McHenry County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Serves ALL unincorporated areas of McHenry County.

Department

Department of Planning and Development

Address

667 Ware Rd, Room 208, Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone

(815) 334-4560

Email

plandev@mchenrycountyil.gov

Website

https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/planning-development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit application and documents through the Permit Portal.
2. Concurrent review by Planning, Building, and Stormwater (approx. 10 days).
3. Notification of approval and fee payment request.
4. Permit issued electronically.

Typical processing time: 10 business days for complete applications.

Source: Department of Planning and Development

General Requirements

Any construction, additions, remodeling, decks, fences, sheds, pools.

Required Documents

• Application
• Plans
• Plat of survey
• Stormwater review documents

Permit validity

2 years; must begin within 6 months.

Building code

2021 IBC/IRC/IFC/IMC/IFGC, 2020 NEC, latest IL Plumbing/Energy/Accessibility.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders permitted for primary residence.

Contractor requirements

State licenses for plumbing, roofing, electrical. Others must register.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30 (Sheds); $25 (Fences)

Plan check fee

$80 (standard residential)

Permit fee formula

$0.25 per sq ft + plan review ($80) + plumbing fees.

Trade permit fee

$25 base

Reinspection fee

Penalty fees apply for unpermitted work.

Payment note

Accepts credit card, check, or exact cash.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Sheds under 150 sq. ft. (but still requires zoning setback review)
• Minor repairs not involving structural or systems work

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Planning and Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online via portal or 24/7 call (815) 334-4560 (online)

Inspection hours

Monday - Friday standard hours.

Time windows

Monday - Friday standard hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/Foundation, Rough (E/M/P), Framing, Insulation, Stormwater, Final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC/IFC/IMC/IFGC, 2020 NEC, latest IL Plumbing/Energy/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

Frequently Asked Questions

McHenry County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McHenry County, IL?

Any construction, additions, remodeling, decks, fences, sheds, pools.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McHenry County, IL?

The minimum permit fee is $30 (Sheds); $25 (Fences). Fees are calculated as: $0.25 per sq ft + plan review ($80) + plumbing fees.. Plan check fee: $80 (standard residential).

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McHenry County, IL?

1. Submit application and documents through the Permit Portal. 2. Concurrent review by Planning, Building, and Stormwater (approx. 10 days). 3. Notification of approval and fee payment request. 4. Permit issued electronically.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McHenry County, IL?

Typical processing time is 10 business days for complete applications..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McHenry County, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Sheds under 150 sq. ft. (but still requires zoning setback review); Minor repairs not involving structural or systems work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Planning and Development before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McHenry County, IL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online via portal or 24/7 call (815) 334-4560.