Kankakee County, IL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Code Sec. 105-66
- Plumbing standard adopted
- Illinois Plumbing Code, Sec. 105-186(9)
- Permit commencement window
- 6 months, Sec. 105-75(b)
- Licensed plumber registration
- Fee/bond exempt, Sec. 105-288(d)
- Unpermitted work surcharge
- Sec. 105-131(d)
Summary
In unincorporated Kankakee County, no plumbing installation or alteration may start without a building permit from the Building Division under Sec. 105-66, and Sec. 105-186(9) makes the Illinois Plumbing Code the standard the county enforces rather than a locally drafted plumbing chapter.
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. ... The technical codes listed in this section are hereby adopted as the building codes of the county for the control of buildings and structures as herein provided. ... (9)Illinois Plumbing Code.
Full Breakdown
" Plumbing work qualifies, and Sec. 105-212(13), amending the International Building Code, confirms the mechanism by ordering the county's own Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems deleted and replaced: "Chapter 29 Plumbing systems. " Applicants file with the Building Division of the County Planning Department under Sec. 105-67, pay the fee set in the Chapter 18 fee schedule under Sec. 105-70, and the code enforcement officer inspects the work under Sec. 105-72 before it can be concealed. Plumbing contractors performing this work must still register under Article III, but Sec.
105-288(d) carves out an exception: "Plumbing and irrigation contractors are exempt from the fee and bond requirements per 225 ILCS 320/42 of the Plumbing Licensing Law," provided a completed application, certificate of insurance, state license copy, and plumbing contractor certificate stay on file with the county. Beginning plumbing work before the permit issues triggers an added fee under Sec. 105-131(d), on top of the standard permit cost, and every plumbing permit expires under the same six-month commencement window and one-year limit that governs other building permits under Sec. 105-75.
Violations & Fines
Installing or altering plumbing without first obtaining the required permit is enforced under Sec. 105-131: the code enforcement officer serves a written notice of violation, and Sec. 105-131(d) adds a separate surcharge for work started before permitting. Continued noncompliance draws 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 plumbing is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a county permit to replace or add plumbing in unincorporated Kankakee County?
What plumbing code does the county enforce?
Do plumbers have to register with the county before pulling a permit?
How long is a plumbing permit good for?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kankakee County
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