A Site Development Permit is the equivalent of a Watershed Development Permit (WDO) for unincorporated areas. A Site Development Permit is required for projects that involve grading and/or filling activities. A Site Development Permit is also required for any development in the floodplains and wetlands and for projects that may result in soil erosion and/or drainage concerns. A Site Development Permit may be issued in conjunction with a Building Permit or may be issued independently depending on the type of activity. A Site Development Permit is issued to assure that:

• Development is in compliance with the Lake County Code of Ordinances and Federal and State regulations (e.g., wetlands, floodplains and erosion control).
• Harmful environmental effects and negative impacts are minimized or mitigated.

Requirements

A Site Development Permit may be required for the following activities:

• Grading, filling and site restoration
• Construction of new house, house additions and alterations
• Construction of accessory structures such as detached garage, storage structures
• Construction of non-residential (commercial) development
• Construction of septic systems
• Construction of seawalls
• Subdivision construction
• Wetland Jurisdictional Determinations
• Any project that exceeds 1,000 square feet of ground disturbance
• Any project that would alter the existing grade by more than three (3) feet in vertical height

To apply for a Site Development Permit, visit the Planning, Building and Development Department office located at:
Lake County Central Permit Facility
500 W Winchester Road
Libertyville, IL
  
 An application (PDF) for a Site Development Permit must be made in person, by either the property owner or authorized agent.

Site Development Permit Timeline Requirements

• If a permit has not been issued within six (6) months of the date of application, you must apply for an extension of the application
• If work has not been started within six (6) months of permit issuance, you must apply for an extension to start work
• A Site Development Permit application may be extended for up to one (1) year if construction extends beyond two (2) years from the date of issuance. A new permit and fees will be required if the extension is not granted or if the permit expires
• All extensions require an administrative fee to be paid with the request