Elmhurst Mansions Spark Fee Review Request

ELMHURST, IL – The construction of larger houses in Elmhurst has prompted a request to review the city's building permit fee structure.

Recently, builders have constructed houses of more than 10,000 square feet of livable space, City Manager Jim Grabowski said in a memo Thursday. They have gone beyond the one-year timeframe for residential building permits, he said.

Builders who go over a year pay permit fees equal to half of the original fee. If a house remains unfinished after 30 days beyond the deadline, the builder is fined $100 per day until completion, Grabowski said.

"The current regulations are in place to encourage construction to not take any longer than needed to reduce the burden on adjacent property owners," he said.

Under Elmhurst regulations, commercial building permits are valid for 18 months.

Grabowski is asking that a City Council committee review permit fees and durations. Aldermen are set to vote on the request Monday.