Grundy County, IL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office)

Street address

1320 Union Street, Morris, IL 60450

Phone

815-941-3228

bskoff@grundycountyil.gov

Coverage

Oversees all building, zoning, and code enforcement for unincorporated areas of Grundy County.

Online portal

Grundy County Building Office

Direct Download / Physical Submission

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Grundy County

Required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, decks, fences, pools, roofing, siding, and solar installations.

Scope of work

Permit?

Cosmetic painting and wallpapering

Exempt

Floor coverings (carpeting, tile)

Exempt

Minor landscaping and non-structural landscaping walls

Exempt

Fences under 6 feet (Note: Still requires a $50 permit in some contexts, verify with office)

Exempt

Exempt Cosmetic painting and wallpapering
Exempt Floor coverings (carpeting, tile)
Exempt Minor landscaping and non-structural landscaping walls
Exempt 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.

Required documents

Plat of Survey
Architectural plans
Manual J/ResCheck (for new builds)
Health Department sign-off (for septic/well)

Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, 2018 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Current Illinois Plumbing Code
Permit validity: Generally 6 months to start work; expires 1 year after issuance if not completed.
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.

Source: Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Approximately 10 business days.

01

Complete the General Building Permit Application or project-specific form (Deck, Pool, etc.).
02

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.
03

Include a Plat of Survey showing all setbacks.
04

Provide proof of approved well/septic permits from the Health Department if applicable.
05

Submit contractor registration and insurance certificates.

Typical processing time: Approximately 10 business days.

Source: Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Grundy County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

Checks payable to Grundy County Land Use.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Foundation, Rough-in (Electric, Plumbing, Mechanical), Insulation, Final.

Source: Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Grundy County permits

01 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.

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Grundy County, IL? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Grundy County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grundy County, IL? ▸

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grundy County, IL, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Grundy County, IL? ▸

Building permit processing times in unincorporated Grundy County, IL typically run Approximately 10 business days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Grundy County, IL? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grundy County, IL? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grundy County, IL via: 815-941-3228 (at least 24 hours in advance). Call at least 24 hours in advance..

last verified April 2026 source Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office) ↗ entry id permits/illinois/grundy/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Grundy County Land Use Department (Building Office) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated Grundy County