Permits and Inspections - Building Permit

Governing Code: 2003 International Building Code
                         2003 International Residential Code
                         Wood River Zoning Ordinance
                         Wood River Code of Ordinances

Required:

Residential Structure

A building permit is required for the construction of any new structure or for any substantial improvement made to an existing structure. Substantial improvements shall be defined as any of the following: the replacement or repairs of roofs and siding exceeding 30 square feet in area; the removal or alteration of load bearing walls; the construction or replacement of driveways; the construction or replacing of sidewalks connecting to City sidewalks; any repairs which structurally alter the exterior appearance of the structure; construction or installation of fences, storage sheds more than 100 square feet, decks, satellite dishes exceeding 36" in diameter, detached antennas, covered patios and swimming pools. See electrical permit section for other requirements.

Commercial Structure

A building permit is required for the construction of any new structure or for substantial improvements made to an existing structure. Substantial improvements shall be defined as any of the following: the replacement or repairs of roofs and siding exceeding 50 square feet in area; the removal, alteration or re-location of any wall; the construction or replacement of sidewalks, driveways or parking lots; any repairs that structurally alter the exterior appearance of the structure; the installation, relocation, or alteration of a fire suppression system or fire/police alarm system: construction or installation of satellite dishes exceeding 36" in diameter, detached antennas, fences; the installation or replacement of mechanical systems and accessory structures. See electrical permit section for other requirements.

Category 1: Building Permits Requiring No Plans and/or Detailed Information

This permit can be issued by the Building & Zoning Department, City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk with no submitted plans or review in the cases of:

Replacement of a roof or the installation of a new layer over an existing roof.
Replacing or installing siding, which will not alter any window sizes or close any openings.

Application

To issue a roof permit, the following information must be on the "Application for Building/Electrical/Plumbing Permit" form: 1) name of property owner- first & last; 2) name of contractor and his/her roofing license number or name of property owner; 3) estimated cost of the improvements.

Review

No review is necessary. Permit can be issued at the same time fee is paid.

Inspection

Because these permits do not generally result in violations of City ordinance or building codes, follow up inspections are not necessary. Follow up inspections will only be conducted if the City receives a complaint of an ordinance violation. During any inspection, the City will only document compliance with the City codes or ordinances and will make no determination on quality of workmanship.

Letter of Completion

This permit will not receive any final certificate from the City.

Category 2: Building Permit Requiring Minor Drawings, Site Plans and/or Diagrams

Some building projects require more detailed information to be submitted to the Building & Zoning Department to review for compliance with the City’s codes and ordinances. These projects could include the construction or installation of a storage shed, construction or installation of a fence, construction or installation of a swimming pool, construction of a new deck or patio, renovation or remodeling of a house. These types of projects are generally residential in nature or improvements on existing structures. The Building & Zoning Department should be contacted to verify commercial eligibility under this document.

Application

A completed "Application for Building/Electrical/Plumbing Permit" must be accompanied by a site plan or detailed drawing showing the dimensions, property lines, setback lines, adjacent structures, floor plan and proposed footings or anchoring methods. Two (2) sets of plans will need to be submitted for larger scale projects, such as room additions. For those developments installing, upgrading or altering mechanical or sprinkler systems, please review mechanical and sprinkler plan requirements further outlined in this section.

All fences being installed, regardless of the length of fence, require a permit. The issuance of a permit for constructing a fence requires the submittal of an "Application for Building/Electrical/Plumbing Permit" and a site plan or detailed drawing. The site plan must show the proposed property lines, property dimensions, location and height of the fence. It should also clearly indicate whether or not the proposed lot is a corner lot.

Review

The application will be reviewed by the Building & Zoning Department. Applications cannot be processed without all applicable information.

If the application complies with all code requirements, the building permit will be issued by the Building & Zoning Department within three (3) working days. Applicants will generally be contacted by telephone of the permit approval. The applicant will receive a copy of the application and a building permit placard for posting on site. The placard should have the required inspections marked. The applicant will also be provided with a stamped set of approved plans and a copy of the Inspection Notification sheet.

Inspections

The Building & Zoning Department will conduct the required on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the submitted plans and building codes. These inspections are part of the permit fee and are no additional charge. If these inspections are not done at the appropriate time, the City can require the applicant to remove or redo any work that was not inspected. The applicant may also be subject to fines and other penalties. Any changes or deviations from the plans will be noted on the inspection form. The following inspection schedule is only the minimum number of inspections. The City reserves the right to inspect any development at anytime to ensure compliance with all development codes and procedures. During all inspections, the City will document compliance with the City codes or ordinances and will make no determination on quality of workmanship.

The following building inspections can be arranged by calling (618) 251-3100 Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. No inspections will be done on holidays or weekends. Twenty-four (24) hour notice must be given for all inspections.

Footings

Footings for new construction and additions will receive two (2) inspections. The first (1st) inspection will be conducted after the footings have been excavated and/or the forms are set. Any rebar or reinforcement that will be used should already be in place. The inspector will verify that the footings are of sufficient size to comply with the code and that the building complies with the required setbacks. A second (2nd) inspection will be conducted when the concrete is being poured.

Foundation

Poured foundation walls will be inspected to ensure that proper reinforcing is being used. The inspector should be notified twenty-four (24) hours in advance of when the contractor is ready to pour the walls.

Framing

There are two (2) separate framing inspections. The first (1st) inspection should occur after the plate/sill has been installed and the floor sheathing has been delivered to the job site. This will allow the inspector to check the termite shield and type of plat/sill used. The second (2nd) framing inspection should occur after the entire house has been framed and enclosed. All electrical and plumbing should be roughed in and uncovered.

Drywall

The inspector will check to ensure the drywall on the interior of a structure has been finished properly to serve as a smoke/fire barrier. The drywall must be installed and finished for the inspections to occur. Structures with an attached garage should leave the garage drywall unfinished until the inspector has verified that thicker dry wall has been used between the garage and the rest of the structure. Minimum of two (2) inspections.

Letter of Completion

Upon completion of the project, the Building & Zoning Department will issue a letter indicating the City’s final approval within three (3) days of final inspection. All final certificates or correspondence will be from the Building & Zoning Department.

Category 3: Building Permit Requiring Drawings Signed and Sealed by a Licensed Professional

Some construction projects will require detailed information to be submitted and reviewed before a building permit can be issued. These projects are typically large residential or commercial/industrial in nature. Because of the size and scope of these projects, plans must be prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed professional. The profession of the person sealing the plans should reflect the knowledge and expertise needed for the scope of the project.

Application

All development projects in this category must submit a completed "Application for Building/Electrical/Plumbing Permit" and a minimum of five (5) sets of plans. For those developments installing, upgrading or altering mechanical or sprinklers, please review mechanical and sprinkler plan requirements further outlined in this document.

Review

The Building & Zoning Department will forward in writing all concerns discussed to the applicant within ten (10) working days of the submitted application. This letter will outline the changes that are required before the building permit can be issued. Once all concerns have been addressed to the satisfaction of the City, the building permit will be issued by the Building & Zoning Department at the same time all fees are paid. Applicants will generally be notified by telephone. The yellow copy of the permit will be provided to the applicant with a building permit placard for posting on site. The placard should have the required inspections marked and a copy of the Inspection Notification sheet provided. One set of approved and signed plans will be returned to the applicant, with the other set being placed on file with the Building & Zoning Department.

Inspections

The Building & Zoning Department will conduct the required on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the submitted plans and building codes. These inspections are part of the permit fee and are no additional charge. If these inspections are not done at the appropriate time, the City can require the applicant to remove or redo any work that was not inspected. The applicant may also be subject to fines and other penalties. Any changes orders issued during construction should be forwarded to the Building & Zoning Official for review. The Building & Zoning Official will contact the applicant should the City have any concerns. All change orders will be placed in the file and used during the inspection process. The following inspection schedule is only the minimum number of inspections. The City reserves the right to inspect any development at anytime to ensure compliance with all development codes and procedures. During all inspections, the City will only document compliance with the City codes or ordinances and will make no determination on quality of workmanship.

Footings

Foundation

Framing

Drywall

Final Inspection

The final inspection is conducted after all work is completed. The Building & Zoning Department should be contacted after all improvements are completed and all debris removed. All site work should be finished as well.

Letter of Completion

Upon completion of the project, the Building & Zoning Department will issue a letter indicating the City’s final approval within three (3) days of final inspection.

If completing new infrastructure construction, the applicant will need to submit two (2) sets of as-built plans plus a copy of the plans in an AutoCAD R13 or newer format. Finally, the applicant will need to submit a letter to the City Manager dedicating the improvements to the City. Upon receiving this request, the City Manager will confirm with the Building & Zoning Department that all concerns have been addressed. If approval is recommended, a resolution will be passed by the City Council accepting the dedication of the infrastructure in question. The applicant will receive a copy of the resolution and a letter from the Building & Zoning Department notifying them that the City has accepted the dedication. All final certificates or correspondence will be from the Building & Zoning Department.

The City of Wood River, Illinois
111 North Wood River Avenue
Wood River, Illinois 62095
(618) 251-3100

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