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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Macoupin County
Any new construction that requires a septic system or any substantial improvement to existing structures in unincorporated areas.
Cosmetic work (painting, wallpapering, flooring)
Minor repairs not affecting structural integrity
Fences (in unincorporated areas only; verify setbacks)
Small sheds not requiring septic
- Exempt Cosmetic work (painting, wallpapering, flooring)
- Exempt Minor repairs not affecting structural integrity
- Exempt Fences (in unincorporated areas only; verify setbacks)
- Exempt Small sheds not requiring septic
Required documents
- Completed PTAX-760 form
- Site plan
- 911 address
- Septic permit
- Building code
- Illinois Public Act 103-0510 (Statewide Mandatory Codes). Effective January 1, 2025: 2021 IBC (Commercial), 2021 IRC (Residential), 2021 IEBC (Existing Buildings), 2023 NEC (Electrical).
- Permit validity
- Generally valid for 1 year or until construction completion.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are allowed and must comply with 2025 state mandates.
- Contractor requirements
- No county-wide general contractor license. Roofing contractors must be state-licensed. Plumbers must be state-licensed through IDFPR.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5-10 business days
- 01 Determine if the project is in an unincorporated area and requires a septic system.
- 02 Assign a 911 address through the 911 Coordinator (217-854-3181) if not already assigned.
- 03 Obtain a Private Sewage Construction Permit from the Macoupin County Public Health Department (217-854-3223).
- 04 Complete the Building Program Permit & PTAX-760 form.
- 05 Submit form and $100 fee to the GIS Manager/Supervisor of Assessments.
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days
Source: Macoupin County Supervisor of Assessments / GIS Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Macoupin County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100.00
02
Plan check fee
None (County does not perform plan reviews for unincorporated residential)
03
Permit fee formula
Flat fee of $100.00 for the Building Program Permit
Check or money order payable to Macoupin County Treasurer.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Macoupin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL? ▸
Any new construction that requires a septic system or any substantial improvement to existing structures in unincorporated areas.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100.00. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee of $100.00 for the Building Program Permit. Plan check fee: None (County does not perform plan reviews for unincorporated residential).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Determine if the project is in an unincorporated area and requires a septic system. 2. Assign a 911 address through the 911 Coordinator (217-854-3181) if not already assigned. 3. Obtain a Private Sewage Construction Permit from the Macoupin County Public Health Department (217-854-3223). 4. Complete the Building Program Permit & PTAX-760 form. 5. Submit form and $100 fee to the GIS Manager/Supervisor of Assessments.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL typically run 5-10 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Macoupin County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic work (painting, wallpapering, flooring); Minor repairs not affecting structural integrity; Fences (in unincorporated areas only; verify setbacks); Small sheds not requiring septic. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Macoupin County Supervisor of Assessments / GIS Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/macoupin/macoupin-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Macoupin County Supervisor of Assessments / GIS Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.