Cary, IL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Community Development Department, Building Division

Street address

755 Georgetown Drive, Cary, IL 60013

Phone

(847) 639-1100

permits@caryillinois.com

Coverage

Serves incorporated Village of Cary.

Online portal

Online Permit Portal

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Cary

New construction, additions, remodeling, decks, fences, pools, HVAC.

Scope of work

Permit?

Minor cosmetic work

Exempt

Ordinary maintenance

Exempt

Exempt Minor cosmetic work
Exempt Ordinary maintenance

Note: Confirm specific exemptions with Building Division.

Required documents

Application
Plans
Plat of survey
Contractor bond ($10,000)

Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IFC, 2023 NEC, 2014 IL Plumbing, 2024 IECC.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders permitted for primary residence.
Contractor requirements: Must be registered with Village and post $10,000 bond.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 10-15 business days.

01

Submit application via portal or email.
02

Building Division reviews (Standard: 10 days; New homes: 15 days).
03

Over-the-counter issuance for simple projects (roofing/siding).
04

Pay fees and receive permit.

Typical processing time: 10-15 business days.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Cary building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$250 for projects up to 5,000 sq ft.

Plan check fee

$60/hour.

Permit fee formula

Flat rates for new builds ($425/unit); sq ft based for others.

Trade permit fee

$250 base

Reinspection fee

$40 per inspection (if not in flat fee).

Storm damage relief fees currently waived (until May 2026).

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(847) 639-1100 (phone)

Inspection hours: Mon-Thu 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-12:00 PM.
Time windows: Mon-Thu 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-12:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Framing, Rough-in, Insulation, Final.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Cary permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Cary, IL? ▸

New construction, additions, remodeling, decks, fences, pools, HVAC.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Cary, IL? ▸

Building permit fees in Cary, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $250 for projects up to 5,000 sq ft.. Fees are calculated as: Flat rates for new builds ($425/unit); sq ft based for others.. Plan check fee: $60/hour..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cary, IL? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Cary, IL, follow these steps: 1. Submit application via portal or email. 2. Building Division reviews (Standard: 10 days; New homes: 15 days). 3. Over-the-counter issuance for simple projects (roofing/siding). 4. Pay fees and receive permit.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cary, IL? ▸

Building permit processing times in Cary, IL typically run 10-15 business days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cary, IL? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Cary, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work; Ordinary maintenance. Note: Confirm specific exemptions with Building Division. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cary, IL? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cary, IL via: (847) 639-1100.

last verified April 2026 source Community Development Department, Building Division ↗ entry id permits/illinois/mchenry/cary

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Village of Cary

Other jurisdictions in McHenry County.