Permits, Building Codes & Contractor Information

By enforcing and monitoring the compliance of all current adopted codes, the Inspection Division is responsible for ensuring that all structures are safe for occupancy and use. In relation to the maintenance and construction of commercial and residential structures, this is monitored by reviewing submitted building plans, issuing the appropriate permits, and conducting necessary inspections. The following is intended to provide owners, tenants, contractors, and design professionals with the basic information and forms needed to assure code compliance for construction projects preformed within the City of Galesburg.

Permits

The best way to find out if you need a permit for a project is to call the City of Galesburg's Inspection Division. Discuss your plans with the Inspectors before beginning the construction to determine whether you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, the Inspector will be able to answer construction questions and may provide valuable advice for your upcoming project. To reach the Inspection Division please call 309-345-3619 and the secretary will be able to direct you to the appropriate Inspector.

---

Online - Submit requests for Building Applications / Permits and Trade Applications

By accessing this web portal you can submit requests for Building Applications, Trade Applications or view Existing Permits online.

Building Applications

 - Residential Building - Commercial Building - Fence Permit - Swimming Pool - Demolition - Sign Permit

Trade Applications

 - Electrical Permit - HVAC Permit - Plumbing Permit

If you have any questions, or problems accessing the web portal and submitting a request please contact us by sending an E-mail.

Mural Applications

- Local artists, community groups, or individual property owners who are interested in placing a mural within the City of Galesburg may fill out the Mural Sign Application. Completed applications and required supporting documents should then be submitted to the CD Department for review. 

Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) Antenna and Tower Use Permit (TUP)

- Permits for Wireless Communication Facility Antennas and Tower Use are required to regulate placement, height and safety.

---

Listed below are all Building Permit and Trade Permit Applications. In addition please find helpful Guides for specific types of construction projects.

Building Permit Applications

Fee Schedule

The Fee Schedule details the permitting costs or fines for residential and commercial building projects. Should you have specific questions regarding the fees please contact the Community Development office.

Building Codes

The following State and National Codes were adopted as law, or as required by law, with amendments as listed in the Galesburg Municipal Code. As these codes are periodically updated, please contact the Inspection Division for any updates or clarifications.

• 2021 International Building Code
• 2021 International Residential Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2021 International Existing Building Code
• 2021 International Fire Code
• 2020 National Electric Code
• 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code
• 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code

Contractor Registration, Licensing & Bonding

Architects and Structural Engineers
The City of Galesburg by law requires that any structural work performed on commercial, industrial, multifamily or nonresidential projects must be designed, documented, and sealed by an Illinois Registered Architect or Structural Engineer. The below general guidelines may help to distinguish which service is required based on the type of project: 

• If the project is only structural in nature, or involves only non-occupied structures, a structural engineer is acceptable. All other types of multifamily, commercial, or industrial projects require an architect.
• A one or two-family residential projects may require architectural or structural engineering services. This is only when the particular structural component is not addressed by the One and Two Family Dwelling Code, or by accepted engineering standards.
• In a situation involving a change of use of the structure (by code definition), the project almost always requires an architect.

Homeowners

A homeowner may perform general construction, electrical, plumbing and heating work on their own residence. This may be done without licenses or bonds, providing that they secure the appropriate permits and prove occupancy of that property.

General Contractors

All General Contractor's must be registered with the City of Galesburg. The fee is $125 for the calendar year from January 1 through December 31. The City Clerk’s office is responsible for maintaining the registration database. All registration forms, payments, and other information must be provided to the City Clerk’s office for processing. In addition, any person or corporation hired by the General Contractor. 

HVAC (Mechanical) Contractors

HVAC or Mechanical Contractors are required to be insured and bonded by the City of Galesburg in order to perform work in the City. Owners or occupants of a single-family dwelling may perform mechanical work in their own homes provided that they obtain the appropriate permits. The Mechanical Contractor yearly license fee is $125.

Plumbing Contractors

All plumbing work performed in the City of Galesburg requires a permit. Plumbing Contractors are required to be licensed by the State of Illinois. All plumbing work must be performed by Plumbing Contractors that registered with the State of Illinois Department of Public Health, except resident homeowners as noted above. 

Electrical Contractors

All electrical work performed in the City of Galesburg requires a permit. Electrical contractors are required to be tested, licensed and bonded by the City of Galesburg. The electrical contractor's examination fee is $50 and the electrical contractor's yearly license fee is $125. All residential, commercial and industrial electrical work must be performed by licensed electrical contractors. Exception: Owners of a single family dwelling may perform electrical work in their own homes provided proper permits are obtained. 

Roofing Contractors

In accordance with Illinois State Law, the City of Galesburg requires that all roofing contractors are to be licensed and bonded by the State of Illinois. All projects involving roofing of any type are affected. Upon proof of ownership, homeowners are exempt from these licensing and bonding requirements, if performing roofing work on their own property. 

Sewer Contractors

Sewer contractors are required to be licensed and bonded by the City of Galesburg to perform work in the City right-of-way. Sewer/plumbing contractors are also required to post a bond with the Galesburg Sanitary District. Resident homeowners may perform sewer work by posting a one time bond. Excavation in City right-of-way is not allowed by homeowners.

Demolition Contractors

All contract demolition work must be performed by an insured demolition contractor (proof of insurance must be on file). A residential property owner can do his own demolition, provided he posts the required proof of insurance with the City. 

All Contractors may apply for or renew their licenses here through the City Clerk's Office.