County Building Permits
Tazewell County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Tazewell County, Illinois. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Serves all areas of Tazewell County not within the corporate limits of a municipality.
- Department
- Tazewell County Community Development
- Address
- McKenzie Building, 11 S. 4th Street, Ste. 400, Pekin, IL 61554
- Phone
- (309) 477-2235
- zoning@tazewell-il.gov
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Manual/PDF-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Download the appropriate PDF application (Residential, Commercial, or Miscellaneous) from the website.
- Complete all sections, including mechanical contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC).
- Prepare a site plan showing lot dimensions, existing structures, proposed structures, and setbacks from property lines.
- Obtain required external approvals: Septic permit from Tazewell County Health Department (309-477-2223) and Road Access permit (Township, County, or IDOT).
- Submit application and plans via email to zoning@tazewell-il.gov or in person.
- Pay permit fees upon approval.
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days for residential.
General Requirements
New dwellings, additions, structural alterations, swimming pools (above/in-ground), fences, signs, and detached accessory structures.
Required Documents
- Application
- Construction drawings (2 sets)
- Site plan
- Septic permit
- Road access permit
- 911 address application (for new sites)
- Permit validity
- Work must start within 6 months and be completed within 18 months.
- Building code
- 2018 IRC (Residential), 2018 IBC (Commercial), 2017 NEC (Electrical), Illinois Plumbing Code, Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may perform their own work but must follow all codes and pass inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Plumbers must be state-licensed. Contractors must provide proof of insurance/registration where applicable.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Approximately $50
- Plan check fee
- Typically included in permit fee for residential.
- Permit fee formula
- Combination. New dwellings based on square footage ($550 - $975+). Miscellaneous items are flat fees.
- Reinspection fee
- $65 per hour for reinspections; fees doubled if work starts without permit.
- Penalty (no permit)
- Fees doubled if work starts without permit.
- Payment note
- Payment accepted by check or cash at the Community Development office.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Cosmetic updates (painting, wallpapering, carpeting)
- Minor landscaping
- Repair of existing structures that does not involve structural changes or utility alterations
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (309) 477-2235 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Footing/Foundation, Rough-in (Electric, Plumbing, Framing), Insulation, Final.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 IRC (Residential), 2018 IBC (Commercial), 2017 NEC (Electrical), Illinois Plumbing Code, Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
- Verify contractor license: Illinois Secretary of State - License Verification
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Tazewell County Health Department - Septic/Well
- 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 Tazewell County Community Development before applying.
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