County Building Permits
Lake County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lake County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated Lake County.
- Department
- Lake County Planning, Building & Development
- Address
- 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
- Phone
- (847) 377-2600
- Website
- https://www.lakecountyil.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Apply via the Land Development Portal
- Determine if project requires a full Permit or a simplified Registration (e.g., roofing/siding)
- Submit site plan (plat of survey), architectural drawings, and contractor info
- Compliance with Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) is mandatory
- Projects on private wells/septic require Health Department approval
- Pay fees and receive permit or registration
Typical processing time: Varies; contact department
General Requirements
New structures, additions, structural alterations, decks, and pools
Required Documents
- Completed permit application or registration form
- Site plan/plat of survey
- Architectural drawings
- Contractor information
- Permit validity
- Verify with department
- Building code
- As of July 12, 2025: 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IEBC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 IFC, 2024 ISPSC, 2023 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code. (Exceeds PA 103-0510 baseline). Special Requirements: Bird-friendly design (80% bird-friendly glass for residential < 100 ft.); EV-capable parking space for new homes
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be properly licensed and insured
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Contact department
- Permit fee formula
- Varies by project type
- Payment note
- Simplified registration fees for minor work (roofing/siding/fences)
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Available on Lake County portal).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Sheds ≤ 100 sq. ft. (require Registration, but not full permit)
- Minor cosmetic maintenance
Important: Verify exemptions with Lake County Planning, Building & Development
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Online portal (online)
- (847) 377-2600 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Standard business hours
Typical inspection sequence: Mandatory inspections at critical milestones
Additional Resources
- Building code: As of July 12, 2025: 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IEBC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 IFC, 2024 ISPSC, 2023 NEC, Illinois Plumbing Code. (Exceeds PA 103-0510 baseline). Special Requirements: Bird-friendly design (80% bird-friendly glass for residential < 100 ft.); EV-capable parking space for new homes
- Verify contractor license: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Lake County Land Development Documents
- Watershed Development Ordinance
- 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 Lake County Planning, Building & Development before applying.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Unincorporated Lake County can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works