City of Bloomington

New buildings, additions, major renovations, changes of occupancy, and all work on electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems require a permit. Structural alterations also require a permit. If project is not listed on the permit types page, call (309) 434-2226 to confirm.

Building code

As of research date (March 2026), Bloomington was still enforcing the 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC with local amendments (adopted October 2018). The city was reviewing the 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC for adoption with formal implementation anticipated May 1, 2026. The 2020 NEC was in effect; sections of the 2023 NEC were under evaluation. Illinois PA 103-0510 mandates 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC minimums as of January 1, 2025 statewide, regardless of local adoption status. Verify current adopted codes at https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/departments/development-services/building-safety/building-codes or (309) 434-2226 before project start.

Permit validity

Standard Illinois practice is 6-12 months from issuance with extensions available. Contact Building Safety Division for specific expiration terms.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must register with the City of Bloomington Building Safety Division before permits are issued. Registration requires: completed application, certificate of insurance (comprehensive public liability minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate; workers compensation minimum $100,000; auto liability minimum $500,000 combined single limit), and tax ID number. Contractors must renew registration by January 1 each year; failure to renew by February 1 results in permits being withheld. Plumbing contractors must provide current Illinois State plumbers contractor registration (IDFPR). Electricians must hold state IDFPR licensure.

Source: City of Bloomington Development Services — Building Safety Division ↗

1. 01
   Create an OpenGov account at the city portal.
2. 02
   Select the permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, sign, demolition, etc.).
3. 03
   Complete the digital application form and upload plans and supporting documents.
4. 04
   Submit application. Allow up to 5 business days for processing and approval.
5. 05
   Commercial projects must have plan review completed before permit issuance; residential may receive over-the-counter approval depending on scope.
6. 06
   Pay permit fee (online or in person). No permit is issued until fee is paid.
7. 07
   Permit is issued digitally or in person. Post permit on site and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Up to 5 business days for standard residential permits. Commercial plan review times vary based on project scope; contact the division for estimates.

Source: City of Bloomington Development Services — Building Safety Division ↗

Refunds may be granted if payment has been made but the permit has NOT yet been issued; request must be made within 10 business days of permit application receipt. Once a permit is issued, no refunds are granted. Payment accepted online via OpenGov portal or in person.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Adopted October 2018; contact city for current fee schedule PDF.) before budgeting.

• (309) 434-2226 (phone)
• comdev@cityblm.org (email)

Inspection hours

Department hours not explicitly stated on permit pages. Building Official Chris McAllister can be reached at (309) 434-2447 or cmcallister@cityblm.org.

Source: City of Bloomington Development Services — Building Safety Division ↗