The Division’s responsibility is to ensure that construction in Peoria is in compliance with the national codes, state codes, and local ordinances adopted by the City of Peoria regulating construction.
New construction, additions, renovations, remodeling, changes of existing use of residential and commercial projects are all inspected by the Building Inspection Division through the permit process. Additionally, the Division approves permits for demolitions/moving of structures, and tests and licenses HVAC and electrical contractors.
*NOTE*
The City of Peoria Construction Commission has forwarded a recommendation to City Council to adopt the 2018 International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Property Maintenance Codes, as well as the 2017 National Electrical Code. We anticipate these codes to be in effect by May 2021.
Please send all permit applications to communitydevelopment@peoriagov.org.
Payment(s) can be mailed to:
City of Peoria – Community Development Department
419 Fulton Street, Room 203
Peoria, IL 61602
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Monday through Friday | Available by phone or email from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at 309-494-8600 or communitydevelopment@peoriagov.org
Building Inspections Staff
The City of Peoria has 4 full-time building inspectors who inspect all construction requiring a permit.
Permit Applications
On 1/29/10 the new State Law known as The Energy Efficient Building Act 20 ILCS 3125 came into effect. This new law now includes all new residential buildings, additions, alterations, renovations and repairs; previously it only pertained to commercial projects. These projects must now meet all of the code requirements in the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.
Exterior Energy Inspections are performed prior to any siding or masonry work to verify air sealing with all penetrations sealed.
Interior Energy Inspection are required to verify R-Values, duct work insulation if required, duct sealing, duct tightness test if any ductwork is located outside the conditioned space, and R-Value of insulation for floors over unconditioned spaces.
Final Energy Inspection verifies additional sealing requirements of outlets and recessed lighting, window and door U-Factors, HVAC sizing per Manual J requirements and the posting of a permanent certificate.
REScheck and COMcheck
To obtain a permit you may provide us with a REScheck or show compliance using the prescriptive method out of the code book.
The Building Energy Codes Program offers two main compliance assessment software—REScheck for residential compliance assessment, and COMcheck for commercial compliance assessment — in both downloadable and web-based tools. BECP also offers both pre-defined prescriptive packages—which allow you to select from various combinations of energy conservation measures, based on your climate zone location—and a web-based prescriptive package generator which allows you to generate your own code-compliant insulation and window packages based on building location, window-to-wall ratio, and your choice of insulation levels. (Source http://www.energycodes.gov/software.stm)
The State of Illinois has adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. All new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs of commercial structures are now required to comply with Chapter 5 of this code. Compliance may be achieved through approved specific computer software (ComChek or ASHRAE 90.1), worksheets, compliance manuals, and other similar materials that meet the intent of the code. All drawings, specifications, and other instruments of service filed with an application for a building permit shall bear the seal of a licensed architect of the state.
Why are there Building Energy Codes?
The Department of Energy provides a very detailed explanation on the importance of Energy Codes in the United States. From their website: Buildings use 39% of our total energy, two-thirds of our electricity, and one-eighth of our water. Of our total energy usage, transportation uses only 34% and industry uses only 27%.. In light of these fundamental environmental issues, and the increasing cost of energy and our current economic challenges, building energy efficiency is a key component of sound public policy.
For more information, please visit their site by clicking here.
Links
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 for any plumbing, mechanical (heating and cooling), and electrical.
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 200 sq. ft. for one and two family dwellings (however zoning rules must still be followed. please call 309-494-8600 for details)
• 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 zoning rules must still be followed. please call 309-494-8600 for details)
• Swimming pools that are not capable of holding 24″ of water
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. 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). Permits requiring review will be dropped off by the applicant and reviewed by City Staff to insure code compliance before issuance.
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 309.494-8600. Twenty-four (24) hours notice is required to schedule an inspection.
The current building codes adopted by the City of Peoria are:
• 2012 International Residential Code • 2012 International Fuel Gas • 2012 International Mechanical Code • 2012 International Existing Building Code • 2012 International Building Code • 2012 International Fire Code • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code • 2014 National Electrical Code • 2014 State of Illinois Plumbing • 2012 International Property Maintenance Code • 2017 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.)
Contact Information
Building Safety Division
City Hall, Room 203
419 Fulton Street
Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: 309.494-8600
Fax: 309.494-8674
