Cook County, IL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- County Building Commissioner
- Base plumbing permit fee
- $143.60 minimum
- Extra fixture fee
- $20 per fixture over five
- Scope
- Unincorporated Cook County only
- Adopted code
- Illinois Plumbing Code, 77 Ill. Admin. Code 890
Summary
In unincorporated Cook County, a permit is required before installing or altering plumbing equipment, under the Building Commissioner's authority and the adopted Cook County Plumbing Code.
It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, alter, relocate, or demolish...or to install equipment for the operation of a building or structure, including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and mechanical equipment...without first filing with the Building Commissioner an application in writing and obtaining a permit...
Full Breakdown
The Cook County Building Code makes it unlawful to install equipment for the operation of a building, including plumbing, without first filing a written application with the Building Commissioner and obtaining a permit. The County separately adopts the Illinois Plumbing License Law, Plumbers Licensing Code, and Plumbing Code by reference as "the Cook County Plumbing Code" governing residential buildings in unincorporated territory, and a Chief Plumbing Inspector, a licensed plumber with at least ten years' experience, oversees plumbing inspections and plan review. This applies only in unincorporated Cook County; incorporated municipalities like Chicago enforce their own plumbing codes.
Violations & Fines
Working without a permit is enforced by the Building Commissioner's office; permits and inspection placards must be posted on-site until work is completed and approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this plumbing permit rule apply in Chicago?
How much does a basic plumbing permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.