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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clinton County
New homes, mobile homes, additions, decks, sheds (portable or permanent), pools, garages, carports, and farm structures.
Re-roofing (without structural change)
Siding replacement
Window replacement (same size)
Routine maintenance and minor repairs
- Exempt Re-roofing (without structural change)
- Exempt Siding replacement
- Exempt Window replacement (same size)
- Exempt Routine maintenance and minor repairs
Required documents
- Completed application
- Site plan (drawing of lot and structure locations)
- Floor plan (for dwellings)
- Sewage permit
- Building code
- Enforces Zoning Certificates; commercial projects must comply with IBC (2006 or later). Effective 1/1/2025, statewide mandate for IRC/IBC 2021 applies.
- Permit validity
- Typically 1 year.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are allowed for residential construction.
- Contractor requirements
- No county-wide general contractor license required. Roofing and plumbing must be state-licensed.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1-5 business days for standard certificates.
- 01 Verify zoning district and setback requirements with the Zoning Office.
- 02 Obtain a Sewage Disposal Permit from the Clinton County Health Department (618-594-2723) if applicable.
- 03 Apply for a 911 Address through the Addressing Office (618-594-6631) for new construction.
- 04 Submit Zoning Certificate application with a site plan showing structure location and property lines.
- 05 Pay fees at the Zoning Office.
- 06 Upon approval, the Zoning Certificate (Permit) is issued.
Typical processing time: 1-5 business days for standard certificates.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Clinton County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Square footage based for living areas; flat fees for accessory structures.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Double fee penalty if work begins before permit issuance.
Checks or cash at office.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (618) 594-6655 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Setback verification (stake-out), foundation/footing (if required), and final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clinton County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IL? ▸
New homes, mobile homes, additions, decks, sheds (portable or permanent), pools, garages, carports, and farm structures.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clinton County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Clinton County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Square footage based for living areas; flat fees for accessory structures.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Verify zoning district and setback requirements with the Zoning Office. 2. Obtain a Sewage Disposal Permit from the Clinton County Health Department (618-594-2723) if applicable. 3. Apply for a 911 Address through the Addressing Office (618-594-6631) for new construction. 4. Submit Zoning Certificate application with a site plan showing structure location and property lines. 5. Pay fees at the Zoning Office. 6. Upon approval, the Zoning Certificate (Permit) is issued.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Clinton County, IL typically run 1-5 business days for standard certificates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clinton County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Clinton County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Re-roofing (without structural change); Siding replacement; Window replacement (same size); Routine maintenance and minor repairs. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clinton County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clinton County, IL via: (618) 594-6655.
last verified April 2026
source Clinton County Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/clinton/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clinton County Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.