Jackson County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated area of Jackson County.

Department

Jackson County Board / County Code Enforcement

Address

1001 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966

Phone

618-687-7240

Website

https://www.jacksoncounty-il.gov/

Application Process

1. In floodplain/SFHA development, the county building official reviews the application and compares site elevation to base flood elevation.
2. County issues or denies the development permit after review.
3. Covered floodplain development permits are reviewed within three days after filing as noted in the ordinance.

Source: Jackson County Board / County Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Floodplain development in the Special Flood Hazard Area requires a county development permit and covered development in the floodplain requires a permit.

Required Documents

• Scaled site drawings showing property lines
• Scaled site drawings showing existing and proposed grades
• Scaled site drawings showing buildings and additions
• Lowest floor elevation for proposed buildings

Permit validity

A development permit expires if no work begins within six months.

Building code

Public Act 103-0510 sets minimum statewide building code standards effective January 1, 2025; local ordinance verification is still needed.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

No fee for a use permit; no fee for demolition/clearing/debris removal in the SFHA.

Permit fee formula

$50 for improvements to an existing building, installing a manufactured home on a permanent site, and other development projects; $75 for construction/reconstruction under $100,000 and projects requiring three site inspections; $100 for construction over $100,000.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Important: Research notes mention ordinance carve-outs and no-fee items but does not list a complete exemption list in public packet.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: A county final inspection is required before a use permit is issued.

Deficiencies must be corrected before the use permit is issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Public Act 103-0510 sets minimum statewide building code standards effective January 1, 2025; local ordinance verification is still needed.
• County contact page
• County community contacts
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, IL?

Floodplain development in the Special Flood Hazard Area requires a county development permit and covered development in the floodplain requires a permit.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jackson County, IL?

The minimum permit fee is No fee for a use permit; no fee for demolition/clearing/debris removal in the SFHA.. Fees are calculated as: $50 for improvements to an existing building, installing a manufactured home on a permanent site, and other development projects; $75 for construction/reconstruction under $100,000 and projects requiring three site inspections; $100 for construction over $100,000..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, IL?

1. In floodplain/SFHA development, the county building official reviews the application and compares site elevation to base flood elevation. 2. County issues or denies the development permit after review. 3. Covered floodplain development permits are reviewed within three days after filing as noted in the ordinance.