City Building Permits

Town of Cortland, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Cortland, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Illinois DeKalb County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Cortland limits.

Department
Town of Cortland Building Department
Address
59 S. Somonauk Road, Cortland, IL 60112
Phone
815-756-1500
Website
http://www.cortlandil.org

Online Permit Portal

Open Our Community Connect

Platform: Our Community Connect • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Obtain Certificate of Zoning Compliance.
  2. Submit Building Permit Application with 2 sets of plans.
  3. Plan review by Building Official.
  4. Notification of approval and fees.
  5. Payment via Our Community Connect portal.

Typical processing time: 10-14 days

Source: Town of Cortland Building Department

General Requirements

All new construction, additions, sheds (even <120 sq ft), fences, decks, roofing, siding, driveways.

Required Documents

  • Application
  • Plat of Survey
  • Plans
  • Contractor info
Permit validity
180 days
Building code
2021 IBC/IRC
Owner-builder
Residential owners may perform work.
Contractor requirements
Must be registered with Town.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$75
Permit fee formula
Flat fees for minor; valuation for major
Penalty (no permit)
Double fee for work started without permit
Payment note
Online via Our Community Connect

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry
  • Small minor repairs

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 815-756-1500 (phone)
Inspection hours
Business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, Rough, Final

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Cortland Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Cortland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Cortland, IL?
All new construction, additions, sheds (even <120 sq ft), fences, decks, roofing, siding, driveways.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Cortland, IL?
The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Flat fees for minor; valuation for major.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Cortland, IL?
1. Obtain Certificate of Zoning Compliance. 2. Submit Building Permit Application with 2 sets of plans. 3. Plan review by Building Official. 4. Notification of approval and fees. 5. Payment via Our Community Connect portal.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Cortland, IL?
Typical processing time is 10-14 days.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Cortland, IL?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry; Small minor repairs.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Cortland, IL?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 815-756-1500.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Cortland can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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