Washington County, Illinois Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Washington County, Illinois Roofing Permit Requirements

Washington County, Illinois, requires building permits for most construction projects, including roofing, especially for properties in unincorporated areas. The Washington County Building Department acts as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for these permits. If your property is within an incorporated city, that city's building department will handle your permits, not the county.

For properties in unincorporated areas, the Washington County Zoning Office is involved in issuing building permits for any construction. A permit is generally required for construction over 150 square feet, with a fee of $100. Before a permit can be issued, the zoning of the specific property and its district rules are examined. This may involve a Zoning Map Amendment process if the parcel size does not meet the minimum lot size requirements for its zoning district, which can take up to 8 weeks and cost around $150.

Specific requirements for roofing permits, such as whether a permit is needed for non-structural roofing work, are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results. However, it is stated that "LL CONSTRUCTION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY REQUIRES A BUILDING PERMIT INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS!" and that the Zoning Office issues permits for "any construction." It is advisable to contact the Washington County Building Department or Zoning Office directly to confirm the exact requirements for roofing projects.

Jurisdiction: Washington County Building Department (for unincorporated areas).
Unincorporated Areas: Washington County issues building permits for properties in unincorporated areas. If your property is within an incorporated city, that city's building department is responsible for permits.
General Permit Requirements: Permits are generally required for construction over 150 square feet, with a fee of $100. Zoning compliance is a prerequisite for permit issuance.
Contact Information: The Washington County Courthouse can be reached at (618) 327-4800. The Zoning office is located in the old jail building.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Illinois, including Washington 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

Select a City in Washington County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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