Permits and Licenses

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FAQ’s

Q: Do I need a permit in order to install solar panels at my residence and/or business?

You are required to obtain a Solar Panel Permit as well as an Electrical Permit for the installation of a roof or ground mount solar system at your home or business. You are also required to remit a solar panel permit fee in the amount of $150.00 and an electrical permit fee in the amount of $100.00. Morton Municipal Code 10-4-16 (C) provides information regarding the guidelines and submittal requirements for obtaining a permit.

Q: I currently have a garage attached to my house, but I would like to build a detached garage also, is this allowed?

The Morton Municipal Code permits only one (1) garage per dwelling unit, either attached or unattached. An option may be for a homeowner to add on to the existing garage as long as building setback requirements are met.

Q: Can someone from the Village of Morton come out and mark my property lines?

The Village of Morton does not employ a surveyor. A GIS map displaying the dimensions of your lot can be obtained online through the Tazewell County GIS Viewer or through the Zoning and Code Enforcement Department by calling (309)266-5361. Property lines can often be determined by locating a lot pin and measuring the appropriate distances from that point.

Q: Can someone from the Village come out and mark my water line for some repairs I’m having done?

For any projects that require digging, residents or contractors must first contact JULIE. Village of Morton utility technicians will not mark any utilities until a locate request is received through the JULIE system. For more information on requesting a locate for your project, click here or call 811.

Q: Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence, patio, pergola, play structure, deck, gazebo, or storage building?

Yes, a permit is required for all of the above named projects. You can find more information on each individual project in the ‘Projects that Require a Permit’ section above.

Q: Do I need a permit to repair an existing fence, storage building, pergola, or deck?

A permit is not required to do repairs and maintenance on these accessory structures.

Q: Do I need a permit if I am adding on to an existing storage building, fence, deck, gazebo, pergola, patio, or driveway?

Yes, a permit is required for all of the above-named projects. You can find more information on each individual project in the ‘Projects that Require a Permit’ section above.

Q: Do I need a building permit to finish my basement?

A building permit is not required to finish a basement if the walls that are being built are non-structural. However, an electrical and or plumbing permit may be required (see above under electrical and plumbing permit applications).

Q: Can I do electrical work on my own house as a homeowner?

Yes, a property owner may do electrical work on their own residence. A contractor certification is not required. However, an electrical permit is required for a change in service or if the work has a value of $1,000.00 or more.

Q: Can I do plumbing work on my own house as a homeowner?

Yes, a property owner may do plumbing on their own residence. However, a plumbing permit is required if you are adding any new fixtures or if any existing fixtures are being moved any distance. Resetting fixtures in the same location does not require a permit.

Q: I want to have a whole house natural gas generator installed. What do I need to do?

The first step would be to complete and return the “Natural Gas Generator Permit Form” to the zoning office. This form will determine if an upgrade to your gas service is needed. You will then be provided with an estimate for the cost of the upgrade if one is needed. If natural gas plumbing work is necessary on any customer owned piping as part of the upgrade, you will also need to retain the services of a plumbing contractor. Once the upgrade fee has been paid and the arrangements have been made for the upgrade work, your licensed electrical contractor will need to obtain an electrical permit from the Village of Morton Zoning and Code Enforcement Department. Once these steps have been completed, the generator can be installed.

Q: Do I need a permit to replace an existing sign?

Yes, a building permit is required for the erection, construction, placement, or replacement of any sign to be permanently attached to a building or to be permanently erected as a free-standing sign.

Q: What kind of contractor licensing is required to do work in the Village of Morton?

General Contractor – No registration or licensing requirements
HVAC Contractor – No registration or licensing requirements
Excavator Contractor Only – No registration or licensing requirements
Roofing Contractor – Must be a licensed roofing contractor with the State of Illinois
Plumbing Contractor – Must be a licensed plumbing contractor with the State of Illinois
Electrical Contractor – Must have an Electrical Contractor Certification with the Village of Morton
Sewer Contractor – Must have a Sewer Contractor Certification with the Village of Morton

Q: What Building Codes are required to be adhered by in the Village of Morton?

2015 International Building Code
2015 International Residential Code
2015 International Existing Building Code
2015 International Mechanical Code
2018 International Conservation Code
2015 International Fire Code
2014 National Electric Code
Most current edition of the Illinois Plumbing Code

Q: I am planning to operate a business from my home, is this allowed?

Yes, certain businesses can be conducted from the primary residence. Please see the Home Occupation Permit Application and 10-13-4 of the Morton Municipal Code for guidelines. If you feel your business meets these guidelines, complete the application and return it to the zoning office for review and the issuance of a “Home Occupation Permit”.

Zoning Permit

Use the application below to apply for a Zoning Permit for a new or existing business. To operate a business in the Village of Morton, the business owner is required to obtain a Zoning Permit from the Village of Morton.

A business owner is required to apply for a new Zoning Permit in any of the following situations:

The business is newly established at the location
Business ownership has changed
The established business does not currently have a Zoning Permit issued by the Village of Morton

To receive the Zoning Permit, please complete and submit the application. Completed applications will be reviewed and a Village of Morton representative will contact you at the number provided.

Zoning Permit Application

Projects that Require a Permit

To obtain a permit for any of the following projects, please complete the form/application provided. Return the completed form/application and required project information to the Village of Morton Zoning and Code Enforcement Department either in-person, by mail, or via email to bmarks@morton-il.gov or narmstrong@morton-il.gov.

Once the form/application and all required information is received and reviewed, the permit will be issued. The permit will be emailed to the email address provided on the application form. If payment was not made with the application, then payment instructions will be provided with the permit.

The Village of Morton also offers a One Stop Shop program to assist in the organization and execution of new projects. To make a One Stop Shop appointment, call Brad Marks at (309)266-5361 ext. 2252. Click here to learn more about this free service.

For reference, a complete copy of the Morton Municipal Code Book can be found here.

Any addition to an existing building
- Commercial-Residential R3 & R4 – Your commercial project may qualify for Enterprise Zone benefits. It is recommended you review the Enterprise Zone information before beginning any commercial project.
- Residential R1 & R2
Any new building
- Commercial-Residential R3 & R4 – Your commercial project may qualify for Enterprise Zone benefits. It is recommended you review the Enterprise Zone information before beginning any commercial project.
- Residential R1 & R2
Deck
Demolition
Detached Garage
Driveway Addition
Driveway, approach or curb replacement
Egress Window Installation or Replacement
Electrical – Any electrical job in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or any increase in the electrical service will require a permit and appropriate inspections.
Fence – Please note, the Village of Morton does not come out and mark property lines as we do not employ a surveyor. A GIS map displaying the dimensions of your lot can be obtained through the Zoning and Code Enforcement Department or online through the Tazewell County GIS Viewer. Property lines can often be determined by locating a lot pin and measuring the appropriate distances from that point. Please call (309)266-5361 for more information.
Foundation – If there is any work on the foundation that requires excavation on the exterior of the structure, a Foundation Permit is required. This would include foundation repair or replacement.
Gazebo
Manufactured/Mobile Home – Please review section 10-5-7 of the Morton Municipal Code for additional information.
Miscellaneous
Mural
Natural Gas Generator
Patio
Pergola
Play Structure
Plumbing – Alterations or modifications to existing plumbing will require a permit and inspections if anything is being moved any distance. No permit or inspection will be required if the contractor is only resetting fixtures back to their exact location.
Roof Mounted/Ground Mounted Solar System
Sanitary Sewer Repair on the exterior of the structure
Sign
Site Work Asphalt/Concrete Paving – Use this form if you are performing site work, replacing a parking lot, or doing a parking lot expansion
Storage Building
Storm Sewer Repair on the exterior of the structure
Structural Modifications – Please contact the Zoning and Code Enforcement Department at (309)266-5361 for more information on obtaining a permit
Swimming pool (permanent above ground and in-ground)
- Neither an electrical permit nor a building permit are required as long as the following conditions exist:
  - The swimming pool is temporary
  - The swimming pool is constructed on or above the ground
  - The swimming pool is nonmetallic, molded polymeric walls or inflatable fabric walls regardless of dimensions
  - The swimming pool has a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter built into the power cord from the manufacturer
  - The clearance in any direction to the water level and edge of water surface is a minimum of 22.5 feet from any overhead conductor
  - The swimming pool is located in the rear yard
  - The swimming pool meets the fence requirements as stated in 10-5-3 (L) of the Morton Municipal Code
- Only an electrical permit with a fee of $100.00 is required as long as the following conditions exist:
  - The swimming pool is temporary
  - The swimming pool is constructed above ground or partially in the ground
  - The swimming pool does not have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter built into the cord from the manufacturer and/or the swimming pool has any metallic components
  - The clearance in any direction to the water level and edge of water surface is a minimum of 22.5 feet from any overhead conductor
  - The swimming pool is located in the rear yard
  - The swimming pool meets the fence requirements as stated in 10-5-3 (L) of the Morton Municipal Code
- A Swimming Pool Permit and an electrical permit fee of $200.00 are required for all in-ground and permanent above ground swimming pools
- An electrical permit fee of $100.00 is required for all hot tubs and spas.

Projects that DO NOT Require a Permit

The Village of Morton does not require property owners and/or contractors to obtain a permit for any of the following projects:

Replacing windows, doors, and/or siding
Replacing or repairing shingles on a roof
Maintenance of or repairs to a fence, storage building, pergola, or deck
Replacing a sidewalk located on private property
HVAC repairs or replacements
The addition or rearrangement of non-structural interior walls (for example constructing walls in a basement)

Miscellaneous Zoning Forms & Applications

One Stop Shop

One Stop Shop Plan Review

Permit Fees

Basic Building Permit Fees

Above Ground Swimming Pool Permit – $50.00 fee
Accessory Structure Permit (deck, fence, gazebo, patio, pergola, storage building – $50.00 fee
Ground Mount Solar Panel Permit – $150.00 fee
In-Ground Swimming Pool Permit – $200.00 fee
Roof Mount Solar Panel Permit – $150.00 fee
Sanitary Sewer Tap or Storm Sewer Tap – $50.00 fee
Sign Permit – $50.00 fee ($25.00 if located within the Enterprise Zone)
Site Plan Review — $300.00 fee for new construction in any zoning district other than R-1 or R-2

ALL OTHER FEES FOR BUILDING PERMITS SHALL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:

Up to $1,000 Valuation — $35.00 fee
$1,000.01 to $5,000 Valuation — $50.00 fee
$5,000.01 to $50,000 Valuation — $50.00 fee plus $3.50 per $1,000 over $5,000
$50,000.01 to $100,000 Valuation — $207.50 fee plus $2.50 per $1,000 over $50,000
$100,000.01 to $500,000 Valuation — $332.50 fee plus $2.00 per $1,000 over $100,000
Over $500,000 Valuation — $1,132.50 fee plus $1.50 per $1,000 over $500,000

Fire Safety Permit Fees

Life Safety and Fire Prevention Code Plan Review, Inspection and Enforcement — $275.00
Fire Sprinkler System / Stand Pipe Plan Review — $275.00 (1-199 heads) / $400.00 (200+ heads)
Fire Detection and Alarm System Plan Review — $275.00

Building Permit Fees Related to Trails at Timber Oaks & Wolf Crossing Subdivisions

TRAILS AT TIMBER OAKS SUBDIVISION FEES

Water and Wastewater Surcharge — $18.50 per month
Utility Infrastructure Fee — $2,375.00 per lot
North Main Improvement Fee — $1,050.00 per lot

WOLF CROSSING SUBDIVISION FEES

Water and Wastewater Surcharge — $17.50 per month
Utility Infrastructure Fee — $2,255.00 per lot
North Main Improvement Fee — $1,000.00 per lot

Public Hearing Related Fees

Variance — $175.00
Special Use — $175
Zoning Amendment — $175.00
Plats (Preliminary of Final) — $150.00 plus $15.00 per lot on the final plat

Miscellaneous Fees

Annexation Fee — $250.00
Zoning Map — $10.00
Zoning Ordinance — $30.00
Subdivision Construction Standards — $20.00
Excavation — $300.00 or $60.00 per square yard (whichever is greater)

Contractor Licensing

Electrical Contractor Certification Requirements – License fee is $100.00 (for calendar year)
Sewer Contractor License Requirements – License fee is $100.00 (for calendar year)
General Contractor – No registration or licensing requirements
HVAC Contractor – No registration or licensing requirements
Excavator Contractor Only – No registration or licensing requirements
Roofing Contractor – Must be a licensed roofing contractor with the State of Illinois
Plumbing Contractor – Must be a licensed plumbing contractor with the State of Illinois

Inspections

Inspection requirements are unique to every project. Inspection fees, requirements, and scheduling will be determined upon the issuance of a permit.