On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington County
Before beginning any construction. The county zoning page states all construction requires a building permit, including agricultural buildings.
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.
- Exempt Agricultural buildings and structures, as defined by Section 4-13 of the zoning code, are fee-exempt.
- Exempt Structures under 150 square feet have a $0 filing fee.
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- County zoning materials reference state and local law, but do not publish a separate county building code edition on the zoning page.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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: "within a few days" if zoning compliant.
- 01 Confirm zoning compliance with the county zoning office.
- 02 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.
- 03 If the project meets zoning requirements, the county states the permit is issued within a few days.
- 04 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Washington County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$0 for agricultural exempt work and structures under 150 square feet; $100 for structures 150 square feet and above.
02
Permit fee formula
County fee schedule shows:
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Zoning review first, then permit issuance, then any required county or state inspections during construction.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Washington County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington County, IL? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Washington County, IL are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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:.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, IL? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, IL, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, IL? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Washington County, IL typically run "within a few days" if zoning compliant.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington County, IL? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, IL? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, IL via: Call the zoning office for an appointment; the county application says applicants are encouraged to visit the office and.
last verified April 2026
source Washington County Zoning Office ↗
entry id permits/illinois/washington/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Washington County Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.