Basement Finishing Permit Requirements in Union, IL
Village of Union handles its own building permits (McHenry County only covers unincorporated areas, not incorporated villages). Building Inspector is available one hour per week, Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM. The village has not published its adopted residential code edition online; rules below use IRC 2021 as baseline (the most common adoption in the Chicago metro). No published fee schedule, no online application portal. Apply in person during Village Hall hours or email permits@unionillinois.org. Illinois state plumbing code (IDPH-licensed plumbers) and electrical licensing requirements apply regardless of local code adoption.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified April 18, 2026 · How we research →
When you don’t need a Basement permit in Union
Cosmetic basement work (paint, flooring on existing slab, hanging shelves) does not require a building permit in Union, IL under 2021 IRC R105.2. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
When you need a Basement permit in Union
Finishing a basement (framing walls, adding insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC) requires a building permit in Union, IL with sub-permits under 2021 IRC. Egress windows are required in any sleeping room per IRC R310. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Cutting a new basement egress window opening through a foundation wall requires a building permit in Union, IL because it modifies the structural foundation per 2021 IRC R310 and R404. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
What Makes Union Different
Here's how Union's basement finishing rules stack up against the standard IRC baseline that most of the country follows.
More Lenient Than the IRC
Cosmetic basement work (paint, flooring on existing slab, hanging shelves) does not require a building permit in Union, IL under 2021 IRC R105.2. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
2 rules match the IRC baseline, no surprises there.
Basement Finishing Permit Costs: Union vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Union | N/A |
| Chicago | $165 – $1,320 |
| Aurora | $128 – $1,020 |
| Joliet | $120 – $960 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Union permit costs →
Zoning Considerations
Finished basements used as living space may trigger zoning occupancy requirements, especially if adding a bedroom or creating a separate dwelling unit.
Estimated Project Timeline in Union
Here's a typical timeline for a basement finishing project in Union, IL:
Timeline is based on Union's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
Need a Basement permit in Union, IL?
Answer a few quick questions for a personalized answer about your specific project.
Check Now, Free →Building Department Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Union's building department for current Basement Finishing permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Basement Finishing projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in Union can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for Basement Finishing permits in Union is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
Learn More About Basement Finishing Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Basement Finishing Guide →