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§ IL Rock Island County
County building permits

Unincorporated Rock Island County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rock Island County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Code adoption
2012 IBC, 2012 IRC, 2011 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code
Avg processing
2 weeks
Min. permit fee
Valuation-based scale
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Rock Island County Zoning and Building Safety Department

Street address
1504 Third Avenue, Room 305, Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone
309-558-3771
Email
gthorpe@ricountyil.gov
Coverage
Unincorporated area under direct Rock Island County jurisdiction.
Online portal
County Downloads
N/A (Downloadable PDF)
Website
Department website
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Rock Island County

New homes, garages, pole barns, sheds over 120 sq ft, and systems.

Detached structures 120 sq ft or less (70 sq ft in floodplain)
Fences 6 feet or less
Retaining walls 4 feet or less
Cosmetic finishes
Swimming pools less than 18 inches deep
  • Exempt Detached structures 120 sq ft or less (70 sq ft in floodplain)
  • Exempt Fences 6 feet or less
  • Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less
  • Exempt Cosmetic finishes
  • Exempt Swimming pools less than 18 inches deep

Note: Confirm edge cases with County before proceeding.

Required documents
  • Application
  • Drawings
  • Septic/well approval (if applicable)
Building code
2012 IBC, 2012 IRC, 2011 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code
Owner-builder
Permitted for primary residence.
Contractor requirements
Must register with County.

Source: Rock Island County Zoning and Building Safety Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 2 weeks

  1. 01
    Submit building permit application to Rock Island County office.
  2. 02
    Provide site plan and construction drawings.
  3. 03
    Staff review for zoning and code.
  4. 04
    Pay fees (valuation-based).
  5. 05
    Receive permit.

Typical processing time: 2 weeks

Source: Rock Island County Zoning and Building Safety Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Rock Island County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Valuation-based scale
02
Plan check fee
Included
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based
04
Trade permit fee
Included in valuation-based scale
05
Penalty (no permit)
Double fee for work without permit

Cash or check only

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • 309-558-3771 (phone)
Inspection hours
Inspectors in field 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Time windows
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Rough, Final

Source: Rock Island County Zoning and Building Safety Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Rock Island County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL? ▸
New homes, garages, pole barns, sheds over 120 sq ft, and systems.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Valuation-based scale. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Plan check fee: Included.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Submit building permit application to Rock Island County office. 2. Provide site plan and construction drawings. 3. Staff review for zoning and code. 4. Pay fees (valuation-based). 5. Receive permit.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL typically run 2 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Detached structures 120 sq ft or less (70 sq ft in floodplain); Fences 6 feet or less; Retaining walls 4 feet or less; Cosmetic finishes; Swimming pools less than 18 inches deep. Note: Confirm edge cases with County before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rock Island County, IL via: 309-558-3771.
last verified April 2026 source Rock Island County Zoning and Building Safety Department ↗ entry id permits/illinois/rock-island/buffalo-prairie
Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Rock Island County Zoning and Building Safety Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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