Before starting any construction or trades work in Kane County, Illinois, you’ll need to pull the right permit — which is easier said than done!
This guide gives you a complete overview of the Kane County building permit process, including what documents you need, typical fees, and inspection schedules. Complete applications prevent delays and keep your project compliant from start to finish.
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What requires a building permit in Kane County?
You need a permit in Kane County for most construction or alteration work in unincorporated areas.
This includes:
- New houses and commercial buildings
- Room additions, attached garages, finished basements, and major remodels
- Most accessory structures such as sheds, detached garages, and barns (Kane deleted the usual “tool and storage shed” exemption)
- Most decks, porches, gazebos, and pavilions used as elevated or attached usable space
- In-ground pools and most above-ground pools that are 24 inches deep or more
- Privacy fences you cannot see through
- New or upgraded electric service, major electrical work, HVAC or water heater replacement, and plumbing changes.
- Demolition of a house, garage, or other structure
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Per the Kane County Building Code, some minor work is exempt from permitting:
- Fences you can see through, such as chain-link or split-rail (stormwater approval may still be needed via Water Resources: 630-232-3497)
- Interior finish work, like painting, wallpaper, flooring, cabinets, and countertops
- Sidewalks and driveways at grade that are not over a basement or story below, and not part of an exit landing
- Retaining walls 4 feet high or less that do not support a surcharge
- Pre-fabricated, fully above-ground pools less than 24 inches deep and under about 5,000 gallons
- Typical residential playground equipment and small window awnings that don’t need extra structural support
To get more information, refer to Chapter 6, Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Kane County Code.
Kane County building permit cost
Permit fees are based on construction type, square footage, and project value. Below are general fee estimates:
Residential fees
Commercial fees
For more information, refer to the fee summary page.
How long do building permits last in Kane County?
Kane County building permits have different expiration timelines based on the type of work:
- Standard building permits: Valid for two years from the issue date. If your work isn't completed within two years, the permit expires and you'll need a new permit for all remaining work
- Demolition permits: Expire 90 days after issuance
- Limited-scope permits: The following permit types expire 180 days after issuance:
- Swimming pools
- Repairs and minor alterations
- Damage assessment
- Decks and accessory structures
- Electric service
- Privacy fences
- Temporary structures
- Tower and control buildings
- Co-locations of antennas
- Establishment of use permits
- Extensions: If you can't complete work before your permit expires, you can request an extension or apply for a new permit to finish the remaining work
Kane County trade permits
Electrical permits
Permits are required for all new electrical systems, service upgrades, or significant circuit additions.
Special permits
Accessory permits are required for roofing jobs, tall fences, retaining walls, and other exterior features.
For full details on trade permits, review the fee summary page.
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How to get a building permit in Kane County
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
You’ll generally need:
- Completed Kane County Building Permit Application
- Site plan/plat of survey that shows property lines, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, and access. Residential and commercial packets give detailed site plan requirements
- Construction drawings and code compliance notes: 2 sets (or electronic equivalents) of construction plans and details
- Contractor name, contact details, and applicable licenses/insurance as required by state law and county policy (see application form)
- Estimated construction cost and scope of work
Step 2: Submit your application
Fill out the building permit application, then choose one of these submission methods
- Kane County Web Portal
- Create an account (Portal Registration Guide available on the forms page)
- Apply for a permit, upload submittals, and later pay fees and check inspection status
- Email submittal
- Send application and electronic plans to buildingpermits@kanecountyil.gov
- In-person submittal
- Kane County Government Center
- Address: 719 S. Batavia Ave, Building A, 4th Floor, Geneva, IL 60134
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
- Kane County Government Center
Important fee note: For building permits, payment is due after the permit is approved, and all building permits must be paid electronically through the online portal. You don’t pay “initial fees” at submittal; you pay once review is complete.
Portal help contacts:
- Phone: 630-232-3480 or 630-232-3485
- Email: KaneBuildingDeptPermits@co.kane.il.us
Step 3: Plan review
Once submitted, your application goes to the Development & Community Services – Building & Zoning Division for review. You may receive comments or correction requests through the CityView portal or by email or requests for revised drawings, additional documents (e.g., road impact fee receipt, access permit, health approvals).
Step 4: Pay final fees and receive your permit
After plans are approved:
- Kane County calculates your permit fees based on the Building Permit Fee Schedule
- You’ll see the amount due in the CityView portal and/or receive notice from staff
- All building permits must be paid electronically through the online portal (Paymentus integration)
Once payment posts, your permit is issued, and you can download/print your permit and related documents from the portal or pick them up during office hours if instructed.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
After you have the issued permit, you can start construction, following Kane County building codes and any conditions on the permit.
You can check the status of applications and inspections via the CityView portal, and staff may use it to coordinate inspection requests. For questions or to coordinate inspections, contact permit staff:
- Permit Coordinator (Building Permits & Inspections)
- Phone: 630-232-3485
- Email: buildingpermits@kanecountyil.gov
Kane County permitting resources
- Kane County Development & Community Services
- Address: Center 719 S. Batavia Avenue, Building A, 4th Floor, Geneva, IL 60134
- Phone: 630-232-3485
- Email: buildingpermits@kanecountyil.gov
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Kane County building permit portal
- Building permit fee schedule
- Kane County building permit application
- Building permits & inspections
- Building permit information & forms
- Electronic payment options
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