Municipal Government

Building Department

Residential New Construction The Building Department, located in the Village Hall, is divided into four offices: Construction Permitting and Inspections, Planning and Zoning, Economic Development and Engineering.

Construction Permitting and Inspections Office

The office is responsible for the plan review and inspection of construction of all residential and commercial structures within the Village. The Village reviews and inspects these structures to ensure construction conformance with national building codes. The Building Department issues permits for any building or property changes including fences, decks, patios, yard sheds, paving, etc. Please consult with the Building Department before making any interior or exterior changes to your property.

“Do I Need a Building Permit?”

Click to find specific information on permit requirements in the following categories:

Improvements Requiring Building Permits

Residential/Business Improvements
Residential New Construction
Fast Track Permit Process (Non-Residential Construction)

Planning and Zoning Office

Downtown Grayslake The Planning and Zoning Office is responsible for coordinating the approved growth of the community and implementing the community vision set forth in the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. These functions include coordinating the creation of sub-area plans and other planning documents, negotiating annexation agreements, making zoning recommendations, processing zoning applications for Village Board and Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals approvals, and provide opportunities for citizen input when projects are proposed in or near their neighborhoods. Zoning and Planning Permit (PDF)

Village of Grayslake Zoning Map:

Zoning Map (.pdf)

Current plans include:

Central Range. The Central Range Economic Initiative is designed to develop an approximately 900-acre area with office/retail/light industrial. The area is generally between Alleghany Road and Route 83 north of Peterson Road and south of Metra's Milwaukee District North line. Development of the project will result in an annual $16 million property tax surplus to local school districts at build out. For further detail go to Economic Development > Central Range.
Route 83 Corridor Plan. This plan encourages upgrades to property within the corridor. Suggested upgrades include architecture, landscaping and lighting.
Downtown Plan. This plan designates parcels for future redevelopment and describes the type of architecture, streetscape, signage and landscaping being encouraged in Downtown Grayslake.
Village-Wide Comprehensive Plan. In 2005 the Village Board approved the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. It establishes a common understanding among decision makers, the update process included a review of regional issues, existing community conditions, and an investigation of current planning practices and their possible application in Grayslake.

Economic Development Office

Economic development is an important municipal priority. The Economic Development Office helps to create jobs, generate economic activity, and attract new business which adds to the tax base. The increase in the tax base provides permanent additional financial resources for our schools and other districts. The programs bring together the public and private sectors to implement initiatives to improve the business climate for existing businesses and to attract new enterprises to the Village’s economy. The Village encourages business creation, retention, and investment through a number of programs.

Engineering Office

The Engineering office provides engineering design reviews and engineering inspections for public improvements and utilities to be constructed in new subdivisions to ensure compliance with Village ordinances and requirements. This office also supervises the engineering services that the Village contracts for as part of its privatization program, assists in oversight for construction of the annual community improvement program, and provides miscellaneous engineering support for Village departments and residents.