County Building Permits
Iroquois County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Iroquois County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
county unincorporated area and county zoning administration
- Department
- Iroquois County Planning & Zoning
- Address
- 1001 East Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970, Room 108C
- Phone
- 815-432-7221
Application Process
- Start by completing the county building permit application and plot plan.
- Submit completed application with plans and fee to Planning & Zoning.
- County form states the permit will not be issued unless the total application is complete and plans are submitted.
- Do not start construction until the permit is issued.
General Requirements
For any grading of site for the construction, improvement, enlargement or alteration of new or existing building or structures, whether or not the alteration affects external dimensions
Required Documents
- completed application
- set of plans
- fee
- plot plan sketch
- legal description / PIN
- 911 address
- contractor information
- floodplain status
- project details
- Building code
- International Building Code, National Electrical Code, and State Plumbing Code; statewide Illinois minimum standards also apply.
- Owner-builder
- Owner or authorized agent signature requested on county form.
- Contractor requirements
- County form requests general, electrical, plumbing, concrete, and sewer contractor information.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- owner agrees to reimburse the County for building permit review fees if necessary
- Penalty (no permit)
- per day fine for moving in without an occupancy permit
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Iroquois County Planning & Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: application, plan submission, permit issuance, then construction
Additional Resources
- Building code: International Building Code, National Electrical Code, and State Plumbing Code; statewide Illinois minimum standards also apply.
- County home
- Planning & Zoning
- County offices
- Conditional use permit form
- 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 Iroquois County Planning & Zoning before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iroquois County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Iroquois County, IL?
- For any grading of site for the construction, improvement, enlargement or alteration of new or existing building or structures, whether or not the alteration affects external dimensions
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Iroquois County, IL?
- 1. Start by completing the county building permit application and plot plan. 2. Submit completed application with plans and fee to Planning & Zoning. 3. County form states the permit will not be issued unless the total application is complete and plans are submitted. 4. Do not start construction until the permit is issued.
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