Will County, IL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2017 National Electrical Code
- Permit required
- For all electrical work
- Contractor rule
- Licensed, bonded contractor on application
- Homeowner exception
- Must reside on-site 6+ months
- Max fine
- $500 per day, per violation
Summary
Unincorporated Will County adopts the 2017 National Electrical Code and requires a permit for all electrical work, issued only to a licensed, bonded electrical contractor listed on the application.
(A) National Electrical Code 2017 Edition. The National Electrical Code 2017 edition has been adopted by Will County and apply to all electrical installations as though fully written and set forth herein, except as specifically noted otherwise in this code. ... (C) Permits. Permits are required for all electrical work. Permits for electrical work shall be issued only when a duly licensed and bonded electrical contractor is listed on the permit application.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 24-100, passed 4-18-2024 and Res. 23-387, passed 11-16-2023; and State legislation approved through 2024 Pamphlet #2).
Full Breakdown
Will County Building Ordinance § 150.110 adopts the 2017 National Electrical Code for unincorporated county land and makes it unlawful to alter, disturb or change electrical wiring without a permit issued to a duly licensed and bonded electrical contractor. Two exceptions apply: work that doesn't alter building wiring (swapping fixtures, exhaust fans, smoke detectors, outlets) and homeowners doing their own residence work if they live on-site at least six months after the certificate of occupancy issues. Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport enforce their own electrical codes and permits, not this county ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Working without a permit is a petty offense fined up to $500 per day under § 150.999; licensed contractors who violate the ordinance get reported to their state licensing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a light fixture in Will County?
Can I do my own electrical work as a homeowner?
Does this apply inside Joliet or Bolingbrook?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview
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