Waukegan, Illinois Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Waukegan, Illinois Plumbing Permit Ordinances
The City of Waukegan's Building & Code Department is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for plumbing permit ordinances. They are responsible for issuing building permits, plan reviews, and construction inspections for all residential, commercial, and industrial properties within the city.
Permits are required for various plumbing activities, including revisions, replacement of water heaters, and exterior water lines connecting to the city's water main. Adding new plumbing fixtures, rerouting plumbing lines, and replacing water heaters also necessitate a permit. However, replacing a plumbing fixture in the same location is typically exempt from permit requirements.
Local Zoning and Fee Nuances
Contractors working within Waukegan must be registered with the city annually, with registration expiring on December 31st each year. All permit applications must be submitted online.
Permit fees are calculated based on the contract amount. For construction values under $3,000, the minimum fee is $125. For values over $3,001, the fee is a $150 base plus 3% of the value. Plumbing Plan Review Fees range from a flat fee of $75 up to 1.5% of the construction value. Failed or no-show inspections incur a $75 charge. Permit fees are doubled for any work started without an official permit posted.
Additional requirements for plumbing permits include:
- A copy of the proposal/contract between the contractor and property owner, signed by both parties with the scope of work.
- A letter of intent to meet State of Illinois requirements, stamped with a corporate seal per Illinois Plumbing License Law.
- A map showing the water lines.
- Proper contractor registration, including copies of State of Illinois Plumbing 055 & 058 Licenses.
Connections to the city's water main require a review that may take 3-5 business days for processing.
Resources to Learn More
Because Waukegan is located within Lake County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Illinois, Lake County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Lake County Building & Safety Divisions and Jurisdiction
In Lake County, Illinois, building permits for unincorporated areas are handled by the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department. This department is responsible for overseeing construction, renovation, and mechanical work in these areas. For properties within incorporated cities, the respective city's building department manages permit requirements, not the county.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
Lake County requires building permits for most construction, renovation, or mechanical work in unincorporated areas. This includes the construction of new structures, additions or alterations to existing ones, and accessory structures like garages, sheds, decks, or fences. Permits are also necessary for any change in a building's use, demolition, or the installation or alteration of equipment regulated by building, electrical, or mechanical codes. Specific repair activities, such as removing or altering structural elements, or adding/altering water supply, sewer, drainage, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping systems, also require a permit.
While a building permit is generally required, certain minor improvements may be eligible for registration instead of a traditional permit process, provided they meet specific standards and restrictions. These can include re-roofing, re-siding, fences, sheds, hoop houses, beekeeping, and keeping chickens.
For plumbing work specifically, a permit is required for all work done on a sanitary sewer or water service.
To discuss permit requirements or request early assistance for projects in unincorporated areas of Lake County, you can contact the Planning, Building & Development Department at 847-377-2600.
Resources to Learn More
- Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department:
- Address: 500 W Winchester Road, Unit 101, Libertyville, IL 60048
- Phone: 847-377-2600
- Email: [email protected]
- Permit Portal: Lake County Permit Portal
- Lake County Public Works:
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Illinois:
Illinois Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State Statutes and Plumbing Codes in Illinois
The state of Illinois does not adopt model codes like the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) on a statewide basis. Instead, the state utilizes a standalone, state-developed code known as the Illinois Plumbing Code. This code is codified in the Illinois Administrative Code as Title 77, Part 890.
The authority for these regulations is established by the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320), which mandates the creation of minimum standards for plumbing materials, fixtures, design, and installation methods to protect public health and safety.
Primary State Agency
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is the primary state agency responsible for setting and maintaining these standards. The IDPH Plumbing Program oversees the licensing of plumbers and apprentice plumbers, the registration of plumbing contractors, and the enforcement of the Illinois Plumbing Code across the state, except in jurisdictions that may have their own specific building code requirements (such as the City of Chicago, which maintains its own building code).
Resources to Learn More