DeKalb County, Illinois Building Permit Guide

The DeKalb County Community Development Department reviews and issues all building permits in unincorporated DeKalb County and inspects construction. In the county seat, Sycamore, the City’s Community Development Department has a Building Division that issues permits, performs all building inspections and enforces zoning inside the City.

This guide covers the county’s permits for unincorporated land and the City of Sycamore. No county building permit fee schedule was found online, so ask Community Development for the fee.

What requires a building permit in DeKalb County?

Before a county building permit, the application needs a copy of the approved well and septic permits or a Site Verification Form from the DeKalb County Health Department (815-758-6673), and an access permit from the road authority if the parcel has no driveway entrance.

Non-residential, non-agricultural plans must be signed, sealed and dated by an Illinois licensed architect or structural engineer, and the plumber, HVAC, roofer and electrician must each supply a notarized letter of intent.

Illinois leaves building codes to local government, but since 1 January 2025 any local code must regulate structural design at least as strictly as baseline editions of the International Building, Existing Building and Residential Codes, and where no code was adopted the statute sets minimums for commercial buildings and new homes (Public Act 103-0510). Illinois codes and the statewide baseline

Who handles permitting in DeKalb County?

The county’s Zoning Hearing Officer holds hearings on map and text amendments, special uses, variations and appeals of the Community Development Director’s decisions.

Health and highway permits in DeKalb County

Well and septic

The Health Department’s well and septic program charges $310.00 for a water well permit/inspection/sample, $415.00 for a contractor-installed septic permit and $615.00 for a homeowner-installed septic permit.

County highways

Driveway entrances on county highways need a DeKalb County Highway Department Entrance Permit; the entrance permit form lists a $5.00 processing fee. Culvert installation permits also come from the Highway Department.

DeKalb County permit costs and fees

County application fees are paid in cash or check when you apply. If work starts before a permit is issued, the permit fee is doubled. Commercial and industrial plans go to a third-party reviewer for an extra fee.

How to get a building permit in DeKalb County

A building permit carries a validity period set by the county or city that issues it; confirm the expiry on phased or delayed work before it passes. Permit validity in Illinois

Building permits in Sycamore

Sycamore asks applicants to submit through the City’s web portal. Standard lead times are 3 to 4 weeks for commercial and industrial projects, 2 to 3 weeks for residential, and 5 to 7 business days for other permits.

Sycamore does not require permits for cosmetic work such as replacing windows, siding or roof shingles; emergency repairs need a permit application within 7 days.

Building codes in DeKalb County

DeKalb County updated its adopted building codes by Ordinance 2024-11. Plumbing follows the 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code and is inspected by the state plumbing inspector.

Inspections in DeKalb County

County Community Development inspects construction in unincorporated areas, starting with the site inspection for each application. Sycamore inspections must be booked at least one business day ahead by calling 815-895-4434; voicemail requests left after 3pm are not honored for the next day.

Official DeKalb County permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• DeKalb County Community Development
• DeKalb County application forms
• DeKalb County adopted building codes
• DeKalb County Health Department well and septic
• DeKalb County Highway Department
• Sycamore building permit information

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply online for a DeKalb County building permit?

No. The county does not accept electronic submittals; file in hard copy with payment.

Does DeKalb County issue permits inside Sycamore?

No. The county issues permits for unincorporated areas; inside Sycamore the City’s Building Division issues them.

Do I need a permit to replace shingles in Sycamore?

No. Sycamore does not require permits for cosmetic work such as replacing windows, siding or roof shingles.

Simplify DeKalb County permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Confirm whether the county or a city or village has the parcel, and which office to file with
• Line up the health, highway and floodplain approvals that come before the building permit
• File with the right office and keep inspections on schedule

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Illinois. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about DeKalb County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.