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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kankakee County
New construction; additions; alterations; demolition; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work; roofing; fencing; pools; sheds; pole buildings in unincorporated areas. Agricultural structures may be exempt under Illinois Farmstead Exemption.
Agricultural/farm structures may qualify for Farmstead Exemption under Illinois law
Minor repair and maintenance work
- Exempt Agricultural/farm structures may qualify for Farmstead Exemption under Illinois law
- Exempt Minor repair and maintenance work
Note: Contact Planning Department to confirm eligibility for Farmstead Exemption.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plat of survey
- Project plans/drawings
- Contractor registration documentation (all contractors must be registered with county program)
- For non-residential: see Non-Residential Applicant guide
- Building code
- Building regulations codified in Kankakee County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 105 available via Municode. Per state requirement, must comply with minimum IBC 2021/IRC 2021 as of January 1, 2025. Contact Planning Department for current adopted code editions.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing work requiring building permit in unincorporated Kankakee County must register with county Contractors Registration Program before permit issued. Registration fee: $150/year. Bond: $10,000. Insurance minimums: GL $1,000,000; Property Damage $50,000; Workers Comp $100,000 (or No Employee Affidavit for sole proprietors). Electricians and plumbers must hold IDFPR state licenses.
Source: Kankakee County Planning Department, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine the permit type needed (Deck; Demolition; Electrical; Fence; House/Addition/Garage/Pole Building; Maintenance; Non-Residential; Pool; Utility Shed).
- 02 Option A (Online): Create account at co-kankakee-il.smartgovcommunity.com. Apply for permit, submit drawings and documents, and pay fees through portal.
- 03 Option B (Paper): Download PDF application from county forms page or Building Permits page. Submit in person at 189 E. Court Street, Room 201.
- 04 Ensure all contractors on project are registered with Kankakee County Contractors Registration Program (required before permit issued). Registration: (815) 937-2940 ext. 2, then 2.
- 05 Await permit approval. Processing time not publicly stated; contact department.
- 06 Upon issuance, post permit on site.
- 07 Schedule inspections through SmartGov portal using user access code, or call Planning Department.
Source: Kankakee County Planning Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- SmartGov portal at co-kankakee-il.smartgovcommunity.com (online)
- (815) 937-2940 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Project-dependent. SmartGov portal allows users to view pending inspections and inspection results.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Kankakee County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kankakee County, IL? ▸
New construction; additions; alterations; demolition; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work; roofing; fencing; pools; sheds; pole buildings in unincorporated areas. Agricultural structures may be exempt under Illinois Farmstead Exemption.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kankakee County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kankakee County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Determine the permit type needed (Deck; Demolition; Electrical; Fence; House/Addition/Garage/Pole Building; Maintenance; Non-Residential; Pool; Utility Shed). 2. Option A (Online): Create account at co-kankakee-il.smartgovcommunity.com. Apply for permit, submit drawings and documents, and pay fees through portal. 3. Option B (Paper): Download PDF application from county forms page or Building Permits page. Submit in person at 189 E. Court Street, Room 201. 4. Ensure all contractors on project are registered with Kankakee County Contractors Registration Program (required before permit issued). Registration: (815) 937-2940 ext. 2, then 2. 5. Await permit approval. Processing time not publicly stated; contact department. 6. Upon issuance, post permit on site. 7. Schedule inspections through SmartGov portal using user access code, or call Planning Department.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kankakee County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Kankakee County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural/farm structures may qualify for Farmstead Exemption under Illinois law; Minor repair and maintenance work. Note: Contact Planning Department to confirm eligibility for Farmstead Exemption. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kankakee County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kankakee County, IL via: SmartGov portal at co-kankakee-il.smartgovcommunity.com, (815) 937-2940.
last verified April 2026
source Kankakee County Planning Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/illinois/kankakee/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Kankakee County Planning Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.