Bell02

Building Department Directory

Bellwood Building Department
(708) 547-3500, Ext. 609 or 610

The Building Commissioner’s office works to ensure the health, welfare and safety of Village residents. It is important to the commissioner and staff to work as a team with home and business owners, contractors and other village departments to ensure that Bellwood is safe and its dwellings are well constructed.

Each year the entire Village is inspected during an area exterior inspection; this helps to maintain and promote the continued increase in property values while preserving the quality of life in Bellwood. All residential and commercial properties are inspected before selling, leasing or renting. Additionally, multiple unit and commercial properties are inspected annually. The Building Commissioner’s office has divided Bellwood into sections, which makes each code enforcement officer responsible for a specific area. This division helps establish a valuable line of communication between residents and the department.

The Building Department is located on the second floor of the Village Hall in Room 211. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - noon. The staff comprises the building commissioner, commercial/chief inspector, three code enforcement officers, office manager and two permit clerks.

Building Permits

To obtain a Building Permit, the following procedures must be followed:

General & Replacement Permits

1. An application must be obtained. 2. Verification is made that the contractor is licensed and bonded. 3. The proposed job complies with building and zoning codes. 4. Calculation of permit fees. 5. Additional inspections may be required.

Room Addition or New Construction Permits

1. An application must be obtained. 2. Verification made that the contractor is licensed and bonded. 3. Three sets of stamped architectural drawings. 4. Plat of survey. 5. The proposed job complies with building and zoning codes. 6. Calculation of permit fees. 7. Additional inspections are required.

Fence Permits

1. An application must be obtained. 2. Verification made that the contractor is licensed and bonded. 3. Plat of survey. 4. Calculations of permit fees.

5. The fence complies with building and zoning codes. 6. Additional inspections are required.

v Once the permit has been obtained, the permit card must be placed where it can easily be seen from the street. Building Permits are good for six months with the option of an extension, if needed.

One of the many jobs of the office staff and enforcement officers is to investigate and resolve residential or commercial code concerns.

v The Building Commissioner recommends that residents and contractors contact the building department with any questions before the start of a construction project.

Contractors Licensing Process

All contractors must be licensed with the Village of Bellwood and provide a $10,000 license and permit bond. Plumbing and roofing contractors must also submit a copy of their state license. All electrical contractors are required to show proof of their electrical certification or proof of passing the electrical test. There is a fee for the Bellwood license.

Sale of a Property

A pre-sale inspection is required for the sale of a house or commercial business. Appointments for an inspection can be made in person or by telephone. Once the inspection has been completed by the inspector, the inspection report will be prepared and mailed to the owner or owner’s representative. Pre-sale inspections are good for six months, however amendments to the original report will be made when a situation warrants. When violations or upgrades exist, the seller has two options. In option one, the seller may request the use of an affidavit and/or escrow account. In option two, the seller may make repairs and upgrades and schedule a re-inspection. Should all corrections be in order, a compliance report will be prepared.

Once a pre-sale inspection has been prepared and existing upgrades and violations have been addressed, a final water reading must be scheduled with the Finance department. The final water inspection is required before a transfer tax stamp is sold. This stamp is $5.00 per $1,000, or a fraction thereof of full value consideration.

Renting a Property

A property owner who wants to rent their property is required to have a rental inspection. There is a $35 fee for residential properties and a $50 fee for commercial properties. Once the initial inspection has been performed, the report is sent to the owner to make them aware of any violations. Once the violations have been addressed and a re-inspection has been performed, a letter of compliance will be issued.

Flood Zone Map

Any resident may review the Village Flood Zone Map located in the Building Commissioner’s office.