What types of building permits are tracked here?

This page shows data from the Census Bureau's Building Permits Survey, which tracks permits for new residential construction (single-family homes, duplexes, 3-4 unit buildings, and 5+ unit buildings). It includes both the number of permits issued and the total construction valuation.

How do building permits indicate local growth?

Building permit activity is a leading indicator of development and economic health. Rising permit counts suggest growing demand and investment in the community. A shift toward multi-family permits may indicate increasing housing density, while declining permits can signal an economic slowdown.

Where does this building permit data come from?

Data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's Building Permits Survey (BPS), which collects monthly reports from permit-issuing jurisdictions across the country. Annual totals are published for municipalities with populations over 1,000. Data is typically available within 6-12 months of the reporting period.

MyTownView

Elmhurst, IL

CSAChicago-Naperville MSAChicago-Naperville-Elgin#28/341 Population

Building Permits in Elmhurst, IL — Recent Filings & Status

Elmhurst Building Permits

Municipal Permit Records

Construction Value

$47.4M ▼ 3.1%

Units Permitted

69 ▼ 2.8%

Avg Value / Unit

$686K

2024 · Census Bureau Building Permits Survey

Construction activity held steady in 2024, with 69 housing units permitted. At $686K per unit, new builds are running 89% above the DuPage County average of $362K, pointing to higher-end construction. Volume is 188% above the county average of 24 units, suggesting faster-than-typical growth. 5.8% of new units were multi-family (apartments, condos, duplexes).

Housing Mixi

69units

■Single-Family94%

■Duplex6%

■3-4 Unit0%

■5+ Unit0%

Development Densityi

Units per building permitted

1.0

1.05.01020+

All HousesHigh-Density

1.0 units/bldgCounty avg: 1.4

All construction is single-family detached homes.

Construction Intensityi

$1K

per resident

County avg: $2K-53%

$4.6M

per square mile

Elmhurst vs. DuPage County Averagei

Total Units+188%

Elmhurst

County

Construction Value+445%

Elmhurst

$47.4M

County

$8.7M

Value per Unit+89%

Elmhurst

$686K

County

$362K

Multi-Family Units-43%

Elmhurst

County

Where the Money Goesi

Construction value by housing type (2024)

Single-Family $45.8M

Type	Units	Bldgs	Value	Share
■ Single-Family	65	65	$45.8M	97%
■ Duplex	4	2	$1.6M	3%
■ 3-4 Unit	0	0	—	0%
■ 5+ Unit	0	0	—	0%

County Ranking by Construction Volume

Among 30 permit-issuing towns in DuPage County

#1 Naperville (369 units)

#30 Glendale Heights village

Historical trends, year-over-year analysis, and full permit history available with a paid plan. See products & pricing →

Need a Permit?

Community Development Department

209 N. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126

(630) 530-3030 chris.kransberger@elmhurst.org

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• Building & Remodeling

Interior and exterior construction, additions, and structural modifications.

• Electrical

Adding, replacing, or relocating electrical systems and fixtures.

• Plumbing

Plumbing fixture installation, replacement, or relocation.

• HVAC / Mechanical

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system work.

• Roofing & Siding

Roof replacement and siding installation or replacement.

• Decks & Exterior Structures

Building decks, detached garages, pavilions, and sheds over 100 sq ft.

• Fences

New fence installation or replacement.

• Solar Panels

Solar panel and photovoltaic system installation.

• Lawn Sprinkler Systems

Installation of underground lawn sprinkler systems.

• Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Systems

Commercial fire alarm and fire sprinkler system installation. Requires uploaded 3rd party review with approved plans.

• Outdoor Features

Fireplaces, fire pits, and swimming pools.

No permit needed: Painting, Flooring installation (carpet, tile, vinyl), Landscaping and gardening, Sheds under 100 sq ft

Application Process

1. Create an account on the Citizen Self-Service Portal (CSSP) at cityofelmhurstil-energovweb→2. Submit your permit application online through the portal with required documents→3. Upload plans, site plans, and any required 3rd party reviews→4. The department reviews the application (4,568 permits were issued in 2023)→5. Pay permit fees through the portal→6. Once approved, post the permit visibly at the job site→7. Schedule inspections through the portal as work progresses→8. Request a final inspection upon completion to close out the permit

Community Development ↗Permits & Forms ↗Permit Portal (CSSP) ↗Municipal Code Ch. 31 ↗Fee Schedule (PDF) ↗

Census BPS