Tree Removal 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 2 local rules

When you don’t need a Tree Removal permit in Union

Exempt·Rule 1

Removing a tree on private property generally does not require a permit in Union, IL. The village does not have a published tree preservation ordinance for residential properties. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.

SourceVillage of Union Building Inspector · view source

When you need a Tree Removal permit in Union

Required·Rule 1

Removing a tree in the public right-of-way (typically the parkway between sidewalk and street) requires village approval in Union, IL. Contact the Village Hall before any work in the right-of-way. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.

Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceVillage of Union Building Inspector · view source

Tree Removal Permit Costs: Union vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Union N/A
Chicago $25 – $500
Aurora $25 – $500
Joliet $25 – $500

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

Many cities protect trees above a certain diameter at breast height (DBH), commonly 6", 12", 19", or 20", and some cities protect specific species (oak, sycamore) regardless of size. Portland, Atlanta, Austin, Seattle, and Los Angeles all have significant tree protection rules. Houston and most of Texas have none.

Estimated Project Timeline in Union

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

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings.
Week 2
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Union's building department.
Week 3-4
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time in Union: about 2 weeks. Application review and permit issuance.
Week 5+
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 Tree Removal permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.

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

Learn More About Tree Removal Permits

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

Read Tree Removal 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.