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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Montgomery County.

The City of Litchfield publishes the 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, 2015 International Existing Building Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2015 National Electrical Code, Illinois Plumbing Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, and ADA requirements. For 2026 projects, the statewide 2024 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, effective November 30, 2025, supersedes the older 2015 energy-code edition still printed on the City's application.

Inspection lane

Contact the Litchfield Building Inspector at 217-324-8140 to arrange and confirm the permit-specific inspection sequence. The code official conducts periodic inspections during construction and a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy. Published examples include footing, foundation, underslab/under-floor plumbing, rough framing, rough plumbing, rough wiring, electrical, drywall/lath, walls, residential reroofing, and final inspections.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The City lists nonstructural interior work such as painting, replacing cabinets, doors, and plumbing fixtures as permit-exempt. Nonstructural exterior painting, siding, storm windows, and doors are also exempt. Structural, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical changes require permits; portable utility sheds, fences, residential reroofing, and window replacement are expressly listed as permit-required. Demolition permits are required for buildings exceeding 280 square feet.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Contact the Litchfield Building Inspector at 217-324-8140 to arrange and confirm the permit-specific inspection sequence. The code official conducts periodic inspections during construction and a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy. Published examples include footing, foundation, underslab/under-floor plumbing, rough framing, rough plumbing, rough wiring, electrical, drywall/lath, walls, residential reroofing, and final inspections.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Montgomery County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel 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 Litchfield Building Inspector: 217-324-8140; Montgomery County Supervisor of Assessments: 217-532-9595.

How long might review take?

Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review, depending on project complexity.

How are inspections scheduled?

Contact the Litchfield Building Inspector at 217-324-8140 to arrange and confirm the permit-specific inspection sequence. The code official conducts periodic inspections during construction and a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy. Published examples include footing, foundation, underslab/under-floor plumbing, rough framing, rough plumbing, rough wiring, electrical, drywall/lath, walls, residential reroofing, and final inspections.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

The City of Litchfield publishes the 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, 2015 International Existing Building Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2015 National Electrical Code, Illinois Plumbing Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, and ADA requirements. For 2026 projects, the statewide 2024 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, effective November 30, 2025, supersedes the older 2015 energy-code edition still printed on the City's application. The City lists nonstructural interior work such as painting, replacing cabinets, doors, and plumbing fixtures as permit-exempt. Nonstructural exterior painting, siding, storm windows, and doors are also exempt. Structural, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical changes require permits; portable utility sheds, fences, residential reroofing, and window replacement are expressly listed as permit-required. Demolition permits are required for buildings exceeding 280 square feet.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.