Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026
The Short Answer
Yes, a full kitchen remodel requires permits in Collinsville if you move walls, relocate plumbing, add electrical circuits, modify gas lines, or vent a range hood through the exterior. Cosmetic-only work — cabinet/countertop swap, appliance replacement — is exempt.
Collinsville enforces the Illinois Building Code (which adopts the 2021 IRC with state amendments), and the City of Collinsville Building Department administers permits through a standard three-trade model: building, plumbing, and electrical are almost always bundled in a full kitchen remodel. A unique wrinkle in Collinsville and the greater Madison County area is the dual jurisdiction over some older downtown properties and flood-plain properties along the Illinois River bottoms — if your home sits in a mapped flood zone (FEMA FIRM panel), additional floodplain-elevation checks apply, which can add 1-2 weeks to plan review. Additionally, Collinsville sits in Climate Zone 4A (southern Illinois), which means slightly more forgiving frost depth (36 inches vs. 42 inches in Chicago), but still subject to the state's lead-paint disclosure requirement if the home was built before 1978 — this is often overlooked and can trigger RFIs (requests for information) late in the review cycle. The City's permit portal is accessed through the city website, and most submissions are handled in-person at City Hall or by email; Collinsville does NOT offer over-the-counter same-day permits for kitchen work, so budget 3-4 weeks for initial plan review and then another 1-2 weeks for corrections. Total permit cost is typically $400–$1,200 depending on project valuation (labor + materials), calculated as a percentage of the total project cost.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Collinsville full kitchen remodels — the key details

In Collinsville, a full kitchen remodel almost always triggers three separate sub-permits: Building, Plumbing, and Electrical. The Building permit covers framing (if walls move), load-bearing wall removal (which requires a structural engineer's letter or a pre-sized beam detail), drywall, and general construction sequencing. If you're moving any wall — even a non-load-bearing one — the building permit is required; Collinsville applies IRC R602 (Exterior Walls) and R602.10 (Headers), which means any wall removal or relocation needs a framing plan showing header size, bearing, and fastening. The Plumbing permit covers relocation of kitchen sink, dishwasher drain, hot/cold supply lines, and vent-stack tie-ins; per IRC P2722, kitchen sinks require a trap arm no longer than 30 inches from trap to vent, and Collinsville inspectors enforce this strictly — many homeowners' contractors miss this detail and get RFI corrections. The Electrical permit covers two small-appliance branch circuits (IRC E3702), GFCI-protected receptacles on all countertop outlets (spaced no more than 48 inches apart, per IRC E3801), dedicated circuits for hardwired appliances (range, microwave, dishwasher), and any new panel upgrades if you're adding load. If you're installing a range hood with exterior ducting, you'll also need a Mechanical permit (or the electrical permit may cover it, depending on whether it's powered electric or gas); the range-hood duct must terminate at the exterior wall with a damper cap, and Collinsville inspectors require a detail drawing showing duct routing, insulation (if in unconditioned space), and exterior termination — this is one of the most common RFI triggers.

Collinsville's location in Madison County — about 8 miles east of St. Louis — means humid summers and occasional basement moisture issues, which indirectly affects kitchen permit requirements. Many kitchens are partially below or near grade, especially in older homes on Collinsville's south side; if your kitchen sink or dishwasher drain sits below the main sewer line, you'll need a sewage ejector pump (sometimes called a grinder pump), which requires its own permit ticket and inspection. This is often a surprise cost: $2,000–$4,000 installed, plus $100–$200 permit fee. Additionally, Collinsville's building stock is older (much of it pre-1978), so lead-paint disclosure is mandatory; if your home was built before 1978 and you're disturbing any painted surfaces during the remodel, the lead-disclosure must be signed before work begins. Failure to obtain and sign lead disclosures doesn't stop the permit, but it can trigger serious liability down the road if paint dust or chips are found. Collinsville also sits partially in the Illinois River floodplain on its western edge; if a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) shows your property in a flood zone, the Collinsville Building Department will require that any new mechanical equipment (furnace, HVAC, electrical panel) be elevated above the base flood elevation (BFE) — this can complicate kitchen electrical work if your panel is in the basement. Ask the City directly whether your address falls in a flood zone before you design the kitchen.

Collinsville requires all permit submissions to include a site plan (showing address, lot lines, north arrow), a floor plan (showing kitchen layout, appliance locations, electrical outlet locations, plumbing fixtures), and detail drawings for any walls being moved (header size and bearing), plumbing runs (including vent routing), and electrical circuits (breaker sizes and wire gauges). Unlike some municipalities, Collinsville does not accept electronic PDF submissions exclusively; most applications must be printed and hand-delivered to City Hall or submitted by mail with a check. The permit fees are calculated as 1.5% to 2% of the project valuation (you estimate total labor + materials; they may ask for quotes from contractors to validate). A $40,000 kitchen remodel would generate a permit fee of roughly $600–$800 for the building permit alone, with separate plumbing and electrical fees of $150–$400 each. Plan review takes 3-4 weeks for an initial submission, then 1-2 weeks for corrected drawings. Once approved, you'll receive a permit card; inspections are scheduled via phone or email with the Collinsville Building Department. Typical inspection sequence is: framing (if walls moved), rough plumbing, rough electrical, drywall, and final. Each inspection must be scheduled 24 hours in advance, and the inspector will flag any code violations on a correction notice — common findings in kitchens include missing GFCI on countertop outlets, improper wire sizing on dedicated appliance circuits, and incomplete vent-stack detail on plumbing. Corrections are typically due within 10 business days.

One key difference between Collinsville and larger Illinois municipalities (Chicago, Naperville) is that Collinsville's Building Department is relatively lean and may not have a dedicated MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) review team; instead, the same inspector may do a cursory check of all three trades on the initial plan review. This can lead to either faster turnaround (if the inspector is experienced) or more RFI cycles (if details are incomplete). It's therefore critical to get all three trades' requirements correct on your first submission: correct header sizing for any wall removal, complete plumbing vent routing, and full electrical-circuit detail. Many contractors underestimate the time to get a Collinsville kitchen permit — expect 6-8 weeks total from initial submission to final approval and start of work. If you hire a licensed architect or engineer to prepare the permit drawings, turnaround can improve to 4-6 weeks; most homeowners skip this step to save $1,500–$3,000, then end up spending time on RFI corrections anyway.

Owner-builder work is allowed in Collinsville on owner-occupied homes, but the owner must still pull the permit and schedule all inspections in person. If you're doing the work yourself or hiring unlicensed helpers, you remain responsible for code compliance and inspection sign-offs; the Building Department will not issue final approval until all four inspections pass and any violations are corrected. Additionally, if you later sell the home, the Title Company may require a letter from the City certifying that the kitchen was permitted and inspected; Collinsville can provide this letter, but it takes 2-4 weeks, and some title companies won't close without it. Given these considerations, most homeowners in Collinsville hire a licensed general contractor (GC) who holds an active Illinois Residential Contractor License and pulls the permits in the GC's name; this shifts inspection responsibility to the GC and speeds the approval process. If you do hire a contractor, verify they are licensed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and ask for proof of the contractor's liability insurance (minimum $1M) before signing a contract.

Three Collinsville kitchen remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A
Cosmetic kitchen update: cabinets and countertops only, appliance replacement on existing circuits, new flooring, paint — Westchester neighborhood, 1,800 sq ft ranch
Your 1970s ranch in Westchester (north Collinsville) needs new life: you're replacing all cabinetry, pulling out the old Formica countertops and installing quartz, tearing up the vinyl flooring and putting down luxury vinyl plank (LVP), repainting walls, and swapping the 30-year-old stove for a new electric range that fits in the existing cutout (not repositioning it). You're also replacing the microwave and dishwasher with new units that fit the same openings and plug into the same outlets. Per IRC E3702 and Collinsville code, appliance replacement without circuit relocation is exempt if the new appliance has the same or lower amperage. Because no walls are moving, no plumbing fixtures are being relocated, and all electrical work is replacement only (no new circuits or vent changes), this job does NOT require a building permit. However, you MUST verify with Collinsville Building Department that your electrician does not need to file a simple electrical work permit for the new range if it's hardwired (some jurisdictions require a quick sign-off even for replacements). Most cabinets are supplied and installed by the homeowner or a kitchen designer with no license required. Flooring installation by a general contractor or homeowner is permit-exempt. Total cost for this job: $15,000–$25,000 (materials and labor) with zero permit fees. Timeline: 2-3 weeks of work, no inspection delays. This is the easiest kitchen remodel path in Collinsville — if you can keep it cosmetic, you avoid the 6-8 week permit cycle entirely.
No permit required (cosmetic only) | Appliance swap on existing circuits | New range must fit existing cutout | LVP flooring, paint, and cabinet swap exempt | Total project cost $15,000–$25,000 | Zero permit fees
Scenario B
Mid-size kitchen remodel: wall removal between kitchen and dining room, new sink and dishwasher location, added electrical circuits, new gas range, range hood vented to exterior — Maryville Road colonial, 2,200 sq ft
You own a 1975 colonial on Maryville Road (south Collinsville, near the floodplain) and want to open up the kitchen by removing a non-load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. You're also moving the sink 8 feet to the north (new plumbing runs), adding a new dishwasher in a different location, installing a new gas range (requiring a new gas line tie-in with a regulator and shutoff), adding two dedicated circuits for the range and dishwasher, and venting a new range hood to the exterior. This is a full permit scenario in Collinsville. First, you need a Building Permit: the wall removal (even though non-load-bearing) must be shown on a framing plan with bottom and top-plate removal detail and any header removal/reinforcement. The Building Inspector will do a visual inspection to confirm the wall is indeed non-load-bearing (no beam above, no concentrated load from second story or roof); if there is any doubt, you'll need a structural engineer's letter ($800–$1,500), which can delay the permit by 1-2 weeks. Second, you need a Plumbing Permit: the sink relocation requires new hot/cold supply lines (you'll tie into the existing main water line, probably in the basement or crawlspace) and a new drain with a trap-arm no longer than 30 inches from trap to vent (IRC P2722); the vent must tie into the existing vent stack or new stack (if the distance is too long). The dishwasher drain ties into the sink drain or a separate line; most inspectors require a detail drawing showing the trap-arm length, vent routing, and how you're handling the air-gap (most codes require an air-gap fitting above the sink rim, or a high loop in the dishwasher drain line). Because your home is potentially in the floodplain (Maryville Road is on the western edge of Collinsville), ask the City whether the kitchen sink elevation is above the base flood elevation; if not, the sink may need to be relocated or a sump-pump discharge plan submitted. Third, you need an Electrical Permit: two dedicated circuits for the range and dishwasher (range is typically 240V/50A, dishwasher is 120V/20A), two small-appliance branch circuits for countertop outlets (GFCI-protected, spaced no more than 48 inches apart), and possibly a sub-panel if your main panel is full (common in older homes). Fourth, you need a Mechanical Permit (or this may fold into the Electrical Permit): the range hood duct must be sized for CFM (cubic feet per minute) — typically 400-600 CFM for an island or peninsula range, less if wall-mounted — and the exterior termination must include a damper cap and be routed so it doesn't discharge near a window or door. All four permits are submitted at once; Collinsville's plan review is 3-4 weeks. Expect RFIs on: header sizing for the wall removal (if in doubt), plumbing vent detail, GFCI spacing on countertops, and range-hood duct termination detail. Once approved, inspections happen in this order: framing (wall removal and any header work), rough plumbing (supply and drain runs before they're hidden), rough electrical (wiring before drywall), rough mechanical (range-hood duct before drywall), drywall, and final. Total permit fees: $500 (building) + $250 (plumbing) + $300 (electrical) + $150 (mechanical) = $1,200. Total project cost: $35,000–$55,000 (includes labor, new cabinetry, counters, appliances, flooring). Timeline: 6-8 weeks permit + plan corrections, then 4-6 weeks construction, then 2-3 weeks for final inspections and sign-off. Lead-paint disclosure required (home built pre-1978). If you need a sewage ejector pump because the dishwasher drain is below the sewer line, add $2,500–$4,000 and another 1-2 week delay.
Permit required (wall removal, plumbing/gas/electrical change) | Structural engineer letter may be needed ($800–$1,500) | Building + Plumbing + Electrical + Mechanical permits = $1,200 total fees | Floodplain elevation check if FEMA FIRM applies | Lead-paint disclosure required (pre-1978) | Plan review 3-4 weeks, then 1-2 weeks corrections | Range-hood termination detail mandatory | Total project $35,000–$55,000
Scenario C
Small kitchen refresh: plumbing fixture relocation only, new sink and faucet in same general area, new drain line, no walls moved, no electrical or gas changes — older bungalow in Central Collinsville
You have a 1920s bungalow in Central Collinsville with a cramped kitchen; you want to shift the sink 3 feet to the west, install a new double-basin undermount sink (replacing an old drop-in), and update the faucet and garbage disposal. You're not moving any walls, not adding new electrical circuits (the disposal plugs into the existing outlet under the sink, which already has GFCI protection from a prior kitchen update), not changing gas lines, and not installing a range hood. This is still a Permit-Required project in Collinsville because IRC P2722 and local code require a Plumbing Permit whenever a plumbing fixture is relocated. The new drain line must have a trap-arm no longer than 30 inches from trap to vent, and the vent routing must be shown on the plan (can you tie into the existing vent stack, or do you need to run a new vent up inside the wall?). Collinsville's Plumbing Inspector will want to see: a floor plan showing the new sink location, the old location, the trap-arm distance, and how the vent ties in. The new P-trap and supply lines must be 1.5-inch ABS or PVC for the trap arm, and 1/2-inch hot/cold copper or PEX for supplies. If the new sink location is directly above a basement or crawlspace, you can run lines down and back up easily; if the sink location is against a solid wall with no basement access below, you may need to route lines up inside the wall (which is allowed, but requires a rough-plumbing inspection before drywall). Because you're not touching electrical or framing, you only need a Plumbing Permit; no Building or Electrical Permit is required. Plumbing Permit fee: $150–$250 in Collinsville. Plan review time: 2-3 weeks (shorter than a full remodel because it's simpler). Inspection sequence: rough plumbing (before sink bowl is installed and before any walls are closed), then final plumbing (after sink is in and tested). Lead-paint disclosure still applies if the home is pre-1978 and you're disturbing any painted surfaces (e.g., cutting into a painted cabinet or wall to route supply lines). Total project cost: $2,500–$4,500 (new sink, faucet, supply/drain lines, disposal, labor). Timeline: 3-4 weeks permit + plan, then 1-2 weeks construction, then 1 week for inspections. This scenario illustrates that even a single plumbing-fixture relocation triggers permitting in Collinsville — homeowners often try to skip this step to save the permit fee, but Collinsville Inspectors (especially when called by a neighbor or during a resale inspection) will catch it and issue a stop-work notice, which then requires a retroactive permit at 150% fee plus potential fines.
Permit required (plumbing fixture relocation) | Plumbing permit only, no building/electrical/mechanical | Plan must show trap-arm distance and vent routing | Lead-paint disclosure required (pre-1978) | Plumbing permit fee $150–$250 | Plan review 2-3 weeks | Rough + final plumbing inspections | Total project $2,500–$4,500

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Load-bearing wall removal and structural engineering in Collinsville kitchens

If you're removing a wall in your Collinsville kitchen, the first question is: is it load-bearing? Load-bearing walls run perpendicular to floor joists and support the weight of the structure above (roof, second floor, etc.). Non-load-bearing walls are infill and can be removed with minimal structural work. Per IRC R602 (Exterior Walls) and R602.10 (Headers), any load-bearing wall removal requires a properly sized beam (steel or LVL) that spans the opening and is supported on both sides by posts or existing walls. In older Collinsville homes (pre-1960), walls are often difficult to assess without opening them up; if you see a continuous beam above the wall (in the attic or second floor), or if the wall runs under a load-bearing wall on the second floor, it's load-bearing. To safely determine this, most Collinsville Building Inspectors will want one of two things: (1) a visual inspection of the wall in question by the Building Inspector themselves (free, but they may not commit until after plan submission), or (2) a structural engineer's letter (cost: $800–$1,500) stating the wall is non-load-bearing and no beam is required. Many homeowners try to skip this step, assume the wall is non-load-bearing, and proceed with demolition; if the Building Inspector later sees a wall removed without proper beam support, they will issue a stop-work order and require you to hire a structural engineer to engineer a retrofit (sistering beams, adding posts), which costs $2,000–$5,000 and delays the project by 4-6 weeks.

Plumbing vent routing and the 30-inch trap-arm rule in Collinsville kitchens

One of the most common RFI (Request for Information) issues in Collinsville kitchen permits is incomplete plumbing vent routing. Per IRC P2722, the trap-arm (the horizontal section of pipe from the P-trap to the vent stack) cannot exceed 30 inches in length. If your sink is more than 30 inches away from the nearest vent stack, you'll need to either (1) move the sink closer to the existing vent, (2) run a new vent up inside a wall to above the roof, or (3) install a cheater vent (a mechanical air-admittance valve, or AAV) under the sink cabinet. Collinsville inspectors generally accept AAVs as long as they're the correct size for the drain (1.5-inch for a kitchen sink), are installed at least 4 inches above the sink overflow rim, and are accessible (not hidden behind a cabinet). If you're proposing a new vent stack (a new pipe running from the kitchen drain to the roof), you'll need to show on the plumbing plan where it runs through upper floors and how it's routed through the roof. Many older Collinsville homes have cast-iron vent stacks that are corroded or partially blocked; if your new kitchen drain ties into an old cast-iron stack, the plumbing inspector will want to verify the stack is clear and properly sloped (1/4 inch per foot minimum). If the existing stack is compromised, you may need to abandon it and run a new plastic vent stack, which adds cost ($1,500–$2,500) and time (1-2 weeks routing and inspection). Always consult a licensed plumber and verify vent routing on the plan before submitting the permit; this single detail can derail a Collinsville kitchen remodel by 2-4 weeks.

City of Collinsville Building Department
City Hall, Collinsville, Illinois (exact address and hours available via city website or phone)
Phone: (618) 344-2700 or contact City Hall main line for Building Department extension | https://www.collinsville.il.us/ — check under 'Departments' or 'Permits' for online portal or application forms
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify locally; some municipalities have reduced hours or require appointment)

Common questions

Do I need a permit if I'm just replacing my kitchen appliances (stove, dishwasher, microwave)?

No, if the new appliances are the same size as the old ones and plug into the same existing outlets (or use the same hardwired connection for a range). If the new range or dishwasher requires a different circuit size, voltage, or gas connection, a permit is required. Always verify with Collinsville Building Department before you buy if you're uncertain.

How long does it take to get a kitchen remodel permit in Collinsville?

Plan review takes 3–4 weeks for an initial submission, then 1–2 weeks for corrected drawings (if RFIs are issued). Most projects are issued within 6–8 weeks from first submission to permit card in hand. If you hire a structural engineer or miss details on the first submission, add 1–2 more weeks.

What happens if I remove a kitchen wall without getting a permit?

If the wall is non-load-bearing, you may get away with it until the next home sale or refinance, when a Title Company or lender requires proof of permits. If the wall is load-bearing, the structure above may sag or crack, creating a safety hazard and a massive liability for you; Collinsville Building Inspectors can issue a stop-work order and require structural repairs (cost: $2,000–$5,000+) plus fines ($500–$1,500) and retroactive permit fees (150% of original permit cost).

Do I need an engineer's letter if I'm removing a wall in my Collinsville kitchen?

Only if the wall is load-bearing. A visual inspection by the Collinsville Building Inspector (done during plan review or on-site) can sometimes confirm a wall is non-load-bearing without an engineer; if there's any doubt, they will require a structural engineer's letter ($800–$1,500). It's cheaper to get the letter upfront than to be asked for it mid-project.

Can I do the kitchen remodel myself and pull the permit as an owner-builder?

Yes, owner-builder permits are allowed in Collinsville for owner-occupied homes. You pull the permit in your name, schedule all inspections, and are responsible for code compliance. If you hire unlicensed helpers, you remain liable for their work. Many homeowners hire a licensed general contractor instead to avoid liability and speed inspections.

What is the most common reason kitchen remodels get rejected or delayed in Collinsville?

Incomplete plumbing vent routing (missing trap-arm distance and vent detail), missing GFCI spacing on countertop outlets, no header sizing shown for wall removal, and missing range-hood duct termination detail. Submit complete, clear plans the first time and you'll avoid 1–2 week delays.

My home was built in 1968. Do I need lead-paint disclosure for a kitchen remodel in Collinsville?

Yes. Illinois law requires lead-paint disclosure for any home built before 1978 if renovations disturb painted surfaces. You must give the homeowner a disclosure form before work begins. Failure to disclose can create liability on resale ($5,000–$25,000+), even if your permit is approved.

What if my kitchen sink is below the sewer main line? Do I need a pump?

If your kitchen sink drains below the main sewer line (common in older Collinsville basements), you will need a sewage ejector pump to pump wastewater up to the main sewer or septic line. The pump requires its own permit and inspection, costs $2,500–$4,000 installed, and can add 1–2 weeks to the schedule. Ask a plumber to assess before you design the new sink location.

Can I vent my new range hood through the attic or out the soffit instead of the side wall?

No. Per IRC M1506 and Collinsville code, range-hood exhaust must terminate to the exterior at the wall, not into the attic or roof soffit. Venting into the attic can cause mold and moisture damage. The duct must be insulated if routed through unconditioned space, and the exterior termination must include a damper cap. Collinsville inspectors require a detail drawing showing this.

Is my Collinsville kitchen in a floodplain and do I need special permits?

Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center online or call Collinsville Building Department to confirm whether your address is in a mapped flood zone. If yes, any new mechanical equipment (furnace, electrical panel, HVAC) may need to be elevated above the base flood elevation (BFE), which can complicate kitchen electrical and mechanical work. Floodplain permits add 1–2 weeks to plan review.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current kitchen remodel (full) permit requirements with the City of Collinsville Building Department before starting your project.

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