On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Madison County
New homes, additions, accessory structures >200 sq ft, major repairs, alterations, solar installations.
Detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (must meet setbacks)
Fences up to 7 feet in height
Retaining walls 4 feet or less
Cosmetic finishes (painting, flooring, cabinets)
1-for-1 window/siding replacement (no size change)
Agricultural buildings (20+ acres; requires Agricultural Exemption form)
- Exempt Detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (must meet setbacks)
- Exempt Fences up to 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less
- Exempt Cosmetic finishes (painting, flooring, cabinets)
- Exempt 1-for-1 window/siding replacement (no size change)
- Exempt Agricultural buildings (20+ acres; requires Agricultural Exemption form)
Required documents
- Two sets of plans
- Site plan
- Recorded deed
- Private Entrance Permit (for new homes)
- Building code
- 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2023 NEC
- Permit validity
- 1 year from issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may perform work on principal residence.
- Contractor requirements
- Roofing/Plumbing contractors must be state-licensed.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Submit application in-person or via email to zoning@co.madison.il.us.
- 02 Provide two sets of construction plans, site plan, and recorded deed.
- 03 Department reviews for code and zoning compliance.
- 04 Pay fees in full upon notification of approval.
- 05 Permit issued for one year.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Madison County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00 (Zoning Permit Base Fee)
02
Plan check fee
Included in base fee
03
Permit fee formula
Square footage based (~$0.15/sq ft for new residential). $100 base + sq ft for additions.
04
Reinspection fee
$100 re-inspection fee
05
Penalty (no permit)
Double fees for starting without permit
Applications accepted until 4:00 PM daily
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (618) 296-4468 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Footing, Foundation, Framing, Electrical, Plumbing, Final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Madison County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, IL? ▸
New homes, additions, accessory structures >200 sq ft, major repairs, alterations, solar installations.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Madison County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Madison County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00 (Zoning Permit Base Fee). Fees are calculated as: Square footage based (~$0.15/sq ft for new residential). $100 base + sq ft for additions.. Plan check fee: Included in base fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Submit application in-person or via email to zoning@co.madison.il.us. 2. Provide two sets of construction plans, site plan, and recorded deed. 3. Department reviews for code and zoning compliance. 4. Pay fees in full upon notification of approval. 5. Permit issued for one year.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Madison County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Madison County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (must meet setbacks); Fences up to 7 feet in height; Retaining walls 4 feet or less; Cosmetic finishes (painting, flooring, cabinets); 1-for-1 window/siding replacement (no size change); Agricultural buildings (20+ acres; requires Agricultural Exemption form). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, IL via: (618) 296-4468.
last verified April 2026
source Planning & Development Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/madison/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning & Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.