City of Evanston
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The majority of all construction projects require rough and final inspections. Contractors must be present at the job site during the requested inspections to answer questions and address concerns.
You may schedule inspections by calling the City a minimum of 2 business days in advance at (847) 448-8207, Option 5. You must have your permit number ready when calling. You may schedule an inspection with any Permit Services staff member who answers the office phone, but you may not schedule the inspection directly with the Inspector.
Inspections are granted on a first-come first-serve basis with a daily limit per Inspector. Inspections are made for either morning (9:00am to 12:00pm) or afternoon (1:00pm to 3:00pm) time slots. To coordinate approximate times, you can call the inspector directly on the day of the inspection (between 7:30am - 8:30am or 3:00pm - 4:00pm ).
PLEASE NOTE: One set of approved permit drawings must be at the job site for reference at all times. A scheduled inspection may be failed if the approved drawings are not on site.
Construction Work Hours
Monday - Friday: 7am - 7pm
(loud noise, such as jackhammering, not permitted after 6pm)
Saturday: 8am-5pm
Sunday: No Construction Permitted
| Building Inspections Supervisor | Henry Sonn hsonn@cityofevanston.org |
Inspection Types:
FENCES:
After the fence has been completely installed, a FINAL inspection will be required.
SOLAR PANELS:
Provide photos of the existing electrical service showing required clearances and grounding requirements, as well as the entire new PV system showing grounding, bonding, and labeling. Due to the number of pictures, a link to the photos may be needed.
ROOFING:
Roofing inspections are not performed by City of Evanston inspectors. Beginning October 1, 2025, roofing contractors must provide an inspection report to the City from a third-party inspector or inspection agency verifying compliance with all state and local code requirements. Inspection reports should be emailed to the City's Combination Building Inspector at: davidwilson@cityofevanston.org. Examples of acceptable inspectors include:
- Illinois-registered design professionals (i.e., structural engineer, architect)
- Third-party inspection agencies
- Illinois-licensed home inspectors
- IIBEC-credentialed consultants (IIBEC Membership Directory)
FLATWORK:
Flatwork projects require two (2) inspections: a PRE-POUR inspection prior to the pouring of any concrete, or installation of any pavers, and a FINAL inspection. "Remove and replace" projects do not require inspections. However, photos must be provided after completion of the project (see the Flatwork Permit Checklist). Please send photos to: davidwilson@cityofevanston.org.
CONCRETE PRE-POUR:
Prior to the pouring of any concrete footings, piers, foundations, or flatwork, the inspector needs to see that the proper depth, width and location are maintained. They also verify that the reinforcing is as indicated on the approved permit drawings.
STRUCTURAL ROUGH (FRAMING):
After the structure is framed, and after all other rough inspections (Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical) have been passed, but before the insulation or gypsum wallboard is applied, including any ceiling enclosure.
STRUCTURAL ROUGH (INSULATION):
After the Framing inspection has been passed and the insulation has been installed, an insulation inspection must be performed.
STRUCTURAL FINAL:
At the completion of the general work, when all wall and ceiling coverings have been finished, all stairways have been completed, handrails and guardrails have been installed, and all life safety and accessibility issues have been addressed.
ELECTRICAL ROUGH:
Prior to the application of any wall or ceiling coverings. The inspector needs to check all electrical revisions, rewiring or piping work. The electrician must be present on site at the time of inspection.
ELECTRICAL FINAL:
At the completion of the electrical work, all devices must be installed, protected with required cover plates, etc. and in proper working order.
PLUMBING ROUGH:
The inspector needs to inspect all piping prior to any wall, ceiling, floor or fixture coverings are applied and for the use of properly designated equipment. The licensed plumber must be on site at the time of rough inspection.
PLUMBING FINAL:
At the completion of all plumbing work all fixtures must be in place. If testing is required, than the results must be witnessed and approved.
HVAC ROUGH:
The inspector needs to see the installation of all equipment, piping and duct work prior to any wall, floor or ceiling coverings.
HVAC FINAL:
At the completion of all connections and HVAC work. Occasionally, a test and balance report will be required prior to occupancy of the space or building.
FIRE PREVENTION:
The Fire Prevention Bureau must be contacted separately for all inspections of exit signs and lighting, fire suppression systems, and fire alarm systems. Please call 311 or (847)448-4311 to schedule the inspections.