Question

I need to get a permit to change flooring in my townhome, how can I get one if places are closed?  

Answer 1

Contractors’ office manager/designer here. Not sure who told you that you’d need a permit but things like that do not require permits. As long as you aren’t doing anything structural such as moving walls, air ducts, electrical or plumbing, you are fine.  

Comments

@lepidopteran thank you for taking a time to research all that for me, that’s very nice of you!  

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@patron haha. what else have I got to do but watch more tv ugh. if you need help with the floor, I have a guy but that’s not why I reached out.  

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Could he do it for really cheap, I havent been working so I can’t afford much, was about to put the flooring on my credit card , feel free to pm me

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@patron message me privately about what the floor going in is and if anything needs removing and the approximate sq footage. I’ll see what I can get it done for and let you know.  

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I messaged you!  

Answer 2

You should not need a permit for flooring. Permits for indoor issues are more if your moving walls and electrical issues So if you sell you’re covered.  

Comments

@jaymejaymee check with your association first make sure they don’t have any requirements

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That’s an email from Association  

Answer 3

Not sure about the need. But some cities are doing permits via phone and USPS.  

Comments

Interesting! I tried calling city of Naperville and nothing they are closed!  

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@patron is there an email address online? For my work, we have been emailing a few cities. Although it didn’t include Naperville.  

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@patron The city of Naperville is not issuing permits for anything but urgent work like water damage fire etc or new construction which is considered essential.  

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@daystar thank you for the info!  

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@patron NP, been trying to get one myself. This is what the email said, in part.  During this time, city staff has limited resources to issue building permits or inspect projects. Our priorities will include those projects that will result in residential occupancies such as new homes, duplexes, townhomes, multi-family, apartments, condominiums, and commercial buildings with residential components such as senior living facilities. We will also place a priority on residential restoration work following a fire or flood necessary to allow residents to return to their homes. Permits for emergency repairs to any building, those directly related to addressing immediate public safety, and permits associated with existing critical facilities such as hospitals or care facilities will also be considered priority projects. Other projects, including commercial buildings, commercial occupancies, home improvement projects such as remodeling, building additions, pools, patios, fences, gazebos, decks, solar panels, etc. will be given a lower priority and will not be processed at this time. Depending on the duration of the shut-down and workload, these types of permits may be accepted for submittal and processed in the future.  

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Good info! Thanks!  

Answer 4

You do not need a permit no matter what your association tells you. Tell them to pound sand. You are not changing structure or adding to your structure

Comments

I know right?!? I just don’t want to be fined for thousands and thousands, but yes it’s mind blowing what they are asking me to submit in order to do that in my own home !  

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@patron How did they know you were updating the flooring? Thankspically you don't have to let an HOA know if you are changing the interior elements when the city doesn't require a permit.  

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When I was on the phone setting up auto pay for association fees I asked them if it’s okay if I decide to change flooring, I guess I made a mistake asking them  

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@patron When dealing with the HOA, pretend you're on the stand and only answer each question with no added info or chitchat. Sorry you have to deal with this nonsense.  

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I learned my lesson! I am a homeowner for the first time so I was making sure I do everything right!  

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@patron unless it’s on the outside and visible they can’t do anything. Change it up.  

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Yes I am doing it!  

Answer 5

Where I live there are big signs up stating they are not allowing interior construction during the stay at home order to keep all residents safe . Everyone decided to take advantage of the time and there were 4 different crews here constantly in and out. It also just states when the order is lifted projects have to be passed through the houseboard

Comments

I understand! My case I have my brother in law alone doing the job and I have to move in soon so that’s needs to be done now, so I don’t have time to wait really!  

Answer 6

I was on an HOA Board in a high-rise in the city for several years. What you posted above is boilerplate/one-size-fits-all language for an ARC request. Sometimes HOAs do not need to approve flooring/interior changes, but sometimes they require approval especially if your dwelling is over someone else’s. eg they may require a particular acoustic underlayment. Best to just fill out the form and advise the property manager that no permit is given/required for these circumstances, and that you’re DIYing it and assume all liability for doing so. Don’t proceed without approval. In the off chance the HOA found out about what you were doing or had done, it could cause a good deal of trouble for you! Not the least of which is fines. Your Rules or Declaration should specify what does and does not require approval. Good luck!  

Comments

In the rules doesn’t say anywhere that I need a permit for changing flooring! That’s why I am so confused!  

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Do the rules or the declaration say you need approval from the HOA for flooring changes? You may need HOA approval, but not necessarily a permit from the City. Two different things. Just tell the HOA you can’t get a permit for this and submit your request for review. They will just ask you for more info if you do not provide what they want with your application. Tell the property manager that a permit isn’t necessary under these circumstances. You could also speak with someone on the Board directly - for whomever handles ARC requests to understand the process. Just get whatever they say you need or don’t need in writing.  

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@mitzvah thank you very much for the info!  

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I just read it again, nowhere in the rules is even mentioned anything for changing flooring or any inside work for there matter!  

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Seriously, HOAs can be tough! I would go back to the property manager and let her know that the changes you wish to make are not covered by the rules that you can tell. Ask her to tell you the specific rule that requires the Board’s review/approval for flooring. If there isn’t one, you should not need to submit for a review. Hope there isn’t one and you can get your project done!  

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That’s the email my realtor sent them about my issue

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And here is their respond! Which doesn’t help my issues at all

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It sounds like you’re ok then - you’re only making interior changes. You might just reply and confirm that there is no rule regarding interior changes to be 100% certain. It sounds like the property manager was just being overly cautious.  

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Yes she replied back to make sure now we r waiting for managers response!  

Answer 7

I work with city of Chicago and cook county building and zoning departments obtaining permits for new construction and renovations of both commercial and residential buildings. There is NO WAY that anyone should require you to pull a permit for flooring. Some changes like windows, drywall, plumbing fixtures may require an EPP or easy permit but NEVER flooring.  

Comments

Yes I spoke with manager, I guess someone gave me the wrong info from their office!