County Building Permits
Stark County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stark County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Covers all areas of the county not within incorporated city/village limits.
- Department
- Stark County Department of Building & Zoning
- Address
- 130 W. Main St., Toulon, IL 61483
- Phone
- (309) 286-7172
Online Permit Portal
Platform: iWorq • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Verify PIN and zoning classification.
- Submit online via iWorq or in person.
- Attach site plans and structural drawings.
- For new residential construction, attach Health Department septic/well approval.
- Pay fees ($0.10/sq ft).
- Receive permit upon approval.
Typical processing time: 10-14 business days
General Requirements
All new buildings, additions, alterations, and relocations of structures.
Required Documents
- Site plan
- Building plans
- Health department approval (if applicable)
- Permit validity
- 12 months
- Building code
- IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IECC 2021, NEC 2023
- Owner-builder
- Residents may act as their own contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- IL state licenses required for plumbers and roofers.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $150.00
- Plan check fee
- Bundled
- Permit fee formula
- $0.10/sq ft for living area; $0.05/sq ft for garages/sheds/decks
- Reinspection fee
- 50% penalty for starting without a permit
- Payment note
- Credit/Debit online; Check/Cash in office
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Agricultural buildings (for permit fees; must still meet setbacks)
- Detached structures under 120 sq ft (zoning only)
- Painting, wallpapering, and similar finish work
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Stark County Department of Building & Zoning before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (309) 286-7172 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Weekdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, Framing/Rough-in, Final.
Additional Resources
- Building code: IBC 2021, IRC 2021, IECC 2021, NEC 2023
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Henry & Stark County Health Department
- 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 Stark County Department of Building & Zoning before applying.
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