How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?

Fees are calculated as: Square foot based for new construction. Plan check fee: $75 residential / $100 commercial.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?

The following work is generally exempt: Sheds/Playhouses under 120 sq ft; Fences up to 7 feet; Retaining walls up to 4 feet; Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets); Prefab pools < 24 inches deep and <= 5,000 gallons. Note: Confirm all exempt work with the County Building & Zoning Department before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (618) 277-6600 Ext. 2644. 24 hours notice.

County Building Permits

St. Clair County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Q: Do I need a building permit in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?

New construction, additions, structures > 120 sq ft, fences > 7ft, retaining walls > 4ft.

Q: How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (618) 277-6600 Ext. 2644. 24 hours notice.

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

Illinois Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of St. Clair County.

Department: Building & Zoning Department
Address: 10 Public Square, 5th Floor, Belleville, IL 62220
Phone: (618) 825-2528
Website: https://www.co.st-clair.il.us/departments/zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open County Zoning Forms

Platform: Downloadable forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Obtain assigned address from 9-1-1 Office (618-277-7316).
Download/Collect application forms.
Submit application, zoning compliance ($30), and scaled plans.
Review for building and stormwater compliance.
Pay fees and receive permit.

Source: Building & Zoning Department

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structures > 120 sq ft, fences > 7ft, retaining walls > 4ft.

Required Documents

Application
Scaled plans (sealed for commercial)
9-1-1 address

Building code: 2012 IBC, 2012 IRC, Current Illinois Plumbing & Energy Codes
Contractor requirements: Trade licenses (elec/plumb) through state.

Fees

Plan check fee: $75 residential / $100 commercial
Permit fee formula: Square foot based for new construction
Reinspection fee: $75 per failed inspection; Stormwater/Erosion 34% of permit fee
Payment note: Paid at County office

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Sheds/Playhouses under 120 sq ft
Fences up to 7 feet
Retaining walls up to 4 feet
Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets)
Prefab pools < 24 inches deep and <= 5,000 gallons

Important: Confirm all exempt work with the County Building & Zoning Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(618) 277-6600 Ext. 2644 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 24 hours notice
Inspection hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Framing, Rough, Final.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2012 IBC, 2012 IRC, Current Illinois Plumbing & Energy Codes
Zoning information: View zoning info
ResCheck/ComCheck Energy Code
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 Building & Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Clair County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?: New construction, additions, structures > 120 sq ft, fences > 7ft, retaining walls > 4ft.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?: Fees are calculated as: Square foot based for new construction. Plan check fee: $75 residential / $100 commercial.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?: 1. Obtain assigned address from 9-1-1 Office (618-277-7316). 2. Download/Collect application forms. 3. Submit application, zoning compliance ($30), and scaled plans. 4. Review for building and stormwater compliance. 5. Pay fees and receive permit.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?: The following work is generally exempt: Sheds/Playhouses under 120 sq ft; Fences up to 7 feet; Retaining walls up to 4 feet; Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets); Prefab pools < 24 inches deep and <= 5,000 gallons. Note: Confirm all exempt work with the County Building & Zoning Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated St. Clair County, IL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (618) 277-6600 Ext. 2644. 24 hours notice.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated St. Clair County can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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