Building Department
About our Building Department
The Building Department ensures the public safety in areas of building design, construction and maintenance.
Some of the things we do:
- Enforce city, state and national building codes
- Register contractors to perform work in Rock Falls
- Review building plans, issue permits and inspect construction
- Investigate code/zoning complaints and notify property owners of non-compliance (ensure corrections are made)
Planning and Development
For information on Planning, Zoning and GIS, please refer to our Planning and Development section.
Building Code Enforcement
For information on Building Code Enforcement and Administrative Hearings, visit our police department page.
Contact Information
Additional Information
Department News
Did you know that as of 2007, all Illinois homeowners and landlords must install carbon monoxide detectors in buildings that contain sleeping facilities. Read more about the Illinois Law.
Call J.U.L.I.E. before you dig
CALL 811 to place a local request.
Department Hours
Monday through Friday — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Building Permits — Homeowners
Do I Need a Permit
If you are having any of the following work done, then you must contact the city for a building permit. Please see the Online City Code Book, Sec. 6-224 for more information on permits and fees.
- New construction: Sec. 6-224 (1)
- Remodeling: Sec. 6-224 (2)
- Electric work: Sec. 6-224 (3)
- Adding or repairing a sewer line: Sec. 32-181 to 32-230
- Adding an accessory building: Sec. 34-90
- Excavating: Sec. 6-520 to 6-523
- Adding a fence: Sec. 6-493 to 6-498
- Moving a building: Sec. 16-949 to 16-951
- Demolishing a structure: Sec. 6-224(9); Sec. 6-555 to 6-556
- Installing a swimming pool: Sec. 6-449 to 6-462
- Solar Installations Sec. 32-351
Information Required for Permits
- Address: Physical address of property and Owner’s address.
- Scope of Project: What work is being done?
- Name of Contractor: Who is doing the work?
- Cost of Project: Contractor’s bid or owner’s receipts (if owner is doing work)
- Required Signatures: Owner or Contractor
- Dimensions Information: Size of addition, shed, garage, deck, driveway, sidewalk, etc.
Please call our office (815) 622-1108 if you have any questions.
Permit Applications
The following permit application is available for download. Please complete your form with digital signature and return the form via email to [email protected]
Home Repair and Remodeling Act — Public Act 91-0230
Need-to-Know Information
Here are a few items homeowners should know about doing work on their property.
- A written contract is required for projects over $1,000.00.
- NEVER sign a contract with blank spaces or one that you do not understand.
- As a resident, you have three business days after signing a contract to cancel if sale is made at your home.
Helpful information from the Illinois Home Repair Remodeling Act Public Act 91-0230 PDF or Illinois General Assembly Link
Building Permit Ordinances
Building Permit ordinances begin in Article III of the City code book.
Solar Installation Information
Terms, Conditions, and Forms for you solar energy installation can be found here
How do I...
Apply for a Grant
We’re taking applications for the following grants.
Submit a Building/Code Complaint
Please download, complete and fill out the complaint form if you think a landlord is violating building codes. Return in person or via email to the Building Department ([email protected]).
Hiring a Contractor
When hiring a contractor, remember that all contractors must have current registration/insurance/bond before our office will issue building permits. Electricians, Roofers and HVAC contractors must show valid business licenses to confirm their current status for business operations.
- Call our office (815) 622-1108 to verify current status of any contractor who is bidding on your project BEFORE finalizing any business transaction.
- The owner of the property OR contractor must come IN PERSON to obtain this permit.
- Depending on your project, the Building Inspector might require an on-site inspection BEFORE permit is issued.
Copies of city ordinances, resident’s checklist and list of valid registered contractors can be obtained directly from our office which is located in the municipal complex at 603 West 10th Street, Rock Falls. Below is a list of current contractors registered with the city.