City Building Permits

Village of Cary, ILLINOIS Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Village of Cary, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Illinois McHenry County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Serves incorporated Village of Cary.

Department: Community Development Department, Building Division
Address: 755 Georgetown Drive, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: (847) 639-1100
Email: permits@caryillinois.com
Website: https://www.caryillinois.com/168/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open Online Permit Portal

Platform: Online Permit Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Submit application via portal or email.
Building Division reviews (Standard: 10 days; New homes: 15 days).
Over-the-counter issuance for simple projects (roofing/siding).
Pay fees and receive permit.

Typical processing time: 10-15 business days.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

New construction, additions, remodeling, decks, fences, pools, HVAC.

Required Documents

Application
Plans
Plat of survey
Contractor bond ($10,000)

Permit validity: Varies.
Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IFC, 2023 NEC, 2014 IL Plumbing, 2024 IECC.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders permitted for primary residence.
Contractor requirements: Must be registered with Village and post $10,000 bond.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $250 for projects up to 5,000 sq ft.
Plan check fee: $60/hour.
Permit fee formula: Flat rates for new builds ($425/unit); sq ft based for others.
Trade permit fee: $250 base
Reinspection fee: $40 per inspection (if not in flat fee).
Payment note: Storm damage relief fees currently waived (until May 2026).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Minor cosmetic work
Ordinary maintenance

Important: Confirm specific exemptions with Building Division.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(847) 639-1100 (phone)

Inspection hours: Mon-Thu 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-12:00 PM.
Time windows: Mon-Thu 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-12:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing, Framing, Rough-in, Insulation, Final.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IFC, 2023 NEC, 2014 IL Plumbing, 2024 IECC.
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 Community Development Department, Building Division before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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