City Building Permits

Pekin, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Illinois Tazewell County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Corporate limits of Pekin.

Department
City of Pekin Building Inspections Department
Address
111 S. Capitol Street, Pekin, IL 61554
Phone
(309) 478-5370
Website
https://www.ci.pekin.il.us/departments/community_development/building_inspections.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Pekin OpenGov Portal

Platform: OpenGov (ViewPoint Cloud) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Create an account on the Pekin OpenGov portal.
  2. Select the permit type and fill out the online application.
  3. Upload required documents (Site plans, floor plans, elevations).
  4. Application enters plan review.
  5. Pay fees online once the application is approved.
  6. Print permit and post on-site.

Typical processing time: Approximately 5 days for residential; up to 20 days for commercial.

Source: City of Pekin Building Inspections Department

General Requirements

New buildings, additions, alterations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fences, sheds (>120 sq ft), signs, pools (>24 inches deep).

Required Documents

  • Site plan
  • Foundation plan
  • Floor plan
  • Elevations
  • Cross-section
Building code
2015 IBC, 2015 IRC, 2017 NEC, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code.
Owner-builder
Homeowners may work on primary residence.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must be registered with the city.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$21
Plan check fee
$25 - $75 Zoning review fee.
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based (e.g., $62.25 for first $2,000 + $12.50 per additional $1,000).
Reinspection fee
$65 per hour reinspection; fees doubled if work starts without permit.
Penalty (no permit)
Fees doubled if work starts without permit.
Payment note
Online credit card payments accepted through portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring)
  • Freestanding decks under 30 inches above grade
  • Replacing existing fixtures
  • Backyard fences under 6 ft

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Requests before 4:00 PM typically performed next business day.
Inspection hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, Foundation, Rough-ins, Final.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Pekin Building Inspections Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pekin Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Pekin, IL?
New buildings, additions, alterations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fences, sheds (>120 sq ft), signs, pools (>24 inches deep).
How much does a building permit cost in Pekin, IL?
The minimum permit fee is $21. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (e.g., $62.25 for first $2,000 + $12.50 per additional $1,000).. Plan check fee: $25 - $75 Zoning review fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Pekin, IL?
1. Create an account on the Pekin OpenGov portal. 2. Select the permit type and fill out the online application. 3. Upload required documents (Site plans, floor plans, elevations). 4. Application enters plan review. 5. Pay fees online once the application is approved. 6. Print permit and post on-site.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Pekin, IL?
Typical processing time is Approximately 5 days for residential; up to 20 days for commercial..
What work is exempt from building permits in Pekin, IL?
The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring); Freestanding decks under 30 inches above grade; Replacing existing fixtures; Backyard fences under 6 ft.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Pekin, IL?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (309) 478-5370, OpenGov portal. Requests before 4:00 PM typically performed next business day..

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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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