On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for DeWitt County
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.
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
- Exempt Exterior remodeling such as siding, windows, roofing, painting, interior wall changes, new kitchens, baths, carpeting, office rearrangement, and similar remodeling
- Exempt Exterior work that does not change size, shape, dimension, or height
- Exempt Public utility structures and installations listed in the code
- Exempt Certain buildings, structures, or uses in public federal, state, or local parks
- Exempt Agricultural-purpose buildings and accessory buildings on an operating farm are fee-exempt by state law
Required documents
- Completed application
- Boundary survey
- Plot plan showing proposed structure, utilities, easements, access, drainage, and related site conditions
- 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.
- 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.
- Contractor requirements
- No county-wide general contractor license found. Trades remain governed by Illinois state licensing rules for plumbers and electricians.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Prepare the required exhibits, including a boundary survey and plot plan.
- 02 Submit the completed application and exhibits to the zoning administrator.
- 03 The administrator reviews compliance with county ordinances and may issue the permit if compliant.
- 04 Pay the applicable fee before or at issuance.
§ 04
Fee schedule
DeWitt County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25 for structures other than buildings; many residential permits start at $35 or $150 depending on type
02
Plan check fee
Review and inspection fee referenced for commercial or industrial buildings, but the public code page does not publish the exact amount
03
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
Checks payable to DeWitt County Zoning
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact the zoning office directly (in_person)
Typical sequence: Foundation and footing timing is controlled by permit expiration rules; final occupancy requires compliance review.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated DeWitt County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated DeWitt County, IL via: Contact the zoning office directly.
last verified April 2026
source DeWitt County Department of Zoning and Planning ↗
entry id permits/illinois/de-witt/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with DeWitt County Department of Zoning and Planning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.