Clark County, IL: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Unincorporated Clark County, Illinois does not appear to require a county building permit, but the City of Marshall requires building permits for all building types inside city limits and has its own zoning ordinance^1,2. Clark County does not appear to administer countywide zoning, though the county has not published an express no-zoning statement³. Septic permits for any address come from the Clark County Health Department, and a driveway from a county highway needs a permit from the county superintendent of highways^4,5.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required in unincorporated Clark County¹
Zoning: No countywide zoning administration confirmed for unincorporated land³
Septic permit: $100 permit required from the Clark County Health Department⁴
Septic soils: About 0% of the county's soils have no severe limits for a conventional drain field⁶
Off-grid sanitation: Approved options include composting and incinerating toilets, subject to state design rules and local approval⁷
Farm buildings: The zoning exemption is conditional on agriculture being the land's principal activity⁸
County-highway driveway: Permit required from the county superintendent of highways⁵

Who to call

Also useful

Clark County Clerk & Recorder / County Board

General county contact, courthouse records and the first call for anything not assigned to another county office, since the county lists no building or zoning department

217-826-8311

501 Archer Ave., Marshall, IL 62441

Roads & driveways

Clark County Highway Department

Truck, utility and culvert permits for the county's 165 miles of county roads and bridges, under County Highway Engineer Dallas Richardson

217-826-8311

dbennettcchd@gmail.com

Online permits →

One more officeSeptic permits

Septic permits

Clark County Health Department (Environmental Health)

Private sewage (septic) system plan review, permits and installation inspections for Clark County

217-967-2243

997 N York St, Martinsville, IL 62442

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Clark County, Illinois?

Unincorporated Clark County does not appear to require a county building permit, because its permits page lists only truck, utility and culvert permits.

Unincorporated Clark County does not appear to require a county building permit, because its permits page lists only truck, utility and culvert permits¹. Inside the City of Marshall the rule is different: a building permit must be issued before construction begins on all building types and accessory structures, including fences, porches, storage buildings, garages and carports². Septic is separate in both places and stays with the county health department⁴. Illinois does not issue building permits, perform building inspections or issue occupancy certificates for privately funded work; those functions belong to the applicable local government when required⁹. A permit answer is not the same as a code answer: statewide baseline building-code requirements took effect in 2025, local codes must comply with the Capital Development Board Act, and jurisdictions without an adopted code are treated as non-building-code jurisdictions under the state framework⁹. Before construction, call the County Clerk & Recorder / County Board to confirm the parcel is outside a municipality and that Clark County has not adopted a local permit process since the county published its current permits page³.

Who do you contact about county permits and land questions in Clark County?

Clark County lists no building or zoning department, so the County Clerk & Recorder / County Board is the practical first call for parcel jurisdiction and local construction questions: 217-826-8311 at 501 Archer Ave., Marshall, IL 62441³. The Clark County Highway Department handles the county's published truck, utility and culvert permits and accepts completed forms at dbennettcchd@gmail.com¹. State law separately requires a permit from the county superintendent of highways before laying out a private or public driveway from a county highway; that rule does not answer access from a township road⁵. Septic plan review, permits and installation inspections go through the Clark County Health Department at 217-967-2243, 997 N York St, Martinsville, IL 62442⁴.

Does Clark County have zoning?

Clark County appears not to administer countywide zoning in unincorporated areas because its official directory lists no planning or zoning office.

Clark County appears not to administer countywide zoning in unincorporated areas because its official directory lists no planning or zoning office³. The county has not published an express no-zoning statement, so ask the County Clerk & Recorder / County Board to confirm the parcel's status before relying on that answer³. We could not confirm Clark County standards for setbacks, building height, minimum lot size or minimum dwelling size. Illinois allows those standards to vary by locally adopted zoning district rather than imposing one countywide number from the state⁸. The agricultural exemption is also narrower than a general farm label: where county zoning powers are exercised, agriculture must be the principal activity on the land; agricultural buildings can still be subject to building or setback lines, and a county may set a minimum lot size for a residence on agricultural land⁸.

Inside the City of Marshall, a zoning ordinance regulates the location, construction and use of buildings and land, and site plan review applies to every building-permit application there². That city ordinance does not govern unincorporated land².

How do septic permits work in Clark County?

Before installing a private sewage system in Clark County, contact the Clark County Health Department's Environmental Health division; the permit application fee is $100.

Before installing a private sewage system in Clark County, contact the Clark County Health Department's Environmental Health division; the permit application fee is $100⁴. Clark County's local health agency reviews plans within the Illinois Department of Public Health regulatory system, which covers systems with no surface discharge and qualifying ground-surface discharges of up to 1,500 gallons per day¹⁰. A homeowner or an Illinois-licensed private sewage contractor may install the system, and approval may require analysis by a certified soil scientist⁴. About 0% of Clark County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain the site evaluation before choosing a system⁶. The county application sets minimum distances: a septic tank at least 50 feet from a well, and a subsurface seepage field at least 75 feet from wells and at least 5 feet from a property line¹¹. Plan approval is required before construction, and the responsible state or local authority must receive at least 48 hours' notice before work begins¹².

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on your land in Clark County?

We could not confirm a Clark County rule allowing or restricting full-time RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated areas; ask the County Clerk & Recorder / County Board before buying for one of those uses³. Illinois campground licensing covers temporary RV parking at regulated campgrounds, not permission to live in an RV on private land¹³. Illinois does recognize off-grid sanitation options including privies, chemical, recirculating, incinerating and composting toilets and holding tanks, but each must meet state design, construction, operation and maintenance rules, and Clark County approval may still be required⁷. Those options address human waste, not land-use permission or all household wastewater. Manufactured homes remain subject to statewide installation and anchoring rules, while local zoning, floodplain and utility requirements can also apply¹⁴.

Building a home in Clark County: what are the steps, in order?

Confirm with the County Clerk & Recorder / County Board that the parcel is unincorporated; if it is inside the City of Marshall, apply to the city for a building permit and zoning review first.

Confirm with the County Clerk & Recorder / County Board that the parcel is unincorporated; if it is inside the City of Marshall, apply to the city for a building permit and zoning review first^2,3.
Plan the home to satisfy the applicable Illinois baseline building-code framework even though Clark County does not require a county building permit^1,9.
Ask the Clark County Health Department to review the septic plan and site conditions before fixing the house location^4,10.
Obtain septic plan approval, then give the responsible authority at least 48 hours' notice before installation begins¹².
Obtain a county permit before laying out a driveway from a county highway, or an IDOT permit before work in a state-highway right-of-way^5,15.
Check for regulated floodway work before construction near a stream¹⁶.

What should you check before buying land in Clark County?

Start with soils and wastewater: about 0% of Clark County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make Health Department review a purchase contingency when the parcel has no approved system^4,6. Confirm legal access and identify who maintains the road; a driveway from a county highway requires a county permit, while work in a state-highway right-of-way requires IDOT approval^5,15. Check flood mapping because construction in a regulated rural floodway may require a state permit¹⁶. If a farm-use plan matters, verify that agriculture will be the principal activity instead of assuming every rural structure receives the agricultural zoning exemption⁸. Clark County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.7%, and the median annual bill is about $2,073⁶. If you plan to split the land, Illinois requires a surveyed subdivision plat when any resulting part is under 5 acres, and outside a city the plat goes to the county board¹⁷.

Watch-outs

Clark County's building-permit and zoning answers are not express ordinance statements; call the County Clerk & Recorder / County Board at 217-826-8311 before relying on them^1,3.
No official rule on RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy on private land was found for unincorporated Clark County; that silence is not a confirmed yes, so ask the County Clerk's office before you buy with that plan in mind³.
A composting toilet or other approved off-grid toilet does not by itself establish permission to occupy a parcel or dispose of other household wastewater⁷.
Marshall's building-permit and zoning rules apply only inside city limits, not to unincorporated Clark County².

Sources

17 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Clark County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 4 of the neighbors with published rules, Clark County has no countywide zoning.

Rule	Clark County	Crawford County	Cumberland County	Edgar County	Jasper County	Coles County	Douglas County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Limited	Not required	Not required	Required
County zoning	No	No	No	Not published	No	No	Not published
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Public Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.

Cities and towns in Clark County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Anderson Township · Auburn Township · Casey · Casey Township · Darwin Township · Dolson Township · Douglas Township · Johnson Township · Marshall Township · Martinsville · Martinsville Township · Melrose Township · Orange Township · Parker Township · Wabash Township · Westfield Township · Village of Westfield · York Township

Answers from the rulebook for Clark County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Clark County rules

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Installation of private sewage systems regulated by the Clark County Health Department.
- The homeowner must own and occupy the personal single-family residence.
- Work not done by the homeowner must be performed by a licensed contractor.
- A health-department permit and approval remain required for septic installation.
“Note: Work not done by homeowner (must own & occupy) the personal single family residence must be done by a licensed contractor.”
Private Sewage Disposal System Plan Review Application ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Private sewage-system component setbacks shown in the Clark County Health Department septic application.
- These measurements apply to septic tank and subsurface seepage-field siting, not necessarily to general building or zoning setbacks.
- The application states that the system must conform to the Illinois State Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code and the Clark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance.
septic tank to building: >= 5 ft · septic tank to seepage field: >= 5 ft · septic tank to well: >= 50 ft · septic tank to water line, pressure: >= 10 ft · septic tank to water line, suction: >= 50 ft · septic tank to lake, stream, other body of water, or in-ground swimming pool: >= 25 ft · subsurface field to building: >= 10 ft · subsurface field to wells: >= 75 ft · subsurface field to pressure water line: >= 25 ft · subsurface field to suction water line: >= 75 ft · subsurface field to artificial drain: >= 10 ft · subsurface field to property line: >= 5 ft · subsurface field to lake, stream, other body of water, or in-ground swimming pool: >= 25 ft
“Septic Tank Location, Size and Minimum Distances required to the following: a. Building…………………………..5' b. Seepage Field……………………..5' c. Wells……………………………...50'”
Private Sewage Disposal System Plan Review Application ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installation of a private sewage system in Clark County.
- Contact the Environmental Health office before installation to obtain an application.
- A soil analysis by a certified soil scientist may be needed before approval.
- A $100.00 permit application fee payable to the Clark County Health Department is required.
- Only an Illinois-licensed private sewage installation contractor or the homeowner may install the system.
permit application fee: 100 USD
“A $100.00 Permit Application fee payable to the Clark County Health Department is also required.”
Septic – Clark County Health Department ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction or installation of private sewage systems in Clark County, Illinois.
  “A $100.00 Permit Application fee payable to the Clark County Health Department is also required.”
  Septic – Clark County Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of private sewage systems in Clark County.
- Clark County Environmental Health staff inspect the installation to ensure proper installation.
- For aeration systems, the dealer must furnish an initial two-year service policy; renewal is recommended for routine inspection and maintenance.
initial aeration-system service policy: 2 years
“Improperly constructed and maintained private sewage disposal systems can pose health risks, therefore the Environmental Health staff review plans and inspect the installation of systems to ensure that these systems are installed properly.”
Septic – Clark County Health Department ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Private, non-public sewer sanitation systems in Clark County, including aeration systems, septic tanks with subsurface seepage fields, buried sand filters, and holding tanks.
- Plans must be reviewed and approved by Clark County Environmental Health before construction.
- The system must be inspected during installation.
- The system must conform to the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code.
- A $100.00 permit application fee is required.
- Only an Illinois-licensed private sewage installation contractor or the homeowner may install the system.
- A soil analysis by a certified soil scientist may be required.
permit application fee: 100 USD
“Such systems include but are not limited to aeration systems, septic tanks with subsurface seepage fields or buried sand filters or holding tanks.”
Septic – Clark County Health Department ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Private sewage system permit applications administered by the Clark County Health Department.
- Environmental Health staff review and approve private sewage disposal plans before construction.
- A soil analysis by a certified soil scientist may be needed before approval.
- The fee applies to the private sewage permit application, not necessarily to other county permits.
permit application fee: 100 USD
“A $100.00 Permit Application fee payable to the Clark County Health Department is also required.”
clarkhd.org ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Permit processPartial
Permit materials published by Clark County for county-administered permit transactions.
- Completed permits are directed to be emailed to dbennettcchd@gmail.com.
- The page publishes a Clark County General Truck Permit and a Clark County Utility Permit Application and Policy.
- The page provides payment links for a permit and for culvert payments.
- The published page does not establish a complete countywide process for every permit type.
“Please email completed permits to : dbennettcchd@gmail.com Clark County General Truck Permit 2017.docx Clark County UTILITY PERMIT APPLICATION and Policy.docx Bill Pay Links Pay for a Permit Culvert Payments”
The Official Website of Clark County, IL - Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
The official county departments directory lists no zoning or planning department, indicating the county does not administer countywide zoning in unincorporated areas.
Clark County, IL — Departments ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Illinois rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Privately funded construction in Illinois; the State does not itself issue building permits, while any required permit is addressed by the applicable local government.
- Permit requirements may be imposed and administered by the municipality, village, city, or county having jurisdiction.
- The Illinois Capital Development Board states that statewide building codes became effective 1/1/2025, while local code officials remain the best source for project-specific answers.
statewide building-code effective date: 2025-01-01
“No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Not required — Issuance of building permits by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
  “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Building-code requirements statewide in Illinois, including residential and commercial construction subject to the Capital Development Board Act baseline requirements.
- Effective 2025-01-01, Illinois requires statewide baseline building-code requirements.
- Local governments may adopt building codes, but they are not required to adopt codes; jurisdictions that do not adopt a code are treated as non-building-code jurisdictions and must follow the applicable state-law baseline requirements.
- For jurisdictions with adopted codes, local codes must regulate structural design at least as stringently as the applicable IRC, IBC, or IEBC baseline.
- Commercial buildings in non-building-code jurisdictions and state-funded buildings are subject to the state-listed codes and qualified-inspection requirements.
- Residential requirements differ depending on whether the jurisdiction has adopted a compliant building code and whether the home purchaser and builder agree to an alternative code.
statewide baseline effective date: 2025-01-01 · local code structural minimum for residential buildings: IRC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for commercial new buildings: IBC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for existing commercial buildings: IEBC minimum structural requirements
“The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. [...] Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IBC© for new buildings or IEBC© for existing buildings. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code where agreed to by the home purchaser and home builder. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have adopted a building code. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IRC©.”
Illinois Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Statewide Illinois baseline building-code requirements, including jurisdictions in Clark County, subject to whether the local jurisdiction has adopted a compliant building code.
  “Locally adopted building codes must comply with the requirements of the Act.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
- Partial — Construction in Clark County to the extent governed by Illinois statewide baseline building-code requirements; county-specific adoption remains unestablished.
  “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. Until then, units of local government such as cities and counties can adopt codes of their choice.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Partial — Statewide Illinois building-code baseline and non-building-code-jurisdiction requirements potentially applicable to unincorporated Clark County construction; this does not establish that Clark County adopted a local building code.
  “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- Adopted — Statewide baseline building-code requirements for residential construction in Illinois, including jurisdictions with and without locally adopted building codes.
  “Please be advised that the State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide baseline building codes effective 1/1/2025. Locally adopted building codes must comply with the requirements of the Act.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Non-state commercial buildings in Illinois jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code.
- Applies to non-state commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code.
- A qualified inspector must inspect the building and state that it complies with the listed applicable codes.
- The rule is identified by the Illinois Capital Development Board as required by 20 ILCS 3105/10.09-1.
- This statewide rule does not establish that Clark County is a non-building-code jurisdiction.
effective date: 2025-01-01
“Non-state buildings must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating the building complies with the above codes.”
Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Not required — Building-code-compliance inspections performed by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
  “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.
  “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyNot required
Occupancy permits issued by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
- This claim concerns state issuance only; a municipality or county may require or issue an occupancy permit.
- The Illinois CDB FAQ states that if permits or inspections are required for privately funded construction, they are addressed by the unit of local government.
“No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Not required — Issuance of occupancy permits or certificates by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
  “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Occupancy permits or certificates for privately funded construction in Illinois.
  “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
County zoning districts outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.
- The applicable county zoning ordinance determines the actual height limit by district or use.
- No single statewide height measurement was identified.
“including height of buildings and structures”
55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Occupancy of manufactured homes as dwellings, including occupancy in manufactured home communities regulated by IDPH.
- Manufactured home communities with 5 or more sites must be licensed by IDPH, except communities located in home rule units.
- IDPH annually inspects licensed communities for renewal, including water, sewage disposal, electrical systems, lighting, roads, spacing of homes, and garbage disposal.
- Manufactured homes moved since January 1, 1980 must be secured using equipment meeting IDPH standards.
- Effective December 31, 2001, manufactured homes must be installed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner and installed according to manufacturer instructions; if unavailable, the IDPH Manufactured Home Installation Code applies.
- Local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility requirements may also apply.
manufactured home community license threshold: >= 5 sites (Communities located in home rule units are excepted from this IDPH licensing statement.) · moved-home tiedown requirement effective date: >= 1980-01-01 · installation requirement effective date: >= 2001-12-31
“designed and situated so as to permit its occupancy as a dwelling place for one or more persons”
Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Who permits septicMixed
Private sewage disposal systems in Clark County subject to Illinois Department of Public Health regulation and local health-agency review.
- IDPH regulates installation of private sewage systems with no surface discharge and systems discharging treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface.
- Local health agencies may review plans by local ordinance or as an agent of IDPH.
ground-surface discharge limit: <= 1500 gallons per day (Systems with no surface discharge are also covered.)
“The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates [...] There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- State — Private sewage disposal systems governed by Illinois statewide requirements, including Clark County.
  “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems).”
  Private Sewage Disposal – Illinois Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- Mixed — Installation and plan approval for private sewage disposal systems statewide in Illinois.
  “There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
  Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Well permitRequired
Construction of a new water well, modification of an existing water well, or sealing of an abandoned water well in Illinois.
- A permit must be obtained from the Illinois Department of Public Health or an approved local health department before work begins.
- The application must use Department or approved local health department forms and include a plan and drawing of the proposed construction.
- The plan must include the lot size, slope, property lines, distances to septic tanks, abandoned wells, property lines, seepage fields, sewers, and other contamination sources; driller license number and name; estimated daily pumping capacity if greater than 100,000 gallons per day; well location; owner name and address; well type; estimated depth; well-use type; and proposed aquifer.
- The permit is void if construction has not commenced within one year after issuance.
- The permit fee for constructing, deepening, modifying, or sealing a water well may not exceed $100.
- The Department will deny a permit request when available information indicates groundwater contamination exceeds Class I groundwater standards, subject to the treatment approval provision in subsection (f)(2).
- The permittee must notify the Department, approved local health department, or approved unit of local government by telephone or in writing at least two days before work begins.
maximum water well permit fee: <= 100 USD · permit commencement deadline: 1 year after issuance (Permit is void if construction has not commenced within that period.) · pre-work notification: >= 2 days (Notification may be by telephone or in writing.)
“A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction, modification, or sealing of private water wells in Illinois, including Clark County.
  “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
  Private Water & Closed Loop Wells – Illinois Department of Public Health ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)
Each building in Illinois intended for human habitation or occupancy, where the Illinois Plumbing Code applies to its plumbing-system design or installation.
- Water may be supplied by a public water system, semi-private water system, or private water supply constructed under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 920 or 930.
- Sewage may be connected to a public sewer system or a private sewage disposal system constructed under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.
- All installations must also comply with applicable State and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and local codes.
- Individually owned residences sharing a common wall or ownership right with ground-floor access, such as townhouses or rowhouses, are separate buildings and require separate connections; a condominium-association residence may instead use one public-water service line to a centralized manifold or meter room with independent shutoff valves, a main shutoff valve at the property line, and compliance with local water-department or water-authority requirements.
- A private water supply may be interconnected with a public water system only when it is located and constructed under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 920 and 925 and the public system is protected against backflow and back siphonage under Section 890.1130; no physical connection is permitted between a potable-water system and a non-potable-water source.
“Each building [...] shall have a connection to a public water system, [...] and a connection to a public sewer system or private sewage disposal system”
77 Ill. Adm. Code 890.170 — Sewer and/or Water Required ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural land and agricultural buildings in counties exercising zoning powers under Division 5-12 of the Illinois Counties Code, including Clark County if such county zoning powers are exercised.
- The agricultural purpose must constitute the principal activity on the land.
- The statute lists agricultural activities including farm crops, truck garden crops, animal and poultry husbandry, apiculture, aquaculture, dairying, floriculture, horticulture, nurseries, tree farms, sod farms, pasturage, viticulture, and wholesale greenhouses.
- The exemption does not cover parcels under 5 acres from which $1,000 or less of agricultural products were sold in a calendar year in counties with populations between 300,000 and 400,000 or contiguous counties, or parcels under 5 acres in counties with populations over 400,000.
- Agricultural buildings may still be required to conform to building or setback lines, and counties may establish a minimum lot size for residences on agricultural land.
- Extraction of sand, gravel, or limestone is not included in agricultural purposes and may be regulated by county zoning ordinance.
- Agricultural-purpose building permits must be issued free of charge under the statute.
permit fee for agricultural-purpose buildings: 0 USD (The statute says permits shall be issued free of charge.) · minimum lot size for agricultural residences: county may establish (This is an authorization, not a Clark County-specific numeric standard.)
“nor shall they be exercised so as to impose regulations, eliminate uses, buildings, or structures, or require permits with respect to land used for agricultural purposes”
55 ILCS 5/ Counties Code, Division 5-12 Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available — Agricultural experiences conducted as a secondary use with agricultural production on a farm in Illinois.
  “a county shall not require a conditional use permit [...] or variance for agricultural experiences on property of which the primary use is agricultural production.”
  Public Act 102-0492 — Agricultural Experiences Act ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land in Clark County, including unincorporated areas, under the Illinois Plat Act.
- When land is subdivided into 2 or more parts and any part is less than 5 acres, the Act requires a survey and subdivision plat by an Illinois Registered Land Surveyor.
- The Act does not apply, and no subdivision plat is required, for specified exceptions including divisions into parcels or tracts of 5 acres or more without new streets or easements of access; certain divisions in recorded subdivisions; adjoining-owner exchanges; certain utility, railroad, public-purpose, corrective-description, and historic-parcel conveyances; and a single lot under 5 acres from a larger tract when surveyed, subject to the stated no-subsequent-lots and local-requirements limitations.
- Counties may establish standards or ordinances reducing the acreage minimum to less than 5 acres but not less than 2 acres, or may supplement the Act's requirements.
- For land outside a city, village, or town and not affected by an official municipal plan, the plat must be submitted to the county board for approval.
- Approval also requires the statutory drainage statement and written approvals concerning roadway access and, where applicable, sewage disposal; the reviewing authority generally has 90 days to respond to the relevant application.
trigger parcel size: < 5 acres (Subdivision into 2 or more parts; statutory exceptions apply.) · possible county acreage minimum: >= 2 acres (A county may reduce the Act's 5-acre threshold by local standards or ordinance.) · review response period: 90 days (May be changed by mutual agreement.)
“Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (b) of this Section whenever the owner of land subdivides it into 2 or more parts, any of which is less than 5 acres, he must have it surveyed and a subdivision plat thereof made by an Illinois Registered Land Surveyor”
765 ILCS 205/ Plat Act ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Work associated with driveway or entrance access within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway in Clark County, Illinois.
- An IDOT permit is required before work starts.
- A copy of the approved permit must remain at the worksite at all times.
- Highway Permits apply to non-utility work in the right-of-way; utility work uses Utility Permits.
- Requirements may vary by IDOT district.
- IDOT may require a letter of request, location map, detailed drawings, traffic studies, traffic control plan, a bond, or other information depending on the district's requirements.
- For larger developments, subdivisions, or permits with signals or turn lanes, IDOT states to allow 9 to 14 months from first submission to permit issuance.
“Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
Highway Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Private or public access roads and driveways laid out from a county highway, including county highways in Clark County, Illinois.
  “Sec. 5-413. Access roads and driveways for private and public use may, upon receipt of a permit from the county superintendent of highways, be laid out from a county highway in accordance with regulations adopted by the county board.”
  605 ILCS 5/5-413 — Access roads and driveways ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
- Required — Work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway, including access-driveway requests to State highways.
  “Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
  Highway Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development and construction in Illinois floodways and mapped floodplains, including applicable areas of Clark County.
- All construction activities in floodways of streams with drainage areas of at least one square mile in urban areas or ten square miles in rural areas must be permitted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division before construction.
- If a floodway has not been delineated, the Division generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain.
- A permit application submittal to the Division is not needed for construction activity that meets the terms and conditions of a statewide permit.
- A local permit is always required for work in the floodplain regardless of any state floodway permit.
- The cited statewide sources do not identify a Clark County-specific local floodplain ordinance or administrator.
minimum stream drainage area in urban area: >= 1 square mile · minimum stream drainage area in rural area: >= 10 square miles
“All construction activities in the floodways of streams (the channel and the adjacent portion of the floodplain that is needed to safely convey and store flood waters) in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more or in rural areas where the stream drainage area is ten square miles or more must be permitted by the Division prior to construction. [...] If a floodway has not been previously delineated, the Division generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain. A number of common minor construction activities regulated under the Part 3700 rules are automatically authorized by statewide permits. A permit application submittal to the Division is not needed for a construction activity that meets the terms and conditions of a statewide permit.”
Permit Program ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction activities in regulated Illinois floodways and, where a floodway has not been delineated, generally work anywhere in the floodplain.
  “All construction activities in the floodways of streams (the channel and the adjacent portion of the floodplain that is needed to safely convey and store flood waters) in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more or in rural areas where the stream drainage area is ten square miles or more must be permitted by the Division prior to construction.”
  Permit Program ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term rentals in Illinois where at least one room is rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days and accommodations are reserved in advance, when the hosting platform meets the statutory definition of a re-renter.
- Beginning July 1, 2025, qualifying hosting platforms are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.
- The source establishes tax and registration obligations, not statewide land-use permission; local zoning and licensing may separately apply.
rental period: < 30 consecutive days
“Beginning July 1, 2025, hosting platforms for short-term rentals that meet the definition of “re-renter” are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.”
FY 2025-28, Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax Updates for Hosting Platforms for Short-Term Rentals ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Operation of a campground providing temporary parking of recreational vehicles in Illinois; this is not a determination of long-term RV occupancy on an individual private parcel outside the statutory campground definition.
- IDPH annually inspects and licenses covered campgrounds.
- A covered campground includes an area where three or more tents, cabins, recreational vehicles, or other shelters are erected and maintained for camping, or where space is provided for camping or temporary RV parking for 10 or more persons for six or more camping days in a calendar year.
- Campgrounds within home-rule units of government are exempt from this State program.
- IDPH inspects water supply and sewage disposal systems, electrical systems, sanitation, food service, and recreational facilities.
- IDPH reviews construction plans for new campgrounds and major expansions or alterations.
- Local zoning and other local requirements may separately apply.
recreational vehicles or other shelters erected and maintained for camping: >= 3 shelters (One alternative branch of the statutory campground definition.) · persons using space for camping or temporary RV parking: >= 10 persons (Applies for six or more camping days during a calendar year.) · camping days: >= 6 days per calendar year (Applies to the 10-or-more-person branch of the statutory campground definition.)
“State law requires the IDPH to annually inspect and license campgrounds in Illinois. The Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act defines campground as a recreational area where three or more tents, cabins, recreational vehicles or other permanent or non-permanent type shelters are erected and maintained for camping or where space is provided for camping, temporary parking of recreational vehicles or placing of such tents, cabins, recreational vehicles or other permanent or non-permanent type shelters of any kind for 10 or more persons for six or more camping days during a calendar year.”
Youth Camps and Campgrounds ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.
  ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  Youth Camps and Campgrounds ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Temporary camping in covered Illinois campgrounds; this claim does not establish whether camping is allowed on a private parcel outside the statutory campground definition.
  “Campgrounds within home rule units of government are exempt. Staff inspects the water supply and sewage disposal systems, the electrical systems, general sanitation, food service and recreational facilities. IDPH also reviews construction plans for all new campgrounds and for major expansions or alterations of existing ones.”
  Youth Camps and Campgrounds ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
county building authorityLimited
County building-construction and building-code regulation, including residential structures, in counties meeting the statutory population and metropolitan-area conditions.
- The county must have a population not in excess of 1,000,000.
- The county must be located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.
- Rules are subject to rules or regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal under the cited gasoline and volatile-oils statute.
- The county must exempt municipalities located wholly or partly within the county when the municipal building code is equal to the county regulation and local authorities are enforcing that municipal code.
- The rules apply throughout the county, but municipalities may establish higher standards.
- The rules do not apply to construction or alteration of buildings or structures used or to be used for agricultural purposes on a tract zoned and used for agricultural purposes.
- The county board must follow the publication and posting requirements in 55 ILCS 5/5-1063.
- Beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly, a county adopting a new building code or amending an existing building code must provide the building-code identification to the Capital Development Board under Section 10.18 at least 30 days before adoption.
- Violations are petty offenses, and enforcement is by an officer designated by county-board resolution.
- The provision expressly authorizes county building-construction and building-code rules, but the opened text does not expressly use the phrase residential building permit requirement.
population threshold: <= 1000000 persons (The county must be located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.) · pre-adoption identification period: >= 30 days (Applies to a new building code or amendment under the stated amendatory-Act provision.)
“The county board in any county with a population not in excess of 1,000,000 located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission may prescribe by resolution or ordinance reasonable rules and regulations (a) governing the construction and alteration of all buildings and structures and parts and appurtenances thereof and governing the maintenance thereof in a condition reasonably safe from the hazards of fire, explosion, collapse, contagion and the spread of infectious disease”
55 ILCS 5/5-1064 — Buildings in certain counties of less than 1,000,000 population ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Illinois counties adopting and enforcing building codes and issuing building permits for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the statewide baseline framework.
  “A municipality or county is not required to adopt building codes. If they do NOT adopt a building code then they are considered a non-building code jurisdiction and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105) applies. If they do adopt a building code(s) then it must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105).”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Clark County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Building permitRequired
All building types and accessory structures within the City of Marshall, Illinois.
- A building permit application must be submitted and the permit issued before construction begins.
- The city states that a penalty could be imposed for construction that begins before the proper application and permit issuance.
- The rule applies to all building types and accessory structures, including fences, porches, storage buildings, garages, and carports.
“Building permits are required to be applied for and issued prior to the beginning of any construction. A penalty could be imposed for construction that commences prior to the submission of the proper application and issuance of a permit. Building permits are required for all building types and accessory structures such as, but not limited to, fences porches, storage buildings, garages, and carports.”
marshall-il.com ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land, buildings, structures, and uses within the city limits of Marshall, Illinois.
- The City of Marshall zoning ordinance regulates and restricts the location, construction, and use of buildings, structures, and land.
- The cited planning page also states that site plan review is required for every building-permit application and for specified uses or zoning districts.
“Within the city limits of the City of Marshall a zoning ordinance exists for regulating and restricting the location, construction and use of buildings, structures, and the use of land.”
Planning and Zoning ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Present — Zoning within the corporate limits of the City of Marshall, Illinois.
  “Within the city limits of the City of Marshall a zoning ordinance exists for regulating and restricting the location, construction and use of buildings, structures, and the use of land.”
  Planning and Zoning ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Permit feesPublished
Building-permit fees within the City of Marshall, Illinois.
- The City of Marshall separately states that site plan review requires a $150.00 application fee.
- Site plan review is required for every building-permit application, including new construction, additions, and site improvements, and for specified zoning districts and listed uses.
commercial improvements fee: 75 USD · residential improvements fee: 50 USD · unattached accessory building improvements fee: 15 USD · remodeling improvements fee: 15 USD · fence improvements fee: 10 USD · site plan review application fee: 150 USD
“Building Permit fees are: Commercial Improvements $75.00 Residential Improvements $50.00 Unattached Accessory Building $15.00 Improvements Remodeling Improvements $15.00 Fence Improvements $10.00”
Planning and Zoning ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

Zoning districts — Published zoning districts administered by Clark County, Illinois.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Clark County, including unincorporated areas and municipalities.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size rules in Clark County, including unincorporated areas.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Clark County, Illinois.
Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in Clark County, including unincorporated areas.

2 more unanswered

Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Clark County, Illinois

Is Clark County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Clark County scores 77/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and workable self-sufficiency basics (43.9″/yr rainfall).

How much does land cost in Clark County, Illinois?

Land in Clark County runs about $7,770 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clark County?

Clark County gets about 43.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.9% of years.

How remote is Clark County?

A representative private-land location has about 9,169 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,028,488 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Clark County, Illinois