County Building Permits

Will County, IL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Illinois Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Serves all unincorporated areas of Will County.

Department
Land Use Department, Building Division
Address
58 E. Clinton St., Suite 100, Joliet, IL 60432
Phone
(815) 727-8634
Website
https://www.willcounty.gov/land-use/building

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov

Platform: SmartGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Create SmartGov account.
  2. Apply for permit and upload digital documents.
  3. Pay plan review fee ($50).
  4. Review process (15 business days initial).
  5. Notification of approval and final fees via portal.
  6. Pay online and print permit.

Typical processing time: 15 business days.

Source: Land Use Department, Building Division

General Requirements

Any structure over 120 sq ft, structural changes, plumbing, electric, HVAC, decks, fences, pools.

Required Documents

  • Plat of Survey
  • Construction plans
  • Health Dept septic/well sign-off (if applicable)
Permit validity
1 year.
Building code
IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023.
Owner-builder
Allowed for primary residence.
Contractor requirements
Must be registered with County ($10,000 bond).

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Varies; ~$2,700 for new res.
Plan check fee
$50.00 minimum.
Permit fee formula
Sq footage/valuation based.
Trade permit fee
Included in permit fees
Payment note
Online via SmartGov.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Portable sheds under 120 sq ft (zoning check still required).
  • Painting, floor covering.
  • Non-structural maintenance.

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Land Use Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Must have inspection card on-site.
Inspection hours
Monday - Friday
Time windows
Standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Roughs, Insulation, Final.

Remote video inspections may be used for certain inspection types at the county's discretion.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Land Use Department, Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Will County, IL?
Any structure over 120 sq ft, structural changes, plumbing, electric, HVAC, decks, fences, pools.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Will County, IL?
The minimum permit fee is Varies; ~$2,700 for new res.. Fees are calculated as: Sq footage/valuation based.. Plan check fee: $50.00 minimum..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Will County, IL?
1. Create SmartGov account. 2. Apply for permit and upload digital documents. 3. Pay plan review fee ($50). 4. Review process (15 business days initial). 5. Notification of approval and final fees via portal. 6. Pay online and print permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Will County, IL?
Typical processing time is 15 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Will County, IL?
The following work is generally exempt: Portable sheds under 120 sq ft (zoning check still required).; Painting, floor covering.; Non-structural maintenance.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Land Use Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Will County, IL?
Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov Portal. Must have inspection card on-site..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Will County can be complicated.

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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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