County Building Permits
Franklin County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
County-wide unincorporated areas and, per county materials, some incorporated places without their own zoning or ordinances.
- Department
- Supervisor of Assessments / County Engineer Review
- Address
- 100 Public Square, Benton, IL 62812
- Phone
- (618) 435-9800
- Website
- https://franklincountyil.gov/
Application Process
- Obtain permit from Supervisor of Assessments.
- Submit application and sketch/drawing of the improvement.
- County Engineer approves permit after review.
- Pay fees if any and begin work only after permit issuance.
Typical processing time: Permit issuance is within 30 days after all facts and pertinent data are properly presented.
General Requirements
A permit is required before new structure construction or alteration of any existing structure.
Required Documents
- Permit form
- Drawing of improvement with dimensions
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50
- Permit fee formula
- Flat $50 permit fee
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Agricultural uses of land or buildings are exempt from county filing fee.
- Portable structures smaller than 12 x 14, including Cook Portable Buildings and portable carports, do not require a permit.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Typical inspection sequence: Permit approval by County Engineer, then inspections were not described in the reviewed sources.
Additional Resources
- County homepage
- Franklin County building permit handout
- Franklin County ordinance
- License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Supervisor of Assessments / County Engineer Review before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Franklin County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, IL?
- A permit is required before new structure construction or alteration of any existing structure.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Franklin County, IL?
- The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Flat $50 permit fee.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, IL?
- 1. Obtain permit from Supervisor of Assessments. 2. Submit application and sketch/drawing of the improvement. 3. County Engineer approves permit after review. 4. Pay fees if any and begin work only after permit issuance.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, IL?
- Typical processing time is Permit issuance is within 30 days after all facts and pertinent data are properly presented..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Franklin County, IL?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural uses of land or buildings are exempt from county filing fee.; Portable structures smaller than 12 x 14, including Cook Portable Buildings and portable carports, do not require a permit..
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