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Madison County, IL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted electrical code
2005 National Electric Code
Adoption section
§ 90.16(A)(4)
Max fine
$1,000, each day a separate offense
Code copies on file
County Clerk's office, 3 copies
Enforcing office
Planning and Development / Building and Zoning Dept.

Summary

Electrical work on construction in unincorporated Madison County must follow the 2005 National Electric Code, which the County Board adopted by reference alongside its building, residential, fire, mechanical and plumbing codes. The Building and Zoning Department keeps certified copies on file at the County Clerk's office for public inspection.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Madison County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 90.16 BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY REFERENCE. (A) The following Codes are adopted by reference and made a parte hereof as if appearing in total: ... (4) 2005 National Electric Code;

Full Breakdown

16 of the county's Building Regulations chapter adopts nine construction codes by reference "as if appearing in total," and the fourth on that list is the 2005 National Electric Code, which governs electrical installations for construction in unincorporated Madison County. 16(B) requires the county to keep three copies of every adopted code on file in the County Clerk's office for visual inspection, which is where a homeowner or contractor can review the actual 2005 NEC text referenced by the ordinance. 15(A), citing 55 ILCS 5/5-6001 et seq. 161(D), requires that where a sign installation needs an electrical permit, it must be obtained at the same time as the sign permit itself.

Violations & Fines

Failing to wire construction to the adopted 2005 National Electric Code, or working without the required permit, is a violation of Chapter 90 under § 90.99: the maximum fine is $1,000, and each day the noncompliant wiring or unpermitted work continues after notice counts as a separate offense, so daily fines can stack quickly on an uncorrected job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electrical code applies to construction in unincorporated Madison County?
The 2005 National Electric Code, adopted by the County Board in § 90.16(A)(4) along with the county's other building codes. Three copies of the adopted codes are kept on file at the County Clerk's office in Edwardsville for anyone who wants to review the exact text.
Who enforces the electrical code in unincorporated Madison County?
The county's Planning and Development / Building and Zoning Department administers the adopted codes and issues the related permits under Chapter 90, while incorporated cities like Edwardsville, Alton, Granite City and Collinsville handle their own electrical permitting inside their separate city limits.
What happens if electrical work doesn't meet the adopted code?
It's a violation of § 90.99, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, with each day the violation continues after notice treated as a separate offense, so an uncorrected job can generate a new fine daily until it's brought into compliance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Madison County

All Madison County rules

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