City Building Permits

Mt. Vernon, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Illinois Jefferson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Mt. Vernon. The county guide and city pages indicate Mt. Vernon is its own permit jurisdiction.

Department
Engineering and Inspections Administration
Address
1100 Main Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Phone
(618) 242-6830
Website
https://www.mtvernon.com/resident-services/building-and-construction/building-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application

Platform: GovStack form portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Complete the building permit application online, by email, or in person.
  2. Engineering and Inspections Department reviews the application.
  3. Planning and Zoning Committee reviews it.
  4. City Council reviews it.
  5. If approved, the building permit is issued.

Source: Engineering and Inspections Administration

General Requirements

Mount Vernon says permits are required for carports, garages, pools, storage buildings, new houses, porches and decks over 30 inches high or with a roof, mobile homes, and new commercial construction, among other work.

Required Documents

  • Project cost
  • Job address
  • Parcel number
  • Legal description
  • Owner contact info
  • Architect
  • Contractor
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Roofer
  • Use and occupancy class
  • Type of construction
  • Area in square feet
  • Electric service size
  • Plans and specifications for public-purpose buildings, including plot plan, approved by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer
Building code
City of Mt. Vernon Building Codes page lists IBC 2021, IEBC 2021, IMC 2021, IFGC 2021, IFC 2021, NEC 2023, NFPA 101 2021, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Plumbing Code, and Illinois Accessibility Code/ADA.
Contractor requirements
The form collects contractor and trade contractor information; the city requires applicable state licensing for architects/engineers on public-purpose projects. The city code page also lists the city electrical contractor license page.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$7.50 for a $1,000 project cost tier
Permit fee formula
Fee table increases in $2.50 increments per additional $1,000 in project cost through the published tiers; the page provides a structured schedule rather than a single formula.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Engineering and Inspections Administration to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (618) 242-6830 at least 48 hours before the inspection (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Call at least 48 hours before the inspection. Permit holder or owner is responsible for scheduling.
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Concrete/structural rough, electrical rough and final, framing rough, HVAC rough and final, roofing photo review, siding/house wrap, solar panels, and final inspection before occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Engineering and Inspections Administration before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mt. Vernon Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Mt. Vernon, IL?
Mount Vernon says permits are required for carports, garages, pools, storage buildings, new houses, porches and decks over 30 inches high or with a roof, mobile homes, and new commercial construction, among other work.
How much does a building permit cost in Mt. Vernon, IL?
The minimum permit fee is $7.50 for a $1,000 project cost tier. Fees are calculated as: Fee table increases in $2.50 increments per additional $1,000 in project cost through the published tiers; the page provides a structured schedule rather than a single formula..
How do I apply for a building permit in Mt. Vernon, IL?
1. Complete the building permit application online, by email, or in person. 2. Engineering and Inspections Department reviews the application. 3. Planning and Zoning Committee reviews it. 4. City Council reviews it. 5. If approved, the building permit is issued.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Mt. Vernon, IL?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (618) 242-6830 at least 48 hours before the inspection. Call at least 48 hours before the inspection. Permit holder or owner is responsible for scheduling..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Mt. Vernon can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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