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§ IL Stark County
County building permits

Unincorporated Stark County

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

Code adoption
IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IECC 2021, NEC 2023
Avg processing
10-14 business days
Min. permit fee
$150.00
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Stark County Department of Building & Zoning

Street address
130 W. Main St., Toulon, IL 61483
Phone
(309) 286-7172
Email
zoning@starkco.illinois.gov
Coverage
Covers all areas of the county not within incorporated city/village limits.
Online portal
Stark County iWorq Portal
iWorq
Website
Department website
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Stark County

All new buildings, additions, alterations, and relocations of structures.

Agricultural buildings (for permit fees; must still meet setbacks)
Detached structures under 120 sq ft (zoning only)
Painting, wallpapering, and similar finish work
  • Exempt Agricultural buildings (for permit fees; must still meet setbacks)
  • Exempt Detached structures under 120 sq ft (zoning only)
  • Exempt Painting, wallpapering, and similar finish work

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Stark County Department of Building & Zoning before proceeding.

Required documents
  • Site plan
  • Building plans
  • Health department approval (if applicable)
Building code
IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IECC 2021, NEC 2023
Permit validity
12 months
Owner-builder
Residents may act as their own contractor.
Contractor requirements
IL state licenses required for plumbers and roofers.

Source: Stark County Department of Building & Zoning ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 10-14 business days

  1. 01
    Verify PIN and zoning classification.
  2. 02
    Submit online via iWorq or in person.
  3. 03
    Attach site plans and structural drawings.
  4. 04
    For new residential construction, attach Health Department septic/well approval.
  5. 05
    Pay fees ($0.10/sq ft).
  6. 06
    Receive permit upon approval.

Typical processing time: 10-14 business days

Source: Stark County Department of Building & Zoning ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Stark County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$150.00
02
Plan check fee
Bundled
03
Permit fee formula
$0.10/sq ft for living area; $0.05/sq ft for garages/sheds/decks
04
Reinspection fee
50% penalty for starting without a permit

Credit/Debit online; Check/Cash in office

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • (309) 286-7172 (phone)
Inspection hours
Weekdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, Framing/Rough-in, Final.

Source: Stark County Department of Building & Zoning ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Stark County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Stark County, IL? ▸
All new buildings, additions, alterations, and relocations of structures.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Stark County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Stark County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $150.00. Fees are calculated as: $0.10/sq ft for living area; $0.05/sq ft for garages/sheds/decks. Plan check fee: Bundled.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stark County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stark County, IL, follow these steps: 1. Verify PIN and zoning classification. 2. Submit online via iWorq or in person. 3. Attach site plans and structural drawings. 4. For new residential construction, attach Health Department septic/well approval. 5. Pay fees ($0.10/sq ft). 6. Receive permit upon approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Stark County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Stark County, IL typically run 10-14 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Stark County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Stark County, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings (for permit fees; must still meet setbacks); Detached structures under 120 sq ft (zoning only); Painting, wallpapering, and similar finish work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Stark County Department of Building & Zoning before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Stark County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Stark County, IL via: (309) 286-7172.
last verified April 2026 source Stark County Department of Building & Zoning ↗ entry id permits/illinois/stark/unincorporated
Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Stark County Department of Building & Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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