Calhoun County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Calhoun County. Provides technical inspections for most villages.

Department

Calhoun County Building Department

Address

301 S. County Rd., Hardin, IL 62047 (Marvin Richter Government Building)

Phone

618-576-9700 Ext. 4

Email

chris.behrens@calhouncountyil.gov

Website

https://www.calhouncountyil.gov/departments/building-inspector/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Consult with the Building Inspector (Chris Behrens) to verify if a permit is required for the specific project and location.
2. Complete the Building Permit Application form (available at the Marvin Richter Government Building).
3. Submit site plans, blueprints, and project specifications.
4. If in a floodplain, submit a Floodplain Development Permit application.
5. If doing plumbing as an owner-occupant, submit an Owner-Occupant Affidavit.
6. Pay the applicable fees based on the project valuation.
7. Wait for plan review and permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Varies; typically 1-2 weeks depending on project complexity and inspection schedule.

Source: Calhoun County Building Department

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations, mobile home placements, and major repairs.

Required Documents

• Site plan
• Construction drawings (blueprints)
• Estimated project value
• Floodplain certificates if applicable

Permit validity

Typically 6 months to 1 year; verify specific expiration at time of issuance.

Building code

IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023 (State Mandate PA 103-0510)

Owner-builder

Homeowners may perform their own work on primary residences. Plumbing requires an Owner-Occupant Affidavit.

Contractor requirements

No county-wide general contractor license. Plumbers must have an Illinois State license. Electricians must show proof of a valid municipal license from an Illinois jurisdiction.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100.00

Plan check fee

10% of permit fee for Residential (min $100); 35% for Commercial

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based: $100 + $5 per $1,000 for the first $100k; rates decrease for higher brackets.

Trade permit fee

Included in valuation-based formula

Reinspection fee

$100 per reinspection

Penalty (no permit)

Double fee penalty for starting work without a permit

Payment note

Checks made payable to Calhoun County Treasurer.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Cosmetic work (painting, wallpapering, carpeting)
• Minor repairs using like-for-like materials (verify with inspector)
• Most agricultural structures (still require zoning/setback approval but may have reduced fees)

Important: Verify edge cases with the Building Inspector before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 618-576-9700 Ext. 4 (phone)

Inspection hours

Wednesdays 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (standard office hours); inspections by appointment

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/Foundation, Framing/Rough-In, Final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023 (State Mandate PA 103-0510)
• Verify contractor license: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Board Agendas and Minutes
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub