Any owner, authorized agent or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the Rock Island County and adopted codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit. Building permits are required for all improvements to a property if it is located in the floodplain: there are no exemptions. If the improvement is insurable, it requires a permit.
Fees vary with the value of the work being done using contractors' bids or national averages, including labor. Persons not obtaining a permit prior to beginning a project shall be charged double. No exceptions.
The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Zoning and Building Department at 309-558-3771. Discuss your plans with the building inspector before you begin construction to determine whether you need a permit.