Building & Community Development

Overview

The Building/Community Development Department oversees the regulatory code enforcement of the building and zoning functions as well as housing and community development activities. The department works to ensure safe and healthful living conditions for residents, achieve compliance with building codes, and preserve the community’s housing stock.

Divisions

Building and Code Enforcement

The Building and Code Enforcement divisions handle the traditional new construction/building permit activity, as well as property maintenance code enforcement for all residential and commercial properties within the Village. The Change of Occupancy Inspection Program, Annual Street by Street Canvas Inspection Program and Annual Multifamily Residential Common Areas Inspection Program, and a plethora of Special Enforcement Emphasis Programs, such as tall grass and weeds, overgrowth sight obstructions, garbage can placement times, etc. are also administered by the divisions.

Housing

The housing division’s major emphasis is the oversight of the Housing Authority of Park Forest. All HUD regulation enforcement and implementation are handled. Eligibility of landlords and tenants and placement approvals are administered in this area.











CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY INSPECTIONS:

For a change of occupancy inspections FOR PROPERTIES BEING SOLD to be owner-occupied, please provide:

  • Application for Change of Occupancy Inspection for Sales
  • $100 inspection fee payable by cash, check, or credit card.
  • Copy of signed/dated sales contract.
  • HVAC Certification for all heating units (furnaces, boilers, etc.), indicating that the unit is functioning safely and within code. The HVAC certification needs to be dated within the last 12 months and from an HVAC contractor registered with the Village of Park Forest. If you wish to work with an HVAC contractor that is not currently registered as a contractor with the Village, simply have them register with the Village, and we will accept their certification.
  • For properties being sold as an investment or rental property, please provide a signed/notarized Village of Park Forest Buyer Letter. The inspection fee will not be required at this time for properties that are not being sold to be owner-occupied. In this situation, the buyer will be responsible for arranging for and paying for the inspection.
  • COMPLETE submittal packages may be dropped off in person at the Building Department, in the drop box in front of the Village Hall, or sent via US Mail, FedEx, or UPS to the Building Department.  Submittals may also be sent via email to abell@vopf.com AND eleber@vopf.com. Please do not include credit card information with emailed documents. You will be contacted for your credit card number.
  • Incomplete submittals will delay scheduling inspections and the sale of transfer stamps. 

For a change of occupancy inspections for RENTAL PROPERTIES prior to a new tenant moving in, please provide:

  •  Application for Change of Occupancy for Rental.
  • $100 inspection fee.
  • Copy of signed/dated lease.
  • HVAC Certification for all heating units (furnaces, boilers, etc.), indicating that the unit is functioning safely and within code. The HVAC certification needs to be dated within the last 12 months and from an HVAC contractor registered with the Village of Park Forest. If you wish to work with an HVAC contractor that is not currently registered as a contractor with the Village, simply have them register with the Village, and we will accept their certification.
  • Citations may be issued when a tenant moves in prior to the rental change of occupancy inspection being completed.
  • COMPLETE submittal packages may be dropped off in person at the Building Department, in the drop box in front of the Village Hall, or sent via US Mail, FedEx, or UPS to the Building Department.  Submittals may also be sent via email to abell@vopf.com AND eleber@vopf.com.  You will have to come into office to process the payment or  sent a check or money order via US Mail, FedEx, or UPS to the Building Department 
  • Incomplete submittals will delay scheduling inspections.










Transfer Stamps:

  • Completed Village of Park Forest Transfer Declaration Form.
  • Properties being sold “As Is”, or when being sold as investment or rental property, must submit a completed New Buyer Information Form and Buyer Letter.
  • Copy of signed and dated sales contract (first and last page).
  • Any fines/fees due to the Village (water bills, liens, citations, invoices, etc.) would need to be paid prior to the transfer stamp being issued.
  • Payment for the transfer stamp ($5.00/$1000 of the purchase price).
  • Payment needs to be made by cash, certified funds (cashier’s check, money order), or by a title company or attorney’s check, or by credit card.
  • Transfer stamps may be applied for in person at the Building Department, via US Mail, FedEx, or UPS.










Building/Construction Permits:

  • Documents can be submitted in person at the Building Department counter, via the drop box in front of the Village Hall, by FedEx, UPS, or US Mail. 
  • Completed Application for a Building Permit. Please print the permit application in landscape on 8.5” x 11” paper only.
  • Standard submittal documents, including construction drawings, the scope of work, and contracts, must be submitted at the time of application.
  • Approved permits will be sent to the submitter via US mail. For a quicker return, please provide a FedEx or UPS label.
  • Payments can be made with cash, check, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card. 
  • If visiting the Building Department in person, we encourage you to have all forms filled out prior to arriving. Please bring your own pen.










Notice of Foreclosure

Banks, mortgage companies, other lenders, or applicable parties sending notice of foreclosure in compliance with 735 ILCS 5/15-15039 (b): notice of foreclosure should be sent to the following address:

Village of Park Forest
Attn: Building Department
350 Victory Drive
Park Forest, IL 60466