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.
Here's a brief overview of the various roofing permits in Illinois:
Other permits that you might need include:
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.
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 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:
Please note that roofers in Chicago might also require a GC license. According to Chicago law, extensive roof work that affects the underlying structure requires a GC License in addition to the Roofing License.
Peoria has slightly different laws for roofing permits. Here's an overview of the type of permit that you'll need:
Rockford requires a roofing permit for all types of projects. Here's what you need to know:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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