Menard County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Menard County and municipalities that do not maintain their own zoning/building departments, including Tallula and Oakford.

Department

Menard County Zoning Department

Address

101 East Jefferson Street, Petersburg, IL 62675

Phone

217-632-5123

Email

jcrowe@menardcountyil.gov

Website

https://menardcountyil.com/departments/zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain Address Request Application (if new construction) and wait 5-7 business days for assignment.
2. Apply for Well/Septic permits from the Sangamon/Menard County Health Department (217-535-3145) if applicable.
3. Submit the Building Permit Application to the Menard County Zoning Office.
4. Include a full set of construction plans and a property sketch showing setbacks from property lines and road centerlines.
5. Provide evidence of Road District Commissioner approval for new driveways.
6. Zoning Officer reviews for compliance with the Menard County Zoning Ordinance.
7. Upon approval and payment of fees, the permit is issued.
8. Construct the project, subject to random zoning inspections.
9. Return the Certificate of Completion & Conformance before occupying the structure.

Typical processing time: 1-2 weeks for standard residential applications.

Source: Menard County Zoning Department

General Requirements

Required for all new structures, additions, mobile homes, and structural alterations.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Full set of plans
• Property sketch/site plan
• Health department permit (if applicable)
• Driveway approval from Road District Commissioner

Permit validity

Permits typically expire if work does not commence within 6 months or is not completed within 2 years.

Building code

Non-building code jurisdiction. Enforces the Menard County Zoning Ordinance. Per state mandate, construction must follow the 2021 IRC/IBC effective January 1, 2025.

Owner-builder

Owners may act as their own contractors but must disclose this on the application and comply with all zoning/health regulations.

Contractor requirements

No county-level general contractor license. Plumbers and roofers must be state-licensed. Septic installers must be registered with the Health Department.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$40.00

Plan check fee

Typically included in the base fee

Permit fee formula

$200.00 base + $0.25 per square foot for dwellings

Reinspection fee

Doubling of permit fees for starting work without a permit

Payment note

Check or money order payable to Menard County Zoning.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Cosmetic repairs (interior painting, wallpapering, flooring)
• Agricultural buildings used strictly for farm purposes (fee-exempt, but still require a $0 permit for setback verification)
• Structures under 50 square feet (may still require a nominal $40 filing fee)
• Routine maintenance that does not alter the structure's footprint or primary usage

Important: Consult with the Menard County Zoning Department to confirm whether your proposed work qualifies for exemption.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 217-632-5123 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/Foundation (setback check), Random progress checks, Final zoning/occupancy check.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Non-building code jurisdiction. Enforces the Menard County Zoning Ordinance. Per state mandate, construction must follow the 2021 IRC/IBC effective January 1, 2025.
• Verify contractor license: Illinois Secretary of State License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Sangamon/Menard County Health Department
• License lookup guide: Illinois Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Illinois Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Illinois hub: Illinois Contractor License & Permit Hub