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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Boone County
All new construction of structures, additions, alterations, and significant repairs require a permit. Specific project type handouts are available for: Decks and Porches, Finished Basements, Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs, and Accessory Structures/Detached Garages at https://www.boonecountyil.gov/government/departments/building___zoning/building_permit_requirements.php
- Health Department site plan approval (for most structures; call 815-544-2951)
- Construction drawings appropriate to project scope
- Site plan showing property lines, existing structures, and proposed work
- Contractor information with proof of insurance
- Any subdivision/HOA approvals if applicable
- Complete online application in Cloudpermit with no missing information
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with local amendments, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments, 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with local amendments, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with local amendments, 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with local amendments, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code with local amendments, and Boone County Zoning Ordinance (adopted July 9, 2008; amended through 2026)
- Contractor requirements
- No statewide general contractor license in Illinois. Electricians must hold IDFPR license. Plumbers must hold IDFPR license. Specific local contractor registration requirements should be confirmed with the department. Electrical Inspector Larry Rubeck and Plumbing Inspector Greg Hunt (815-218-0610) handle those trade inspections.
Source: Building and Zoning Department, Boone County, Illinois ↗
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm that the property is in unincorporated Boone County (not within any incorporated municipality).
- 02 Obtain site plan approval from the Boone County Health Department at (815) 544-2951 -- required before a building permit will be released for most structures. If the property is in a subdivision, check with the homeowners association for any additional approvals.
- 03 Create an account in Cloudpermit at https://us.cloudpermit.com/gov/map/US-IL56926.
- 04 Submit the complete permit application through Cloudpermit, including all required documents.
- 05 Department reviews application. Missing information will cause processing delays.
- 06 Once review is approved and payment is received, the building permit is released electronically through Cloudpermit.
- 07 Post permit on site and proceed with construction.
- 08 Schedule inspections through Cloudpermit or by contacting the department at building@boonecountyil.gov or (815) 544-6176. Inspectors access all inspection data in the field through Cloudpermit.
- 09 Receive inspection results and final permit closeout electronically.
Source: Building and Zoning Department, Boone County, Illinois ↗
Fee schedule
Boone County building permit fees
Online payment through Cloudpermit is available. The permit is released once review is approved and payment is received. Zoning application fees (per Ordinance 23-18 O): Zoning verification letter $50.00, Lot of Record letter $75.00.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Cloudpermit platform (online)
- building@boonecountyil.gov (email)
- (815) 544-6176 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Department hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Standard IRC/IBC sequence for new residential construction: footing/foundation (after excavation, before pour), rough framing (after structure is framed and rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical are in place), insulation, final. Specific sequences for other project types (decks, pools, accessory structures) are in the PDF handouts at the building permit requirements page. Inspectors access all inspection data in the field through Cloudpermit (no paper required).
Source: Building and Zoning Department, Boone County, Illinois ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Boone County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, IL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Boone County, IL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, IL? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Boone County, IL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Zoning Department, Boone County, Illinois before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.