Jersey County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Godfrey is primarily in Madison County. However, the northern portion extending into Jersey County follows unincorporated Jersey County rules. Construction physically located in Jersey County with a Godfrey mailing address must be permitted through Jersey County.

Department

Jersey County Code Administrator's Office

Address

200 N. Lafayette St., Suite 6, Jerseyville, IL 62052

Phone

618-498-5571

Email

codeadmin1@jerseycounty-il.gov

Website

https://www.jerseycountyillinois.us/code-administrator/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm your property is physically located in Jersey County (not Madison County).
2. Contact Jersey County Code Administrator's Office to request permit application forms.
3. Complete the permit application with detailed project information.
4. Submit application along with required documentation to the Code Administrator.
5. County reviews application for completeness and code compliance.
6. Applicant is notified of approval and fee amount.
7. Pay fees to Jersey County.
8. Receive issued permit and schedule first inspection.

Typical processing time: Typically 7-14 business days for standard residential projects.

Source: Jersey County Code Administrator's Office

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations, accessory buildings, decks, fences, pools, and reroofing.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan or plot plan
• Construction blueprints
• Proof of property ownership or authorization
• Contractor license information (for licensed trades)

Permit validity

180 days.

Building code

2018 IRC (Residential), 2018 IBC (Commercial), 2017 NEC (Electrical), IL Plumbing Code, IL Energy Conservation Code

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own property; however, state-licensed trades (plumbing, roofing, electrical) must be contracted to licensed professionals.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be properly licensed by the State of Illinois for their trade (IDFPR). Proof of insurance required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100.00

Plan check fee

$50.00 (Residential base)

Permit fee formula

Calculated based on square footage and construction type. Typical formula: fee per square foot for residential additions; flat fees for simple projects.

Reinspection fee

Follows standard schedule; contact office for specific rates

Penalty (no permit)

Penalty assessed for unpermitted work

Payment note

Checks payable to Jersey County; contact office for other payment methods.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Interior painting and wallpapering
• Minor repairs using like-for-like materials
• Routine maintenance that does not affect structural integrity or life safety systems

Important: Jurisdictional edge case: Godfrey is primarily in Madison County. Properties with a Godfrey mailing address but physically in Jersey County must follow Jersey County permitting. Confirm jurisdiction before applying.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 618-498-5571 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Insulation, Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), Final Building Inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 IRC (Residential), 2018 IBC (Commercial), 2017 NEC (Electrical), IL Plumbing Code, IL Energy Conservation Code
• Verify contractor license: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) License Lookup
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey County Building Permit FAQ

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

New construction, additions, structural alterations, accessory buildings, decks, fences, pools, and reroofing.

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

The minimum permit fee is $100.00. Fees are calculated as: Calculated based on square footage and construction type. Typical formula: fee per square foot for residential additions; flat fees for simple projects.. Plan check fee: $50.00 (Residential base).

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

1. Confirm your property is physically located in Jersey County (not Madison County). 2. Contact Jersey County Code Administrator's Office to request permit application forms. 3. Complete the permit application with detailed project information. 4. Submit application along with required documentation to the Code Administrator. 5. County reviews application for completeness and code compliance. 6. Applicant is notified of approval and fee amount. 7. Pay fees to Jersey County. 8. Receive issued permit and schedule first inspection.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jersey County, IL?

Typical processing time is Typically 7-14 business days for standard residential projects..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jersey County, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Interior painting and wallpapering; Minor repairs using like-for-like materials; Routine maintenance that does not affect structural integrity or life safety systems. Note: Jurisdictional edge case: Godfrey is primarily in Madison County. Properties with a Godfrey mailing address but physically in Jersey County must follow Jersey County permitting. Confirm jurisdiction before applying.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jersey County, IL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 618-498-5571.