City Building Permits
Metropolis, ILLINOIS Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Metropolis, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Metropolis and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) under Illinois Municipal Code.
- Department
- Building and Zoning Department
- Address
- 755 East 12th Street, Metropolis, IL 62960
- Phone
- 618-524-3175
- cmurray@metropolisil.gov
Online Permit Portal
Platform: City of Metropolis Website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine whether your project requires a permit by consulting the Building and Zoning FAQ or contacting Chad Murray at 618-524-3411.
- Obtain the permit application from the city website forms page or in person at 106 West 5th Street.
- Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan, construction drawings, and a cash bond or corporate surety bond approved by City Council.
- Submit application and documents in person to the Building and Zoning Department.
- Department reviews plans for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and applicable ordinances.
- Pay permit fees upon approval.
- Permit is issued; post permit on site.
- Schedule inspections at required stages during construction.
- Request final inspection upon project completion.
- Certificate of occupancy or completion issued after passing final inspection.
Typical processing time: Not published. Contact 618-524-3411 for current processing times.
Source: Building and Zoning Department
General Requirements
A building permit is required before beginning any construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure within the city.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application form
- Site/plot plan showing property lines and structure locations
- Construction plans or drawings
- Cash bond or corporate surety bond (per municipal ordinance Chapter 150)
- Permit validity
- Not published. Contact the department for current policy.
- Building code
- Effective January 1, 2025, Metropolis enforces minimum standards based on IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, and Illinois Plumbing Code. Chapter 150 (Building Regulations) and Chapter 156 (Zoning) govern local requirements. Municipal code is current through Ordinance 2024-31.
- Owner-builder
- Not specifically published. Contact the department.
- Contractor requirements
- Illinois does not have a statewide general contractor license. Electricians must hold a license from a qualifying Illinois municipality based on the NEC. Plumbers must hold a valid Illinois state plumbing license. Confirm any local contractor registration requirements directly with the Building and Zoning Department.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Not published. Contact 618-524-3411.
- Plan check fee
- Not confirmed from public sources.
- Permit fee formula
- Not confirmed from public sources. Contact the department for the current fee schedule.
- Reinspection fee
- Not confirmed from public sources.
- Payment note
- Payment is expected in person at the department. Online payment not identified.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Building and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 618-524-3175 (phone)
- cmurray@metropolisil.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not published.
- Inspection hours
- City Hall utility/clerk office hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Building and Zoning office hours likely similar — call 618-524-3175 to confirm.
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation inspection (before concrete pour), framing inspection (after rough framing and MEP), insulation inspection (if applicable), final inspection (upon completion). Additional stage inspections may be required depending on project type.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Effective January 1, 2025, Metropolis enforces minimum standards based on IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IEBC 2021, NEC 2023, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, and Illinois Plumbing Code. Chapter 150 (Building Regulations) and Chapter 156 (Zoning) govern local requirements. Municipal code is current through Ordinance 2024-31.
- Verify contractor license: Illinois IDFPR License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Massac County GIS Map
- Massac County ArcGIS Hub
- Full Code of Ordinances
- Illinois Capital Development Board — Building Codes
- Illinois Plumber Licensing
- 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 and Zoning Department before applying.
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