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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pekin
New buildings, additions, alterations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fences, sheds (>120 sq ft), signs, pools (>24 inches deep).
Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring)
Freestanding decks under 30 inches above grade
Replacing existing fixtures
Backyard fences under 6 ft
- Exempt Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring)
- Exempt Freestanding decks under 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Replacing existing fixtures
- Exempt Backyard fences under 6 ft
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 5 days for residential; up to 20 days for commercial.
- 01 Create an account on the Pekin OpenGov portal.
- 02 Select the permit type and fill out the online application.
- 03 Upload required documents (Site plans, floor plans, elevations).
- 04 Application enters plan review.
- 05 Pay fees online once the application is approved.
- 06 Print permit and post on-site.
Typical processing time: Approximately 5 days for residential; up to 20 days for commercial.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Pekin building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$21
02
Plan check fee
$25 - $75 Zoning review fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based (e.g., $62.25 for first $2,000 + $12.50 per additional $1,000).
04
Reinspection fee
$65 per hour reinspection; fees doubled if work starts without permit.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Fees doubled if work starts without permit.
Online credit card payments accepted through portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (309) 478-5370 (phone)
- OpenGov portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests before 4:00 PM typically performed next business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Footing, Foundation, Rough-ins, Final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pekin permits
01 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).
02 How much does a building permit cost in Pekin, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in Pekin, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Pekin, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Pekin, IL, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Pekin, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in Pekin, IL typically run Approximately 5 days for residential; up to 20 days for commercial.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Pekin, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Pekin, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Pekin, IL via: (309) 478-5370, OpenGov portal. Requests before 4:00 PM typically performed next business day..
last verified April 2026
source City of Pekin Building Inspections Department ↗
entry id permits/illinois/tazewell/pekin
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Pekin Building Inspections Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.