The building code standards of Illinois enable businesses and contractors to fulfill their safety obligations as well as legal requirements. Construction projects can start promptly when permit approvals occur at greater speed. The required licenses for electrical plumbing and fire safety come without any problems to builders. Business setup along with renovations becomes straightforward because of detailed guidelines.
Illinois Building Code, Permit and Licensing Information
What Illinois Building Code and Edition are Adopted?
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
- 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- There is no statewide adoption of the NEC. The state adopted the 2008NEC statewide effective July 1, 2011 for non-building code jurisdictions. The following local jurisdictions have adopted the 2008 NEC: Bloomington, Danville, Decatur, Glenn Ellyn, Mattoon, Normal, Rock Island, State of Illinois Capital Development, Washington.
- State Energy Code 2021 IECC with amendments
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2024
Illinois Building Code Agency:
Capital Development Board:
Lisa Mattingly, PE, Administrator
Professional Services
[email protected]
William G. Stratton Building
401 S. Spring St.
Third Floor, Stratton Bldg
Springfield, IL 62706
State Owned Facilities:
| State Website | https://www.illinois.gov/ |
| State Licensing | Specialty contractor licensing may be required but general contractor licensing is not required by the State of Illinois. Local jurisdictions may also require licensing. |
| Fire Marshal | https://sfm.illinois.gov/ |
| State Environmental Permit | https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/Pages/default.aspx |
Additional Building Codes by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
CHICAGO VS. STATEWIDE ILLINOIS CODES
Illinois presents a unique permitting environment where Chicago operates under its own municipal building code, while the rest of the state follows the Illinois State Building Code. This creates distinct requirements depending on your project location. Chicago’s code is generally more restrictive, with additional requirements for high-rise buildings, enhanced fire safety systems, and specific provisions for the city’s dense urban environment.
ILLINOIS ENERGY CODE UPDATES 2025
Illinois has adopted enhanced energy efficiency standards that exceed IECC requirements. New provisions include mandatory energy modeling for buildings over 25,000 square feet, updated HVAC efficiency requirements, and stricter building envelope standards. These changes particularly impact retail and restaurant construction where heating and cooling loads are significant.
ILLINOIS LICENSING STRUCTURE
Illinois uses a tiered licensing system for contractors. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees:
- Unlimited General Contractors (no monetary limits)
- Limited General Contractors (up to $175,000 per project)
- Specialty trade licenses for electrical, plumbing, HVAC
- Home improvement contractors (residential only)
PERMIT TIMELINES BY MAJOR ILLINOIS CITIES
- Chicago: 6-10 weeks (complex review process)
- Aurora: 3-4 weeks
- Rockford: 2-3 weeks
- Joliet: 3-4 weeks
- Naperville: 4-5 weeks (thorough but efficient)
- Peoria: 2-4 weeks