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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Jersey County
New construction, additions, structural alterations, accessory buildings, decks, fences, pools, and reroofing.
Interior painting and wallpapering
Minor repairs using like-for-like materials
Routine maintenance that does not affect structural integrity or life safety systems
- Exempt Interior painting and wallpapering
- Exempt Minor repairs using like-for-like materials
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan or plot plan
- Construction blueprints
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Contractor license information (for licensed trades)
- Building code
- 2018 IRC (Residential), 2018 IBC (Commercial), 2017 NEC (Electrical), IL Plumbing Code, IL Energy Conservation Code
- Permit validity
- 180 days.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Typically 7-14 business days for standard residential projects.
- 01 Confirm your property is physically located in Jersey County (not Madison County).
- 02 Contact Jersey County Code Administrator's Office to request permit application forms.
- 03 Complete the permit application with detailed project information.
- 04 Submit application along with required documentation to the Code Administrator.
- 05 County reviews application for completeness and code compliance.
- 06 Applicant is notified of approval and fee amount.
- 07 Pay fees to Jersey County.
- 08 Receive issued permit and schedule first inspection.
Typical processing time: Typically 7-14 business days for standard residential projects.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Jersey County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100.00
02
Plan check fee
$50.00 (Residential base)
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
Follows standard schedule; contact office for specific rates
05
Penalty (no permit)
Penalty assessed for unpermitted work
Checks payable to Jersey County; contact office for other payment methods.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 618-498-5571 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, standard business hours
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Insulation, Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), Final Building Inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Jersey County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jersey County, IL? ▸
New construction, additions, structural alterations, accessory buildings, decks, fences, pools, and reroofing.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jersey County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Jersey County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jersey County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jersey County, IL, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jersey County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Jersey County, IL typically run Typically 7-14 business days for standard residential projects.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jersey County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jersey County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jersey County, IL via: 618-498-5571.
last verified April 2026
source Jersey County Code Administrator's Office ↗
entry id permits/illinois/jersey/godfrey
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jersey County Code Administrator's Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.