Renovation, addition, and alteration work in Peoria requires a building permit through the Peoria Inspections Division under Peoria Code Chapter 5, Article III, which adopts the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code, and the Illinois Plumbing Code (Part 890). Permits are required for structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and most exterior work; minor cosmetic repairs (paint, flooring, like-for-like fixtures) are typically exempt.
Peoria Code Chapter 5 (Buildings, Uses and Requirements), Article III (Building Codes — Adoption and Application) adopts the family of 2018 International Code Council codes plus state-required Illinois codes. The Peoria Inspections Division (309-494-8600) administers permits, plan review, and inspections. Renovation permit thresholds follow IRC R105 / IBC 105: required for new construction; additions; structural alterations (load-bearing wall removal, beam additions, roof system changes); window/door openings cut into structural walls; deck construction; finishing previously unfinished basements or attics; converting accessory structures to habitable space; replacing or relocating electrical service or panels; replacing or adding HVAC equipment; installing or relocating plumbing fixtures, water heaters, or gas appliances; re-roofing in some cases; and exterior modifications that affect setbacks or coverage. Permit-exempt work under IRC R105.2 typically includes one-story accessory structures under 200 sq ft on grade, fences not over 6 feet, retaining walls under 4 feet of unbalanced fill, decks under 200 sq ft and not more than 30 inches above grade, painting/papering/tile/carpet, like-for-like fixture replacement, and minor cabinet/finish work. Energy code compliance under the 2021 IECC is required for any addition or alteration to the building envelope or HVAC system. Pre-1978 housing renovations that disturb paint must follow EPA Lead-Safe Certified (RRP) practices. Historic district properties (Moss-Bradley, West Bluff, Roanoke, etc.) require Peoria Historic Preservation Commission review for exterior changes under Peoria Code Chapter 16.5. Plan review for residential additions typically runs 2-4 weeks; commercial work 4-8 weeks.
Performing permit-required work without a permit violates Peoria Code Chapter 5 and the 2018 IBC/IRC, resulting in stop-work orders, double permit fees, daily fines typically $100-$500, and possible removal of non-compliant work. Unpermitted work discovered at resale typically must be permitted, inspected, and brought to current code at the seller's expense, often delaying or killing the sale. Unlicensed electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work additionally violates state-level licensing requirements (Illinois Plumbing Code, IL Plumbing License Law 225 ILCS 320, electrical contractor registration where applicable). Homeowner-owner-occupant exemptions exist for some electrical and plumbing work but vary by trade.
Peoria, IL
Peoria adopts the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) through Chapter 5 (Buildings). IPMC Section 303.2 (Enclosures) requires private swimming poo...
Peoria, IL
Peoria's Appendix B (Zoning Ordinance) regulates fence material and finish standards in residential districts. Barbed wire and electrified fences are restric...
Peoria, IL
Illinois has no statewide 'good neighbor' fence cost-sharing statute, and Peoria does not require neighbor consent before installing a boundary fence. The Il...
Peoria, IL
Peoria requires a Fence Permit from the Building Safety Division (419 Fulton Street, Room 203, 309-494-8600) before installing most residential fences. Appli...
Peoria, IL
Peoria regulates residential fence heights through Appendix B (Zoning Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances. Typical residential standards limit fences in fro...
Peoria, IL
Peoria's Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 (Animals) does not impose a specific numerical cap on dogs or cats per household, but excessive numbers that result in ...
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