City Building Permits
Madison, ILLINOIS Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Madison, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
City of Madison limits.
- Department
- Building Inspection Department
- Address
- 615 Madison Avenue, Madison, IL 62060
- Phone
- (618) 876-6268
- Website
- https://www.cityofmadisonil.com/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-house / City Website • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Create an account on the City of Madison website or visit City Hall.
- Submit application with plans, recorded deed, and contractor info.
- Department reviews for zoning and land development compliance.
- Pay fees upon approval.
- Mandatory inspections at specific milestones.
Typical processing time: Not specified.
Source: Building Inspection Department
General Requirements
New construction, exterior work (roofs, siding, porches, garages, fences), internal systems (electric/plumbing/HVAC), demolition.
Required Documents
- Detailed plans
- Recorded deed
- Contractor business license
- Permit validity
- Not specified.
- Building code
- 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2023 NEC
- Owner-builder
- Owners may perform their own roofing (exempt from state license).
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must have a valid City Business License.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $25.00
- Plan check fee
- Varies
- Permit fee formula
- $25 for <$1,000; $50 + $5 per $1,000 over $1,000. Flat fees for fences/decks ($40) and roofs ($50).
- Reinspection fee
- Occupancy permit $60
- Payment note
- Payments made at City Hall
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Sheds/accessory structures under 200 sq ft
- 1-for-1 window replacement (same size)
- Minor repairs under $1,000 (non-structural/electric/plumbing)
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (618) 876-6268 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Rough-in, Final
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2023 NEC
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- 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 Building Inspection Department before applying.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Madison 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 worksOther cities in Madison County
View all Madison County jurisdictions →