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

Whiteside County Roofing Permit Requirements

Whiteside County, Illinois, requires building and demolition permits for all structures that are built, moved, altered, demolished, or destroyed by natural forces within its unincorporated areas. This includes roofing projects. The permits must be applied for in person at the Whiteside County Building and Zoning office.

Permits are required for all structures built, moved, altered, demolished, or destroyed by natural forces in unincorporated areas.
Applications must be submitted in person.
Payment for permits is due at the time of submittal and can be made via cash, check, credit card (with service fees), or money order.

The county has adopted various building codes, including the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Pool and Spa Code (IPSC), and the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC). They also adhere to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and the 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code.

For properties within unincorporated areas, the Building and Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

Specific requirements for permit applications include:

A completed Building Permit Application form.
Construction plans, typically one set of 18" x 24" or larger.
A copy of the legal deed or contract to purchase the property.
A site plan showing property lines, road access, existing structures, and the proposed structure with dimensions and setbacks.
Payment of required fees.

It is important to note that construction cannot begin without a building permit, and a building permit cannot be issued without the approval of the rezoning, if applicable.

The Whiteside County Building & Zoning Office is located at 18819 Lincoln Road, Morrison, IL 61270. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can contact them at 815-772-5175.

Resources to Learn More

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