Building Permit Requirements

A Building Permit is required prior to the construction. alteration, addition, or demolition of a building or structure (residential or commercial). The City of El Paso has not adopted a formal building code, therefore the city is considered a non-building code jurisdiction by the State of Illinois; however, Illinois Public Act 096-0704 requires all non-building code jurisdiction to enforce the following codes for new commercial construction (including multi-family) beginning July 1, 2011:

• International Building Code (2021 or later edition)
• International Existing Building Code (2021 or later edition)
• International Property Maintenance Code (2021 or later edition)
• International Electrical Code (2021 or later edition)

State statute also requires that an inspection be performed by a qualified inspector to ensure that all commercial structures comply with these requirements. Following the inspection, a Certificate of Inspection form must be signed by the inspector, notarized, and approved by the Code Enforcement Division prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Completed building permit forms and supporting documentation can be submitted to the El Paso City Hall, located at 125 W. Front Street, El Paso IL 61738 for review and approval.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review Public Act 096-0704.

The City of El Paso does not perform inspections to certify the building is in compliance with the applicable regulations. Applicants are responsible for contracting with a qualified inspector and all expenses associated with the inspection(s) shall be the responsibility of the applicant and/or property owner.

In addition to these requirements, applicants must also comply with other applicable state codes and regulations administered by the State of Illinois.