How much does a building permit cost in Harvard, IL?

The minimum permit fee is Double fee or $250 penalty for unpermitted work.. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based for new construction.. Plan check fee: Included or varies by scope..

How do I apply for a building permit in Harvard, IL?

1. Submit application, site plan, and survey to permits@cityofharvard.org. 2. Department reviews for code and zoning. 3. Notification of permit readiness. 4. Payment and issuance.

What work is exempt from building permits in Harvard, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs (non-structural, no system changes); Cosmetic updates. Note: Confirm specific exemptions with Community Development.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Harvard, IL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (815) 943-6468 — 24-hour notice required. 24-hour notice required..

City Building Permits

Harvard, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Illinois McHenry County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Serves incorporated City of Harvard.

Department: Community Development Department, Building & Zoning
Address: 201 West Diggins St., Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: (815) 943-6468 (Option 2)
Email: permits@cityofharvard.org
Website: https://www.cityofharvard.org/community-development

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application

Platform: In-house / PDF forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Submit application, site plan, and survey to permits@cityofharvard.org.
Department reviews for code and zoning.
Notification of permit readiness.
Payment and issuance.

Source: Community Development Department, Building & Zoning

General Requirements

Mandatory for any construction, alteration, or repair (excluding "ordinary repairs").

Required Documents

Application
Site plan
Survey
Scaled plans (>100 sq ft)

Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFC/IPMC/ISPSC, 2020 NEC, latest IL Plumbing/Accessibility.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders permitted for primary residence.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must be registered with the City.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Double fee or $250 penalty for unpermitted work.
Plan check fee: Included or varies by scope.
Permit fee formula: Square-footage-based for new construction.
Reinspection fee: Double permit fee for starting without permit.
Payment note: Impact fees apply to new units.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs (non-structural, no system changes)
Cosmetic updates

Important: Confirm specific exemptions with Community Development.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(815) 943-6468 — 24-hour notice required (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 24-hour notice required.
Inspection hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Time windows: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Rough, Insulation, Final. Plumbing handled by third-party.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFC/IPMC/ISPSC, 2020 NEC, latest IL Plumbing/Accessibility.
Zoning information: View zoning info
License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Harvard Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Harvard, IL?: Mandatory for any construction, alteration, or repair (excluding "ordinary repairs").
How much does a building permit cost in Harvard, IL?: The minimum permit fee is Double fee or $250 penalty for unpermitted work.. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based for new construction.. Plan check fee: Included or varies by scope..
How do I apply for a building permit in Harvard, IL?: 1. Submit application, site plan, and survey to permits@cityofharvard.org. 2. Department reviews for code and zoning. 3. Notification of permit readiness. 4. Payment and issuance.
What work is exempt from building permits in Harvard, IL?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs (non-structural, no system changes); Cosmetic updates. Note: Confirm specific exemptions with Community Development.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Harvard, IL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (815) 943-6468 — 24-hour notice required. 24-hour notice required..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Harvard 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.

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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.

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