Tazewell County, Illinois Building Permit Guide

The Tazewell County Community Development Department issues building permits and zoning compliance certificates and regulates construction in the unincorporated areas of the county. Of Tazewell County’s 130,049 residents (latest Census estimate), 24,128 live in the unincorporated balance; the most populous places are the Tazewell part of Pekin (31,277), East Peoria (22,088) and Morton (17,565).

This guide covers the county’s permits for unincorporated land and the City of Pekin. Pekin’s own pages disagree on its code edition and inspections phone, as set out below.

What a Tazewell County permit application needs

A residential permit application needs two sets of scaled drawings (1/4"=1’ minimum), a site plan showing the septic system and well, and a copy of the access permit from the township, state or county road official when a driveway is installed or used.

Three things are needed before the permit is issued: a general erosion control permit, a copy of the Health Department septic permit where applicable, and a mailing address applied for through Community Development, with an approximate ten (10) day wait.

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 Tazewell County?

Community Development also prepares variance, special use and rezoning applications for public hearings before the Tazewell County Zoning Board of Appeals.

Erosion control and septic timing

A Standard erosion control Permit (slopes under 10%) takes about 2 days or less; a Site Specific Permit (slopes over 10%) takes 5 working days. The Health Department septic permit takes about 2 working days.

Tazewell County permit costs and fees

• 1- and 2-family dwellings (new, additions, alterations): from $200.00 for 200 square feet or less to $450.00 for 1,001 to 2,000 square feet and $500.00 for 2,001 to 3,000 square feet.
• Accessory structures: $100.00 under 200 square feet; $180.00 for 201 to 650 square feet.
• Trades: electrical $55.00 per dwelling unit; plumbing $55.00 for up to 16 fixtures plus $15.00 per additional fixture.
• Other: fences $50.00; demolition $100.00; in-ground pools $175.00; floodplain development permit $200.00.
• Penalties: failure to obtain a permit doubles the fee; a stop work order costs $250.00 plus $20.00 per day.

How to get a building permit in Tazewell 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 codes in Tazewell County

County plan review uses the Tazewell County Code, the Illinois Plumbing Code, the 2018 International Residential Code, the 2017 National Electric Code and the Illinois Energy Conservation Code.

Inspections in Tazewell County

Owners must call for required inspections at (309) 477-2235 with at least 24 hours’ notice. Each required inspection not requested is fined $75, payable before the next inspection, and no Certificate of Occupancy is issued until fines are paid.

Building permits in Pekin

Pekin files permits through the city’s online permit portal. Inspections requested before 4 pm are done the following business day, and initial plan review comments come within 5 days for single family residential and up to 20 days for very large commercial projects.

The city’s permits and codes page says Pekin operates under the 2024 International Building Codes with local amendments and the 2023 National Electrical Code, but its Building Inspections page names an older edition. The permits and codes page gives (309) 478-5370 for Building Inspections while the city FAQ lists a different Inspections Department number. Confirm both with the city.

A Pekin roofing permit is required for a full tear-off and replacement and for a second layer over an existing roof; chain link fences are not permitted in any front yard.

Official Tazewell County permitting resources

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

• Tazewell County Community Development
• Tazewell County building and permit information
• Tazewell County residential permitting brochure
• Tazewell County fee schedule
• Pekin permits, building codes and contractor information
• Pekin online permit portal

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tazewell County plan review take?

Most applications needing plan review have a 48 hour turnaround.

What happens if I skip a required inspection in Tazewell County?

Each required inspection not requested is fined $75, and no Certificate of Occupancy is issued until fines are paid.

Does Pekin allow chain link fences in front yards?

No. Chain link fences are not permitted in any front yard.

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