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Illinois State Laws Support Disabled Veterans Through Building Permit Fee Waiver

October 2, 2024

Illinois Senate Bill 2751 waives building permit fees for disabled veterans' home modifications, ensuring easier proof of status and support for veterans and their caretakers.

Key Takeaways

  • Senate Bill 2751 eliminates building permit fees for construction projects on homes of disabled veterans to improve accessibility and comfort.
  • The bill ensures a simplified process for veterans to prove their status and obtain fee waivers, emphasizing practicality and inclusiveness.
  • The legislation applies to U.S. Armed Forces veterans, National Guard members, reserves, and their caretakers, reflecting a commitment to support those who served.
  • It is a difficult reality that many veterans of our armed forces come home from serving our country with psychological and physical challenges and disabilities. Often, these veterans require specific accommodations in their homes to enable them to live as comfortably and independently as possible.  

    Senate Bill 2751 

    With this in mind, the Illinois Legislature has passed Senate Bill 2751, which amends the Counties Code, Township Code, and Illinois Municipal Code as they relate to building permit fees. Under this legislation, the requirement to pay a permit fee will be eliminated for construction projects on residential units in which disabled veterans live. This is specifically for projects that are being done to make improvements to those homes to accommodate the veteran's disability. As usual, all applications, forms, and other typically necessary paperwork will still be required to obtain a building permit, but the often-hefty fees will be waived. During the application process, those hoping to get fees waived must also indicate what the construction project will involve and how it is meant to accommodate them or the veteran who lives at the residence.   

    The bill also specifies that proof of veteran status shall be construed liberally, presumably to avoid the possibility of veterans going through such a rigamarole to attain the benefit of this legislation that it becomes impracticable. It also states that local municipalities may develop their own versions of what constitutes proof of veteran status. Still, again, the idea is to ensure the requirements for providing proof are not so stringent as to be beyond the bill's intent as introduced.  

    It would apply to veterans of the United States Armed Forces, U.S. National Guard, or the reserves of the U.S. Armed Forces and to caretakers of such veterans. The bill has already passed through the Illinois Senate and the House and will soon arrive on Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk for signing into law.  

    As State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth of Peoria stated, "Many of these individuals were willing to put their body on the line for us, and we should be looking at ways to support them here at home" to show our appreciation for all that these veterans have done for our country and continue to do for their communities.  

    Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Each individual's legal needs are unique, and these materials may not be applicable to your legal situation. Always seek the advice of a competent attorney with any questions you may have regarding a legal issue. Do not disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
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