City Building Permits

Lexington, ILLINOIS Building Permit Guide

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

Illinois McLean County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers construction within Lexington city limits. Lexington is a small city in McLean County with its own permit process. Properties outside city limits are subject to unincorporated McLean County jurisdiction.

Department
City of Lexington — City Hall
Address
329 West Main Street, Lexington, IL 61753
Phone
(309) 365-3331
Website
https://www.lexingtonil.gov/permit-applications

Online Permit Portal

Open iWorQ Permit Portal

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type needed (building, demolition, roofing, plumbing, remodel, zoning, sign, street cut, right-of-way).
  2. Download the building permit application PDF from https://www.lexingtonil.gov/permit-applications and complete it, or submit online via the iWorQ portal.
  3. If submitting by PDF: email completed form with required documents to collector@lexingtonil.gov or drop off at City Hall, 329 W. Main Street.
  4. If submitting online via iWorQ: complete application, upload required documentation (site plan, plans, contractor info), and receive confirmation or invoice after processing.
  5. Pay permit fee (permit becomes valid once payment is received for online submissions).
  6. For site inspection prior to excavation or construction: a site inspection will be performed, with at least two property pins exposed and clearly marked. If property pins cannot be located, a survey may be required before permit approval.
  7. Permit is issued.
  8. Schedule required inspections as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Not stated on public pages; contact (309) 365-3331.

Source: City of Lexington — City Hall

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction, additions, renovations, demolitions, and associated site work. Non-residential/commercial buildings generally require a registered Illinois architect's seal and signature. A site plan must be submitted for every type of construction.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan
  • Full set of construction plans (submitted to city office)
  • Contractor information
  • For commercial projects, registered Illinois architect seal and signature typically required
  • Property pin markings or survey if pins cannot be located
Permit validity
Not stated on reviewed public sources; contact (309) 365-3331.
Building code
Lexington's city code references compliance with local ordinances. The Permit Handbook (published January 15, 2025) is the primary local reference. Under Illinois PA 103-0510, Lexington must enforce minimum 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC standards as of January 1, 2025. Verify current adopted codes with city at (309) 365-3331 or via the city code at http://ecode360.com/LE2894.
Owner-builder
Not specified in reviewed sources; contact city.
Contractor requirements
Plumbing work must be performed by a state-licensed plumber (IDFPR). Electricians must hold IDFPR state licensure. No additional local general contractor license requirement found in reviewed sources, but contact city to confirm.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Not publicly stated; contact city.
Plan check fee
Not specified; contact city.
Permit fee formula
Not specified in reviewed sources; contact city.
Trade permit fee
Not specified; contact city.
Reinspection fee
Not specified; contact city.
Payment note
For online iWorQ submissions, an invoice is issued after processing and permit is valid once payment is received. In-person payment accepted at City Hall.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Contact city for current fee schedule.).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Lexington — City Hall to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (309) 365-3331 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Not specified; contact city.
Inspection hours
City Hall hours not stated in reviewed sources; call to confirm.
Time windows
Not specified; contact city.

Typical inspection sequence: Site inspection (pre-excavation, with property pins marked) is required before construction begins. Additional inspection sequence (foundation, framing, final) likely follows; confirm with city.

Not specified on public pages.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Lexington — City Hall 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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