jaspector
§ IL Rock Island County
City building permits

City of East Moline

How to apply for a building permit in City of East Moline, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Min. permit fee
$21.00
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Inspections Department

Street address
912 16th Ave, East Moline, IL 61244
Phone
309-752-1509
Email
smeyer@eastmoline.com
Coverage
All properties within the incorporated city limits of East Moline and contracted villages (Carbon Cliff).
Online portal
Permits & Contractor Registration
CivicLive / CitizenSentry
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for East Moline

New construction, additions, roofing, siding, windows, decks, sheds over 120 sq ft, and all MEP systems.

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
  • Exempt Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less
  • Exempt Retaining walls 2 feet or less
  • Exempt Driveway work entirely on private property (excludes approach)
  • Exempt Cosmetic finishes: painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets
  • Exempt Playground equipment
  • Exempt Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches

Note: Confirm edge cases with the Inspections Department before proceeding.

Required documents
  • Application
  • Plans
  • Contractor bond/insurance
Building code
2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2017 NEC, 2018 IMC, Illinois Plumbing Code
Permit validity
180 days
Owner-builder
Permitted for primary residence.
Contractor requirements
City registration, $10,000 bond, liability insurance.

Source: Inspections Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Register on the online portal.
  2. 02
    Complete the online permit application.
  3. 03
    Upload plans and required documentation.
  4. 04
    Pay registration or review fees if applicable.
  5. 05
    Permit issued after staff review.

Source: Inspections Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

East Moline building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$21.00
02
Plan check fee
Included in base fee or specific zoning review fee ($25-$75)
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based ($21 for first $500, then sliding scale)
04
Trade permit fee
Included in valuation-based scale
05
Reinspection fee
$65/hour
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double fee for work without permit

Online payments accepted

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Foundation, Rough, Final

Source: Inspections Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about East Moline permits

01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in East Moline, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in East Moline, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in East Moline, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in East Moline, IL, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in East Moline, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in East Moline, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in East Moline, IL via: 309-752-1509 or 309-752-1512. Contact for details.
last verified April 2026 source Inspections Department ↗ entry id permits/illinois/rock-island/east-moline
Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspections Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

§   Adjacent

Other jurisdictions in Rock Island County.

Same county, different permit office. Click for that jurisdiction's full guide.

All Rock Island County jurisdictions →