County Building Permits
DeKalb County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All areas outside the corporate limits of municipalities in DeKalb County.
- Department
- DeKalb County Community Development Department
- Address
- 200 North Main Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
- Phone
- 815-895-7188
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-house / Direct Submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Determine if a permit is required for the specific project.
- Complete the Permit Application form (available on website).
- Submit two sets of building plans and a Plat of Survey showing proposed improvements.
- For projects with well/septic, obtain Health Department approval first (815-758-6673).
- Submit Notarized Letters of Intent from licensed trades (Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing, HVAC).
- Pay application fee.
- Undergo Zoning Review and Site Inspection (stakes must be in place).
- Permit issuance following plan approval (typically 1-3 weeks).
Typical processing time: 1 to 3 weeks
General Requirements
New construction, additions, alterations, decks, sheds, fences, solar panels, and major repairs.
Required Documents
- Permit Application
- Plat of Survey
- Building Plans
- Health Department approval (if applicable)
- Notarized Letters of Intent from licensed trades
- Permit validity
- Construction must start within 180 days; valid for 12 months. Void if no inspections for 180 days.
- Building code
- 2021 IRC, 2021 IBC, 2023 NEC (State mandate), 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code
- Owner-builder
- Owners may perform work on their own primary residence; still requires permits and inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Plumbers and Roofers must provide state license numbers. Electricians must be licensed by a municipality that tests.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50
- Plan check fee
- Included in permit fee for most residential; separate for commercial
- Permit fee formula
- Combination of flat fees (sheds/decks) and square footage/valuation for larger structures
- Reinspection fee
- $50 per failed inspection
- Penalty (no permit)
- Double fees if work starts without permit
- Payment note
- Checks or credit cards (with service fee) accepted
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq. ft. or less (still must meet setbacks)
- Fences 3 feet or less in height (front yard)
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Swings and other playground equipment
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 815-895-7188 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call at least 24 hours in advance
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, business hours
Typical inspection sequence: Footing, Foundation/Walls, Framing/Rough-in (Elec/Plumb/HVAC), Insulation, Final
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 IRC, 2021 IBC, 2023 NEC (State mandate), 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- DeKalb County Health Department
- 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 DeKalb County Community Development Department before applying.
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