Electrical Work 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 Electrical permit in Union
Like-for-like swap of light fixtures, switches, or receptacles on existing circuits typically does not require an electrical 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 Electrical permit in Union
Adding a new electrical circuit, branch, or sub-panel requires an electrical permit in Union, IL under 2021 NEC. The work must be done by an Illinois-licensed electrician. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Upgrading the main electrical service (e.g., from 100A to 200A) requires an electrical permit in Union, IL and coordination with ComEd for service disconnect and reconnect. Work must be done by an Illinois-licensed electrician. 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 electrical work rules stack up against the standard IRC baseline that most of the country follows.
Stricter Than the IRC
Adding a new electrical circuit, branch, or sub-panel requires an electrical permit in Union, IL under 2021 NEC. The work must be done by an Illinois-licensed electrician. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Upgrading the main electrical service (e.g., from 100A to 200A) requires an electrical permit in Union, IL and coordination with ComEd for service disconnect and reconnect. Work must be done by an Illinois-licensed electrician. 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.
Electrical Work Permit Costs: Union vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Union | N/A |
| Chicago | $82 – $880 |
| Aurora | $64 – $680 |
| Joliet | $60 – $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 →
Estimated Project Timeline in Union
Here's a typical timeline for a electrical work 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 Electrical Work permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Electrical Work 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 Electrical Work permits in Union is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
Learn More About Electrical Work Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Electrical Work Guide →