Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026
The Short Answer
Yes. Any full kitchen remodel in McHenry — whether you're moving walls, relocating plumbing, adding circuits, or venting a range hood to the exterior — requires a building permit plus separate plumbing and electrical permits.
McHenry, unlike some neighboring municipalities, does not allow 'over-the-counter' approval for kitchen work; all kitchen permits go through formal plan review, which typically takes 4-6 weeks. The city Building Department requires three separate sub-permits (building, plumbing, electrical) filed together, and if your range hood vents to an exterior wall, you'll need to submit a mechanical plan showing duct size, termination cap, and wall penetration detail — this is a local enforcement point that trips up homeowners. McHenry's fee structure (typically $400–$1,200 depending on estimated valuation, plus $150–$400 per plumbing and electrical sub-permit) is roughly in line with other northern Illinois municipalities, but the city's plan-review timeline is stricter than some — expect the Building Department to request two or three revisions before sign-off. If your home was built before 1978, you'll also need to provide a lead-paint disclosure and may face additional requirements if lead is disturbed during demolition. The city sits in IECC climate zone 5A (north) and 4A (south), but kitchen remodels don't trigger climate-zone-specific code beyond standard insulation if you're opening walls.

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

McHenry kitchen remodel permits — the key details

McHenry Building Department requires a building permit for any kitchen remodel that involves structural changes, plumbing relocation, electrical additions, gas-line modifications, or range-hood venting. The threshold is low: moving a single load-bearing wall, relocating a sink, adding a new 20-amp small-appliance circuit, or cutting through an exterior wall for range-hood ductwork all trigger the permit requirement. The city does not offer exemptions for 'minor' electrical or plumbing work; per the International Residential Code (IRC) sections adopted by McHenry, any new branch circuit (IRC E3702) and any fixture relocation (IRC P2722) require formal plan review and inspection. Cosmetic-only work — replacing cabinets or countertops in the same location, swapping out an appliance on an existing circuit, painting, or installing new flooring — remains exempt. If you're only replacing your cooktop with a similar model on the same electrical feed and same gas line, no permit is needed; but if you're adding a new gas line, installing a different appliance footprint, or adding a circuit, you'll need one.

McHenry's permit process requires you to submit three separate applications simultaneously: a building permit (for framing, range-hood penetrations, and general scope), a plumbing permit (for sink relocation, drain routing, and venting), and an electrical permit (for new circuits, outlet spacing, and GFCI protection). The Building Department's plan-review process is not expedited; expect 4-6 weeks before you receive marked-up plans or a rejection notice. Common rejections in McHenry include missing duct-termination details for range hoods (the city requires a detailed drawing showing duct size, cap type, and wall flashing), incomplete electrical plans lacking the required two small-appliance 20-amp circuits (IRC E3702.12), counter receptacles not spaced within 48 inches of each other with every outlet GFCI-protected (IRC E3801), and plumbing drawings missing trap-arm slopes and secondary vent routing (IRC P2722). Load-bearing wall removal always requires a structural engineer's letter and beam sizing; McHenry's Building Department will not sign off on wall removal without this documentation. The city does not maintain an online portal for kitchen permits — you must submit hard copies (3 sets) or check with the department for current submission procedures, as this varies.

McHenry is located in northern Illinois (climate zone 5A and 4A), which means frost depth is 42 inches or deeper; this does not directly affect kitchen work, but if you're relocating a sink to an exterior wall, you'll need to account for freeze protection on trap lines and supply lines per IRC P2706. The city is within McHenry County, and the Building Department enforces the 2021 International Residential Code (or the 2015 IRC — confirm with the department, as code-cycle adoption varies). Lead-paint requirements are critical: if your home was built before 1978 and you're disturbing any painted surfaces (wall demolition, trim removal, cabinet removal), you must provide a lead-paint disclosure and may need lead-safe work practices or encapsulation per EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR Part 745). The Building Department does not enforce lead rules directly, but your contractor is liable, and the city may ask for an RRP-compliant work plan during plan review. Owner-builders are permitted in McHenry for owner-occupied homes, but the homeowner is still liable for all permit compliance and inspection sign-offs; most homeowners hire a licensed contractor to manage the permit process.

Inspection sequence for a full kitchen remodel in McHenry typically runs: rough plumbing (drains, vents, supply lines before concealment), rough electrical (all new circuits, outlets, GFCI installation, and panel modifications before drywall), framing (if walls are moved), drywall, final electrical (all outlets live-tested, GFCI function confirmed), final plumbing (all fixtures on and tested), and final building (range-hood termination, wall penetrations sealed, general code compliance). Each subtrade receives its own inspection; you cannot proceed to the next phase until the previous one passes. McHenry Building Department inspectors are reasonably responsive — expect inspection appointments within 2-3 business days of request. Fees for a full kitchen remodel typically range from $400–$1,200 for the building permit (based on estimated project valuation, usually 1-2% of the remodel cost), plus $150–$400 for plumbing and $150–$400 for electrical. A typical full kitchen remodel ($40,000–$60,000) will incur $600–$1,000 in total permit fees.

One unique McHenry-specific consideration: the city requires range-hood termination details on the building plan, including duct diameter, cap type (bird-screen, damper), and exterior wall flashing detail. If you're venting through a soffit or gable wall, McHenry inspectors will verify that the duct does not terminate in the attic (a common code violation). If your home has an attic or crawlspace, the inspector will also check that plumbing vents are properly sloped and that supply lines don't freeze-trap. Many homeowners discover during inspection that their existing kitchen plumbing lacks a secondary vent, which is required by IRC P2722 for any sink more than a certain distance from the main stack; adding this vent may require opening a wall or running a new vent line through an attic or rim space. Budget for plan revisions and potential scope increases during the permitting phase — these are common and can add 2-4 weeks to the timeline.

Three McHenry kitchen remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A
Cosmetic kitchen refresh — new cabinets and countertops, same-location appliances, McHenry bungalow built 1965
You're replacing your 1990s cabinets and laminate countertops with new custom cabinetry and granite; your cooktop stays in the same location (same gas connection, same electrical outlet), your sink moves 18 inches left but stays on the same supply and drain lines, and you're installing new flooring. This work triggers no permit because the sink relocation is only moving the fixture, not extending supply or drain lines — the existing lines can reach the new location. You're not opening walls, not adding circuits, not modifying gas lines. The only caveat: verify with McHenry Building Department that your existing plumbing actually can service the new sink location without re-routing the trap arm or adding a new secondary vent. If the plumbing runs are already in place and you're just opening the cabinets to access existing lines, you're good. However, if the sink move requires breaking into the wall to extend supply lines or reroute the drain, you'll need a plumbing permit. For a 1965 home, if you're demolishing walls or cabinets and disturbing lead paint, you must provide a lead-paint disclosure and use lead-safe work practices (EPA RRP Rule). This work should take 3-4 weeks, cost $8,000–$12,000 for materials and labor, and require zero permit fees — but budget $200–$400 for a pre-work lead-paint inspection if your home is pre-1978.
No permit required | Sink relocation must use existing supply/drain runs | Lead-paint disclosure required (pre-1978 home) | Estimated labor + materials $8,000–$12,000 | No permit fees | Possible lead-safe work practices add $500–$1,000
Scenario B
Kitchen remodel with new island, plumbing relocation, and exterior range-hood vent — 2-story colonial in historic McHenry neighborhood
You're gutting the kitchen, moving the sink from the outer wall to a new island in the center of the room, adding a new cooktop on the outer wall with a 30-inch range hood venting to the exterior, and adding two new 20-amp circuits (one for the island prep area, one for the range hood). This triggers building, plumbing, and electrical permits. The plumbing permit requires a detailed plan showing the new island supply lines (hot and cold, sloped for drainage), the new drain line from the island sink (with a trap arm that doesn't exceed the distance allowed per IRC P2722 without a secondary vent — typically 3.5 feet before a vent is required), and the secondary vent routing (which may go up through a wall or through the basement rim to the attic vent). The building permit requires a plan showing the range-hood opening cut through the outer wall, the duct size and termination cap, and wall framing details if the hood vents between studs or requires header support. The electrical permit requires plans showing the two new 20-amp circuits, GFCI protection on all countertop receptacles (within 48 inches of the sink), and a dedicated circuit for the range hood (which may be 120V or 240V depending on the unit). If your home is in McHenry's historic district (many 2-story colonials are), the Building Department may also require architectural review for the exterior wall penetration; this can add 1-2 weeks to the timeline. Plan-review timeline: 5-6 weeks. Inspections: rough plumbing (before island concealment), rough electrical (before drywall), final plumbing (all fixtures on), final electrical (all circuits live-tested), final building (range-hood duct and cap inspected). Permit fees: $700–$1,200 (building), $250–$400 (plumbing), $250–$400 (electrical). If you're refinancing or planning to sell within 2 years, get the permit sign-offs — they'll be required for a title company or lender.
Building permit required | Plumbing permit required | Electrical permit required | Possible historic-district architectural review | Two 20-amp small-appliance circuits required | Island sink requires secondary vent | Range-hood duct termination detail required | Estimated permit fees $1,200–$2,000 | Inspections: rough plumbing, rough electrical, framing, final (3-4 visits) | Timeline 5-6 weeks
Scenario C
Kitchen remodel with load-bearing wall removal and structural beam — ranch home, McHenry, expanding kitchen into former dining room
You're removing the wall between your kitchen and dining room to create an open floor plan; this wall is load-bearing (typical in ranches built 1950s-1980s in McHenry area, where the wall runs parallel to the roof ridge and supports collar ties or floor joists). Removing a load-bearing wall is a serious structural change and absolutely requires a building permit plus a structural engineer's letter detailing beam size, material (steel or engineered lumber), bearing points, and calculations per IRC R602. McHenry Building Department will not approve this work without a licensed structural engineer's signed and sealed drawings. You'll also likely be relocating electrical outlets or adding circuits in the open kitchen space (since the wall previously had outlets), and you may be moving plumbing if the old wall housed supply or drain lines. The full scope: (1) building permit with structural engineer's letter and beam sizing; (2) electrical permit for relocated outlets and any new circuits; (3) plumbing permit if any lines are affected; (4) potentially a mechanical permit if the range hood ductwork is modified to accommodate the larger space. The structural engineer's cost is $1,500–$3,000; the engineer submits the letter and drawings directly to the Building Department. McHenry's plan-review process will request clarification on bearing points, beam type, and how the beam will be supported (typically on posts or existing bearing walls on either side). Inspections include framing inspection (before the beam is concealed), electrical (before drywall), and final (wall and beam fully exposed and verified). Timeline: 6-8 weeks (engineer review adds time). Permit fees: $1,200–$1,800 (building), $200–$400 (electrical), $150–$300 (plumbing, if applicable). This is a project where hiring a general contractor with permitting experience is strongly advised — structural changes are complex and McHenry inspectors will scrutinize every detail. If you're owner-building, you're fully liable for engineer compliance and all code violations.
Building permit required | Structural engineer's letter and beam sizing required ($1,500–$3,000) | Electrical permit required | Plumbing permit if lines affected | McHenry will not approve wall removal without engineer drawings | Inspections: framing, electrical, final (3-4 visits) | Estimated permit fees $1,600–$2,500 plus engineer | Timeline 6-8 weeks

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Why McHenry's plan-review process is stricter than you expect

McHenry Building Department does not offer 'over-the-counter' approval for kitchen permits. Unlike some municipalities that allow simple electrical and plumbing work to be approved by the counter staff in one visit, McHenry routes all kitchen work through formal plan review. This means your three sub-permits (building, plumbing, electrical) are reviewed by separate plan examiners — the building examiner checks structural changes, range-hood penetrations, and wall framing; the plumbing examiner checks trap-arm slopes, vent routing, and fixture distances from stacks; the electrical examiner checks circuit count, GFCI placement, and outlet spacing. Each examiner will mark up your plans with requests for clarification or revision.

Common rejection points specific to McHenry: (1) Range-hood termination details are missing. The city requires you to show the duct diameter (typically 6 inches for a 30-inch range hood, 7-8 inches for larger hoods), the cap type (roof flashing and cap for roof termination, or wall-flashing cap for wall termination), and the framing opening. (2) Small-appliance circuits are incomplete. IRC E3702.12 requires two separate 20-amp circuits for the small-appliance area (countertops, island, sink); many homeowners submit plans showing only one circuit or a single 20-amp circuit feeding multiple outlets. (3) Plumbing vents are missing. If your island sink is more than 3.5 feet from the main vent stack (per IRC P2722), you need a secondary vent — many initial plans lack this detail, and the examiner will request a revision showing the vent routing. (4) Counter receptacles are not GFCI-protected or are spaced more than 48 inches apart. Every outlet within 6 feet of the kitchen sink must be GFCI-protected; all countertop outlets must be spaced within 48 inches of each other.

The revision cycle in McHenry typically adds 2-3 weeks. You submit plans, the examiner marks them up (7-10 days for review), you receive the marked-up plans, you hire your contractor or engineer to revise, you resubmit (another 7-10 days for review), and then you either get approval or receive a second round of requests. If you have structural changes, a second round of revisions is nearly guaranteed. Plan ahead for this timeline — many homeowners assume a 2-week permit turnaround and are surprised when their contractor calls in week 4 asking about plan status.

Plumbing and electrical specifics for McHenry kitchen work

McHenry enforces the 2021 International Residential Code (or 2015 IRC — confirm with the Building Department). For kitchen plumbing, the critical sections are IRC P2722 (drain and vent sizing), IRC P2706 (water supply protection), and IRC P2713 (trap-arm slope requirements). A kitchen sink trap arm cannot exceed 3.5 feet horizontally before the arm connects to a vent; if your drain line is longer, you need a secondary vent. Island sinks almost always need secondary vents because they're far from the main stack. The secondary vent can route vertically through the wall (the 'wet-vent' method, where the vent is within the same wall as the drain line) or through a rim-joist to an attic vent. McHenry inspectors are meticulous about trap-arm slopes — drains must slope 1/4 inch per foot toward the main stack. If a plumbing plan shows a flat or uphill trap arm, it will be rejected. Additionally, if you're installing a new sink farther than 80 feet from the main vent stack (rare in kitchens, but possible in large open homes), the distance-to-trap-size ratio may require an auxiliary vent (IRC P2713.2). Supply-line protection is also enforced: water supply lines must be sloped away from potential freeze zones if they run through an attic or exterior wall (IRC P2706).

Electrical is similarly detailed. The two small-appliance 20-amp circuits (IRC E3702.12) must serve only countertop outlets and small-appliance receptacles; they cannot feed permanent appliances like cooktops, ovens, or dishwashers. Each outlet must be a 20-amp-rated receptacle (not a 15-amp outlet on a 20-amp circuit). All countertop outlets and the outlet above the sink must be GFCI-protected; McHenry allows either GFCI circuit breakers (one in the panel) or GFCI receptacles. Many plans specify GFCI circuit breakers, which is acceptable and cleaner than daisy-chaining GFCI receptacles. The range hood requires its own circuit (120V or 240V depending on the model); if it's a high-end downdraft cooktop with a 240V motor, the circuit must be 240V. Dedicated circuits are also required for the cooktop (typically 240V, 40-50 amps) and dishwasher (120V, 20 amps). McHenry inspectors will verify that the electrical panel has sufficient capacity and that no single circuit exceeds its rating. If your panel is full or undersized, a service-upgrade permit may be needed (rare for kitchen work, but possible in older homes with 100-amp service).

City of McHenry Building Department
McHenry City Hall, 667 N. River Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: (815) 363-2500 (general) — ask for Building Department | Check City of McHenry website (mchenryil.gov) for online portal; some documents may require in-person filing
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (call to confirm current hours)

Common questions

Do I need a permit if I'm just replacing my kitchen sink in the same location?

No permit is required if you're replacing a sink with a similar model and the existing supply and drain lines reach the new fixture location without modification. However, if the existing lines cannot reach (for example, if the sink is moving 3 feet to the left), you'll need a plumbing permit to extend them. McHenry Building Department typically does not require permits for fixture-to-fixture swaps, but always call (815-363-2500) and describe the exact scope before assuming it's exempt.

What if I remove a wall between the kitchen and dining room — do I need a structural engineer?

Yes, absolutely. If the wall is load-bearing (which most interior kitchen-facing walls in ranches and colonials are), you must have a licensed structural engineer design a beam and provide signed, sealed drawings. McHenry Building Department will not approve load-bearing wall removal without engineering documentation. The engineer's letter and beam design will cost $1,500–$3,000 and adds 2-3 weeks to the permit timeline.

Can I run my range hood duct into the attic instead of venting it to the exterior?

No. McHenry (and the IRC) strictly prohibit range-hood termination in attics, crawlspaces, or inside wall cavities. Range-hood ducts must terminate to the exterior, through a wall or roof, with a cap and damper. McHenry inspectors will verify exterior termination during final inspection and will fail the permit if the duct is routed to the attic.

How many outlets do I need in my new kitchen island?

Per IRC E3702.12, countertop outlets must be spaced no more than 48 inches apart (measured from the nearest point of the outlet to the nearest point of the next outlet along the countertop). For an island, this typically means 2-3 outlets depending on the island's length. All must be GFCI-protected and fed by the two dedicated 20-amp small-appliance circuits. McHenry's electrical plan examiner will verify spacing on your submitted plan.

My home was built in 1970. Do I need a lead-paint inspection for my kitchen remodel?

Yes, you must provide a lead-paint disclosure for any work disturbing paint or lead-painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home. If you're demolishing walls or cabinets, your contractor must follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, Paint) Rule practices (40 CFR Part 745), which include containment, HEPA vacuuming, and waste disposal. McHenry Building Department does not directly enforce lead rules, but your contractor is liable. Budget $500–$1,000 for lead-safe work practices and possible encapsulation.

What is the typical timeline from permit application to final sign-off in McHenry?

Expect 4-6 weeks for plan review (longer if you have structural changes or historic-district review), plus 2-4 weeks for construction and inspections. Total: 6-10 weeks from application to final permit sign-off. Delays occur if plans are rejected, if inspectors request revisions, or if your contractor is slow to schedule inspections. Always allow extra time and start the permit process before your contractor is ready to begin work.

How much will my kitchen-remodel permits cost in McHenry?

A typical full kitchen remodel ($40,000–$60,000 estimated valuation) will incur $400–$1,200 in building permit fees (usually 1-2% of valuation), plus $150–$400 for plumbing and $150–$400 for electrical. Total permit fees: $700–$2,000. If you have structural work (beam design, engineer letter), add $1,500–$3,000. If you have historic-district architectural review, add $200–$500.

Can I pull the permits myself, or do I have to hire a contractor or architect?

Owner-builders are permitted in McHenry for owner-occupied homes. You can pull permits yourself, but you remain liable for all code compliance and inspections. Most homeowners hire a licensed contractor or a permit-expediting service to manage the process, as the plan-review requirements (especially for structural or range-hood details) are technical. If you choose to DIY the permits, contact McHenry Building Department (815-363-2500) early to understand the scope and submission requirements.

Will my kitchen remodel require a mechanical permit for the range hood?

Usually no — the range hood and ductwork are reviewed under the building permit as part of the wall-penetration and exterior-termination details. However, if you're replacing a range hood with a unit that requires a larger duct or a damper not present in the original installation, the building examiner may require a mechanical plan showing duct sizing and damper operation. This is not a separate mechanical permit, but it is an additional drawing requirement.

What happens during the final inspection for my kitchen permit?

Final inspection verifies that all permitted work complies with approved plans and code. The inspector checks: all electrical outlets are live and GFCI-protected where required, plumbing fixtures are on and operating (no leaks), trap arms are sloped correctly, range-hood duct terminates to the exterior with cap in place, walls are framed correctly if any were modified, and drywall is installed. The final inspection is your sign-off — once passed, the permit is closed and your work is code-compliant. If deficiencies are found, you'll have a 'hold order' until corrections are made and re-inspection is requested.

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 McHenry Building Department before starting your project.

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