Most construction in Will County, Illinois, requires a permit, including new builds, additions, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and even smaller scopes like decks or fences. These permits ensure your project complies with Illinois building codes and local safety standards.
This guide covers the entire Will County permitting process, including required documentation, typical costs, and inspection procedures. Submitting complete applications keeps your project moving without delays or compliance issues.
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What requires a building permit in Will County, IL?
The Will County Building Division requires a permit for most new construction and alterations.
These include:
- New construction, additions, alterations, relocation, removal, or demolition
- Swimming pools (above-ground or in-ground)
- Site work that goes beyond basic flatwork — grading/excavation or stripping vegetation prior to a building permit generally triggers site development review/permit
- Occupiable buildings in manufacturing facilities: explicitly called out as permit-required in the ordinance
Work done in unincorporated Will County must follow the county’s adopted building codes.
What doesn’t require a building permit in Will County, IL?
Projects that typically don’t require a permit in Will County:
- Exterior flatwork such as patios, driveways, sidewalks (concrete/brick paver/stone)
- Site landscaping and shrubbery
- Fences (except when the fence is being used as a pool barrier, which does trigger requirements)
To get more information on other projects, go to the permits and scope of regulations page.
Will County building permit cost
Will County permit fees vary based on valuation, square footage, and trade involvement. Here’s what you can expect:
Residential fees
Commercial fees
To get more information, refer to the building permit fee schedule.
How long do building permits last in Will County?
Will County building permits have several important deadlines:
- Permit applications: Your application may become void after six months if you don't respond to plan review comments or communications. The building official decides whether to void the application
- Starting work: You must start work within six months of permit issuance. If you don't begin within this timeframe, your permit lapses and may need to renew it at the building official's discretion
- Permit expiration: Permits expire one year after the issue date. You must renew or extend your permit before continuing work, as required by the building official
- Demolition permits: These have a shorter timeline. They expire 60 days from the date of issuance if the demolition work isn't completed
Will County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Separate plumbing permits are required for any piping work, water heaters, sewer taps, and backflow devices.
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are mandatory for service upgrades, rewiring, or installation of systems such as alarms or backup power.
HVAC permits
Permits are required for installing or modifying heating and cooling systems, including ductwork.
Special permits
Accessory permits are required for many external features or demolition work.
Get additional information on trade permits by visiting the building permit fee schedule page.
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How to get a building permit in Will County
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
You’ll typically need:
- Completed Will County land use permit application
- Plat of survey/site plan showing:
- Lot lines and setbacks
- Existing structures
- Proposed construction
- Grading and, where applicable, utility layout
- Site plan signed and sealed by an Illinois Professional Engineer if site work triggers the Water Resource Ordinance (most non-exempt site work)
- Building / structural plans that must be sealed by an appropriate design professional unless the project type is exempt; Will County’s permit instructions specify sealed plans (three sets) for most projects
- Manufacturer specs if sealed structural plans are not required for your specific project (e.g., certain pre-engineered components)
- Contractor registration/license info
- Estimated construction value and trade scope
If you’re not sure whether you need sealed plans or a sealed site plan for your specific project, contact the Building Section:
- Building Section (Development Services Division)
- Address: 58 East Clinton St., Suite 100, Joliet, IL 60432
- Phone: 815-727-8634
- Fax: 815-727-8638
- Email: building@willcountylanduse.com
Step 2: Submit your application online
Will County uses the SmartGov Public Portal for permitting:
- Create an account or log in through the Will County SmartGov Public Portal (My Portal)
- Start a new application and select the appropriate permit type (e.g., building, demolition, etc.).
- Upload:
- Enter project valuation and scope details so the system can calculate fees under the current fee schedule
If you need help with the portal, the County’s Public Portal Instructions page lists support contacts:
- Phone: 815-774-3321
- Email: building@willcountylanduse.com
Step 3: Plan review
Your application is reviewed primarily by the Building Section. Depending on the project, additional reviews may be required, such as Planning & Zoning / Subdivision Engineering, Health Department, Will County Division of Transportation (Highway), or the local fire protection district.
Step 4: Pay final fees and receive your permit
Once your plans are approved, final permit fees (including any site development or plan review fees) are confirmed under the Building Permit Fee Schedule and Land Use fee ordinance.
Fees are posted to your permit record in the SmartGov portal, where you can pay online; the portal is specifically described as letting you pay fees and print permits.
After payment, your permit becomes available in the portal for download/printing (“Apply & View Permits Online” / “My Portal”). Print the permit and any required inspection cards and post them on the job site as required by the adopted building codes and ordinance.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
After your permit is issued and posted, you can begin construction, but work must follow the adopted codes listed on the Building page (2018 IRC, 2018 IBC, 2017 NEC, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, 2018 IMC, 2018 Fire Code, etc.). You can schedule inspections via the SmartGov Public Portal or by calling 815-774-3321 and giving contact info, permit number, property address, inspection type(s), and requested date.
If you’re unsure which inspections you need for a specific project type, confirm with the Building Section (815-727-8634, building@willcountylanduse.com).
Will County permitting resources
- Will County Land Use Department – Building Division
- Address: 58 East Clinton Street, Suite 100, Joliet, IL 60432
- Phone: 815-727-8634
- Fax: 815-727-8638
- Email: building@willcountylanduse.com
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Will County permit portal
- Will County land use permit application
- Demolition permit application
- Building permit fee schedule
- 2018 IRC
- Contractor registration
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