How much does a building permit cost in Salem, IL?

Fees are calculated as: residential and commercial building permits are generally per square foot, with published tiers. Plan check fee: not separately identified on the pages reviewed.

What work is exempt from building permits in Salem, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structure guidance shows sheds, detached garages, carports, and shipping containers are regulated and usually require a permit.

City Building Permits

Salem, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Salem, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Illinois Marion County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

city limits of Salem

Department: Building & Zoning / Planning Commission
Address: 101 South Broadway, Salem, IL 62881
Phone: (618) 548-2222 ext. 29 for Building & Zoning; (618) 548-2222 ext. 16 for Planning Commission
Website: https://www.salemil.us/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: CivicPlus web form • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Source: Building & Zoning / Planning Commission

General Requirements

building permits are required for new construction or additions, and also for accessory structures and certain renovations

Required Documents

application, plans, plot plan/site plan, and for commercial construction, sealed construction documents, drainage plan, and sealed site plan

Permit validity: not fully stated on the public application pages reviewed
Building code: Salem publishes its own code of ordinances and online application states compliance with the municipal code, adopted building code, and health and safety regulations; a 2024 building code is listed on the city planning page, while public ordinance text reviewed also references International Building Code compliance in certificates of occupancy. Treat code status as ordinance-specific and verify current adopted edition before filing.
Contractor requirements: trade fields are collected on the application; no local general contractor license rule was located on the pages reviewed

Fees

Plan check fee: not separately identified on the pages reviewed
Permit fee formula: residential and commercial building permits are generally per square foot, with published tiers
Reinspection fee: $15 additional fee for work done without a permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Accessory structure guidance shows sheds, detached garages, carports, and shipping containers are regulated and usually require a permit

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours: City Hall/department hours are generally Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Building & Zoning contact page lists ext. 29

Typical inspection sequence: permit application -> plan review -> permit issuance -> construction -> final inspection -> certificate of occupancy where required

work without a permit carries an additional fee; final certificate of occupancy depends on inspection and certification

Additional Resources

Building code: Salem publishes its own code of ordinances and online application states compliance with the municipal code, adopted building code, and health and safety regulations; a 2024 building code is listed on the city planning page, while public ordinance text reviewed also references International Building Code compliance in certificates of occupancy. Treat code status as ordinance-specific and verify current adopted edition before filing.
Planning Commission application/forms
Permit fees
Building permit process for commercial construction
Accessory structure guidance
Zoning board
License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building & Zoning / Planning Commission before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Salem, IL?: building permits are required for new construction or additions, and also for accessory structures and certain renovations
How much does a building permit cost in Salem, IL?: Fees are calculated as: residential and commercial building permits are generally per square foot, with published tiers. Plan check fee: not separately identified on the pages reviewed.
What work is exempt from building permits in Salem, IL?: The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structure guidance shows sheds, detached garages, carports, and shipping containers are regulated and usually require a permit.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Salem can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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