Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lake County

Lake County, IL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Plumbing code
State of Illinois Plumbing Code (77 IAC 890)
Enforcing agency
Planning, Building and Development Department
Applies to
Unincorporated Lake County only
Max fine
$500 per offense, per week
Governing section
Lake County Code § 150.16

Summary

Unincorporated Lake County adopts the 2024 ICC Building Code but strikes its plumbing chapter entirely, requiring all plumbing design, construction and installation to follow the State of Illinois Plumbing Code instead of a locally written standard.

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

ICC International Plumbing Code. Any and all references to the ICC International Plumbing Code are hereby deleted and replaced with the State of Illinois Plumbing Code, current edition.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).

Full Breakdown

Lake County Code § 150.15 adopts the 2024 ICC International Building Code for unincorporated Lake County under 55 ILCS 5/5-6002 through 5-6006, but § 150.16(A)(2) deletes every reference to the ICC International Plumbing Code and substitutes the State of Illinois Plumbing Code, current edition (77 Ill. Adm. Code 890). The IBC amendments go further, rewriting Chapter 29 outright so the state plumbing code alone governs design, construction, erection and installation of plumbing components and systems. The Planning, Building and Development Department enforces the adopted codes and issues permits covering plumbing work as part of the building permit process; incorporated cities like Waukegan and Highland Park run separate permit systems.

Violations & Fines

Violating the adopted building, mechanical, fuel gas or (via Chapter 29) plumbing code standards carries a fine up to $500 per offense, with each week of continued violation a separate offense under § 150.99(C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lake County have its own plumbing code?
No. Lake County Code § 150.16(A)(2) deletes every reference to the ICC Plumbing Code and replaces it with the State of Illinois Plumbing Code, so state rules govern plumbing installations in unincorporated areas.
Who issues plumbing permits in unincorporated Lake County?
The Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department issues and enforces permits for building, mechanical and plumbing work in unincorporated Lake County under Code Chapter 150.
Does this cover Waukegan or Highland Park?
No. County-adopted codes bind unincorporated Lake County only; Waukegan, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville and other incorporated cities administer their own building and plumbing permit systems.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsLead PaintSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview

Get notified when Plumbing Permits in Lake County, IL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Plumbing Permits in Cities Across Lake County

Waukegan, IL