County Building Permits
Grundy County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grundy County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Oversees all building, zoning, and code enforcement for unincorporated areas of Grundy County.
- Department
- Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office)
- Address
- 1320 Union Street, Morris, IL 60450
- Phone
- 815-941-3228
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Direct Download / Physical Submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Complete the General Building Permit Application or project-specific form (Deck, Pool, etc.).
- Submit one set of plans (typically 2 feet by 3 feet) stamped and signed by an Illinois Registered Architect for new homes or major structures.
- Include a Plat of Survey showing all setbacks.
- Provide proof of approved well/septic permits from the Health Department if applicable.
- Submit contractor registration and insurance certificates.
Typical processing time: Approximately 10 business days.
General Requirements
Required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, decks, fences, pools, roofing, siding, and solar installations.
Required Documents
- Plat of Survey
- Architectural plans
- Manual J/ResCheck (for new builds)
- Health Department sign-off (for septic/well)
- Permit validity
- Generally 6 months to start work; expires 1 year after issuance if not completed.
- Building code
- 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, 2018 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Current Illinois Plumbing Code
- Owner-builder
- Owners may perform work on their own primary residence but must still pull permits and pass inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed with Grundy County ($150 annual fee), provide a $10,000 License and Permit Bond, and liability insurance.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50.00
- Permit fee formula
- Combination of flat fees for minor projects and square-footage/valuation for major work.
- Reinspection fee
- $50.00 for failed inspections.
- Payment note
- Checks payable to Grundy County Land Use.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Cosmetic painting and wallpapering
- Floor coverings (carpeting, tile)
- Minor landscaping and non-structural landscaping walls
- Fences under 6 feet (Note: Still requires a $50 permit in some contexts, verify with office)
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Office before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 815-941-3228 (at least 24 hours in advance) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call at least 24 hours in advance.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday during business hours
- Time windows
- Plumbing inspections often restricted to Monday/Thursday afternoons.
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Foundation, Rough-in (Electric, Plumbing, Mechanical), Insulation, Final.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, 2018 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Current Illinois Plumbing Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Grundy County Health Department
- 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 Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grundy County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Grundy County, IL?
- Required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, decks, fences, pools, roofing, siding, and solar installations.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Grundy County, IL?
- The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Combination of flat fees for minor projects and square-footage/valuation for major work..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grundy County, IL?
- 1. Complete the General Building Permit Application or project-specific form (Deck, Pool, etc.). 2. Submit one set of plans (typically 2 feet by 3 feet) stamped and signed by an Illinois Registered Architect for new homes or major structures. 3. Include a Plat of Survey showing all setbacks. 4. Provide proof of approved well/septic permits from the Health Department if applicable. 5. Submit contractor registration and insurance certificates.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Grundy County, IL?
- Typical processing time is Approximately 10 business days..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Grundy County, IL?
- The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic painting and wallpapering; Floor coverings (carpeting, tile); Minor landscaping and non-structural landscaping walls; Fences under 6 feet (Note: Still requires a $50 permit in some contexts, verify with office). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Office before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grundy County, IL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 815-941-3228 (at least 24 hours in advance). Call at least 24 hours in advance..
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