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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Massac County
Cannot be confirmed from public sources for county-level general building permits. A permit from Southern 7 Health Department is required before installing any new private septic system or drilling a private water well. As of January 1, 2025, any construction in unincorporated Massac County must meet the minimum standards of Public Act 103-0510 (IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, Illinois Plumbing Code).
Ordinary residential and agricultural construction may proceed without a county-issued permit if the county does not operate a formal building permit program (subject to compliance with state code standards under Public Act 103-0510)
- Exempt Ordinary residential and agricultural construction may proceed without a county-issued permit if the county does not operate a formal building permit program (subject to compliance with state code standards under Public Act 103-0510)
Required documents
- Not confirmed. Contact 618-524-5213 for current requirements.
- Building code
- Public Act 103-0510 mandates enforcement of IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, and Illinois Plumbing Code as minimum standards effective January 1, 2025. Contact the County Clerk to verify the county's current code adoption status.
- Contractor requirements
- Illinois does not have a statewide general contractor license. Electricians and plumbers must hold valid IDFPR licenses. No county-level contractor registration identified.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 If a county permit is required, obtain the application and instructions from the identified county office.
- 02 For septic systems or private water wells, separately contact Southern 7 Health Department at (618) 634-2297 ext. 973114 to obtain the required environmental health permits.
- 03 For projects involving electrical work, confirm that the licensed electrician complies with the NEC 2023 and any applicable state requirements.
- 04 For projects involving plumbing, confirm that the licensed plumber complies with the Illinois Plumbing Code.
- 05 Complete and submit all required applications.
- 06 Obtain inspections as required.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 618-524-5213 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- County Clerk typically Monday-Friday business hours (call to confirm). Southern 7 Health Department: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Massac County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Massac County, IL? ▸
Cannot be confirmed from public sources for county-level general building permits. A permit from Southern 7 Health Department is required before installing any new private septic system or drilling a private water well. As of January 1, 2025, any construction in unincorporated Massac County must meet the minimum standards of Public Act 103-0510 (IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, Illinois Plumbing Code).
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Massac County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Massac County, IL, follow these steps: 1. If a county permit is required, obtain the application and instructions from the identified county office. 2. For septic systems or private water wells, separately contact Southern 7 Health Department at (618) 634-2297 ext. 973114 to obtain the required environmental health permits. 3. For projects involving electrical work, confirm that the licensed electrician complies with the NEC 2023 and any applicable state requirements. 4. For projects involving plumbing, confirm that the licensed plumber complies with the Illinois Plumbing Code. 5. Complete and submit all required applications. 6. Obtain inspections as required.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Massac County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Massac County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary residential and agricultural construction may proceed without a county-issued permit if the county does not operate a formal building permit program (subject to compliance with state code standards under Public Act 103-0510). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Massac County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Massac County, IL via: 618-524-5213.
last verified April 2026
source Massac County Clerk and Recorder ↗
entry id permits/illinois/massac/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Massac County Clerk and Recorder before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.