City Building Permits
East Moline, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in East Moline, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated city limits of East Moline and contracted villages (Carbon Cliff).
- Department
- Inspections Department
- Address
- 912 16th Ave, East Moline, IL 61244
- Phone
- 309-752-1509
- smeyer@eastmoline.com
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CivicLive / CitizenSentry • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Register on the online portal.
- Complete the online permit application.
- Upload plans and required documentation.
- Pay registration or review fees if applicable.
- Permit issued after staff review.
Source: Inspections Department
General Requirements
New construction, additions, roofing, siding, windows, decks, sheds over 120 sq ft, and all MEP systems.
Required Documents
- Application
- Plans
- Contractor bond/insurance
- Permit validity
- 180 days
- Building code
- 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2017 NEC, 2018 IMC, Illinois Plumbing Code
- Owner-builder
- Permitted for primary residence.
- Contractor requirements
- City registration, $10,000 bond, liability insurance.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $21.00
- Plan check fee
- Included in base fee or specific zoning review fee ($25-$75)
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based ($21 for first $500, then sliding scale)
- Trade permit fee
- Included in valuation-based scale
- Reinspection fee
- $65/hour
- Penalty (no permit)
- Double fee for work without permit
- Payment note
- Online payments accepted
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less
- Retaining walls 2 feet or less
- Driveway work entirely on private property (excludes approach)
- Cosmetic finishes: painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets
- Playground equipment
- Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Important: Confirm edge cases with the Inspections Department before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 309-752-1509 or 309-752-1512 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact for details
- Inspection hours
- Field inspections 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM
- Time windows
- 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Foundation, Rough, Final
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2017 NEC, 2018 IMC, Illinois Plumbing Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Permits & Contractor Registration
- License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspections Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
East Moline Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in East Moline, IL?
- New construction, additions, roofing, siding, windows, decks, sheds over 120 sq ft, and all MEP systems.
- How much does a building permit cost in East Moline, IL?
- The minimum permit fee is $21.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based ($21 for first $500, then sliding scale). Plan check fee: Included in base fee or specific zoning review fee ($25-$75).
- How do I apply for a building permit in East Moline, IL?
- 1. Register on the online portal. 2. Complete the online permit application. 3. Upload plans and required documentation. 4. Pay registration or review fees if applicable. 5. Permit issued after staff review.
- What work is exempt from building permits in East Moline, IL?
- The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less; Retaining walls 2 feet or less; Driveway work entirely on private property (excludes approach); Cosmetic finishes: painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets; Playground equipment; Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches. Note: Confirm edge cases with the Inspections Department before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in East Moline, IL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 309-752-1509 or 309-752-1512. Contact for details.
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