Two large custom estates built here, each in under a year.
Palos Park, IL
Large homes on one acre lots, and two RL built ones
Palos Park is where RL has built some of its biggest houses. Shadow Ridge is 12,000 sq ft with copper turrets and limestone block masonry, finished in under a year, and it was featured on Comcast's "Builders & Buyers". All the Bells and Whistles is a Mediterranean inspired estate of more than 10,000 sq ft with 6 bedrooms, 10 baths, a theater, and indoor and outdoor pools.
Early village officials required one acre residential lots, and the village is still small and mostly residential. Frank Lello is on site every day of an RL build, and he's the one contact you need. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
Cook County
Population
4,899 (2020)
Permits
What clients say
Homeowners on working with Frank
Frank and his team built our dream home through COVID, and the quality has been exceptional. Years later he still checks in seasonally and stays a call or text away, which is rare and appreciated.
Julie Morris, homeownerFrank handled our kitchen renovation and we could not be happier with the final project. He was on site every day, used skilled craftsmen, and made what could have been stressful feel easy.
Homeowner, kitchen renovation
What to know before building in Palos Park
The Village of Palos Park Building Department issues every building permit and inspection. It also administers the codes for zoning, building, landscaping, trees, grading, erosion, flood zones and property maintenance. The department works directly with the Plan Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Historic Preservation Commission, along with the Village Council.
The village asks you to call before starting any interior or exterior improvement, because permits can depend on scope. Its building codes effective June 1, 2025 include the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2021 International Existing Building Code, with local amendments in Part Fourteen of the village code. The Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances have been part of a Development Regulations Code Update, so check with the village for the current text instead of relying on an old copy.
Trees are part of any plan here. Chapter 1028 of the village code requires a free permit from the Village Arborist to trim, prune or remove a tree, unless the tree could reasonably be expected to fall on village property. Plan the driveway and the footprint with that in mind. Cook County Forest Preserves border the village on three sides.
Palos Park also has its own Historic Preservation Regulations in Title Eight of the village code. If your property is affected, that adds a review step before exterior work.
RL coordinates the permits, lines the plans up with the village's codes, and builds from your plans or works with your architect and designer. See our custom homes page for how a build runs.
Sources: Palos Park Building Department, Palos Park development codes and maps, Palos Park village history, Palos Park municipal code, Chapter 1028
Services
What we build in Palos Park
Custom Homes
New custom homes on your lot, typically $1M to $3.5M, finished in under a year for homes up to 10,000 sq ft.
Upscale Remodeling
High end kitchen, bathroom and main living remodels with the owner on site every day.
Complete Renovations
Whole home renovations that rework layout, finishes and systems as one project.
Basement Build Outs
Finished basements from framing through final trim, built to last below grade.
Additions and Extensions
Bedrooms, baths and living space that match the house and look original.
Specialty Projects
Fire restoration, demolition and select commercial build outs.
Projects
RL projects in Palos Park
All the Bells and Whistles
A Mediterranean inspired estate of more than 10,000 sq ft with 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a home theater and indoor and outdoor pools. Built start to finish in under a year.
Silo Ridge
Frank built this Orland Park home in 1995. In 2015 RL Builders came back to remodel all 8,000 sq ft of living space for new owners, down to the drywall, in 5 and a half months.
Homer Glen Ranch
A custom ranch home in Homer Glen with durable materials, clean detailing and covered outdoor areas. Completed in 2018.
FAQ
Building in Palos Park: questions
Has RL Builders built homes in Palos Park?
Yes, two. Shadow Ridge is a 12,000 sq ft home with copper turrets and limestone block masonry. All the Bells and Whistles is a Mediterranean inspired estate over 10,000 sq ft. Both were finished in under a year.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Palos Park?
Generally yes. Chapter 1028 of the village code requires a free permit from the Village Arborist to trim, prune or remove a tree, unless it could reasonably fall on village property. Count on that permit for any tree work on a building lot.
Who reviews building plans in Palos Park?
The Building Department issues permits and inspections, and it works with the Plan Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Historic Preservation Commission. Which ones see your plans depends on the scope and the property.
Which codes apply to a new home in Palos Park?
Codes effective June 1, 2025 include the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2021 International Existing Building Code, with local amendments in Part Fourteen of the village code. New home plans have to meet those.
Planning a build in Palos Park?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
