County Building Permits
Washington County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Washington County. The county states that all construction in Washington County requires a building permit, including agricultural buildings.
- Department
- Washington County Zoning Office
- Address
- 125 W. St. Louis St., Nashville, IL 62263
- Phone
- (618) 327-4800 ext. 345
Application Process
- Confirm zoning compliance with the county zoning office.
- Submit the building permit application with a legal description, E-911 address or parcel number, and a site plan showing measurements from property lines and other buildings.
- If the project meets zoning requirements, the county states the permit is issued within a few days.
- If the proposal does not comply, the applicant may seek an interpretation, variance, zoning amendment, or special use permit as applicable.
Typical processing time: "within a few days" if zoning compliant.
Source: Washington County Zoning Office
General Requirements
Before beginning any construction. The county zoning page states all construction requires a building permit, including agricultural buildings.
Required Documents
- Application form, legal description, E-911 address or parcel number, site plan with property line and setback measurements, and any additional supporting sheets.
- Building code
- County zoning materials reference state and local law, but do not publish a separate county building code edition on the zoning page. For 2025 state minimums, use IBC 2021, IRC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, and Illinois Plumbing Code.
- Contractor requirements
- No local contractor registration rule found in public county sources. Illinois state licensing still applies to electricians and plumbers through IDFPR.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $0 for agricultural exempt work and structures under 150 square feet; $100 for structures 150 square feet and above.
- Permit fee formula
- County fee schedule shows:
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Agricultural buildings and structures, as defined by Section 4-13 of the zoning code, are fee-exempt.
- Structures under 150 square feet have a $0 filing fee.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Call the zoning office for an appointment; the county application says applicants are encouraged to visit the office and (online)
- Inspection hours
- Zoning office hours shown on the county site are Tuesday by appointment only and Thursday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Typical inspection sequence: Zoning review first, then permit issuance, then any required county or state inspections during construction.
Additional Resources
- Building code: County zoning materials reference state and local law, but do not publish a separate county building code edition on the zoning page. For 2025 state minimums, use IBC 2021, IRC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, and Illinois Plumbing Code.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Revised zoning ordinance
- County building permit application
- 911 addressing office
- 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 Washington County Zoning Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, IL?
- Before beginning any construction. The county zoning page states all construction requires a building permit, including agricultural buildings.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington County, IL?
- The minimum permit fee is $0 for agricultural exempt work and structures under 150 square feet; $100 for structures 150 square feet and above.. Fees are calculated as: County fee schedule shows:.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, IL?
- 1. Confirm zoning compliance with the county zoning office. 2. Submit the building permit application with a legal description, E-911 address or parcel number, and a site plan showing measurements from property lines and other buildings. 3. If the project meets zoning requirements, the county states the permit is issued within a few days. 4. If the proposal does not comply, the applicant may seek an interpretation, variance, zoning amendment, or special use permit as applicable.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, IL?
- Typical processing time is "within a few days" if zoning compliant..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington County, IL?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings and structures, as defined by Section 4-13 of the zoning code, are fee-exempt.; Structures under 150 square feet have a $0 filing fee..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, IL?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the zoning office for an appointment; the county application says applicants are encouraged to visit the office and.
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