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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Metropolis
A building permit is required before beginning any construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure within the city.
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
- Exempt Fences and walls at or below 6 feet in height (above average grade)
- Exempt Ordinary repair and maintenance work that does not involve structural changes
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Portable heating, ventilation, or cooling equipment
- Exempt 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.
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.
Source: Building and Zoning Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether your project requires a permit by consulting the Building and Zoning FAQ or contacting Chad Murray at 618-524-3411.
- 02 Obtain the permit application from the city website forms page or in person at 106 West 5th Street.
- 03 Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan, construction drawings, and a cash bond or corporate surety bond approved by City Council.
- 04 Submit application and documents in person to the Building and Zoning Department.
- 05 Department reviews plans for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and applicable ordinances.
- 06 Pay permit fees upon approval.
- 07 Permit is issued; post permit on site.
- 08 Schedule inspections at required stages during construction.
- 09 Request final inspection upon project completion.
- 10 Certificate of occupancy or completion issued after passing final inspection.
Source: Building and Zoning Department ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Metropolis permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Metropolis, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Metropolis, IL, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Metropolis, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Metropolis, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Metropolis, IL via: 618-524-3175, cmurray@metropolisil.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Building and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/massac/metropolis
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.