Kankakee County, IL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Sec. 105-66
- Minimum service size
- 100 amp, in conduit, Sec. 105-218(4)
- Minimum wire gauge
- No. 12, Sec. 105-218(6)
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Prohibited, Sec. 105-218(7)
- Unpermitted work surcharge
- Sec. 105-131(d)
Summary
In unincorporated Kankakee County, no electrical wiring or service change may be made without a building permit under Sec. 105-66, and Sec. 105-218 amends the 2020 National Electrical Code to require every new or renewed electric service entrance to carry "100 amp or more total capacity" installed in conduit.
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. ... (4)Article 230.34 add the following articles: Minimum service size. All new or renewed service entrance installations shall be 100 amp or more total capacity, and such entrance shall be in conduit, and such installation shall comply with minimum National Electrical Code standards.
Full Breakdown
" Electrical work qualifies, and Sec. 105-131(d) separately penalizes anyone who begins "electrical installation prior to obtaining a building permit" with an added fee on top of the standard permit cost. Once permitted, the work is measured against the county's 2020 National Electrical Code amendments in Sec. 2(B); general wiring, including 15-amp lighting circuits, must be "No. 5(A). 12.
Violations & Fines
Doing electrical work without a permit triggers the Sec. 105-131(d) surcharge on top of the normal permit fee, and any Code violation follows Sec. 105-131's general track: a written notice from the code enforcement officer, a fine of up to $500.00 with each day a separate offense, and the Building Division may suspend the permit under Sec. 105-131(f) until the wiring is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for electrical work in unincorporated Kankakee County?
What size electrical service does the county require?
Is knob-and-tube wiring allowed in the county?
What happens if I start electrical work before getting a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kankakee County
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