On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for East St. Louis
New construction, additions, interior remodeling, demolition, fences, roofing, siding, decks, sheds, driveways, pools, signs.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting
Minor repairs (no structural/system changes)
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting
- Exempt Minor repairs (no structural/system changes)
Required documents
- Application
- Plans
- Contractor registration
- Building code
- 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2005 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners can do own electrical on personal residence.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must register with city.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download application (Building, Electrical, etc.) from website.
- 02 Submit application and plans to Regulatory Affairs (email aroberson@cesl.us or in-person).
- 03 Plan review (typically involves review fee).
- 04 Pay fees online or at City Hall.
- 05 Permit issued.
§ 04
Fee schedule
East St. Louis building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based
03
Reinspection fee
$75+
04
Penalty (no permit)
Double fee for working without permit
Online payment portal available
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (618) 482-6826 (phone)
- aroberson@cesl.us (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours notice required
- Inspection hours
- Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Rough, Final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about East St. Louis permits
01 Do I need a building permit in East St. Louis, IL? ▸
New construction, additions, interior remodeling, demolition, fences, roofing, siding, decks, sheds, driveways, pools, signs.
02 How much does a building permit cost in East St. Louis, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in East St. Louis, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in East St. Louis, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in East St. Louis, IL, follow these steps: 1. Download application (Building, Electrical, etc.) from website. 2. Submit application and plans to Regulatory Affairs (email aroberson@cesl.us or in-person). 3. Plan review (typically involves review fee). 4. Pay fees online or at City Hall. 5. Permit issued.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in East St. Louis, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in East St. Louis, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting; Minor repairs (no structural/system changes). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in East St. Louis, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in East St. Louis, IL via: (618) 482-6826, aroberson@cesl.us. 24 hours notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Regulatory Affairs ↗
entry id permits/illinois/st-clair/east-st-louis
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Regulatory Affairs before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.