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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Putnam County
Verify directly with the Zoning and Floodplain Office before assuming small sheds, fences, decks, or accessory structures are exempt.
- Exempt Verify directly with the Zoning and Floodplain Office before assuming small sheds, fences, decks, or accessory structures are exempt.
Required documents
- application packet, site information, and any plan or sketch attachments required by the form.
- Building code
- county documents should be read together with the statewide minimum code baseline supplied by the requester, including 2021 IBC for commercial, 2021 IRC for residential, 2023 NEC, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, and Illinois Plumbing Code.
- Contractor requirements
- no county general contractor license published; Illinois trade licensing still applies for electricians and plumbers.
§ 03
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Putnam County permits
01 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Putnam County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Putnam County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Verify directly with the Zoning and Floodplain Office before assuming small sheds, fences, decks, or accessory structures are exempt.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Zoning and Floodplain Office ↗
entry id permits/illinois/putnam/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Zoning and Floodplain Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.