Types of Illinois Roofing Permits: Requirements & More Explained
Jul 30, 2025
Illinois has local regulations for roofing work and permits. Due to the municipal law structure, you may need to obtain zero or more than three permits, depending on the scope of the project. That's why you need to understand the types of roofing permits in Illinois.
You also need to understand that, irrespective of the permit or job, you will need a Limited or Unlimited Roofing License to work on a roofing project. You can't acquire a permit without a valid roofing license. With that in mind, let's examine the types of roofing permits, their applications, relevant building codes, and associated requirements.
Different Types of Roofing Permits in Illinois
Here's a brief overview of the various roofing permits in Illinois:
| Permit Type | Requiring Law / Statute | What the Permit Covers |
|---|---|---|
| General Roofing or Reroofing Permit | Local municipal/county building code requirements (often aligned with IRC/IBC codes). See 20 ILCS 3105/10.18. (cdb.illinois.gov) | Covers installation, replacement, structural changes, or roof recovery work beyond minor repairs. Applies to work exceeding local thresholds (often >100 ft² or >25% area) depending on jurisdiction. |
| Roof Repair Permit | Chicago Municipal Code §14A‑4‑402, IRC/IBC local adoption | Permits are required for roof repairs >25% of the roof area in Chicago. (Chicago.gov) |
| Roof Recover Permit | Local code tied to IRC/IBC; Chicago Building Code Chapter 14B‑15 | Required when installing a new layer over an existing roof covering, especially over 2 existing layers or when structural support calculations are needed. |
| Reroof Permit with Structural Change | Local building code; state licensing laws (225 ILCS 335/5) | Applies when roof work involves structural alterations (rafters/skylights), requiring licensed contractor, submitted structural drawings, and inspection. (Chicago.gov, ilga.gov) |
| Contractor Licensing Requirement | Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335/5) | Though not strictly a “permit,” any roofing permit applicant must include a valid Illinois roofing contractor license number (limited or unlimited) on the application; no permit is issued without proof of license. (ilga.gov, crca.org) |
Other permits that you might need include:
- Public Right-of-Way Permits: These permits are applicable for roofing work that might impact a sidewalk or public way. It's usually required for commercial roofing jobs.
It's important to remember that you will need a permit in CERTAIN municipalities. Local municipality laws are very subjective, and some areas might not require a permit. We'll explain these permits, but always check the requirements with your local county or department.
Local Illinois Permit Types
Some local counties require a roofing permit for all types of construction or management job. I looked at the local permit laws for a few counties. If you aren't from Chicago, Peoria, or Rockford, I recommend inquiring at your local building department.
Chicago Roofing Permits
Chicago is one of the most populous cities in Illinois, with its own set of permit laws. Here's a quick breakdown of the type of permits you might need for roofing work in Chicago:
| Permit Type | Requiring Law / Statute | What the Permit Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Express Reroof Permit | Chicago Municipal Code §§14A‑4‑402 & Chapter 14B; Illinois Roofing License Act (225 ILCS 335/5) | Required for reroofing projects on residential buildings up to 4 stories with roof pitch ≥ 2:12, repairs covering >25% area but not structural. Includes recovery over one layer or complete replacement without structural change. |
| Standard/Plan‑Review Reroof Permit | Same local code plus structural/design standards | Needed for any reroofing involving structural repairs (for example, rafters, skylights), over two existing layers of roofing, MCP/energy code non‑compliance, or non‑licensed contractors. |
| No Permit Required (Exemption) | City Code §14A‑4‑402 (exemption provision) | Minor patch repairs ≤25% of roof area, no wall or roof structure modification; also sheds or gazebos not requiring permit. Still must follow construction codes. |
Peoria Roofing Permits
Peoria has slightly different laws for roofing permits. Here's an overview of the type of permit that you'll need:
| Permit Type | Requiring Law / Statute | What the Permit Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Re‑Roof Permit (Building Permit) | Peoria City Building/Safety Code; 225 ILCS 335/5 licensing law | Required when replacing wood roof sheathing (plywood or boards), or making structural alterations. Includes full replacement jobs. (peoriagov.org) |
| No Permit Required | Local code exemptions | Repairs not replacing roof sheathing (shingles only), gutter cleaning, painting/fascia work are exempt. |
Rockford Roofing Permit
Rockford requires a roofing permit for all types of projects. Here's what you need to know:
| Permit Type | Requiring Law / Statute | What the Permit Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Work (Building Permit) | Rockford Municipal Building Permit provisions; State roofing license law | Required for any roofing work, including replacement, repair, or structural changes on roofs; also required for projects over 120 ft² if the structure is roofed.(Rockford, IL) |
| Exemption Thresholds | Local exemptions plus code thresholds | Structures ≤120 ft² may be exempt, but most roofing work still requires a permit. It's ideal to double-check with local departments. |
What Are Roofing Permit Requirements in Illinois?
The requirements to get a roofing permit can change based on the municipality. However, there are some common basic requirements that you must meet. These requirements include:
1. Have a Valid Illinois Roofing License
Roofers in Illinois must have a valid Limited or Unlimited roofing license to apply for a permit. According to Illinois Law, any party cannot perform roofing work or get a permit without a license. Attempting to work without a permit can lead to fines for the employer and employee.
2. Get an Insurance Certificate
The state of Illinois requires contractors to pay a minimum general liability coverage of $500,000. You must also arrange property damage insurance of a minimum $250,000, and Workers' Compensation if you have employees. You cannot get a permit without these insurances.
3. Business Registration
You cannot apply for a permit without a valid, established business entity. You must file your tax information with the IRS and local departments. Only after doing this can you apply for a roofing permit.
Note: If you're confused about process, join our Illinois roofing classes. We explain all these processes in detail.
How to Apply for an Illinois Roofing Permit?
Once you have met all the requirements, it's time to apply for your roofing permit. Here's a brief tutorial on how to apply for a roofing license in Illinois:
- Go to your local building department.
- Or visit your local permit portal online (for example, Chicago Building Permit)
- If you need help, search "[Name of Area] roofing permit application"
- Outline the scope of work.
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the permit fee.
- Wait for confirmation.
It can take 3 to 14 business days to get your permit. Commercial property roofing permits can take longer to process, depending on the scope of work. If it takes unusually long, please contact the department via phone or email with your reference number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does every roofing job need a permit in Illinois?
No, some small-scale roofing jobs are exempt from permits if the roofing area is lower than the threshold. However, most extensive roofing jobs, like replacement, require a permit. You should check the requirements with your local department.
What are the Illinois roofing license requirements?
You must be at least 18 years old, carry liability and workers' compensation insurance, pass the Illinois roofing exam, and pay a licensing fee. You must also choose between a Limited or Unlimited license and renew it annually.
Do I need a roofing license before I work in Illinois?
Yes, you need a roofing license before performing any roofing work in Illinois. Illinois law states that all roofing contractors must have a valid license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, regardless of whether the work is residential or commercial.
Bottom Line on Types of Roofing Permit
Roofing permits are issued by local municipal authorities and departments. That's why permit laws can vary significantly across Illinois. As a general overview, most extensive roofing projects in Illinois require a valid roofing permit.
There are some cases where roofers and homeowners are exempted. For example, minor patch repairs in Chicago do not require a roofing permit. We always recommend asking your local building department.
Furthermore, you will need a valid Illinois roofing license to get a permit. If you still haven't gotten your license, join our roofing classes. We help you ace the exam and explain all the post-processes, including roofing permits.