted plumbing work (e.g., failed trap arm or improper venting), homeowners' policies routinely deny coverage, leaving you liable for $5,000–$25,000+ in remediation.
Lender refinance blocks: many servicers require a municipal use-and-occupancy certificate for mechanical/electrical changes; unpermitted work can trigger a full bathroom re-inspection, discovery of violations, and forced removal of the work at your cost ($2,000–$8,000).

Lombard full bathroom remodel permits — the key details

Lombard Building Department bases all permits on the 2018 IRC, which governs plumbing, electrical, and structural work in residential bathrooms. The critical trigger for a permit in Lombard is ANY of the following: relocating a toilet, sink, shower, or tub to a new location (even 2 feet away); running new electrical circuits (including dedicated 20-amp circuits for bathroom receptacles, as required by IRC E3902); installing a new exhaust fan or modifying exhaust ductwork; converting a tub to a shower (which triggers IRC R702.4.2 waterproofing requirements and changes the drainage assembly); or moving, removing, or opening any walls. If you're replacing a faucet in the same sink, swapping a vanity cabinet (without moving the drain or supply lines), or re-tiling the walls without structural changes, you do not need a permit in Lombard. The distinction matters: many homeowners assume 'full remodel' means 'full permit,' but if the toilet and sink stay in their original footprint and you're only updating finishes, you're exempt. However, the moment you relocate a trap arm or add a new circuit, the exemption ends and you must file.

Lombard does not allow owner-builder permits for plumbing or electrical work in bathrooms—this is a DuPage County-level restriction that Lombard enforces strictly. You must hire a licensed Illinois plumber (with a municipal license from Lombard or a reciprocal agreement) and a licensed electrician. The city maintains a list of licensed contractors on its website, and the Building Department will flag permits with unlicensed signatories and reject the application. When you file, you'll submit a completed permit application (available on the Lombard city website or in person at City Hall, 255 East Old Indian Trail, Lombard, IL 60148), a site plan showing the bathroom location, floor plans with fixture locations and dimensions, plumbing isometric drawings (showing drain and vent routing), and electrical plans showing all new circuits, GFCI/AFCI protection, and switch locations. The Building Department may request a specification sheet for the shower waterproofing assembly (e.g., 'cement board + liquid membrane' or 'pre-assembled acrylic pan'), the pressure-balanced valve model (to verify it meets IRC P2901.3), and exhaust fan CFM ratings and duct termination details. Plan review typically takes 2–3 weeks; the city coordinates with Utilities (for water/sewer), Fire (for smoke/carbon-monoxide detectors if the project is 'major renovation'), and often requires at least one resubmission for missing details.

Bathroom exhaust fans in Lombard must comply with IRC M1505, which requires a minimum CFM rating based on bathroom square footage (typically 50 CFM for bathrooms under 100 sq ft, or 1 CFM per sq ft if larger), and the duct must terminate to the outdoors (not into the attic, crawlspace, or soffits). Common rejections in Lombard involve exhaust-fan plans that don't specify duct diameter, run length (longer runs need larger diameter or booster fans), insulation (R-6 minimum in climate zones 4–5), or termination location. If your bathroom is over 100 sq ft, or if it's a master bath with a soaking tub, the Building Department may require a larger CFM fan or supplemental ventilation. Exhaust duct must not be shared between bathrooms (unless the duct has backflow dampers—rare in residential). The permit will require an inspection of the rough exhaust ductwork before drywall closes the wall cavity, and a final inspection after the fan is installed and ducting is confirmed at the roof or exterior wall.

Plumbing trap arm length is a frequent rejection point in Lombard bathroom permits. IRC P2706.1 limits the distance from a fixture trap to the vent stack: typically 5 feet for a toilet, 3.5 feet for a sink or shower (depending on pipe diameter). If you're relocating a toilet to the far side of the bathroom and the nearest vent is 8 feet away, you may need to run a new vent line or install a mechanical air-admittance valve (AAV), which adds cost and complexity. The Lombard inspector will measure the trap arm on rough plumbing inspection and reject if it exceeds code. Additionally, Lombard's 42-inch frost depth (per Chicago-area specs) means any new drain lines exiting the foundation must be sloped and below the frost line or trenched to avoid freeze-ups; if your remodel involves new exterior drainage, the plumbing plan must show trench depth and slope.

Electrical work in Lombard bathrooms is governed by IRC E3902 and requires GFCI protection on all receptacles within 6 feet of a sink, tub, or shower. Most bathrooms have two or more 20-amp circuits (one for general receptacles, one for the exhaust fan), and modern code often requires AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) protection on the general branch circuit as well. If you're adding a heated towel rack, exhaust fan, or ventilation unit, each may need its own circuit or must be added to an existing circuit with capacity. The electrical plan must show all new circuits, breaker locations, and protection devices. Lombard requires the electrician to pull a separate electrical permit (often issued at the same time as the plumbing/general permit) and inspections are coordinated: rough electrical before drywall, final after trim and fixture installation. A common mistake is assuming an existing 20-amp bathroom circuit can handle a new exhaust fan—the inspector will calculate load and may require an upgrade or new circuit.

Three Lombard bathroom remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A

Master bath renovation, same footprint, new tile and fixtures (Yorktown subdivision, 1970s ranch)

Your 1970s ranch in Yorktown has a 5x9-foot master bath with an original cast-iron tub and pedestal sink. You want to remove the tub, install a large ceramic-tile shower in its place, replace the vanity and toilet with new models in the same spots, retile the walls, and update the lighting. This scenario triggers a PERMIT REQUIREMENT because you're converting a tub to a shower, which changes the waterproofing assembly and drainage under IRC R702.4.2. The new shower requires either a pre-fabricated acrylic pan with a rubber membrane OR a mortar-bed floor with cement board and a liquid waterproofing membrane—not just tile on drywall. You'll need a plumbing permit ($300–$500) and an electrical permit ($150–$300) for the new lighting circuits and any GFCI upgrades. If the toilet waste line can stay in place (simple swap of bowl and tank), the trap arm distance is a non-issue, but if you're shifting the toilet location even slightly, the plumber must re-route the trap and vent, adding cost. The shower drain will route to the existing main drain; the plumber will install a P-trap and vent the drain line per IRC P2706 (typically a 3-inch main vent stack or AAV if the run is short). Inspection sequence: rough plumbing (verify trap-arm length, vent routing, and waterproofing materials before drywall), rough electrical (new circuits and GFCI protection), drywall inspection (often skipped in a remodel if only cosmetic changes), and final (tile, fixtures, lights installed, drains tested). Timeline: 3–4 weeks from permit pull to final sign-off. Estimated total cost: $8,000–$18,000 (labor and materials), plus $450–$800 permit fees. The tub-to-shower conversion is non-negotiable for permits in Lombard—you cannot skip this step.

Scenario B

Half-bath upgrade, powder room with new vanity and fixtures (historic Riverside neighborhood)

Your 1920s Craftsman bungalow in the Riverside historic neighborhood has a powder room under the stairs with a pedestal sink and a 1960s toilet. You want to replace both fixtures with a modern vanity cabinet and new toilet, add a recessed medicine cabinet, and update the mirrors and lighting—all finishes, no structural changes, no fixture relocation. In the historic Riverside overlay district, Lombard requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) review for exterior changes, but INTERIOR bathroom upgrades that don't involve moving walls or adding exterior ventilation are typically exempt from the COA process. This scenario does NOT require a permit because you're replacing fixtures in place (same drain and supply locations) and not adding new circuits—you're just swapping switches and outlets using existing wiring. However, if you add a new exhaust fan (common in powder rooms with no window) or upgrade lighting to new circuits, the exemption ends and you'll need an electrical permit ($150–$250). The vanity cabinet swap is surface work and does not trigger plumbing permitting if the sink drain and water supply lines run through the existing cabinet opening. One caveat: if your home was built before 1978, Lombard's building permit process will include a lead-paint disclosure warning; any renovation work (including vanity removal) that disturbs paint must follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules—hire an RRP-certified contractor or obtain certification yourself. Total estimated cost: $1,500–$3,500 (vanity, toilet, fixtures, labor), $0 permit fees. This is one of the few bathroom scenarios where you can safely skip permitting if you avoid adding circuits or exhaust fans.

Scenario C

Guest bathroom addition, new wall and plumbing stack (second-floor master suite expansion)

Your 1990s colonial has a second-floor master suite. You're converting a walk-in closet into a 5x7-foot guest bath with a toilet, pedestal sink, and small shower. This requires REMOVING an interior wall (framing permit), RUNNING NEW PLUMBING (a new 3-inch vent stack to the roof, new drain lines to the basement main, new water supply lines), and ADDING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS (20-amp circuit for receptacles, 20-amp or higher for the exhaust fan if required). This is a full-permit scenario: general permit (framing), plumbing permit, electrical permit—potentially three separate applications or one combined mechanical/electrical filing depending on Lombard's intake process. The plumbing challenge here is the new vent stack: if the stack must run vertically through the roof (no attic space available), the roofer will need coordination with the plumber, and the Building Department will require a roof-penetration inspection before the roofer seals the opening. Trap-arm distance from the new shower to the new stack will be measured; if the stack is close, you're fine, but if it's more than 3.5 feet, the plumber may need to run a secondary vent or AAV. The new water supply lines will tie into the second-floor main (if present) or run a new line from the basement—Lombard's water service rules require copper or PEX lines with solder/crimp joints tested by the city's water department. The Building Department will require a floor plan showing the new wall location, wall section details (if the wall is load-bearing), plumbing isometric (showing new vent stack, drain routing, and water supply), electrical plan (showing new circuits, GFCI, and light/fan placement), and framing details if the wall is structural. Inspections: framing (before drywall), rough plumbing (trap-arm length, vent stack, water supply), rough electrical (circuits, GFCI, fan duct), waterproofing/drywall (if needed), final (fixtures installed, everything tested). Timeline: 4–6 weeks. Estimated permit fees: $600–$1,200 (combined general, plumbing, electrical). Total project cost: $12,000–$25,000 (framing, plumbing, electrical, fixtures, finishes). This scenario is the most complex and longest timeline because the new wall and new plumbing system introduce structural and systems coordination challenges—do not attempt without licensed contractors and full permitting.

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Shower waterproofing and IRC R702.4.2 — the most-rejected bathroom detail in Lombard

The single most common reason Lombard's Building Department rejects bathroom permit plans is incomplete or unspecified shower/tub waterproofing. IRC R702.4.2 requires that showers have a waterproofing layer continuous from the curb (or base) up to at least 72 inches on the walls and 24 inches onto any adjacent walls that are within 6 inches of the shower spray zone. Many homeowners assume 'waterproofing' means 'cement board plus grout,' but the code requires a secondary membrane: either a liquid-applied waterproofing product (like Redgard, Hydro Ban, or equivalent), a sheet membrane, or a pre-fabricated acrylic shower pan with integral waterproofing. Tile alone does not meet code; grout is not waterproof. When you submit your plumbing permit, the plan must specify the waterproofing system by name and product—'cement board plus liquid membrane' is acceptable; 'tile and grout' is not and will be rejected.

In Lombard's climate (zone 5A, with 42-inch frost depth and frequent freeze-thaw cycles), improper waterproofing leads to water intrusion into the structural framing and foundation during winter, causing mold, rot, and structural damage. The inspector will ask during rough plumbing inspection: 'Is the membrane specified?' and will not approve drywall closure until you can show documentation (product datasheet, installation manual) proving your waterproofing system complies with ASTM C1088 (liquid membranes) or ASTM E96 (sheet membranes). Pre-fabricated acrylic or fiberglass pans (one-piece or multi-piece) eliminate much of this compliance work because the pan itself is the waterproof layer; however, any seams or penetrations must be sealed per manufacturer specs, and the curb must be sloped to drain toward the floor, not toward the walls. Budget $500–$1,500 for the waterproofing membrane alone; this is non-negotiable in Lombard and is often a line-item surprise for homeowners.

If your bathroom remodel includes a tub-to-shower conversion (like Scenario A), the waterproofing requirement is mandatory because you're changing the drainage assembly and the surrounding wall condition. If you're leaving a tub in place and not converting it, tub waterproofing is less stringent (the tub itself is the barrier), but any walls adjacent to the tub spray zone must still have waterproofing. The Lombard inspector will look at your shower floor slope (typically 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain), the floor assembly (mortar bed or pre-slope pan), the wall assembly below the tile (cement board or waterproofing membrane), and the drain slope inside the wall cavities (traps and P-traps must slope downward). This inspection step is non-negotiable; it is performed after rough plumbing is set but before any drywall or tile work, and failure to have the correct waterproofing system in place will halt the project.

Licensed contractor requirements and DuPage County owner-builder restrictions

Lombard Building Department does not issue owner-builder permits for any plumbing or electrical work in bathrooms. Unlike some Illinois counties (e.g., Kane, McHenry) where owner-occupied homes can obtain owner-builder permits if the homeowner is directly involved in the work, DuPage County (which includes Lombard) restricts owner-builder permits to owner-occupied residential homes AND explicitly excludes plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits. This means you cannot pull your own plumbing or electrical permit for a bathroom remodel in Lombard; you must hire a licensed plumber and electrician. The licenses are verified by the city: the plumber must hold an Illinois Master Plumber or Journeyman license AND be registered with Lombard (or hold a reciprocal license from another DuPage municipality), and the electrician must hold an Illinois Journeyman or Master Electrician license from the City of Lombard or a reciprocal jurisdiction.

When you submit your permit application, the plumbing contractor and electrician must sign and stamp the plans with their license numbers. The Building Department will contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to verify current license status; if the contractor is unlicensed or the license is expired, the permit will be rejected and the application will be forwarded to code enforcement. Hiring an unlicensed plumber or electrician—even if you trust them—creates liability for you: if inspections fail, you cannot legally proceed, and if there is a water leak or electrical fire, your homeowners' insurance will deny the claim because unlicensed work violates the policy exclusion for code violations. Additionally, Lombard has begun tracking contractor performance; repeatedly failed inspections or violations can flag a contractor's license with the state and may trigger license suspension or revocation. A legitimate licensed plumber in the Lombard area typically charges $80–$150 per hour (labor) plus material markup; a full bathroom plumbing job (fixture relocation, new vent stack, drain routing) runs $2,000–$5,000 depending on complexity. An electrician typically charges $75–$125 per hour and a bathroom electrical job runs $800–$2,000. These are market rates for the Chicago metro area; do not accept bids significantly below these ranges, as they often signal unlicensed or uninsured contractors.

The permit application will include a 'Contractor Responsibility Statute' acknowledgment: the contractor certifies they are licensed, insured, and responsible for code compliance. If the contractor later performs unlicensed or inadequate work, you (the homeowner) retain the right to file a complaint with IDFPR or the State's Attorney's office. However, the easiest prevention is to verify licensing yourself before hiring: call IDFPR at 217-557-2900 or search the online database at cyberdriveillinois.com to confirm the plumber and electrician are active and in good standing. Ask the contractor for proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million general liability, $1 million for plumbing/electrical) and workers' compensation; do not accept verbal assurances. In Lombard, the Building Department will ask for proof of insurance as part of the permit filing, and the city will not issue the permit until the documentation is submitted.

City of Lombard Building Department
255 East Old Indian Trail, Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5700 (main line; ask for Building Department or Permits) | https://www.lombardil.org (look for Building Department or Permits under Services)
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed weekends and City holidays

Common questions

Do I need a permit if I'm just replacing an existing toilet and vanity without moving them?

No, if the toilet and vanity stay in their original locations (same drain and water supply connections), replacing them is considered surface-work maintenance and does not require a permit in Lombard. However, if you are moving the toilet or sink drain lines by even a few feet, a plumbing permit becomes mandatory. If you are adding new electrical circuits for lighting or exhaust fans, an electrical permit is required even if fixtures don't move.

Can I hire an unlicensed plumber or electrician to save money on a Lombard bathroom remodel?

No. Lombard and DuPage County do not allow owner-builder permits for bathroom plumbing or electrical work; you must hire a licensed Illinois plumber and electrician. Unlicensed work will be discovered at inspection, the permit will be rejected, and your homeowners' insurance will deny any water damage or electrical claims arising from the work. The cost of remediation ($2,000–$8,000+) far exceeds the savings from unlicensed labor.

How long does it take to get a bathroom permit approved in Lombard?

Intake (application submission and verification) takes 3–5 business days. Plan review for plumbing and electrical coordination typically takes 2–3 weeks. If the plan has missing details (e.g., waterproofing specification, exhaust-fan duct termination, trap-arm measurements), you may be asked for resubmission, adding another 1–2 weeks. Total typical timeline from application to first rough-in inspection: 3–4 weeks. Expedited review is sometimes available for an additional fee ($50–$150), but the contractor must confirm the plan is complete and correct before requesting it.

What is the most common reason Lombard Building Department rejects a bathroom permit plan?

Missing or unspecified shower waterproofing assembly. IRC R702.4.2 requires a secondary waterproofing layer (liquid membrane, sheet membrane, or pre-fabricated pan), and the plan must identify the product and installation method by name. Submitting a plan that says 'waterproofing per code' without specifying cement board, Redgard, or equivalent will trigger a rejection and a resubmission request. Spend time upfront with your plumber to define the waterproofing system in writing before filing.

If I convert a tub to a shower, do I need to change my bathroom exhaust fan?

Not necessarily. Your existing exhaust fan may meet code if it is sized correctly (typically 50 CFM for bathrooms under 100 sq ft, or 1 CFM per sq ft for larger bathrooms) and the duct terminates to the outdoors. However, if your current fan is undersized or the duct vents into an attic or soffit, the tub-to-shower conversion project is a good opportunity to upgrade or correct it. The inspector may flag an undersized or improper exhaust duct during the permit review and require an upgrade as part of the project.

What inspections will the Lombard Building Department require for my bathroom remodel?

For a typical full bathroom remodel in Lombard, expect: (1) Rough Plumbing — verifying trap-arm length, vent routing, P-trap configuration, and water supply lines before drywall closes the walls; (2) Rough Electrical — checking new circuits, GFCI/AFCI breakers, exhaust-fan wiring, and light placement before drywall; (3) Waterproofing/Drywall — confirming shower membrane is installed correctly before tile work; (4) Final — verifying all fixtures are installed, drains and vents are clear, and systems are operational. If framing is involved (new walls), a framing inspection may be required before rough-ins. Plan for 4–6 inspection visits over 4–8 weeks of construction.

Do I need a use-and-occupancy certificate or sign-off from Lombard after my bathroom permit is finalized?

For a bathroom remodel, Lombard typically does not issue a formal 'Use and Occupancy' (U&O) certificate; final permit sign-off is the standard closure. However, if your project is classified as a 'major renovation' (e.g., if it involves more than 25% of the home's surface area or includes structural work), the city may require a final U&O certificate. Ask the Building Department at permit intake whether your project qualifies. For refinance or resale, a copy of the final permit sign-off letter is usually sufficient; some lenders may request a municipal inspection to confirm no violations remain.

What happens if the Lombard inspector finds code violations during rough-in inspection?

The inspector will issue a written report listing violations and give you a timeline (typically 14–30 days) to correct them. Common violations include trap-arm length exceeding code, vent stack not properly sized, GFCI outlets not installed, exhaust duct not sealed, or waterproofing membrane not installed per specs. You and your contractor must address each item and request a re-inspection. If violations are not corrected within the timeline, the permit may be suspended or revoked, and a stop-work order may be issued. Correcting violations typically adds $500–$2,000 to the project cost and 1–2 weeks to the timeline.

Are there any historic-district overlay rules in Lombard that affect bathroom remodels?

Lombard has several historic districts (e.g., Riverside, Old Settlers), but the historic-district overlay rules typically apply to EXTERIOR changes (windows, doors, rooflines, siding). Interior bathroom remodels are generally exempt from Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) review unless the work involves structural changes visible from the exterior (e.g., new exterior exhaust-fan duct termination or roof penetration). Verify your property's zoning and overlay status on the Lombard Comprehensive Plan map or contact the Building Department to confirm. If your home is in a historic district and you're adding an exterior exhaust-fan duct, you may need to coordinate the duct style and material (e.g., black aluminum, not white plastic) with the Planning Department.

How much will a bathroom permit cost in Lombard?

Permit fees in Lombard are calculated as 1.5–2% of the project valuation, with a minimum fee of typically $50–$100 per permit type and no cap (though residential permits rarely exceed $2,000 total). A bathroom remodel valued at $15,000 would generate roughly $225–$300 in permit fees; a $25,000 remodel would be $375–$500. Separate plumbing and electrical permits each incur their own fees, so the total for a full remodel (general + plumbing + electrical) might run $400–$800. Ask the Building Department for an estimate before submitting; the permit fee is due at the time of application and is non-refundable if the permit is not used within one year.

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 Lombard Building Department before starting your project.

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