Washington, IL — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Washington Planning and Development Department

Street address

301 Walnut Street, Washington, IL 61571

Phone

(309) 444-1122

jboyer@ci.washington.il.us

Coverage

Corporate limits of Washington.

Online portal

Permits and Applications

Manual/PDF-based

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Solar Permitting ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington

New construction, additions, garages, sheds, carports, decks, porches, fences, pools, solar panels, and signs.

Scope of work

Permit?

Non-structural roofing, siding, gutters

Exempt

Window/door replacement in existing openings

Exempt

Non-structural interior remodeling

Exempt

Grade-level patios

Exempt

Exempt Non-structural roofing, siding, gutters
Exempt Window/door replacement in existing openings
Exempt Non-structural interior remodeling
Exempt Grade-level patios

Required documents

Application
Site plan
Construction drawings

Building code: 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IMC, Current NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be registered with the city.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Same day to 48 hours for most.

01

Obtain application form from the city website or City Hall.
02

Submit completed application with site plan and construction drawings.
03

Simple permits (sheds/fences) often issued while you wait or within 24 hours.
04

New construction requires a 48-hour review period.
05

Pay fees and receive permit placard.

Typical processing time: Same day to 48 hours for most.

Source: City of Washington Planning and Development Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Washington building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$40 Filing Fee

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Filing fee plus $2 per $1,000 of construction value.

Reinspection fee

Fees doubled for work without permit; $400 inspection deposit (refundable).

Penalty (no permit)

Fees doubled for work without permit.

Enterprise Zone projects may receive 50% fee reduction.

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(309) 444-1122 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: Footing, Water/Sewer/Sump, Framing/Rough-in, Final.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Washington permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Washington, IL? ▸

New construction, additions, garages, sheds, carports, decks, porches, fences, pools, solar panels, and signs.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Washington, IL? ▸

Building permit fees in Washington, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $40 Filing Fee. Fees are calculated as: Filing fee plus $2 per $1,000 of construction value.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Washington, IL? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Washington, IL, follow these steps: 1. Obtain application form from the city website or City Hall. 2. Submit completed application with site plan and construction drawings. 3. Simple permits (sheds/fences) often issued while you wait or within 24 hours. 4. New construction requires a 48-hour review period. 5. Pay fees and receive permit placard.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Washington, IL? ▸

Building permit processing times in Washington, IL typically run Same day to 48 hours for most.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Washington, IL? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Washington, IL. The following work is generally exempt: Non-structural roofing, siding, gutters; Window/door replacement in existing openings; Non-structural interior remodeling; Grade-level patios. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Washington, IL? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Washington, IL via: (309) 444-1122.

last verified April 2026 source City of Washington Planning and Development Department ↗ entry id permits/illinois/tazewell/washington

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Washington Planning and Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Washington

Other jurisdictions in Tazewell County.