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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bradley
New building construction, additions, alterations, remodels, residential garage sales, roofing, decks, patios, fencing, driveways, detached garages, swimming pools, sheds, signs, demolition.
Garage sale permits (two 3-day sales permitted per year per resident; no fee)
- Exempt Garage sale permits (two 3-day sales permitted per year per resident; no fee)
Note: Other specific exemptions not enumerated on public website. Painting, flooring, and cosmetic work not affecting structure or systems is generally exempt under IBC/IRC provisions, but confirm with department.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Plat or survey
- Drawings or blueprints
- Contractor name, address, phone
- Kankakee County contractor registration number (all contractors must register with the county program)
- Building code
- International Building Code (2021); International Residential Code (2021); International Fire Code (2021); International Mechanical Code (2021); International Fuel Gas Code (2021); International Property Maintenance Code (2021); International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2021); ICC Performance Code (2021); National Electrical Code (2020); Illinois Energy Conservation Code (current); Illinois Plumbing Code (current); Illinois Accessibility Code (current).
- Permit validity
- Valid 12 months from issuance; construction must commence within 6 months of issuance
- Owner-builder
- Not explicitly stated for owner-builders; contact department
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with the Kankakee County Contractors Registration Program before a permit will be issued. Electricians and plumbers must hold IDFPR state licenses. Plumbing contractors must provide a letter of intent per the Illinois Plumbing Licensing Act.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 10 working days (may vary)
- 01 Determine whether a permit is required by calling (815) 936-5100 or reviewing the building services page.
- 02 Download the appropriate application packet from bradleyil.org/community-development/building-services/ (packets available in English and Spanish).
- 03 Complete the application. Gather all required documentation.
- 04 Submit in person at 111 N. Michigan Ave., 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday.
- 05 Staff reviews application. Processing typically 10 working days.
- 06 Pay permit fee via BS&A Online portal or in person.
- 07 Receive permit. Construction must begin within 6 months.
- 08 Schedule inspections at required stages. Give 48 hours advance notice (do not schedule by email or voicemail). Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings only.
Typical processing time: Approximately 10 working days (may vary)
Source: Building Services Division, Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (815) 936-5100 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Give 48 hours advance notice. Do NOT schedule by email or voicemail.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Time windows
- Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings ONLY
Typical sequence: Project-dependent. Inspections required for all permitted work.
Call JULIE at 811 at least 2 business days before any digging (www.illinois1call.com)
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bradley permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bradley, IL? ▸
New building construction, additions, alterations, remodels, residential garage sales, roofing, decks, patios, fencing, driveways, detached garages, swimming pools, sheds, signs, demolition.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Bradley, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bradley, IL, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether a permit is required by calling (815) 936-5100 or reviewing the building services page. 2. Download the appropriate application packet from bradleyil.org/community-development/building-services/ (packets available in English and Spanish). 3. Complete the application. Gather all required documentation. 4. Submit in person at 111 N. Michigan Ave., 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday. 5. Staff reviews application. Processing typically 10 working days. 6. Pay permit fee via BS&A Online portal or in person. 7. Receive permit. Construction must begin within 6 months. 8. Schedule inspections at required stages. Give 48 hours advance notice (do not schedule by email or voicemail). Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings only.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bradley, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Bradley, IL typically run Approximately 10 working days (may vary). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Bradley, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Bradley, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Garage sale permits (two 3-day sales permitted per year per resident; no fee). Note: Other specific exemptions not enumerated on public website. Painting, flooring, and cosmetic work not affecting structure or systems is generally exempt under IBC/IRC provisions, but confirm with department. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bradley, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bradley, IL via: (815) 936-5100. Give 48 hours advance notice. Do NOT schedule by email or voicemail..
last verified April 2026
source Building Services Division, Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/kankakee/bradley
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Services Division, Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.