Jersey County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Jersey County. Note: Properties within incorporated cities (Jerseyville, Grafton, Elsah) are handled by those municipalities. Villages that contract to the County (Fieldon) and jurisdictional edge cases (Godfrey and Brussels Jersey County portions) also fall under County authority.

Department

Jersey County Code Administrator's Office

Address

200 N. Lafayette St., Suite 6, Jerseyville, IL 62052

Phone

618-498-5571

Email

codeadmin1@jerseycounty-il.gov

Website

https://www.jerseycountyillinois.us/code-administrator/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Jersey County Code Administrator's Office to request permit application forms.
2. Complete the permit application with detailed project information.
3. Submit application along with required documentation (blueprints, plot plan, etc.) to the Code Administrator.
4. County reviews application for completeness and code compliance.
5. Applicant is notified of approval and fee amount.
6. Pay fees to Jersey County.
7. Receive issued permit and schedule first inspection.

Typical processing time: Typically 7-14 business days for standard residential projects.

Source: Jersey County Code Administrator's Office

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations, accessory buildings, decks, fences, pools, and reroofing.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan or plot plan
• Construction blueprints
• Proof of property ownership or authorization
• Contractor license information (for licensed trades)

Permit validity

180 days.

Building code

2018 IRC (Residential), 2018 IBC (Commercial), 2017 NEC (Electrical), IL Plumbing Code, IL Energy Conservation Code

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own property; however, state-licensed trades (plumbing, roofing, electrical) must be contracted to licensed professionals.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be properly licensed by the State of Illinois for their trade (IDFPR). Proof of insurance required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100.00

Plan check fee

$50.00 (Residential base)

Permit fee formula

Calculated based on square footage and construction type. Typical formula: fee per square foot for residential additions; flat fees for simple projects.

Reinspection fee

Follows standard schedule; contact office for specific rates

Penalty (no permit)

Penalty assessed for unpermitted work

Payment note

Checks payable to Jersey County; contact office for other payment methods.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Interior painting and wallpapering
• Minor repairs using like-for-like materials
• Routine maintenance that does not affect structural integrity or life safety systems
• Accessory structures under 10 sq ft (confirm with Code Administrator)

Important: Floodplain overlay applies to significant areas along the Illinois River and Mississippi River; properties in flood hazard zones require additional review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 618-498-5571 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact office for scheduling procedures and notice requirements

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Insulation, Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), Final Building Inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 IRC (Residential), 2018 IBC (Commercial), 2017 NEC (Electrical), IL Plumbing Code, IL Energy Conservation Code
• Verify contractor license: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) License Lookup
• JULIE (811) — Mandatory before digging
• Floodplain information
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub