The McHenry County Planning and Development Department’s Building Division reviews plans, issues building permits and inspects all construction in unincorporated McHenry County. Inside a village or city, contact that municipality; this guide also covers the county seat, Woodstock.
This guide covers the county’s Building Division for unincorporated land and the City of Woodstock. The county’s new fee schedule is not listed here, so check it with the county.
What requires a building permit in McHenry County?
In unincorporated McHenry County, the Building Division reviews and inspects all construction, and a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion is issued for all regulated projects. The Water Resources division enforces the Stormwater Management Ordinance.
In Woodstock, roofs, sheds, fences and water heaters need a building permit; driveways need only zoning approval, and window or door replacement needs a permit only if the opening size changes.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →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 McHenry County?
| Office | Handles | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| McHenry County Planning and Development, Building Division | Plan review, building permits and inspections in unincorporated areas; County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Ave., Woodstock IL 60098 | (815) 334-4000 |
| McHenry County Water Resources | Stormwater Management Ordinance | See Planning and Development |
| Woodstock City Hall | Listed on the City’s building permits page; 121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock, IL 60098 | 815-338-4300; 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday |
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →McHenry County permit costs and fees
The county takes payment by credit, check, money order or exact cash, and a new fee schedule took effect July 1, 2026. In Woodstock, projects sent to the City’s Plan Review Consultant pay the consultant’s fee directly.
How to get a building permit in McHenry County
Unincorporated land goes to the county Building Division; inside a village or city, contact that municipality.
Applications, scheduling and communication run 24/7 online; incomplete applications are rejected.
The goal is 10 business days, to the 2021 ICC codes and the 2020 NEC.
Water Resources enforces the Stormwater Management Ordinance.
A Certificate of Occupancy or Completion is issued for all regulated projects.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →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 Woodstock
Woodstock does not license or register contractors, but electricians, plumbers and roofers must submit a copy of their license and a letter of intent with the building permit application. Larger multi-family, commercial and industrial projects and kitchen hood, sprinkler and fire alarm work go to the City’s Plan Review Consultant, and those reviews normally take 10 business days.
Woodstock building and sign permits are valid for 120 days; permits for a new principal building or an addition are valid for 12 months.
Inspections in McHenry County
County scheduling runs through the 24/7 Permit Portal. Woodstock inspections are scheduled at least 48 hours ahead by calling 815-338-4305, and a final inspection is required before occupancy.
Rather not deal with the McHenry County building department?
Get a free quote →Official McHenry County permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- McHenry County Planning and Development
- McHenry County Building Division
- Woodstock building permits and inspections
- Woodstock building permit information
Frequently asked questions
Does McHenry County issue permits inside cities and villages?
No. The Building Division covers unincorporated McHenry County; inside a village or city, contact that municipality.
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →How long does a McHenry County permit review take?
The county aims to complete building permit reviews within 10 business days; incomplete applications are rejected.
Does replacing a window need a permit in Woodstock?
Only if the opening size changes.
Simplify McHenry 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
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →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.
Ready to break ground in McHenry County sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your McHenry County permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Illinois permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about McHenry County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.