Elmhurst Permit Turnaround Time Concerns Residents, Businesses: Officials

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst residents and businesses with planned construction work are concerned about turnaround times for city permits, officials said Monday.

The city has reported an 18 percent increase in building permit applications this year.

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At a budget meeting, Alderman Michael Bram asked whether the city needed more money for permit reviews.

"I've gotten feedback in regards to the permit turnaround time, that it is longer than residents expect, whatever that is," Bram said.

Kent Johnson, Elmhurst's acting manager, said the city has been able to handle the surge, with engineering staff helping a short-staffed building department.

He also said the city is avoiding spending increases because of a structural budget deficit.

He said the city tells applicants that the minimum turnaround is four weeks.

Bram said he understood that the city must always balance city services and their cost.

Mayor Scott Levin said he, too, has received more calls than ever about permit turnaround times. He said the city would look into it.

"We pride ourselves on providing excellent service," the mayor said.