City Building Permits

Metropolis, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Illinois Massac County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Metropolis and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) under Illinois Municipal Code.

Department
Building and Zoning Department
Address
755 East 12th Street, Metropolis, IL 62960
Phone
618-524-3175
Website
https://www.metropolisil.gov/page/building-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Metropolis Building and Zoning Forms

Platform: City of Metropolis Website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether your project requires a permit by consulting the Building and Zoning FAQ or contacting Chad Murray at 618-524-3411.
  2. Obtain the permit application from the city website forms page or in person at 106 West 5th Street.
  3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan, construction drawings, and a cash bond or corporate surety bond approved by City Council.
  4. Submit application and documents in person to the Building and Zoning Department.
  5. Department reviews plans for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and applicable ordinances.
  6. Pay permit fees upon approval.
  7. Permit is issued; post permit on site.
  8. Schedule inspections at required stages during construction.
  9. Request final inspection upon project completion.
  10. Certificate of occupancy or completion issued after passing final inspection.

Source: Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required before beginning any construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure within the city.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application form
  • Site/plot plan showing property lines and structure locations
  • Construction plans or drawings
  • Cash bond or corporate surety bond (per municipal ordinance Chapter 150)
Building code
Effective January 1, 2025, Metropolis enforces minimum standards based on IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, and Illinois Plumbing Code. Chapter 150 (Building Regulations) and Chapter 156 (Zoning) govern local requirements. Municipal code is current through Ordinance 2024-31.
Owner-builder
Not specifically published. Contact the department.
Contractor requirements
Illinois does not have a statewide general contractor license. Electricians must hold a license from a qualifying Illinois municipality based on the NEC. Plumbers must hold a valid Illinois state plumbing license. Confirm any local contractor registration requirements directly with the Building and Zoning Department.

Fees

Payment note
Payment is expected in person at the department. Online payment not identified.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Fences and walls at or below 6 feet in height (above average grade)
  • Ordinary repair and maintenance work that does not involve structural changes
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
  • Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
  • Portable heating, ventilation, or cooling equipment
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches

Important: The city's FAQ and code were not fully accessible via web scraping. Contact the department at 618-524-3411 or review the complete FAQ for the authoritative local exemption list.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 618-524-3175 (phone)
  • cmurray@metropolisil.gov (email)
Inspection hours
City Hall utility/clerk office hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Building and Zoning office hours likely similar — call 618-524-3175 to confirm.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation inspection (before concrete pour), framing inspection (after rough framing and MEP), insulation inspection (if applicable), final inspection (upon completion). Additional stage inspections may be required depending on project type.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metropolis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Metropolis, IL?
A building permit is required before beginning any construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure within the city.
How do I apply for a building permit in Metropolis, IL?
1. Determine whether your project requires a permit by consulting the Building and Zoning FAQ or contacting Chad Murray at 618-524-3411. 2. Obtain the permit application from the city website forms page or in person at 106 West 5th Street. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan, construction drawings, and a cash bond or corporate surety bond approved by City Council. 4. Submit application and documents in person to the Building and Zoning Department. 5. Department reviews plans for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and applicable ordinances. 6. Pay permit fees upon approval. 7. Permit is issued; post permit on site. 8. Schedule inspections at required stages during construction. 9. Request final inspection upon project completion. 10. Certificate of occupancy or completion issued after passing final inspection.
What work is exempt from building permits in Metropolis, IL?
The following work is generally exempt: Fences and walls at or below 6 feet in height (above average grade); Ordinary repair and maintenance work that does not involve structural changes; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Portable heating, ventilation, or cooling equipment; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches. Note: The city's FAQ and code were not fully accessible via web scraping. Contact the department at 618-524-3411 or review the complete FAQ for the authoritative local exemption list.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Metropolis, IL?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 618-524-3175, cmurray@metropolisil.gov.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Metropolis can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
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.

Other cities in Massac County

Brookport
View all Massac County jurisdictions →