Building Department

Michael Salmon, Building & Electrical Inspector

214 N. Main Street
Tuscola, IL 61953
E-mail: msalmon@tuscola.org
Phone: 217-253-2112
Fax: 217-253-5026
 

ISO Classification – 4

 

Building & Zoning

The City of Tuscola Building and Zoning Department's mission is to serve with professionalism, efficiency and a community partnership approach to ensure that new development meets homeowner objectives as well as community standards and compliance with local, state and federal development, and land use.

The Building Department issues building permits to homeowners and contractors to regulate construction within city limits and 1-1/2 miles outside city limits. The primary purpose of the department is to provide a minimum standard to safeguard life, health and property and regulate the control of design, construction and quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the jurisdiction. This Department also provides assistance with engineering, public works and code enforcement.

The Building Department is responsible for three key functions: Zoning Use,  Building Review, and Code Enforcement. These functions can be generally described as follows:

 

  • Zoning includes the administration of the zoning regulations and other development-related regulations of the Tuscola Municipal Code and providing zoning information to homeowners and developers.
  • Building Review involves processing applications, conducting public hearings and implementing the City’s Design Guidelines.
  • Code Enforcement involves ensuring compliance with community standards and international codes.

 

Building permits are needed for all buildings or structures being erected, altered, relocated, or demolished. A Structure is defined as anything constructed, made, or erected; the use of which requires location on the ground, or attachment to something having a fixed location on the ground.  Among other things, structures include buildings, mobile homes, walls, fences, signs, swimming pools, and all masts, antennas, dishes, or other devices designed to receive radio or television signals.  

 

City of Tuscola Building Permits are generally not needed for: 

  • Shingle or roof repair/replacement;

  • Window/Door replacement;

  • or HVAC repair/replacement.

 

Before starting any project, it is recommended you discuss your plans with the City of Tuscola Building Department to assure zoning compliance.

The City of Tuscola has adopted the following Local, State and International building codes to which all building construction must adhere.      

The City of Tuscola has adopted and enforces the following Codes:

 

IBC 2015 (International Building Code)

IEBC 2015 (International Existing Building Code)

IRC 2015  (International Residential Code)

ISPSC 2015 (International Swimming Pool and Spa Code)

IMC 2015  (International Mechanical Code)

IFGC 2015 (International Fuel Gas Code)

IFC 2015  (International Fire Code)

NEC 2014  (National Electric Code)

ISEP 2015 (International Solar Energy Provisions)

IECC 2015  (Illinois Energy Conservation Code)

Illinois Carbon Monoxide Detector Act

Illinois Residential Building Code

NFPA Life Safety Code

Illinois Plumbing Code

Illinois Accessibility Code

 

Building permits are needed for all buildings or structures being erected, altered, relocated, or demolished. A Structure is defined as anything constructed, made, or erected; the use of which requires location on the ground, or attachment to something having a fixed location on the ground.  Among other things, structures include buildings, mobile homes, walls, fences, signs, swimming pools, and all masts, antennas, dishes, or other devices designed to receive radio or television signals.

The demolition of any structure within the City of Tuscola zoning jurisdiction requires a demolition permit to commence work.

Demolition Permit Application

Signage is regulated under the authority granted in City of Tuscola Code of Ordinances Chapter 157.   Sign Permits are required for any new sign construction, erection, enlargement or modification. 

 

To apply for a permit to construct a conforming sign      Sign Permit Application Form

To request a variance to construct a nonconforming sign  Sign Variance Application

Water and Sewer service taps are coordinated through the City Water department.  The application for service should be completed and fee paid, then the installation can be scheduled.  Find more information on the Water & Sewer Department Page.

Water and Sewer tap application

The following link will open the Douglas County GIS map.  From the controls available within that map application, zoning layers can be displayed by checking the zoning layer box.

 

Douglas County GIS Mapping Tool

The City of Tuscola participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and requires flood protection for buildings in the floodplain. The Building Department can help you determine if you are in the floodplain and what you will need to do to meet the regulations. For additional information about protecting your home from flooding, and the National Flood Insurance program, go to the FEMA and IDNR websites and the sites listed below.

Floodplain Regulations

Application for Floodplain Building Permit

City of Tuscola Zoning Map with Floodplain

Douglas County GIS Mapping Tool  -  Within this tool, choose the "hydrology" checkbox to turn on the floodplain map layer.

Electrical work in the city, and within the city’s one and one-half mile surrounding jurisdiction, requires a permit and an electrical ICC license (unless you are the owner/occupant of a single-family residence). The city honors existing City of Tuscola electrical licenses.

Information on obtaining an ICC (international Code Council) License can be found here.

 

 

Residential work only:

F18 for NEC 2014

G18 for NEC 2017

 

Commercial and Residential:

F16 for NEC 2014

G16 for NEC 2017

The City of Tuscola Zoning Code requires other permits in special circumstances.  Applications for Special Use Permit, Variance Permit and Text Ammendment Permits are listed below.  Information on these types of permits can be found in the City of Tuscola Code of Ordinances ( Zoning Code Chapter 156) or by contacting the Building Inspector at 217-253-2112 (Ext.  27) or msalmon@tuscola.org .

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FALL LEAF COLLECTION

FALL IS IN THE AIR!

The City of Tuscola has began our fall leaf collection schedule.  More information here:

https://tuscola.org/government/services-and-departments/profile/street-department

 

2024 Golf Cart Permits Available NOW!

2024 City of Tuscola Golf Cart Permits are available NOW!  

Purchase your 2024 permit here:

Golf Cart Permit Application

WINTER WEATHER CITY INFORMATION

JANUARY 24, 2024 - DUE TO WEATHER THAT AFFECTED OPERATIONS ON JANUARY 22, 2024...

>  Monday's regularly scheduled Tuscola City Council meeting has been rescheduled to today WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024.  The previously posted meeting agenda will remain the same.

> Waste Management cancelled their operations for Monday, pushing their garbage collection schedule back one day for the rest of the week.  City of Tuscola residents garbage day will be THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND PLEASE STAY SAFE OUT THERE!

Now Hiring Lifeguards!

The Tuscola Pool is now hiring lifeguards, and aspiring lifeguards, for the 2024 summer season!  Please apply on-line at https://tuscola.org/pool-apply  

Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old, be able to complete City-provided training classes, and become certified in order to be hired.