City of Pekin, IL

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Permit FAQ Page


What is a Building Permit?

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

Why do you need a Permit?
Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the City of Pekin, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or make costly repairs.

When do you need a Permit?
New buildings, additions, alterations, and renovations all require a building permit before you get started. Any electrical, HVAC, plumbing or sewer systems work shall require a permit. See a more complete list below. If your project is not listed, call us to find out whether your project needs a permit.

When Permits Are Required:
• Accessory structures, including sheds
• Additions to any structure, including decks and patios
• Alarm systems require an electrical permit for low voltage
• Attached or detached garages
• Basement dewatering systems
• Change to an electrical system, including electric service upgrade
• Change to the plumbing system
• Commercial telecommunications equipment including antenna and satellite dishes
• Concrete or flat work, including steps, porches, and patios
• Demolition of any structure which involves any structural change or removal/disconnection of the electric, gas, plumbing and water
• Driveways, for new and removing/replacing (sealcoating alone does not require a permit
• Egress windows
• Erosion control
• Fences, dog runs, gates, and entry monuments
• Foundation repairs
• Fire systems and system alterations
• Gas piping
• Generators
• HVAC equipment, including new, replacement and additional units and/or equipment
• Interior remodeling which involves any structural change or modification/addition to the plumbing or electric system
• Lawn sprinkling/irrigation systems
• Mobile home - move on and off site
• Mobile home - remodel and repairs
• New construction of residential, commercial, and office structures, including office partitions
• Porches and decks
• Portable storage units, such as PODs
• Dumpsters in the ROW
• All structural alterations
• Roofing of any existing structure
• Sewer lines and sewer repairs
• Sewer Backwater Valves and sewer cleanouts
• Signs, subject to the requirements of the City's sign ordinance
• Solar panels- rooftop and ground mount
• Sump pump discharge line
• Swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas
• Temporary Uses - Permits are required for tents, portable generators, temporary signs
• New or replacement siding (only if sheathing is removed)
• Water heater replacement, gas or electric
• Water Service line New and repairs
• Windows and doors, new or replacement (only if framing is altered)
• Work in right-of-way, sidewalks, streets

When Permits are Not Required:
• Changing cabinets, cabinet faces or counter tops
• Changing ceiling tiles
• Gutters and downspouts (may not discharge into the ROW)
• Normal installation of household appliances
• Painting, carpeting, tile, or hardwood floors
• Routine maintenance
• Driveway sealcoating alone does not require a permit

Can I do the work myself?
• Yes, any homeowner can do work on his/her residence, but a permit must still be obtained. The definition of homeowner is the person who owns and lives at the residence. Just because you own a building does not make you the homeowner. In the case of a commercial business, all work must be done by licensed/registered contractors. It is not permitted for anyone to do work on anyone else’s property unless they are licensed/registered with the City of Pekin Building Division.

Can I have a fence in my front yard?
• Yes, but it must meet the requirements established for front yard fences. Chain link style fences are not permitted in any front yard. Persons with corner lots must also adhere to the line-of-sight requirements when installing fences or shrubbery in front of their homes or businesses.

Adopted Building and Life Safety Codes


City of Pekin Municipal Building Code

The Building Inspections Department is committed to providing highly professional service by ensuring commercial buildings and residential homes constructed, altered or maintained in the city meet adopted building codes.  The City of Pekin currently operates under the 2015 version of the International Building Codes.

If you are starting a construction project, please contact the Building Inspections staff at 309-478-5364         
or pekininspections@ci.pekin.il.us.  A pre-development meeting can foster mutual understanding of your plans and what will be required by the building code. Inspections can also be scheduled; any inspection requested before 4:00 p.m. will be completed the following business day. Initial comments on plan review will occur within 5 days for single family residential and up to 20 days for very large commercial projects. 


Staff Contact:
Nic Maquet
Chief Building Official
Building Inspections Department
Office Phone: 309-478-5370
nmaquet@ci.pekin.il.us