The following is information about the types of projects that require permits, why those permits are helpful, and how the Building Department can assist you with your project.

Why does the Village require Building Permits?
There are several reasons.
First, even the most knowledgeable contractor or homeowner does not necessarily have the experience with building codes that the Village inspector has. Partially this is because codes can differ from community to community, but also because Village inspectors are required to stay current on changes to the complex national and state codes. Codes are regularly revised to reflect the latest in construction techniques and life safety practices. They also take into account lessons learned from unintended results of past practices, natural disasters and the insights of code officials from around the nation.

Second, getting a permit allows the Village to double check the work that the contractor has promised to perform and to make sure the contractor has a license and a bond in order to do work in the Village.
Never allow a contractor to talk you out of getting a permit, as this may be a sign that there may be complaints about the contractor’s work.

Any work over $100 requires a permit in the Village and if you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact Village Hall to confirm what is required.

When is a permit required?
A permit is required for any work or material that costs more than $100.

If you are planning a job this Spring or Summer, you should be prepared to provide the Village with a copy of your Plat of Survey, drawings or specifications of your project, and a completed permit form. Complete permits for small jobs normally are approved within 48 hours, but you are encouraged to plan ahead to make sure your job can begin on your schedule.

How can I check on the quality of my contractor?
It is important that you do your homework on a contractor BEFORE entering into a contract and giving any type of down payment for the work. Be especially concerned about contractors that are soliciting work by going door-to-door offering a special "deal" to perform the job right then and there without getting a permit. Sometimes these individuals will say that they have leftover material from another job that they want to use up if you will agree to the work at that time. Often these individuals have no skills or licenses and may use improper or unsafe materials in order to quickly make money and move on. There are several ways to help you select the contractor that is right for you.

Second, make sure you ask for a list of references from jobs that have been completed by the contractor. Drive by those homes and/or call them to see what their experience was with the company you are considering.

Third, make sure the contractor is licensed and bonded with the Village and that all permits have been applied for and approved by the Village.

The Roy Strom Co.
provides a comprehensive solid waste, recycling and landscape waste collection program
for the
Village of Berkeley.

Listed below are some important aspects of the program.
A more detailed brochure is available at Village Hall.

Collection Schedule
Thursday is the designated landscape waste collection day for the Village of Berkeley.
Landscape waste will be collected from the first Thursday in April through the last Thursday in November.

Yard Waste Program
Unlimited landscape waste collection is provided. Landscape waste consists of grass clippings, twigs, leaves and plant material.
Waste is to be placed into 30-gallon Kraft paper landscape waste bags or a 30-gallon reusable can. Either container is not to exceed 50 pounds.
Brush can be tied into bundles six feet in length and should not exceed 50 pounds.
Landscape waste is limited to what is generated in that household.
Rocks, sod, bales of hay and landscape timbers are not landscape waste and should not be placed in yard waste cans or bags. These items require a special pick-up service.

Building Materials
Cabinets, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows and miscellaneous loose wood not exceeding 50 pounds each or one cubic yard total will be picked up
(One cubic yard is approximately the volume size of a residential washing machine.)
Other items not listed will require a special pickup
 Example: carpeting, white goods and items over 50 pounds each or items that require two persons to handle.

White goods
Washers, stoves, dryers, water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, etc. are considered white goods and require a special pickup service.

Unacceptable waste items
 Unacceptable waste items include, but are not limited to, the following: tires; automobile wheels and large parts; automobile and similar batteries; toxic waste; radioactive waste; medical waste; volatile and explosive waste; acids and poisons; gasoline, motor oil and other flammable liquids; unhardened paint or other similar liquid; and hazardous waste.

Single Stream Collection Option
Roy Strom has been using "Single Stream" collection of all recyclable material
(containers and paper fiber all mixed together).
This allows consumers to use a single recycling bin for all their recyclable materials. This also allows the hauler the option to collect all the recyclable materials together in a single compartment collection vehicle. Single Stream collection allows a greater quantity of recyclable materials to be picked up at a faster collection rate.

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Ordinances passed by the Berkeley Village Board since January 1, 2002