On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Henry County
Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure.
Agricultural buildings (except for setback requirements)
Small sheds under 120 sq ft (must still meet setbacks)
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work
- Exempt Agricultural buildings (except for setback requirements)
- Exempt Small sheds under 120 sq ft (must still meet setbacks)
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and setback requirements. Confirm with the Henry County Zoning and Building Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Building Permit Application
- Legal description of the property
- Plot Plan showing all structures and setbacks
- Detailed building plans
- Health Department permits if applicable
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) 2000; transitioning to 2021 standards per Public Act 103-0510
- Permit validity
- 1 year from date of issuance
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may perform their own work but must comply with all codes and inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Roofing and Plumbing contractors must be state-licensed.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5-10 business days
- 01 Obtain Building Permit Application from the website or office.
- 02 Submit completed application with a legal description of the property.
- 03 Provide a Plot Plan showing all structures and distances from property lines (setbacks).
- 04 Provide one set of detailed building plans.
- 05 If using a well or septic, obtain permits from the Henry & Stark County Health Department (309-852-0197) first.
- 06 Department reviews plans for compliance with zoning and building codes.
- 07 Permit is issued upon payment of fees.
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days
§ 04
Fee schedule
Henry County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00
02
Permit fee formula
Combination of flat fees and valuation-based fees
03
Trade permit fee
Included in permit fee
04
Reinspection fee
$50.00 per reinspection
Cash or check payable to Henry County Treasurer
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (309) 937-3419 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Framing (pre-insulation), Final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Henry County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Henry County, IL? ▸
Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Henry County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Henry 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 and valuation-based fees.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Henry County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Henry County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Obtain Building Permit Application from the website or office. 2. Submit completed application with a legal description of the property. 3. Provide a Plot Plan showing all structures and distances from property lines (setbacks). 4. Provide one set of detailed building plans. 5. If using a well or septic, obtain permits from the Henry & Stark County Health Department (309-852-0197) first. 6. Department reviews plans for compliance with zoning and building codes. 7. Permit is issued upon payment of fees.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Henry County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Henry County, IL typically run 5-10 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Henry County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Henry County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings (except for setback requirements); Small sheds under 120 sq ft (must still meet setbacks); Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and setback requirements. Confirm with the Henry County Zoning and Building Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Henry County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Henry County, IL via: (309) 937-3419. 24-hour notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Henry County Zoning and Building Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/henry/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Henry County Zoning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.