Springfield, IL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Accessory shed exempt
- Up to 120 sq ft, one story
- Fixture/partition exempt
- Up to 6 ft high
- Water tank exempt
- Up to 5,000 gallons on grade
- Minor remodel exempt
- Under $1,000 per 6 months
- Awning exempt
- Projects no more than 54 inches
- Enforcing dept
- City Building & Zoning Department
- Codes adopted
- 2012 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IPMC, NFPA 101
Summary
Springfield requires a building permit for construction, alteration or equipment work under the adopted 2012 International Building, Residential and Existing Building Codes unless the work falls into one of the specific exemptions listed in Sec. 170.10.22, such as small accessory sheds, low fixtures or cheap remodeling.
(a)A building permit shall not be required for the following:(1)One-story, detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. (See zoning ordinance requirements.)(3)Cases, counters and other similar fixtures and non-permanent partitions not over six feet high. Location of such fixtures and partitions must comply with key point means of egress requirements.(5)Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.(9)Alterations and remodeling where the total cost of all projects within a six-month period is less than $1,000 and does not constitute or affect corridors, exit ways, and load-bearing members of those structures. This exception does not apply to vending machines and facilities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 82).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 03(a) adopt the 2012 IBC, IRC, IEBC and IPMC, plus NFPA 101 (2000 edition), by reference under home-rule authority and 65 ILCS 5/1-3-1 through 5/1-3-6, giving the Department of Building and Zoning authority over permits, fees, inspections and design, construction, and use of buildings citywide. Sec. 22(a) then lists the local exemptions from that permit requirement: one-story detached accessory sheds or playhouses up to 120 square feet, fences four feet or under (unless a pool is on the property), fixtures, counters or partitions up to six feet high, retaining walls up to 30 inches, grade-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons, stoops or driveways up to 30 inches above grade, painting or window replacement that doesn't alter openings, awnings projecting no more than 54 inches, remodeling under $1,000 in a six-month span that doesn't touch load-bearing members or exits, accessory playground equipment, tents installed three days or less, and floating boat docks.
Everything else, including new construction, additions, and structural or occupancy changes, needs a permit from the department, which issues separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits per (b). A permit expires one year from issuance, or 180 days for pools, under Sec. 21(d).
Violations & Fines
Starting work that isn't on the Sec. 170.10.22(a) exemption list without first obtaining a permit is a chapter 170 violation enforced by the Building and Zoning Department's inspectors, who can cite the owner or contractor and require the work to be exposed or corrected. Exemption from the permit requirement never authorizes work that otherwise violates the chapter or the zoning code, per subsection (c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Springfield?
Is a permit required for minor remodeling work?
How long is a Springfield building permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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