Retaining Wall 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 Retaining Wall permit in Union
Under 2021 IRC R105.2, retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) and not supporting a surcharge 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 Retaining Wall permit in Union
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a building permit in Union, IL under 2021 IRC R105.2 and typically need engineered drawings. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Any retaining wall supporting a surcharge (driveway, parking area, structure, or sloped backfill) requires a building permit and engineered design in Union, IL under 2021 IRC 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 retaining wall rules stack up against the standard IRC baseline that most of the country follows.
Stricter Than the IRC
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a building permit in Union, IL under 2021 IRC R105.2 and typically need engineered drawings. 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.
Retaining Wall Permit Costs: Union vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Union | N/A |
| Chicago | $165 – $660 |
| Aurora | $128 – $510 |
| Joliet | $120 – $480 |
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
Retaining walls near property lines may require zoning setback review. Walls that significantly change the grade of a property may need additional zoning approval.
Estimated Project Timeline in Union
Here's a typical timeline for a retaining wall 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 Retaining Wall 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 Retaining Wall permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Retaining Wall 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 Retaining Wall permits in Union is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
Learn More About Retaining Wall Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Retaining Wall Guide →