Planning a new fence or deck at your Bourbonnais home? Before you dig a single post hole, it pays to understand how permits, inspections, frost depth, and setbacks work in our area. A little prep now can save you from fines, delays, or repairs later, and it can protect your home’s value when you decide to sell. In this guide, you’ll learn the key rules to check, who to call, and the steps to take so your project passes inspection the first time. Let’s dive in.
Do you need a permit?
Most decks and many fences in Bourbonnais require a permit. Decks that attach to your house, sit above a small height threshold, or include stairs almost always need a building permit and plan review. Detached decks may also require permits depending on height and design.
Fence permits depend on height, location, and corner lot visibility rules. Some lower fences may be exempt, but many fences need a municipal permit or zoning approval, especially if they exceed front yard height limits. Always confirm the current rules before you purchase materials.
Deck permits: what triggers approval
- Attached decks, raised decks, and decks with stairs typically require permits.
- Larger or unique designs can trigger a plan review and may require engineered drawings.
- Covered or roofed decks, and decks with unusual loads, often need stamped plans from a licensed engineer.
Fence permits: common rules to check
- Height limits can vary by yard and lot type, with special limits at corners for sight lines.
- Some materials or styles may be restricted by your subdivision or HOA.
- Fences in utility easements may be prohibited or removable. You can be asked to remove a fence placed in an easement.
Who to contact in Bourbonnais
- Village of Bourbonnais Building Department or Community Development for permit requirements, forms, and inspections.
- Kankakee County Building and Zoning if your property is outside village limits or in an unincorporated area.
- Your HOA or subdivision board if you have recorded covenants that require separate approval.
Inspections you should expect
Decks are usually inspected at several stages. Fences may only require a final inspection if a permit was issued. Ask the Village for the exact sequence when you apply.
- Footing or post hole inspection. This happens before you pour concrete or set posts.
- Framing inspection. The inspector looks at joists, beams, the ledger attachment, and structural connections before you install the decking surface.
- Final inspection. Railings, stairs, decking, and all safety items must be complete.
Keep every approval and correction list. A complete file helps you avoid headaches at resale.
Frost depth and footings in Bourbonnais
Frost heave can lift shallow footings and shift posts, which leads to movement, cracked concrete, and early failure. The fix is simple. Set footings and posts at or below the locally adopted frost depth using the footing sizes and methods required by the Village.
Do not assume a generic number you found online. The required frost penetration depth is set locally and can change. Ask the Village of Bourbonnais Building Department for the current frost depth and any footing detail handout. If you live in an unincorporated area, confirm with Kankakee County.
What to verify before you dig:
- Current frost depth used for residential footings.
- Whether continuous concrete footings, socketed piers, or post anchors on concrete pads are allowed.
- Minimum concrete diameter, thickness, and any reinforcement requirements.
If your deck is large or atypical, a licensed engineer may need to design and stamp the footing detail.
Setbacks, easements, and utilities
Start with your plat of survey. It shows lot lines, dimensions, and recorded easements. Setbacks tell you how close a structure can be to lot lines in the front, sides, and rear yard. The Village or County will confirm your setbacks and any height limits for fences in the front yard or corner lots.
Easements allow utility companies to access lines. Building in an easement can lead to removal without compensation. If a deck or fence conflicts with an easement, you will likely need written utility approval or a different design.
Before any excavation, call JULIE at 811 to mark underground utilities. It is required in Illinois and protects you and your neighbors.
Build details that protect safety and value
Small construction choices can make the difference between a smooth inspection and a costly repair list.
Strong ledger connections
If your deck attaches to the house, the ledger connection must use code-approved fasteners such as through-bolts or approved lag screws, and proper flashing to keep water out of the house wall. Improper ledger attachment is a common source of deck failures.
Guards, rails, and stairs
Guards are required once a walking surface is a certain height above grade. Minimum guard height and the spacing between balusters are regulated for safety. Stairs need secure treads and graspable, continuous handrails that meet code. Ask the Village which residential code cycle and local amendments are in effect.
Materials and hardware
Use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact where needed, or approved composites. Choose galvanized or stainless-steel fasteners and connectors that match your material to avoid corrosion. Use recognized brackets, anchors, and flashings with manufacturer installation instructions.
Drainage and grading
Your deck should not direct water toward your foundation or onto a neighbor’s property. Plan simple drainage paths that move water away from structures and keep soil stable around footings.
Documentation matters
Keep product spec sheets, receipts, and contractor insurance certificates. If you change the plan mid-project, get approval from the inspector before you build the new version.
Pre-project checklist
Use this step-by-step list to streamline your project and protect resale value.
- Pull your property survey or plat. Mark property lines and note any easements.
- Review HOA covenants. Secure written approval if required.
- Call the Village of Bourbonnais Building Department, or Kankakee County if unincorporated, to confirm:
- Whether your deck or fence needs a permit.
- Current frost depth and approved footing details.
- What drawings and details are required for submittal.
- Inspection milestones and how to schedule them.
- Permit fees and estimated review time.
- Get the permit application and any standard deck or fence detail sheets from the Village.
- Call JULIE at 811 for utility locates before any digging.
- Decide on DIY or hire a contractor. If you hire:
- Verify licensing if required, plus general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Get references and a written scope of work that matches your permit drawings.
- Prepare your plan set. Include dimensions, footing layout with depths, ledger and flashing detail, guard and stair details, and a materials list.
- Schedule and pass the footing inspection before pouring any concrete.
- Keep a running record of inspection dates, inspector names, and approvals.
- Schedule final inspection and obtain written sign-off or a completion document for your records.
For resale: close the loop
Unpermitted work can stall a sale. Lenders, title companies, and buyers often ask for proof that decks and fences were permitted and inspected. Keep the full permit file in your home records. If you bought a home with unpermitted work, talk to the Village about options to legalize the structure before you list.
Working with contractors vs DIY
A good contractor can handle permits, plan details, and inspection scheduling for you. Ask who pulls the permit and who will be on site for inspections. Request proof of insurance and a clear scope tied to the approved plans. For large or complex decks, consider hiring a licensed engineer to provide stamped drawings. DIY is possible for smaller projects if you are comfortable with code requirements and inspections.
Ready to plan your project?
A compliant, well-built fence or deck adds day-to-day enjoyment and future resale value. If you want guidance on which projects add the most value in Bourbonnais, or how to position improvements before you sell, let’s talk. Schedule a Free Consultation with Unknown Company to plan your next move with confidence.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence in my Bourbonnais backyard?
- Possibly. Many municipalities allow 6-foot rear yard fences but require a permit and limit placement and height in front yards or sight triangles. Check Village rules and any HOA covenants before you build.
How deep do deck posts need to go in Bourbonnais?
- Post and footing depth must meet the locally adopted frost depth and footing requirements. Contact the Village of Bourbonnais or Kankakee County for the current depth and footing details.
Can I build a deck or fence over a utility easement?
- Usually no. Easements typically prohibit permanent structures, and utilities can remove anything placed within them. If an easement crosses your planned area, talk with the utility and the Village about options.
What inspections will my deck need to pass?
- Expect a footing inspection before concrete, a framing inspection before decking, and a final inspection once rails, stairs, and safety items are complete. Fences often have a single final inspection if permitted.
Will unpermitted decks or fences affect my home sale?
- Yes, they can. Unpermitted work can lead to fines, required corrections, or delays at closing. It is best to permit, inspect, and keep records so buyers and lenders have confidence in the work.
