Shed 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 →

Population: 600 Code: 2021 Verified: 2026-04-18 3 local rules

When you don’t need a Shed permit in Union

Exempt·Rule 1

Under 2021 IRC R105.2, one-story detached accessory structures (sheds) used as tool and storage sheds are exempt from a building permit if the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. This applies in Union, IL. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.

Source2021 IRC baseline (Union has not published adopted code edition); Village of Union Building Inspector · view source

When you need a Shed permit in Union

Required·Rule 1

Sheds larger than 200 square feet 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.

Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
Source2021 IRC baseline (Union has not published adopted code edition); Village of Union Building Inspector · view source
Required·Rule 2

Sheds larger than 400 square feet are treated as full accessory structures in Union, IL and require a building permit with foundation, framing, and site plans under 2021 IRC. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.

Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
Source2021 IRC baseline (Union has not published adopted code edition); Village of Union Building Inspector · view source

Shed Permit Costs: Union vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Union N/A
Chicago $110 – $550
Aurora $85 – $425
Joliet $80 – $400

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

Zoning

Sheds may be subject to zoning setback requirements and lot coverage limits. Placement near property lines or in front yards may require zoning approval.

Estimated Project Timeline in Union

Here's a typical timeline for a shed project in Union, IL:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Union's building department.
Week 4-5
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time in Union: about 2 weeks. Plan review examiner checks drawings for code compliance.
Week 6+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

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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Building Department Contact

NameVillage of Union (Village Hall, Building Inspector)
Address17703 O'Cock Road, Union, IL 60180
HoursVillage Hall: Tue 10 AM to 4 PM, Thu 1 PM to 5 PM. Building Inspector available Tue 3 PM to 4 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Union's building department for current Shed permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Shed 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 Shed permits in Union is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

Learn More About Shed Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Shed Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-04-18. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.