Madison County, Illinois Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Madison County Building & Safety Jurisdiction
The Madison County Building & Zoning Department is responsible for managing land use, development, and building code enforcement within the unincorporated areas of Madison County, Illinois. The department reviews permit applications, conducts inspections, and ensures that construction projects comply with adopted building codes and zoning ordinances.
Roofing Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
Property owners in unincorporated Madison County must adhere to specific regulations regarding roofing projects:
- Permit Requirement: A building permit is required for roofing work. Applications can be submitted online or in person at the Building & Zoning Department.
- Licensing: Any individual or entity performing roofing work must be licensed and certified by the State of Illinois. Property owners who perform the roofing work on their own non-commercial buildings are exempt from this licensing requirement.
- Installation Standards: All roofing must be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications, including proper nailing or stapling and the installation of edging.
- Material Restrictions: While professionally installed metal roofs (such as standing-seam) are permitted in Agriculture and Single-Family Residential Districts, tin roofs are not allowed.
- Inspections: Projects are subject to inspections to ensure compliance with adopted codes.
Resources to Learn More
Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Illinois, including Madison County.
Illinois Roofing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State-Level Building Codes and Legislation for Roofing in Illinois
As of January 1, 2025, Illinois has implemented a statewide baseline building code requirement pursuant to Public Act 103-0510, which amended the Capital Development Board Act. This legislation mandates that all municipalities and counties in Illinois must adopt and enforce building codes that meet or exceed the minimum structural requirements of the International Code Council (ICC) standards, specifically the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). Prior to this, Illinois did not have a unified statewide building code, and regulations were determined entirely at the local municipal or county level.
While the state now requires a baseline, local jurisdictions retain the authority to adopt their own specific editions (such as the 2018, 2021, or 2024 editions) and implement local amendments, provided those amendments do not reduce the structural requirements below the state-mandated baseline. Consequently, specific roofing requirements—such as those for ice and water shields, ventilation, and shingle layering—can still vary significantly between different cities, villages, and counties. Property owners and contractors must consult their local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm the specific code edition and local amendments applicable to their project.
Primary State Agency
The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) is the primary state agency responsible for the administration of the state's building code framework. Under the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105), the CDB is tasked with identifying and publishing local building codes and ensuring that municipalities and counties comply with the requirement to report their adopted codes and amendments to the state.
Resources to Learn More