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

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

Key Facts

Adopted code (§ 12-22)
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition
Conflicting cross-reference
§ 12-15(ii) cites the 2020 Edition
Permit required
Before any electrical work (§ 12-15(h))
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Planning and Zoning
Maximum fine
$1,000 per day, petty offense
Geographic scope
Unincorporated Peoria County only

Summary

Electrical work in unincorporated Peoria County must follow the National Electrical Code, adopted by reference in Peoria County Code Section 12-22, with a building permit required before any electrical system is erected, altered, or replaced.

City-specific rules exist: Peoria has its own electrical permits rules that differ from Peoria County's county-level regulations. If you live in Peoria, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 12-22. - Compliance with NFPA 70: National Electrical Code 2017 Edition Required. The NFPA 70: National Electrical Code 2017 Edition is hereby adopted by reference. ... Chapter 27, Electrical. The NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition shall be followed for all design and installation of electrical systems, alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).

Full Breakdown

Section 12-22, in Article VI of Chapter 12, adopts NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition, by reference for the unincorporated county. The county's general cross-reference section, 12-10(d), confirms that any reference elsewhere in the adopted codes to the 'ICC Electrical Code' is to be read as this NFPA 70, 2017 Edition standard. Notably, the county's separate Building Code amendments in Section 12-15(ii) replace International Building Code Chapter 27 with language citing the National Electrical Code's 2020 Edition instead, so the two chapters of county code point to different vintages of the same national standard.

1 of the adopted Building Code, requires anyone who intends to erect, install, alter, remove, convert, or replace an electrical system to first apply to the building official and obtain a permit. This chapter, including the electrical code, applies only in the unincorporated areas of Peoria County under Section 12-1(a); incorporated cities enforce their own codes. The Department of Planning and Zoning, headed by the Director of Planning and Zoning, administers permits and inspections, and no permit issues until the fee set under Section 12-11 has been paid.

Violations & Fines

Performing electrical work without a permit, or in violation of the adopted code, is a petty offense under Peoria County Code Section 12-6(a), carrying a fine of up to $1,000, with each day the violation continues treated as a separate offense. The building official can post a notice of violation under Section 12-12 and issue a stop-work order under Section 12-6(d), and the county can pursue enforcement through the State's Attorney's office or its Code Hearing Unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which electrical code does Peoria County actually enforce?
Section 12-22 names the 2017 Edition of NFPA 70 as the adopted standalone Electrical Code, and Section 12-10(d) reinforces that edition for cross-references. A separate amendment to the Building Code's Chapter 27, in Section 12-15(ii), instead cites the 2020 Edition, so the county code itself contains both references.
Do I need a permit for electrical work at my house?
Yes. Section 12-15(h), amending Section 105.1, requires an application to the building official and an issued permit before anyone erects, installs, alters, removes, converts, or replaces an electrical system in the unincorporated county.
Does this rule apply if I live inside the City of Peoria?
No. Chapter 12 and its adopted electrical code apply only to the unincorporated areas of Peoria County under Section 12-1(a); residents inside Peoria, Chillicothe, or Bartonville follow their own city's electrical code instead.
What's the penalty for unpermitted electrical work?
It's a petty offense under Section 12-6(a), punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, with each day the condition continues counted as a separate violation, on top of the permit fee still owed once an application is filed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Peoria County

All Peoria County rules

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