Homeowner Guide

Aurora, IL Siding Permits — Everything Homeowners Need to Know

Published July 2026 · 4 min read

If you're planning to replace the siding on your Aurora home, one of the first questions you'll face is: do I need a permit? The short answer is yes — the City of Aurora requires a building permit for full siding replacement. Here's what that means, how much it costs, how long it takes, and who handles it.

When a Permit Is Required in Aurora

The City of Aurora's Building and Permits Division requires a building permit for any full or partial siding replacement that involves removing existing siding and installing new material. This applies whether you're using vinyl, fiber cement, wood, aluminum, or composite. The permit ensures the work meets Illinois building code, including weather-resistant barrier requirements, flashing details, and fire resistance ratings.

Minor repairs generally don't require a permit. If you're replacing less than 100 square feet of siding — a damaged section after a storm, for example — you typically don't need to pull a permit. But if you're replacing all four sides of the house or a full elevation, the Building Division will expect to see a permit on file.

What the Permit Costs

Siding permit fees in Aurora are based on the project valuation (total cost of the job). Expect to pay $200-$500 for a typical single-family home siding replacement. The exact fee is calculated at $15 per $1,000 of project value, with a minimum fee of around $75. So a $20,000 siding job would carry roughly a $300 permit fee.

There may also be a separate plan review fee (~$50-$100) if your project requires architectural review — common in Aurora's historic districts or for homes with unusual structural considerations. The contractor you work with will include these fees in their quote so there are no surprises.

Who Pulls the Permit — You or the Contractor?

The contractor should pull the permit. Any legitimate siding contractor operating in Aurora will handle the permitting process as part of their service. They know which forms to file, what documentation is required, and how to schedule inspections. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit yourself, that's a red flag — it often means they're not properly licensed or insured in Aurora and don't want their name on city paperwork.

When you're matched with a pro through our service, the contractor handles everything — permit application, fee payment, scheduling the inspection, and being on-site when the inspector arrives. You shouldn't have to visit City Hall or fill out a single form.

The Inspection Process

After the permit is issued, the City of Aurora typically requires two inspections for a siding replacement:

1. Rough-in inspection — After old siding is removed and house wrap/weather barrier is installed, but before new siding goes up. The inspector checks that the weather-resistant barrier is properly installed, flashing is correct around windows and doors, and the wall assembly meets code.
2. Final inspection — After siding installation is complete. The inspector verifies proper fastening, clearance from grade, and that all trim, corners, and penetration details meet code.

Inspections are typically scheduled within 24-48 hours of request. The contractor must be on-site for both inspections. Most permits are valid for 6 months — plenty of time even if weather causes delays.

What Happens If You Skip the Permit?

Working without a permit in Aurora carries real risks. If the city discovers unpermitted work — through a neighbor complaint, a code enforcement drive-by, or when you try to sell the house — you could face fines of $500-$1,000+ and be required to expose the work for inspection (meaning they can make you remove siding to check what's underneath). It can also delay or kill a home sale if unpermitted work shows up during a buyer's title search.

In short: don't skip the permit. The $300-$500 fee is cheap insurance against much bigger headaches down the road. Any reputable contractor will include it as a standard line item in their quote.

How the Aurora Permit Office Works

The City of Aurora Building and Permits Division is located at 44 E Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60505. They're open Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Most contractors submit permit applications online through the city's e-permitting portal, which speeds up processing significantly compared to in-person filing. Typical turnaround for a siding permit is 5-10 business days from application to approval.

Ready to get started on your Aurora siding project? Call (630) 331-9584 or fill out our free estimate form. We'll connect you with a licensed, insured local pro who handles the entire permitting process — so you don't have to.