Newton, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Newton. The city clerk page states the Clerk handles building and demo permits, zoning permits, and related applications.

Department

City Clerk / Building Permit Committee / Building Official

Address

Newton City Hall, 108 N Van Buren St, Newton, IL 62448

Phone

(618) 783-8451

Email

cityclerk@cityofnewtonil.com

Website

https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/city-clerk/permits/

Application Process

1. Obtain the permit application form and any related zoning compliance forms.
2. Prepare legal description, tax ID, owner and contractor information, plans, and drawings.
3. Submit to City Hall / City Clerk.
4. City reviews the application and zoning compliance.
5. Building permit is issued after approval and payment.
6. Work may begin only after permit issuance.
7. Required inspections are scheduled during construction and at final completion.

Typical processing time: 5 to 7 business days

Source: City Clerk / Building Permit Committee / Building Official

General Requirements

New construction, additions, rehabilitations, renovations, demolitions, and repairs that alter the structure or means of egress. Also required for accessory structures, pools, dwellings, commercial and industrial buildings, and signs.

Required Documents

• Owner name, address, and phone
• Physical address
• Legal description
• Property tax ID number, tax bill, or abstract
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers for all contractors and subcontractors
• Plans and drawings with measurements showing location, utilities, drainage, and setbacks
• Warranty deed if legal description is unavailable

Building code

The current city permit sheet says the city has adopted nationally recognized codes and state energy code requirements. The city building regulations PDF references the 2015 International Residential Code, 2006 IBC for commercial, current NEC, and 2012 IECC/REScheck or COMcheck, with local flood plain and subdivision/zoning rules.

Contractor requirements

All contractors and subcontractors must be identified on the application. Commercial permits require architectural stamped and sealed drawings.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$0 for some limited work types; otherwise many permits are $25

Permit fee formula

Flat fees by permit type, including one and two family dwellings $25, commercial $25, multifamily $25, accessory structure greater than 100 sq ft $25, accessory structure less than 100 sq ft $25, electric service upgrade $25, mechanical service upgrade $25, re-roofing that changes structural integrity $25, re-roofing that does not change structural integrity $0, ramps/sidewalks/signs $0, demolition permit $0.

Penalty (no permit)

$100 per day for commencing work without a permit; reinspection fee may be assessed if another visit is needed due to incomplete work

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Reroofing when not changing structural integrity, if Notice of Intent is completed
• Ramps
• Sidewalks
• Signs
• Demolition
• Limited work items may be $0 fee, but the city page still treats many categories as permit-required work

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline

24-hour notice is required for inspections.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, framing, rough-in plumbing, rough-in HVAC, rough-in electrical, gas meter tagging by gas company, final carpentry, final plumbing, final HVAC, sewer and water service before backfill, site inspection, final occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The current city permit sheet says the city has adopted nationally recognized codes and state energy code requirements. The city building regulations PDF references the 2015 International Residential Code, 2006 IBC for commercial, current NEC, and 2012 IECC/REScheck or COMcheck, with local flood plain and subdivision/zoning rules.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Forms and permits
• Municipal code
• City clerk page
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Newton Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Newton, IL?

New construction, additions, rehabilitations, renovations, demolitions, and repairs that alter the structure or means of egress. Also required for accessory structures, pools, dwellings, commercial and industrial buildings, and signs.

How much does a building permit cost in Newton, IL?

The minimum permit fee is $0 for some limited work types; otherwise many permits are $25. Fees are calculated as: Flat fees by permit type, including one and two family dwellings $25, commercial $25, multifamily $25, accessory structure greater than 100 sq ft $25, accessory structure less than 100 sq ft $25, electric service upgrade $25, mechanical service upgrade $25, re-roofing that changes structural integrity $25, re-roofing that does not change structural integrity $0, ramps/sidewalks/signs $0, demolition permit $0..

How do I apply for a building permit in Newton, IL?

1. Obtain the permit application form and any related zoning compliance forms. 2. Prepare legal description, tax ID, owner and contractor information, plans, and drawings. 3. Submit to City Hall / City Clerk. 4. City reviews the application and zoning compliance. 5. Building permit is issued after approval and payment. 6. Work may begin only after permit issuance. 7. Required inspections are scheduled during construction and at final completion.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Newton, IL?

Typical processing time is 5 to 7 business days.

What work is exempt from building permits in Newton, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Reroofing when not changing structural integrity, if Notice of Intent is completed; Ramps; Sidewalks; Signs; Demolition; Limited work items may be $0 fee, but the city page still treats many categories as permit-required work.

Other cities in Jasper County