Administrative overview · FIPS 17111
McHenry County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
McHenry County Department of Planning and Development, Building Division
For a project in or near McHenry County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
815-334-4560
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
McHenry County Department of Planning and Development, 667 Ware Road, Room 208, Woodstock, IL 60098
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Review expectation
The Building Division strives to complete building-permit reviews within 10 business days of application when the submission is complete. Zoning, stormwater, and plan review may extend the time.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for McHenry County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
McHenry County Department of Planning and Development, Building Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 815-334-4560.
How long might review take?
The Building Division strives to complete building-permit reviews within 10 business days of application when the submission is complete. Zoning, stormwater, and plan review may extend the time.
How are inspections scheduled?
Apply and manage permits and inspection results through the county SmartGov portal. The Building Division conducts field inspections; contact Planning and Development at 815-334-4560 or plandev@mchenrycountyil.gov for scheduling questions.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
For new building permit applications, effective January 1, 2023: 2021 International Residential, Building, Fire, Mechanical, Fuel-Gas, Existing Building, and Swimming Pool and Spa codes; 2020 National Electrical Code; Illinois State Plumbing Code; Illinois Energy Conservation Code; and Illinois Accessibility Code, with county amendments. Permits are generally required for privacy fences, decks, sheds, pools, garages, driveways, patios, and wind turbines. The county FAQ lists no permit for re-shingling a roof, siding, same-size replacement windows, non-privacy fences that are at least 50% open, wooden play sets or swing sets, and sheds under 150 square feet that meet setbacks.