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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Menard County
Required for all new structures, additions, mobile homes, and structural alterations.
Cosmetic repairs (interior painting, wallpapering, flooring)
Agricultural buildings used strictly for farm purposes (fee-exempt, but still require a $0 permit for setback verification)
Structures under 50 square feet (may still require a nominal $40 filing fee)
Routine maintenance that does not alter the structure's footprint or primary usage
- Exempt Cosmetic repairs (interior painting, wallpapering, flooring)
- Exempt Agricultural buildings used strictly for farm purposes (fee-exempt, but still require a $0 permit for setback verification)
- Exempt Structures under 50 square feet (may still require a nominal $40 filing fee)
- Exempt Routine maintenance that does not alter the structure's footprint or primary usage
Note: Consult with the Menard County Zoning Department to confirm whether your proposed work qualifies for exemption.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Full set of plans
- Property sketch/site plan
- Health department permit (if applicable)
- Driveway approval from Road District Commissioner
- Building code
- Non-building code jurisdiction. Enforces the Menard County Zoning Ordinance. Per state mandate, construction must follow the 2021 IRC/IBC effective January 1, 2025.
- Permit validity
- Permits typically expire if work does not commence within 6 months or is not completed within 2 years.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may act as their own contractors but must disclose this on the application and comply with all zoning/health regulations.
- Contractor requirements
- No county-level general contractor license. Plumbers and roofers must be state-licensed. Septic installers must be registered with the Health Department.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1-2 weeks for standard residential applications.
- 01 Obtain Address Request Application (if new construction) and wait 5-7 business days for assignment.
- 02 Apply for Well/Septic permits from the Sangamon/Menard County Health Department (217-535-3145) if applicable.
- 03 Submit the Building Permit Application to the Menard County Zoning Office.
- 04 Include a full set of construction plans and a property sketch showing setbacks from property lines and road centerlines.
- 05 Provide evidence of Road District Commissioner approval for new driveways.
- 06 Zoning Officer reviews for compliance with the Menard County Zoning Ordinance.
- 07 Upon approval and payment of fees, the permit is issued.
- 08 Construct the project, subject to random zoning inspections.
- 09 Return the Certificate of Completion & Conformance before occupying the structure.
Typical processing time: 1-2 weeks for standard residential applications.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Menard County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$40.00
02
Plan check fee
Typically included in the base fee
03
Permit fee formula
$200.00 base + $0.25 per square foot for dwellings
04
Reinspection fee
Doubling of permit fees for starting work without a permit
Check or money order payable to Menard County Zoning.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 217-632-5123 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/Foundation (setback check), Random progress checks, Final zoning/occupancy check.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Menard County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Menard County, IL? ▸
Required for all new structures, additions, mobile homes, and structural alterations.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Menard County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Menard County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $40.00. Fees are calculated as: $200.00 base + $0.25 per square foot for dwellings. Plan check fee: Typically included in the base fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Menard County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Menard County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Obtain Address Request Application (if new construction) and wait 5-7 business days for assignment. 2. Apply for Well/Septic permits from the Sangamon/Menard County Health Department (217-535-3145) if applicable. 3. Submit the Building Permit Application to the Menard County Zoning Office. 4. Include a full set of construction plans and a property sketch showing setbacks from property lines and road centerlines. 5. Provide evidence of Road District Commissioner approval for new driveways. 6. Zoning Officer reviews for compliance with the Menard County Zoning Ordinance. 7. Upon approval and payment of fees, the permit is issued. 8. Construct the project, subject to random zoning inspections. 9. Return the Certificate of Completion & Conformance before occupying the structure.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Menard County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Menard County, IL typically run 1-2 weeks for standard residential applications.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Menard County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Menard County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic repairs (interior painting, wallpapering, flooring); Agricultural buildings used strictly for farm purposes (fee-exempt, but still require a $0 permit for setback verification); Structures under 50 square feet (may still require a nominal $40 filing fee); Routine maintenance that does not alter the structure's footprint or primary usage. Note: Consult with the Menard County Zoning Department to confirm whether your proposed work qualifies for exemption. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Menard County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Menard County, IL via: 217-632-5123.
last verified April 2026
source Menard County Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/menard/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Menard County Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.