On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harristown
Building permits are required for a variety of different uses. Residents uncertain whether their project requires a permit should contact the Village Office at (217) 963-2980 or Building Inspector Rick Watts at (217) 520-5454.
Note: Specific exempt work list not publicly detailed. Under adopted IBC framework and PA 103-0510 statewide minimum, minor repairs and maintenance not affecting structural elements are generally exempt. Contact Village Hall at (217) 963-2980 or Building Inspector Rick Watts at (217) 520-5454 to confirm exempt categories for Harristown.
- Building Permit Application (PDF)
- Scale drawing showing location of all structures on the lot and the work to be performed
- Building code
- Village adopted International Building Code 2003 and International Property Maintenance Code 2003, with local amendments (including modifications to specific IBC 2003 sections). Illinois Plumbing Code used in lieu of International Plumbing Code. NOTE: Under PA 103-0510, Harristown must enforce IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021 minimum standards effective January 1, 2025. Contact (217) 963-2980 for currently enforced code.
- Permit validity
- Contact village for permit expiration details.
- Owner-builder
- Contact village for owner-builder rules.
- Contractor requirements
- State-licensed electricians and plumbers required per Illinois IDFPR. Building Inspector and Plumbing Inspector are separate positions, suggesting trade-specific inspection requirements. No confirmed local contractor registration; verify with village.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Read all required information provided on the Building Permits and Inspections page at https://villageofharristown.com/building-permits-and-inspections.
- 02 Download and complete the Building Permit Application form (PDF, 457 KB, available on the website).
- 03 Attach a scale drawing of the work to be done showing the location of all structures on the lot.
- 04 Return completed application to Village Hall by: (a) in person at 185 N. Kembark Street, (b) email to harristownvillage01@gmail.com, or (c) mail.
- 05 Permit approval is subject to inspection of the premises to verify setback and zoning compliance and to ensure natural waterways are not disrupted.
- 06 Pay applicable permit fees.
- 07 Permit is issued.
- 08 Schedule inspections with Building Inspector Rick Watts at (217) 520-5454 or Plumbing Inspector David Binder at (217) 519-0303.
- 09 Pass all required inspections.
Source: Building Permits and Inspections Department, Village of Harristown ↗
Fee schedule
Effective Per Building Regulations ordinance
In-person payment at Village Hall presumed; contact (217) 963-2980.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Per Building Regulations ordinance) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Building Inspector Rick Watts (217) 520-5454 (phone)
- hwfinder2@gmail.com (Rick Watts) (email)
- Plumbing Inspector David Binder (217) 519-0303 (phone)
- dbinder@dbinderplumbing.com (David Binder) (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 AM - 3 PM (Wednesdays closed June 1 through August 31); Tuesday, Thursday: 11 AM - 5 PM
Typical sequence: Contact inspectors directly; not publicly detailed.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Harristown permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Harristown, IL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Harristown, IL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Harristown, IL? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Harristown, IL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Permits and Inspections Department, Village of Harristown before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.