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HomePermits & ZoningIllinois
Illinois (IL) Permit Guide

Building a Steel Structure in Illinois: Permits, Zoning & What You Need to Know

Illinois does not have a statewide building code except for a plumbing code and Life Safety Code (fire regulations). Building codes are adopted and enforced at the local level, creating significant variation. Chicago metro has strict requirements while many rural counties have minimal enforcement.

Permit Difficulty
Moderate
Avg Permit Cost
$300 – $5,000
Typical Timeline
3–8 weeks
Barndominium-Friendly
Limited

Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.

State Building Code Overview

No statewide building code. State enforces a plumbing code and Life Safety Code (fire regulations) statewide. Local jurisdictions adopt their own building codes. Chicago has its own unique building code.

Primary Code

IBC / IRC (locally adopted)

Code Version

Varies by jurisdiction (2015–2021 IBC)

Adoption Level

Local Only

Statewide Enforcement

No

Permit Requirements

Cook County and collar counties have full permitting. Many rural downstate counties have minimal requirements.

Residential

Required

Commercial

Required

Agricultural

Not Required

Size threshold: structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt.

Required Documents

  • Building plans
  • Site plan
  • Foundation plan

Exemptions & Exceptions

Agricultural Exemption
Available

Farm buildings used for agricultural purposes are generally exempt from building permits in many Illinois jurisdictions. Illinois has strong agricultural protections.

Size Exemption
Available

Small structures under 200 sq ft typically exempt in most jurisdictions.

Other Exemptions

  • •Some rural counties have no building code enforcement

Environmental & Structural Loads

Southern Illinois (Carbondale area) is in a higher seismic zone near the New Madrid fault. Moderate snow loads statewide. Wind loads increase near Lake Michigan.

Wind Load

90–115 mph

moderate zone

Snow Load

15–35 psf

Seismic

A–D

Category

Flood

FEMA Regulated

Energy Code

Energy Code

IECC (locally adopted)

Version

Varies (2012–2021 IECC)

No statewide energy code. Municipalities adopt their own energy codes.

Contractor Licensing

No State License Required

License Type

No state license required

Illinois does not require a state-level contractor license. Chicago and many municipalities require local contractor licenses.

Typical Setback Requirements

Front

25–40 ft

Side

5–15 ft

Rear

15–30 ft

Setbacks vary widely by jurisdiction.

Foundation Requirements

Engineered Foundation Required

Common Foundation Types

Slab-on-gradeFull basementCrawl space

Frost depth of 42 inches in most of the state. Basements are very common in residential construction.

Building Type Considerations

Shops & Workshops

Popular in rural areas. Permits vary by jurisdiction.

Barns

Agricultural exemptions widely available. Illinois is a major farming state.

Barndominiums

Growing in popularity in central and southern Illinois. Acceptance varies by county.

Garages & Storage

Standard permit requirements in cities. Rural areas more flexible.

Commercial

Full IBC compliance required in jurisdictions with code enforcement.

HOA & Deed Restrictions

HOAs are common in suburban developments around Chicago. Downstate rural areas generally have no HOA restrictions.

Flood Zone Considerations

FEMA Flood Regulations Apply

Extensive flood zones along the Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio rivers. FEMA flood zone maps apply.

Official Sources & Resources

Verify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.

IL Capital Development Board — Building CodesStatewide building code administration (effective 1/1/2025)
Illinois — ICCICC code adoption details for Illinois

In This Guide

In This Guide

State Building Code OverviewPermit RequirementsExemptions & ExceptionsEnvironmental & Structural LoadsEnergy CodeContractor LicensingTypical Setback RequirementsFoundation RequirementsBuilding Type ConsiderationsHOA & Deed RestrictionsFlood Zone ConsiderationsOfficial Sources & Resources

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.

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