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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kendall County
New homes, additions, accessory buildings (sheds/garages), decks, pools, structural repairs.
Fences (unless in a floodplain)
Cosmetic updates
Certain agricultural buildings (Exempt application still required)
- Exempt Fences (unless in a floodplain)
- Exempt Cosmetic updates
- Exempt Certain agricultural buildings (Exempt application still required)
Required documents
- Building application
- Plat of Survey
- Construction drawings
- Health Dept Site Evaluation
- Building code
- 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2017 NEC, 2018 Mechanical/Fuel Gas, Illinois Plumbing Code
- Permit validity
- Work must start within 6 months.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may perform work; code compliance mandatory.
- Contractor requirements
- Kendall County does not currently register or bond contractors.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 10-15 business days.
- 01 Download forms from PBZ website.
- 02 Mail or drop off application, Plat of Survey, and construction plans. (The County does NOT accept emailed applications.)
- 03 Pay $50 Health Department Site Evaluation fee for most projects.
- 04 Wait for plan review and departmental sign-offs (Building, Health, Stormwater).
- 05 Pick up permit and pay final fees.
Typical processing time: 10-15 business days.
Source: Kendall County Planning, Building & Zoning (PBZ) Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Revised November 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact PBZ for specific minimums
02
Plan check fee
Varies; included in permit cost
03
Permit fee formula
Based on project type and size
04
Trade permit fee
Included in overall application
05
Reinspection fee
Penalty for work without permit
06
Penalty (no permit)
Penalty for work without permit
$50 Health Dept fee is separate from permit fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Revised November 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- KCinspections@KendallCountyIL.Gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Email by 4:00 PM one business day prior
- Inspection hours
- 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Site Evaluation, Footing, Foundation, Roughs, Insulation, Final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Kendall County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kendall County, IL? ▸
New homes, additions, accessory buildings (sheds/garages), decks, pools, structural repairs.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kendall County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Kendall County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact PBZ for specific minimums. Fees are calculated as: Based on project type and size. Plan check fee: Varies; included in permit cost.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kendall County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kendall County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Download forms from PBZ website. 2. Mail or drop off application, Plat of Survey, and construction plans. (The County does NOT accept emailed applications.) 3. Pay $50 Health Department Site Evaluation fee for most projects. 4. Wait for plan review and departmental sign-offs (Building, Health, Stormwater). 5. Pick up permit and pay final fees.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Kendall County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Kendall County, IL typically run 10-15 business days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kendall County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Kendall County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Fences (unless in a floodplain); Cosmetic updates; Certain agricultural buildings (Exempt application still required). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kendall County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kendall County, IL via: KCinspections@KendallCountyIL.Gov. Email by 4:00 PM one business day prior.
last verified April 2026
source Kendall County Planning, Building & Zoning (PBZ) Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/kendall/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Kendall County Planning, Building & Zoning (PBZ) Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.