County Building Permits
Monroe County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Monroe County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All areas in Monroe County outside of incorporated city/village limits.
- Department
- Monroe County Zoning Office
- Address
- 100 S. Main St., Waterloo, IL 62298 (Courthouse, 2nd Floor)
- Phone
- (618) 939-8681 ext. 260
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Cloudpermit • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Create account on Cloudpermit.
- Select permit type (Building, Electrical, etc.) and enter property details.
- Upload site plan (showing Karst evaluation if in sinkhole area) and construction plans.
- Zoning Administrator reviews for compliance with County ordinances.
- Fees are invoiced and paid online.
- Permit issued digitally.
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days
Source: Monroe County Zoning Office
General Requirements
New structures, additions, structural alterations, portable sheds/carports 100 sq. ft. or larger, in-ground pools, and fences over 6 feet.
Required Documents
- Site plan
- Karst evaluation (if applicable)
- Structural drawings
- Health Dept. approval for septic/well
- Permit validity
- 1 year.
- Building code
- 2006 IBC, 2005 NEC, Illinois State Plumbing Code
- Owner-builder
- Permitted.
- Contractor requirements
- State license required for Plumbing and Roofing.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- ~$50.00
- Plan check fee
- Included in permit fee for residential
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based
- Reinspection fee
- Fees doubled for unpermitted starts
- Payment note
- Credit card online or check/cash at Courthouse
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Fences 6 feet and under
- Portable sheds/carports under 100 sq. ft.
- General maintenance and cosmetic repairs
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Monroe County Zoning Office before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (618) 939-8681 ext. 260 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 48-hour notice required
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing -> Rough-in -> Final.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2006 IBC, 2005 NEC, Illinois State Plumbing Code
- Verify contractor license: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Septic Permits
- 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 Monroe County Zoning Office before applying.
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