On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chatham
New structures, additions, remodels, fences, pools, and decks.
Retaining walls under 4 feet
Fences (require a no-fee or low-fee zoning permit, but verify first)
Painting/flooring
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet
- Exempt Fences (require a no-fee or low-fee zoning permit, but verify first)
- Exempt Painting/flooring
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Plat of survey or scaled site plan
- Construction plans
- Contractor registration
- Building code
- 2021 IRC/IBC (Updated per 2025 mandate)
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may perform work but must demonstrate code knowledge.
- Contractor requirements
- Must be registered with the Village.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5-7 business days.
- 01 Submit Building Permit application with 2 sets of plans.
- 02 Provide a plat of survey or scaled site plan showing setbacks.
- 03 Review period for zoning and code compliance.
- 04 Issuance of permit and placard.
Typical processing time: 5-7 business days.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Permit fee formula
Square footage based for new residential ($0.20 per sq ft); flat fees for small projects
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (217) 697-5509 (at least 48 hours in advance; 4 hours for footings) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call at least 48 hours in advance (4 hours for footings).
- Inspection hours
- Standard business hours
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Chatham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Chatham, IL? ▸
New structures, additions, remodels, fences, pools, and decks.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Chatham, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in Chatham, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Square footage based for new residential ($0.20 per sq ft); flat fees for small projects.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Chatham, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Chatham, IL, follow these steps: 1. Submit Building Permit application with 2 sets of plans. 2. Provide a plat of survey or scaled site plan showing setbacks. 3. Review period for zoning and code compliance. 4. Issuance of permit and placard.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Chatham, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Chatham, IL typically run 5-7 business days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Chatham, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Chatham, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Retaining walls under 4 feet; Fences (require a no-fee or low-fee zoning permit, but verify first); Painting/flooring. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Chatham, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Chatham, IL via: (217) 697-5509 (at least 48 hours in advance; 4 hours for footings). Call at least 48 hours in advance (4 hours for footings)..
last verified April 2026
source Village of Chatham Building Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/sangamon/chatham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Village of Chatham Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.