The purpose behind building codes is to give reasonable assurance that a home is safe from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock, and health risks. The permits provide a permanent record of the work performed and inspections conducted on the project.

Do I have to pay for these inspections? Inspections are required at various stages of the project to see that the work is following the approved plans and codes. There is no additional charge for the inspections; they have been paid for with the permit fees.

No, not if it is your primary residency. A homeowner who owns and occupies the house may do any or all work—building, plumbing, mechanical (heating and cooling), and electrical. If you are not sure of your abilities to do any or all of the work, it is recommended that you hire a licensed professional. Licensed trade contractors provide some assurance that they have adequate knowledge and training in the field(s) of their specialty.

Please Note: Properties in which the owner does not occupy/live in the home requires licensed contractors. Any work done by renters, landlords, their employees, or other persons who do not own and occupy the home must have an appropriate license or hire a licensed contractor.

No, not for residential projects. The owner or anyone they choose may draw the plans as long as they are clear and detailed enough to indicate what and how the project will be built. In some cases, the complexity of the project, which may include engineered calculations and techniques not specifically addressed by code, will require the skills of a professional.

Commercial projects will require sealed, professional drawings.

No. Only the new portion must meet the current codes unless the remodel creates a hazard for the existing building, such as overloading an existing beam.

The new work must be constructed under the codes in effect today.

No, not all items require permits. The following is a list of items that do not require a permit.

Note: Even though a permit is not required, the project must still comply with all the applicable construction and zoning codes.

No permits are required for these projects:

Building

• Floor coverings

• Interior paint or wallpaper

• Tiling, carpeting, other floor or ceiling covering and similar finish work

• Built-in bookcases and entertainment centers without electrical outlets

• Replacing existing light fixture, switch or outlet with similar item

• Replacing existing plumbing fixtures with similar item

• Replacing cabinets or countertops without relocating rough utility lines

• Storage sheds, playhouses, swings and playground equipment under 120 sq. ft. for one and two family dwellings (however a zoning certificate may be required)

• Siding

• Insulation

• Re-roofing except when replacing roof sheathing ( maximum 2 layers)

• Gutters and downspouts

• Replacing existing windows, doors and skylights (providing they are not increased in size creating the need to increase the length of their structural support)

• Exterior paint

• Repair to a leaking sewer line on your property

• Fences not over 6’ high unless required as a barrier around a swimming pool (however a zoning certificate may be required)

• Swimming pools that are not capable of holding 24” of water (however a zoning certificate may be required)

Electrical

• Minor repair work and maintenance

• Low voltage wiring

• Replacing a fuse

• One for one replacement of a light fixture, receptacle, switch, etc.

Mechanical (HVAC)

• Minor repair and maintenance

• Replacement of any part that does not make equipment unsafe

• Portable appliances

Plumbing

The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets (toilets) provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

By ordinance, the owner is allowed to obtain the permits. However, the permit holder is responsible for making sure the work done meets the codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Peoria. So, if you have little or no knowledge of the pertinent codes, it would be recommended that the contractor apply for the permits.

The length of time varies on the complexity of the project. The Building Inspection Department has a staff member available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to review projects. This means you can come in, have your plans and documents reviewed while you wait and if approved, you will leave with a permit. Some permits can be handled through the mail or by our counter staff (such as water heater replacement, air conditioners, lawn irrigation backflow prevention devices, simple electrical permits).

Typical turn around time for a commercial building permit is 2 (two) weeks.

No, codes cannot be waived. However, if an alternate way of building something is proposed and will provide the same degree of safety as what the code require, it may be approved as an alternate method by the Building Inspection Department.

Electrical permits are required any time the existing system is added to or altered.

A plumbing permit is required to install or replace any plumbing fixtures such as a water heater or lawn irrigation system. A permit is also required if additional water or waste piping is installed or repaired.

A mechanical permit is required for the installation or modification of any heating or cooling system, such as an air conditioner (except models designed to be installed in a window and plugged into an electrical outlet) or furnace.

Penalties can be levied for those who simply refuse to comply with the law, but the Building Inspections Department would rather see a building conform to the code than to punish a homeowner. If a homeowner discovers that they did not obtain a permit when required, they do not necessarily have to tear down and start over. They should contact the Building Inspections department and apply for a permit. If the alteration can meet the applicable codes, it will be approved. Our inspectors won’t necessarily approve something they cannot see and may require small sections of wall or roof covering be removed to verify that the construction meets the code. We also do not guarantee that some changes won’t need to be made, and some may not be easy to accomplish.

To get an inspection, you may call your assigned Inspector directly to arrange one or call the Building Inspection Department at (309) 494-8620. Twenty-four (24) hours notice is required to schedule an inspection.

The current building codes adopted by the City of Peoria are:

• 2006 International Residential Code • 2006 International Fuel Gas • 2006 International Mechanical Code • 2006 International Existing Building Code • 2006 International Building Code • 2006 International Fire Code • 2009 International Energy Conservation Code • 2008 National Electrical Code • 2004 State of Illinois Plumbing • 2003 International Property Maintenance Code • 1997 Illinois Accessibility Code.  You may find a copy of these code books at the Peoria Public Library or purchase them from a local bookstore (which may require a special order.)