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1. What types of construction projects require a building permit?

As outlined Chapter 23 and Chapter 24 of the Municipal Code, to protecting the public by reducing potential hazards of unsafe construction practices and thereby ensuring the public health, safety, and welfare, building permits are required for virtually all construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and movement of any building or structure within the City of DeKalb corporate limits. The following projects do NOT require a permit: installing replacement windows and doors (as long as the size of opening does not change), re-roofing (as long as the sheeting is not removed), and exterior siding.

If you have any questions as to whether a permit is required, please contact the Building & Code Enforcement Division at 815-748-2070. For the required permit applications and fees, please follow this link.

2. Are gravel driveways allowed in the City of DeKalb?

Existing gravel driveways and parking lots must be maintained but not expanded. Expansion of any gravel driveway or parking lot will require the entire driveway or parking lot be hard surfaced in accordance with Section 12.03.1 of the Unified Development Ordinance. For more information, see Municipal Code Chapter 13.302.3 (PDF).

3. How tall is too tall for my lawn to grow?

All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 8 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided. This term, however, shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. For more information, please see Municipal Code Chapter 13.302.4 (PDF).

4. Is my landlord required to provide heating and cooling?

A temperature of not less than 65 degrees must be maintained between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. and not less than 60 degrees between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. between September 15 and May 15. There is no air conditioning requirement. For more information, see Municipal Code Chapter 13.602.1 – 5 (PDF).

5. When am I allowed to place garbage at the curb for pickup?

Refuse containers may be placed at the curb no earlier than 6 a.m. the day before the scheduled collection day and must be removed from the public right-of-way and returned to the private storage area no later than midnight on the scheduled collection day. For more information, see Municipal Code Chapter 15.03 (PDF).

6. When am I required to shovel my sidewalks?

All public sidewalks shall be kept clear of ice and snow after an accumulation of 2 inches or more in accordance with Section 51.21-5 of the City of DeKalb Municipal Code. If a property is on a pedestrian safety route, then snow and ice must be removed from that sidewalk within 48 hours of the onset of a snow exceeding 2 inches of sleet or freezing rain. For more information, see Municipal Code Chapter 51