Deck 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 Deck permit in Union
Under 2021 IRC R105.2, freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit in Union, IL. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
When you need a Deck permit in Union
Under 2021 IRC R507, attached decks require a building permit in Union, IL even if under 30 inches above grade because the ledger board attachment is a structural connection to the dwelling. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Under 2021 IRC R507 and R312, decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit with structural plans in Union, IL. Guardrails at least 36 inches high are required. 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 deck rules stack up against the standard IRC baseline that most of the country follows.
Stricter Than the IRC
Under 2021 IRC R507, attached decks require a building permit in Union, IL even if under 30 inches above grade because the ledger board attachment is a structural connection to the dwelling. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Under 2021 IRC R507 and R312, decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit with structural plans in Union, IL. Guardrails at least 36 inches high are required. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
1 rule match the IRC baseline, no surprises there.
Deck Permit Costs: Union vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Union | N/A |
| Chicago | $110 – $880 |
| Aurora | $85 – $680 |
| Joliet | $80 – $640 |
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
Decks may be subject to zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Check with your local planning department before building near property lines.
Estimated Project Timeline in Union
Here's a typical timeline for a deck 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Union's building department for current Deck permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Deck 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 Deck permits in Union is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
Learn More About Deck Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Deck Guide →