Unincorporated Lee County

new buildings, additions, alterations, replacements, foundations, garages, accessory buildings, pools, fences, signs, development permits, temporary permits, commercial and industrial structures, and other regulated work

Building code

county form says in absence of a Lee County Building Code, use current BOCA, IBC, or NEC for review; current statewide Illinois minimum codes still apply under state law

Permit validity

void if construction has not commenced 50 percent within one year; may be reissued only once; permit also states void after one year from approval

Owner-builder

application must be certified by owner or authorized agent

Contractor requirements

no countywide contractor license rule published; permit form requests contractor information

1. 01
   Obtain the building permit application from the Zoning Office.
2. 02
   If required, complete LESA review first for qualifying parcels.
3. 03
   Prepare building plan, floor plan, site plan, and supporting utility/septic/well approvals.
4. 04
   Secure driveway access, 911 sign, and drainage permits when applicable.
5. 05
   Submit materials to the Zoning Office for review.
6. 06
   For commercial work, obtain required inspections and fire approvals before permit issuance.
7. 07
   Permit is issued by the Lee County Zoning Office.

Source: Lee County Building and Zoning Office ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

Typical sequence: commercial buildings require certificate of inspection by qualified inspector and local fire department approval before permit approval