jaspector
County building permits

Unincorporated Marshall County

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

Code adoption
2021 IBC/IRC (State Mandate).
Avg processing
7-14 days.
Min. permit fee
$50.00
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Marshall County Zoning Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department

Street address
114 N. Prairie Street, Lacon, IL 61540
Coverage
Unincorporated areas of Marshall County not within any incorporated city or village limits.
Online portal
Marshall County Government
Static website
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Marshall County

New construction, substantial additions, and structural alterations in unincorporated Marshall County.

General maintenance and minor repairs
Interior cosmetic work
Minor fence repairs
Deck and patio work under certain setback conditions
  • Exempt General maintenance and minor repairs
  • Exempt Interior cosmetic work
  • Exempt Minor fence repairs
  • Exempt Deck and patio work under certain setback conditions

Note: Zoning setback and use restrictions always apply even for exempt work; confirm with Zoning Administrator.

Required documents
  • Zoning permit application
  • Site plan
  • Legal description of property
  • Contractor information
Building code
2021 IBC/IRC (State Mandate).
Permit validity
6 months to start work.
Owner-builder
Standard Illinois owner-builder exemptions apply.
Contractor requirements
State-licensed roofing, plumbing, and electrical work required.
§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 7-14 days.

  1. 01
    Contact Marshall County Zoning Administrator or Planning Department.
  2. 02
    Obtain zoning permit application form.
  3. 03
    Submit completed application with site plan and project details.
  4. 04
    County reviews for compliance with zoning ordinance and state building codes.
  5. 05
    Zoning permit issued upon approval; building permits may require additional step.
  6. 06
    Pay applicable fees.

Typical processing time: 7-14 days.

Source: Marshall County Zoning Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Marshall County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; typically $0.10 per square foot for residential.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Penalties apply for construction without permit.

Check or cash at County offices.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • Call Marshall County Zoning Administrator at 309-246-6336 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Zoning verification, Foundation, Rough-in, Final.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Marshall County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, IL?
New construction, substantial additions, and structural alterations in unincorporated Marshall County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Marshall County, IL?
Building permit fees in unincorporated Marshall County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; typically $0.10 per square foot for residential.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, IL?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Contact Marshall County Zoning Administrator or Planning Department. 2. Obtain zoning permit application form. 3. Submit completed application with site plan and project details. 4. County reviews for compliance with zoning ordinance and state building codes. 5. Zoning permit issued upon approval; building permits may require additional step. 6. Pay applicable fees.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Marshall County, IL?
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Marshall County, IL typically run 7-14 days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Marshall County, IL?
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Marshall County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: General maintenance and minor repairs; Interior cosmetic work; Minor fence repairs; Deck and patio work under certain setback conditions. Note: Zoning setback and use restrictions always apply even for exempt work; confirm with Zoning Administrator. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marshall County, IL?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marshall County, IL via: Call Marshall County Zoning Administrator at 309-246-6336.
last verified April 2026 source Marshall County Zoning Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department ↗ entry id permits/illinois/marshall/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Marshall County Zoning Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.