Permit Requirements for Shorewood, Illinois
For Plumbing projects in Shorewood, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Will County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
Help Us Improve This Guide
If you have found a direct link to a permit portal or a specific local ordinance for Plumbing in this area, please submit an update.
Because Shorewood is located within Will County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Illinois, Will County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Will County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Will County, Illinois, most construction projects, including plumbing work, require a building permit to ensure compliance with state building codes and local safety standards. This applies to new constructions, additions, remodeling, and repairs. For properties located in unincorporated areas of Will County, the county's adopted building codes must be followed.
The Will County Land Use Department, specifically the Building Division, is responsible for administering and enforcing these codes. They review permit applications, conduct inspections, and ensure that projects meet health and safety requirements.
Plumbing contractors working in Will County must be registered with the state and may need to meet specific insurance and bonding requirements. While plumbers are generally required to be licensed in Illinois, there might be specific nuances for contractors.
The permitting process typically involves submitting a detailed application, construction plans, and a site plan. Fees are associated with plan reviews and permit issuance, varying based on the project's valuation and scope.
Work must adhere to the adopted codes, including the 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, as well as other relevant codes such as the International Residential Code and International Building Code.
Illinois State Plumbing Licensing
In Illinois, individuals performing plumbing work are generally required to be licensed. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issues licenses for apprentice plumbers and plumbers.
To become a licensed plumber in Illinois, an individual typically needs to:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Complete at least two years of high school or equivalent education.
- Be sponsored by an Illinois-licensed plumber or an approved apprenticeship program.
- Complete a minimum of four years (approximately 5,600 hours) of apprenticeship under a licensed plumber, or a combination of apprenticeship and approved coursework.
- Pass a state plumbing license examination.
Plumbing contractors must also register with the state and maintain specific insurance coverages, including general liability, bodily injury, property damage, and worker's compensation insurance. A surety bond is also typically required.
The City of Chicago has its own licensing requirements for plumbers, which may differ from state requirements.
Resources to Learn More
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