DeWitt County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated DeWitt County; also the county-level zoning office referenced by Waynesville for local building permit questions.

Department

DeWitt County Department of Zoning and Planning

Address

DeWitt County Building, 201 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 439, Clinton, IL 61727-0439

Phone

217-935-7775

Email

zoning@dewittcountyil.gov

Website

https://www.dewittcountyil.gov/

Application Process

1. Prepare the required exhibits, including a boundary survey and plot plan.
2. Submit the completed application and exhibits to the zoning administrator.
3. The administrator reviews compliance with county ordinances and may issue the permit if compliant.
4. Pay the applicable fee before or at issuance.

Source: DeWitt County Department of Zoning and Planning

General Requirements

No building or structure may be erected, constructed, reconstructed, or structurally altered until the required permit is issued. A separate occupancy permit is required for most changes of occupancy or use.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Boundary survey
• Plot plan showing proposed structure, utilities, easements, access, drainage, and related site conditions

Permit validity

Zoning use permits expire if footings and foundation are not in place by 90 days, structure not framed/roofed/enclosed by 150 days, or work is not completed within 730 days.

Building code

County code primarily regulates through zoning certificates and permit administration. Public code page reviewed does not clearly publish a local adopted building code edition; statewide Illinois minimums apply as of January 1, 2025.

Contractor requirements

No county-wide general contractor license found. Trades remain governed by Illinois state licensing rules for plumbers and electricians.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25 for structures other than buildings; many residential permits start at $35 or $150 depending on type

Plan check fee

Review and inspection fee referenced for commercial or industrial buildings, but the public code page does not publish the exact amount

Permit fee formula

Flat fees for many permit types; commercial or industrial buildings are $0.03 per sq ft of gross floor area, minimum $50, plus review and inspection fee after 7-1-2011

Payment note

Checks payable to DeWitt County Zoning

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Exterior remodeling such as siding, windows, roofing, painting, interior wall changes, new kitchens, baths, carpeting, office rearrangement, and similar remodeling
• Exterior work that does not change size, shape, dimension, or height
• Public utility structures and installations listed in the code
• Certain buildings, structures, or uses in public federal, state, or local parks
• Agricultural-purpose buildings and accessory buildings on an operating farm are fee-exempt by state law

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact the zoning office directly (in_person)

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation and footing timing is controlled by permit expiration rules; final occupancy requires compliance review.

Additional Resources

• Building code: County code primarily regulates through zoning certificates and permit administration. Public code page reviewed does not clearly publish a local adopted building code edition; statewide Illinois minimums apply as of January 1, 2025.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• DeWitt County website
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

DeWitt County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL?

No building or structure may be erected, constructed, reconstructed, or structurally altered until the required permit is issued. A separate occupancy permit is required for most changes of occupancy or use.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL?

The minimum permit fee is $25 for structures other than buildings; many residential permits start at $35 or $150 depending on type. Fees are calculated as: Flat fees for many permit types; commercial or industrial buildings are $0.03 per sq ft of gross floor area, minimum $50, plus review and inspection fee after 7-1-2011. Plan check fee: Review and inspection fee referenced for commercial or industrial buildings, but the public code page does not publish the exact amount.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL?

1. Prepare the required exhibits, including a boundary survey and plot plan. 2. Submit the completed application and exhibits to the zoning administrator. 3. The administrator reviews compliance with county ordinances and may issue the permit if compliant. 4. Pay the applicable fee before or at issuance.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Exterior remodeling such as siding, windows, roofing, painting, interior wall changes, new kitchens, baths, carpeting, office rearrangement, and similar remodeling; Exterior work that does not change size, shape, dimension, or height; Public utility structures and installations listed in the code; Certain buildings, structures, or uses in public federal, state, or local parks; Agricultural-purpose buildings and accessory buildings on an operating farm are fee-exempt by state law.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact the zoning office directly.