Tazewell County, IL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Community Development Administrator
- Fee for unpermitted work
- Doubled permit fee
- Work start deadline
- 180 days, one 90-day extension
- Completion deadline
- 2 years, one renewal
- Exempt pool size
- Under 24 in. deep or 125 sq ft
- Exempt accessory structure
- Under 25 square feet
Summary
Tazewell County requires a building permit from the Community Development Administrator before construction, demolition, fence installation, swimming pool construction, or electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work on unincorporated land. The permit must issue before work commences, not after.
A building permit shall be obtained from the Community Development Administrator by the owner, lessee, or other person having the right to possession, or his or her authorized agent, of any property or structure before commencing: (A) The construction, erection, or development of any building or structure, either by itself or in addition to another use, including buildings or structures to be used for agricultural purposes; ... (D) The construction of a swimming pool; ... (F) The demolition of any building or structure, including buildings or structures to be used for agricultural purposes; ... (I) The construction of a fence, other than ornamental (as defined in § 157.049) or agricultural fences; ... (J) Installation of new electrical service or equipment and repairs to or replacement of existing electrical systems;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-7: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. LU-21-12, passed 9-29-2021; and Res. LU-26-09, passed 7-29-2026).
Full Breakdown
049 or an agricultural fence), installing new electrical service or equipment, installing or altering HVAC or mechanical systems, or installing or altering plumbing. 558 exempts routine maintenance such as re-roofing or repainting, portable swimming pools under 24 inches deep or under 125 square feet, accessory structures under 25 square feet, and agricultural or ornamental fences. ). 011, a site plan, and, for larger commercial or multi-family projects, three sets of sealed architectural plans. 569 doubles the permit fee for anyone who builds before obtaining the permit.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit doubles the standard permit fee under § 157.569 and exposes the property to a stop work order under § 157.567, punishable as a petty offense under 55 ILCS 5/5-12017 for removing or defacing the posted order. Continued work after a stop work order subjects the violator to penalties under Article 36 and § 157.999, and failure to obtain a permit after notification is enforced under § 157.999(C) and (D).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tazewell County require a permit to build a fence?
What happens if I start construction without a permit in Tazewell County?
How long is a Tazewell County building permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tazewell County
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