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Phone: 815-223-3755
Fax: 815-223-9508
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Frequently Asked Building Questions

Who should I hire?

Contractors are required to be licensed with the city before beginning any work. If you contractor is not on this list, they are not allowed to be providing services for hire within the City.

Current licensed contractors and applications for contractor licenses may be found in the Department Documents section at the top right of this page.

Can I do my work?

In certain situations the homeowner is allowed to perform repairs on his/her residence; such repairs still need to be inspected and compliant with the building codes. Landlords who wish to make changes to wiring, plumbing, or roofing are required by State Law and City Ordinances to have a licensed plumber, electrician, and roofer makes those repairs.

When is a permit required?

Please call if you are unsure.

  • Roofing - always
  • Demolition - always
  • Plumbing – most of the time except for minor repairs and changing of fixtures
  • Electrical – any time new circuits are installed or new work being done. If you have to open a wall to complete your project, you probably need a permit
  • Building – Any time the structure of the building is altered (i.e. moving studs or installing new rooms)
    • Driveways (new and expansion)
    • New construction (house, garage, shed, fence, deck, patio)

When is a construction inspection required?

Construction inspections are required before covering, or concealment before fixtures are set and before framing inspection:

Foundation inspection

  • Plumbing (underground, rough, and final)
  • Mechanical
  • Gas (rough and final)
  • Electrical (service, rough, and final)
  • Frame & masonry inspection -- after roof, masonry, all framing, fire stopping, draft stopping, and bracing are in place, and after the plumbing, mechanical, and rough electrical inspections are approved)
  • Final inspection -- upon completion, and before occupancy

How do I request and schedule an inspection?

To request an inspection by phone contact (815) 223-6344, you may leave a voicemail with a call-back number, the address of the property to be inspected, and the permit number. The inspector will contact you with available times. You should allow 72 hours from date of request to an inspection.

What are forms of payment accepted for permits?

Payments are accepted in the form of a check, credit card or cash.