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1. How do I obtain plans for my house?

The Community Development Department keeps files on every address in Deerfield. We may have plans for some houses, but not all of them. You may call the Community Development Department at 847-719-7484 and ask a staff member to look in your home’s file. If we have paper house plans on file, the homeowner may request a copy at their expense. The Village does not have a large format copier and the plans will have to be sent out for copying at the homeowner’s expense. A note on floor plans: for security reasons we can only release copies of floor plans to a homeowner – not to a real estate agent, potential buyer, contractor or anyone else.

Sometimes we have house plans on microfiche. At this time, we are not able to make copies of plans on microfiche. Most companies no longer make copies from microfiche because the technology is outdated, and for the companies that still make these copies they are often expensive and the quality is very poor.

2. What if there is construction happening in my neighborhood and I have questions and concerns?

Construction can bring about many questions and concerns. Read about some common concerns in this Neighborhood Construction document (PDF).

3. What if my neighbor is doing construction, and I don’t think they have a permit?

When a building permit is issued, the contractor and the homeowner are informed they need to display the building permit in the home’s front window, on the construction fencing, or someplace visible from the street. The building permit is a yellow card that states “Building Permit” and contains the address, permit number and date of issue. The permit is good for one year from the date of issue. If you believe someone is working without a permit, you can call the Building Department at 847-719-7484 to report it and an inspector look into the situation. Please keep in mind that no permit is needed for cosmetic work.

4. What if I need a dumpster?

Dumpsters do not require a special permit. Dumpsters must be placed on private property, preferably in the driveway. Dumpsters may not be placed in the street or in the right-of-way.

5. What is the right-of-way?

The right-of-way is Village owned area that is also known as the parkway. Right-of-way extends 15 feet from the curb line on either side of the street. In order to dig in the right-of-way a deposit must be paid to the Village. The deposit ensures that the right-of-way will be restored.

6. Where can residential open house and for sale signs be placed and when are they allowed?

Open house signs and Real Estate signs are permitted, however the open house signs are only allowed on Wednesdays between the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays between the hours of noon to 6 p.m.

7. Where can political signs be placed and when are they allowed?

Political signs are only allowed to be placed on private property. Time limits for political signs are requested to be no more than 30 days prior to an election and removed 7 days following an election.

8. Can I install a free little library on my property?

Yes, but please follow the below guidelines.

Placement

1. Structures must be on private property and not in the public right-of-way
2. Sight lines and movement of vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians must not be obstructed 

Size and Condition

1. Structures must be no larger than four feet tall and three feet wide (when mounted)
2. Structures must be kept in good repair

Limit

1. Properties are limited to one library structure only