Macon County, Illinois
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   Macon County Building Permits
 

When Is A Building Permit Required?

A building permit is required for all construction activity which involves the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, relocation, conversion or demolish of any building or structure in the unincorporated areas of the County. This includes decks, patio covers, sheds (whether attached to the ground or on skids) and some fences. There are certain exceptions for agricultural buildings and/or structures on operating farms.

How Do I Apply For A Building Permit?

The building permit forms are available at the Planning Office. If you prefer not to make the trip we would be happy to mail the application forms to you. The application forms require the submission of certain information about the existing conditions and what is proposed to be built or erected. After the application is complete it is submitted to the Planning Office for a building code plan check and a review of land use and development requirements by the Building and Zoning Officer. In order to assist us in locating your site and processing your project application as quickly as possible, please be sure to include all of the requested information and attach the required forms. Depending on the kind of project and the type of work proposed, a complete set of detailed construction plans are usually required.

Fees

Permit fees have been adopted by the County Board. A combination of building or structure size, type and value is plugged into a prescribed formula to determine the fee for your project. Fees are paid at the time the permits are issued. See Fee Schedule

When May I Pick Up My Building Permit?

Processing of your application varies with the seasonal workload and complexity of your project. Usually, the plans are checked for compliance with the International Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, Health Code, etc. Normal processing time varies from a couple of days to a week. You can call the Planning Office to check on the status of your permit.

Building Codes Enforced

The County has adopted the International Building Code and associated family of codes.

Applying for a Building Permit

When making application for any permit, the more complete the paper work, the faster it can be reviewed and a permit may be issued. The following information generally applies and is to be included with the permit application:
  1. The Site or Plot Plan: Show the size, shape and dimensions of your property, including its location by street address. Show all existing buildings and other improvements and clearly indicate all proposed buildings. Plan details should include the building setbacks from all property lines, distance between buildings, off-street parking, driveways, sewer lines or septic tank and leach field locations, and a north arrow. Also, specify the owner's name, the site address, and the Map Number, commonly referred to as the Tax ID or Parcel number. If the street right-of-way to the parcel is not readily apparent, then a copy of the deed describing the access to the property must be included. It is always helpful to supply a copy of the survey if one is available.

    If the site has never been issued a street address, you must visit the Macon County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB). ETSB may be contacted at:

    Emergency Telephone System Board
    141 South Main Street, Suite 810
    Decatur, IL 62523
    Voice: (217)424-1002
    Fax: (217)424-1006

    If you have or will be using or installing a septic system and/or water well you will have to get a written certificate that your plans have been reviewed and approved by the Macon County Health Department (MCHD).

    You can contact MCHD at:

    Division of Environmental Health
    1221 East Condit St
    Decatur, IL 62521
    Voice: 217.423.6988
    Fax: 217.423.7436
    Email: Macon County Health Department

  2. A Foundation Plan:Show dimensions and depths into bearing soil of all foundation components. Indicate foundation anchoring details, reinforcements, crawl-space clearances, vents and access. Any foundation system that deviates from the standard foundation system described in the International Building Code needs to have the seal of a registered civil or structural engineer or licensed architect stamped on the plans.
  3. A Floor Plan:Show complete dimensions. Include location of smoke detectors, appliances, heating system, electrical outlets, fixtures, attic and under floor access, door and window types and sizes (tempered or thermal glass as required), other important structural elements, fire protection in attached garages, and any other information necessary to show that the building will meet the applicable codes. Also indicate the gross floor area of all floors/levels and those to be heated.
  4. Exterior Elevation: Submit elevations of all sides of the building. Show building height in feet, and indicate the difference in elevation between the highest point of the structure (not including antennas, etc.) and the highest and lowest ground elevation at the exterior foundation of the structure.
  5. Cross Section: Show cross sections for as many areas as necessary to completely describe the structural layout. Include details for connections, insulation placement, ceiling heights, and/or other necessary or unusual details.
  6. Framing Plans: Submit framing plans for floor, ceiling, wall and roof framing indicating dimensions, materials, sizes, spacing, and connection details of all structural framing members.
  7. Roof Plan: Indicate roof layout, pitches, slope directions, roof covering, sheathing and underlayment.
  8. Construction Details: Detailed cross-sections of foundation components, anchoring, structural member connections, any seismic connections, and other pertinent construction details.
  9. Manufacturers' Engineering Reports: These are required for ALL prefabricated structural framing components.
  10. Commercial and Industrial Buildings: The plans must be signed and stamped by a licensed architect or engineer.
  11. Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Permits: These are required separately if not included as in the case of new construction.
  12. Additional Plans: Additional plans, documentation or other explanations may be required if your construction style, building materials or other components are considered “out of the ordinary.”

If you have any questions about your project or the requirements do not hesitate to contact the Planning Office. We will happy to assist you.

Please refer to the Required Inspections page to learn more about the kinds of inspections that will be performed on your construction project and the Fee Schedule page for fee information.