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1. Do I need a building permit?

Most external changes to a property except for planting require a permit. Internal permits are required if you are installing or changing electrical, plumbing and structural or when you open the walls (remove drywall or plaster), as well some other items. To see if your project requires a permit, contact the department at 815-741-5106.

Building Department.

2. How do I apply for a building permit?

Download either the commercial or residential building permit form from the applications tab on the home page, and fill it out completely. If you are doing external work, you must submit a plat of survey of the property indicating what you are doing with distances from property lines and existing structures. Most work also requires drawings with all existing and new construction clearly marked including measurements. If you have a homeowner’s association, you must submit a copy of their written approval. If you are a tenant, you must submit written permission from the property owner. For more specific information on your project, contact the department at 815-741-5106.

Building Department.

3. What do I do if I started work without a permit?

You must stop all work and go through the application process. Once your permit has been picked up, you can resume work. You will be charged a penalty of three times the regular permit fee for beginning the work without a permit.

4. How long is my permit good?

You have 30 days from the date of issue to pick up the permit and six months from the date of issue to begin work. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

5. Can I extend my permit?

Yes, you can request an extension in writing. You must notify us of the permit number, work site address, and date by which work will be completed. If you request the extension before the permit expires or within six months of the expiration date, you will be charged a fee of 1/12 of the current permit fee for each month the permit is extended. If you request the extension more than six months after the expiration date, you will be charged 100% of the current permit fee. The permit cannot be extended more than one year past its original expiration date.

6. If I failed an inspection, do I owe a fee?

Yes, there is a fee of $100.00 for each failed inspection. This fee must be paid before a re-inspection can be scheduled.  Currently we can only accept cash or check as payment.