Kankakee County, IL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- construction, enlargement, alteration, demolition, occupancy change
- Filed with
- County Planning Department Building Division
- Application expires
- 6 months if not diligently pursued
- Large-project notice trigger
- $2M+ investment on 15+ undeveloped acres
- Fine for building without a permit
- up to $500 per day
Summary
In unincorporated Kankakee County, no one may construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure, or change a building's occupancy or use, without first filing an application with the county Building Division and obtaining a permit. The Planning Department's building division reviews plans, and a permit expires if work is not started within six months.
It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure; or change the occupancy of a building or structure requiring greater strength, exit, or sanitary provisions; or to change to another use; or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this chapter, without first filing an application with the building division in writing and obtaining the required permit thereafter.
Full Breakdown
' The requirement covers construction anywhere the county has building jurisdiction, including the unincorporated area. Section 105-67 spells out what the application must contain: a legal description of the property, the proposed use of every part of the building, and whatever plans the code enforcement officer requires under the adopted International Building and Residential Codes. An application goes stale, and is deemed abandoned, six months after filing unless the building division manager grants an extension of up to 90 days for good cause. 5 miles before the county will process the permit.
Farm buildings used for agriculture are not exempt from the permit itself under Section 105-20; they still need one, at no cost, so the county can confirm compliance with the zoning ordinance's bulk and setback rules for agricultural land.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required permit is a violation of Chapter 105. Section 105-131 authorizes a written notice of violation ordering the work stopped, and sets a fine of up to $500 for each day the violation continues, plus an additional fee under the Section 18-1 fee schedule for anyone who starts construction, plumbing or electrical work before obtaining the permit. The building division can also suspend or revoke a permit issued on a false statement or misrepresented application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in unincorporated Kankakee County?
How long is a Kankakee County building permit application good for?
Are farm buildings exempt from the county's building permit?
What happens if I build without a Kankakee County permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kankakee County
Compare Kankakee County to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview
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