Mason County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Mason County, including countywide zoning and related building-permit review under county ordinances

Department

Mason County Zoning / Code Enforcement

Address

County Courthouse, 125 N Plum, Havana IL 62644

Phone

309-543-3759, option 9

Website

https://masoncountyil.gov/zoning/

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the work is exempt under county ordinance.
2. Complete the zoning permit application on forms furnished by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
3. Include required materials where applicable: applicant/owner/architect/engineer/contractor info, site description, plat of survey or suitable drawing, sewage plan if no municipal sewer, water supply plan if no municipal water.
4. File with the County Zoning Enforcement Officer.
5. County reviews and issues, or denies/requires revision.
6. For special uses, the application is referred to the Zoning Board.

Source: Mason County Zoning / Code Enforcement

General Requirements

county ordinance says a building permit is required prior to commencement of construction on any parcel in Mason County except as otherwise set forth.

Required Documents

• application form, owner/applicant/contractor details, site description, plat of survey or suitable drawing, and utility / septic / well information when relevant.

Permit validity

if work is not substantially started within 180 days, a new permit is required; work authorized by permit must be completed within 24 months, with one possible 12-month extension.

Owner-builder

not expressly published in the county material reviewed.

Contractor requirements

not expressly published in the county material reviewed; Illinois statewide trade licensing still applies for plumbing and electrical.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Routine maintenance or repair of buildings, structures, or equipment such as repairing or re-roofing a building
• Alterations to existing buildings at a cost of less than $1,000
• Construction of a service connection to a municipally owned and operated utility

Inspections

How to Schedule

• not publicly detailed beyond office filing and direct contact with zoning office (contact)

Inspection hours

county courthouse hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm except holidays

Typical inspection sequence: not publicly detailed

not publicly detailed

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Flood ordinance
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Mason County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, IL?

county ordinance says a building permit is required prior to commencement of construction on any parcel in Mason County except as otherwise set forth.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, IL?

1. Confirm whether the work is exempt under county ordinance. 2. Complete the zoning permit application on forms furnished by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. 3. Include required materials where applicable: applicant/owner/architect/engineer/contractor info, site description, plat of survey or suitable drawing, sewage plan if no municipal sewer, water supply plan if no municipal water. 4. File with the County Zoning Enforcement Officer. 5. County reviews and issues, or denies/requires revision. 6. For special uses, the application is referred to the Zoning Board.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Mason County, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance or repair of buildings, structures, or equipment such as repairing or re-roofing a building; Alterations to existing buildings at a cost of less than $1,000; Construction of a service connection to a municipally owned and operated utility.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Mason County, IL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: not publicly detailed beyond office filing and direct contact with zoning office.