Sangamon County, Illinois Building Permit Guide

The Sangamon County Department of Building and Zoning administers the county zoning ordinance and takes building, home occupation, fence, temporary use and ag-exempt permits; its Building Safety Section reviews plans, issues building permits and performs inspections. Of the county’s 194,170 residents (latest Census estimate), 31,315 live in the unincorporated balance, 112,989 in Springfield and 14,579 in Chatham.

This guide covers the county department, the towns it serves by agreement, and the City of Springfield, the county seat.

Who handles permitting in Sangamon County?

Towns served by the county building department

Under intergovernmental agreements the county building department also serves Buffalo, Cantrall, Grandview, Illiopolis, Leland Grove, Williamsville, Jerome, Curran and New Berlin, and Rochester for commercial projects only. In those towns, contact the municipality about zoning before applying to the county.

Permit requirements in Sangamon County

A demolition permit needs written verification that utility services are disconnected. Erosion control permits are required for new construction. Plumbing permits for a new system or changes need a diagram.

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

Sangamon County permit costs and fees

• New residence or alteration: sq. ft. x $0.58; new accessory structure: sq. ft. x $0.19; commercial new construction: sq. ft. x $0.51.
• Minimum fee: $100 residential, $150 commercial; residential demolition $75.
• Residential HVAC, plumbing and electrical: sq. ft. x $0.08 (minimum $100); residential solar: $25 x kW (minimum $200).
• Starting without authorization: an application fee of 150% of the normal fee. Veterans receive a 25% discount.
• Zoning: residential fence permit $100, commercial $150; amendments, variances and conditional permitted uses $250 for the first 5 acres plus $5 per additional acre; appeals $250. The zoning fee schedule lists agricultural fences, pole barns and cold storage as exempt.

How to get a building permit in Sangamon 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

Septic and wells in Sangamon County

Septic systems need a licensed septic contractor, who usually files the permit with the Sangamon County Health Department, and a licensed soil scientist. New or replaced wells need a licensed well driller; well permits are typically approved within 7 - 10 business days.

Building codes in Sangamon County

The county’s adopted building codes are the 2018 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IFC and IFGC (amended), the 2017 NFPA 70 NEC and the 2014 IDPH Plumbing Code.

Inspections and zoning hearings

Questions about construction and building permits go to the county’s building inspectors at (217) 753-6760. Petitions for zoning amendments, variances and conditional permitted uses go to a public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals, which recommends to the County Board for the final decision.

Building permits in Springfield

In Springfield, building permits are handled by the City Public Works Department’s Building Division, which administers and enforces the building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical codes and does inspections and permit reviews. The city’s page gives the general Public Works number, 217-789-2255.

Official Sangamon County permitting resources

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

• Sangamon County Building and Zoning
• Sangamon County Building Safety
• Sangamon County permit applications
• Sangamon County building fees
• Sangamon County environmental health
• Springfield Public Works applications and permits

Frequently asked questions

Does Sangamon County issue permits in Rochester?

Only for commercial projects, under an intergovernmental agreement.

How do I pay a Sangamon County permit fee online?

Through IL E-pay, after calling the office for the required PIN.

Do veterans get a discount on Sangamon County building fees?

Yes, veterans receive a 25% discount.

Simplify Sangamon 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 Sangamon County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.