Jo Daviess County, IL: Owner-Builder Allowed

Unincorporated Jo Daviess County, Illinois requires a building permit before construction or excavation, including houses, decks, structural work, wiring and plumbing¹. County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities; Galena, East Dubuque and Scales Mound issue their own building permits^2,3,4,5. The Jo Daviess County Health Department handles private septic permits countywide, and its septic permit or sign-off must precede a county building permit⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Required before construction or excavation¹
Zoning: County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities²
Septic permit: Required for new and replacement systems; county Health Department approval comes before the building permit⁶
Small accessory structure: Under 120 sq ft needs no building permit if it has no electrical or plumbing, but zoning setbacks still apply¹
RV or tiny-home living: An RV or tiny home treated as a stored RV may be used for living or sleeping no more than 30 days per calendar year on residential premises; permanent dwellings follow separate rules⁷
Owner-builder: A homeowner may install a septic system, but it still needs a permit, inspection and code compliance; no general county building-permit exemption was confirmed^1,6
Private well: A state permit is required before construction, modification or sealing; ask the Health Department where to file locally⁸
Permit review: Approximately 15–20 working days after a complete application packet is received¹

Who to call

Building permits

Jo Daviess County Planning & Development

Building permits and zoning approvals for unincorporated Jo Daviess County, plus plan review, construction inspections, occupancy certificates, addresses and floodplain administration support; septic permits are issued separately by the county Health Department

815-591-3810

plan@jodaviesscountyil.gov

1 Commercial Drive, Highway Dept Building, Suite 1, Hanover, IL 61041

Septic permits

Jo Daviess County Health Department

Septic permits and sign-offs required before issuance of a county building permit

(815) 777-0283

9483 Route 20 West, Galena, IL 61036

One more officeRoads & driveways

Roads & driveways

Jo Daviess County Highway Department

County highways and county-road right-of-way work; ask whether the proposed access is under county, township or state jurisdiction

815-591-2337

highway@jodaviesscountyil.gov

1 Commercial Drive, Highway Dept Building, Suite 3, Hanover, IL 61041

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Jo Daviess County, Illinois?

Unincorporated Jo Daviess County requires a permit before construction or excavation, covering a new house, accessory building, deck, structural alteration or repair, electrical wiring, plumbing, and work governed by life-safety codes¹. An accessory structure under 120 square feet is exempt only when it has no electrical or plumbing; zoning setbacks still apply¹. The county has adopted technical codes covering residential, building, mechanical, fuel-gas, plumbing, energy, accessibility and electrical codes⁹. Agricultural buildings may be exempt from building-permit fees, but that rule does not waive zoning, septic, floodplain or access requirements¹⁰. Inspections are required for permitted work, and the owner or contractor must arrange them with Planning & Development as construction progresses¹. Inside Galena, East Dubuque and the Village of Scales Mound, the municipality issues building permits^3,4,5. Private septic permitting stays with the Jo Daviess County Health Department⁶. Scales Mound also requires verification of a county residence-construction permit number, so ask the village board about both approvals⁵.

Who issues Jo Daviess County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Jo Daviess County Planning & Development administers the county building code and zoning ordinance, reviews plans, issues building and zoning approvals, and inspects work under construction.

Jo Daviess County Planning & Development administers the county building code and zoning ordinance, reviews plans, issues building and zoning approvals, and inspects work under construction¹¹. Reach the office at 815-591-3810 or plan@jodaviesscountyil.gov, or visit the Highway Department Building at 1 Commercial Drive, Suite 1, Hanover, Illinois 61041¹¹. Planning & Development also assists the Floodplain Officer with administering the floodplain ordinance¹¹. The published fee schedule lists a $75 base application fee plus $4 per $1,000 of construction value, with $50 for an additional inspection; confirm the current amount before paying because the county materials carry differing revision labels¹².

Does Jo Daviess County have zoning?

Jo Daviess County zoning applies to every parcel outside an incorporated municipality, including unincorporated Stockton Township.

Jo Daviess County zoning applies to every parcel outside an incorporated municipality, including unincorporated Stockton Township². Galena and the Village of Scales Mound have their own zoning rules inside municipal limits; private septic permitting remains with the Jo Daviess County Health Department^6,13,14. For unincorporated land, ask Planning & Development to confirm the zoning district and permitted uses; the county publishes zoning maps and a district-specific use table¹¹. Road setbacks depend on the road authority, while Agricultural and R-1 districts have 20-foot side and 40-foot rear setbacks¹. A detached accessory dwelling unit must be 400 to 900 square feet on a zoning lot of at least 5 acres; those thresholds do not establish minimums for every principal home or lot¹⁵. Impermeable lot-coverage limits also vary by district¹.

How do septic permits work in Jo Daviess County?

The Jo Daviess County Health Department reviews plans, issues permits and inspects new and replacement private septic systems.

The Jo Daviess County Health Department reviews plans, issues permits and inspects new and replacement private septic systems⁶. A homeowner may install a septic system instead of hiring a licensed contractor, but the system still needs a permit, inspection, and compliance with state code and the county ordinance⁶. Obtain the septic permit or sign-off before the building permit can be issued⁶. Only 20.3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the soil investigation an early feasibility item rather than assuming a standard system will fit¹⁶. Galena Territory and Apple Canyon Lake may require architectural-review materials before the septic permit, so ask the Health Department about the submission order for those developments⁶.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Jo Daviess County?

In unincorporated Jo Daviess County, a recreational vehicle stored on residential premises may be used for living or sleeping for no more than 30 days in a calendar year, and recreational vehicle parks are regulated separately⁷. The same limit applies to a tiny home treated as a stored recreational vehicle in unincorporated Jo Daviess County⁷. After a fire or natural disaster, a temporary emergency shelter permit can allow a mobile home or RV for up to 12 months, with a possible extension of up to 6 months; the application requires Environmental Health sign-off on septic and well matters¹⁷. A permanent detached accessory dwelling unit must contain 400 to 900 square feet and sit on a zoning lot of at least 5 acres¹⁵. A manufactured home used for that purpose must be no older than 15 years when placed, be accessory to a principal residence, and receive the required special-use approval¹⁵. These accessory-dwelling standards do not establish a minimum size for every principal home; ask Planning & Development how the parcel's district treats a proposed tiny home^2,15.

What are the steps to build a home in Jo Daviess County?

Determine whether the parcel is outside an incorporated municipality; for unincorporated land, ask Planning & Development for its zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and lot-coverage limit.

Determine whether the parcel is outside an incorporated municipality; for unincorporated land, ask Planning & Development for its zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and lot-coverage limit^1,2.

Confirm safe road access and the correct road authority; county materials direct applicants to the County Highway Department, township road commissioner or Illinois Department of Transportation as appropriate¹.

Complete septic review first, because a county septic permit or sign-off must precede the building permit⁶.

Submit the complete building packet, including the application, plan-review checklist, scaled plans, survey or site plan, and septic approval¹.

Allow approximately 15–20 working days after the complete packet arrives, pay the fee, and wait for permit issuance before excavation¹.

Call Planning & Development for required inspections before work is covered¹. Obtain the certificate of occupancy after final inspection and approval; occupancy or use is prohibited until the certificate is issued¹⁸.

What should you check before buying land in Jo Daviess County?

Verify whether the land is outside an incorporated municipality; Planning & Development handles county zoning there, while the relevant city or village should answer zoning questions for land inside its limits². For unincorporated land, have Planning & Development confirm the proposed home, setbacks, lot coverage and any subdivision issue^1,11. Tell the office if the property will be a short-term rental: a county zoning certificate is required for guest accommodations, and a guest-accommodation license may also be required¹⁹. Investigate septic early because only 20.3% of county soils are rated without severe conventional-drain-field limitations¹⁶. Check road ownership and access approval before choosing a driveway location¹. Ask Planning & Development about floodplain development approval before committing to a floodplain site; the department assists the Floodplain Officer¹¹. For a private well, Illinois requires a permit before construction, modification or sealing⁸.

Watch-outs

A county septic permit or sign-off must be issued before Planning & Development can issue the building permit¹.
Scales Mound issues village building permits but also requires verification of a county residence-construction permit number; ask the village board which approvals your project needs⁵.
An RV, or a tiny home treated as a stored RV, may be used for living or sleeping for no more than 30 days per calendar year in unincorporated Jo Daviess County⁷.
A manufactured home used as a detached accessory dwelling must meet the county's age, lot, size and special-use conditions¹⁵.
Occupancy or use of a building subject to county building-code administration must wait until the certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection and approval¹⁸.

Sources

19 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 12, 2026

Written October 12, 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 Jo Daviess County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Jo Daviess County has countywide zoning.

Rule	Jo Daviess County	Carroll County	Stephenson County	Whiteside County	Ogle County	Winnebago County	Rock Island County
Building permit	Required	Required	Limited	Required	Limited	Required	Required
County zoning	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.

Answers from the rulebook for Jo Daviess County

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

Jo Daviess County rules

Building permitRequired
Construction, excavation, new houses, accessory buildings, decks, structural changes or repairs, and work involving electrical, plumbing, or life-safety codes.
- Accessory structures under 120 square feet with no electrical or plumbing do not require a building permit but must comply with zoning setbacks.
- Agricultural buildings may have fee exemptions, but the permit requirement remains unless another exemption applies.
accessory structure permit threshold: < 120 square feet (No electrical or plumbing)
“A permit must be obtained prior to beginning any construction or excavation. This include: New Houses, Accessory Buildings, Decks, Structural Changes or Repair, any work that involves electrical wiring, plumbing, and/or life safety codes.”
Building Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Owner installation of private septic systems.
- A homeowner may install a septic system, but the system must still be permitted and inspected and must comply with state code and local ordinance.
“installed by a licensed contractor or homeowner”
Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
County building code requirements administered by Planning and Development.
- Technical codes include 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, and 2021 IECC.
“The following technical codes are hereby adopted”
7-1-3: Adoption of Codes ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Buildings requiring county building permits.
- Required stages include footing forms, framing before siding, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical before insulation, final inspection before occupancy; the county PDF also requires advance scheduling.
“Inspections are required. Call the Planning & Development Department at (815) 591-3810 before the work is ready. Allow as much time for scheduling as practical.”
Building Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Buildings subject to county building-code administration after final inspection.
- Certificate follows approval by the building and zoning administrator after final inspection; occupancy or use before issuance is a separate offense.
“Occupancy and use shall not be allowed until the certificate is issued.”
7-1-5: Inspections; Certificate Of Occupancy ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning ordinance in unincorporated Jo Daviess County.
- The code establishes zoning districts and district regulations; incorporated municipalities may administer their own local rules.
“All property outside of a Municipality is subject to County zoning.”
Planning & Development ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Property outside incorporated municipalities in Jo Daviess County.
- The county FAQ states that all property outside of a municipality is subject to County zoning.
- The County Planning and Development Department administers and enforces the County zoning ordinance and issues zoning certificates and occupancy certificates.
- The cited county sources do not establish which zoning requirements, if any, apply inside incorporated municipalities.
“Where Zoning Applies. All property outside of a Municipality is subject to County zoning.”
Zoning FAQs ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
County zoning districts and use table.
- The Planning and Development page publishes county zoning maps; the code use table identifies AG, R-1, R-2, RP, CON, C, M, and I districts and district-specific permitted or special uses.
“Zoning Map 11" x 17" Zoning Map(Low Resolution) (PDF) 24" x 40" Zoning Map(High Resolution) (PDF)”
Planning & Development ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Detached accessory dwelling units under Title 8 section 8-5B-52.
- This numeric minimum applies to detached accessory dwelling units, not necessarily every principal dwelling.
- The gross floor area must be at least 400 square feet and no greater than 900 square feet.
minimum gross floor area: >= 400 square feet (detached accessory dwelling unit) · maximum gross floor area: <= 900 square feet (detached accessory dwelling unit)
“no less than four hundred (400) square feet”
8-5B-52: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit; Manufactured Homes ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Detached accessory dwelling units under Title 8 section 8-5B-52.
- The five-acre minimum is specific to detached accessory dwelling units; other lot-size rules may vary by zoning district, subdivision, and septic requirements.
minimum zoning-lot size: >= 5 acres (detached accessory dwelling unit)
“A detached accessory dwelling unit shall only be allowed on a zoning lot of five (5) acres in size or more.”
8-5B-52: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit; Manufactured Homes ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
County zoning and building-site review.
- Building-permit materials list front setbacks of 75 feet from state-highway property lines, 60 feet from county-road property lines, and 50 feet from township-road property lines; in AG and R-1, side setback is 20 feet and rear setback is 40 feet. District and use-specific rules may also apply.
state highway front setback: >= 75 feet from property line (125 feet from roadway centerline also listed) · county road front setback: >= 60 feet from property line (110 feet from roadway centerline also listed) · township road front setback: >= 50 feet from property line (80 feet from roadway centerline also listed) · AG/R-1 side setback: 20 feet · AG/R-1 rear setback: 40 feet
“Side setback is 20’, & Rear setback is 40’”
Building Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Lot coverageSpecified
Lot coverage in County zoning districts.
- The source states that County limits apply to non-permeable surface coverage.
- The numeric limit depends on the zoning district and was not reproduced in the reviewed passage.
“Jo Daviess County does have limits on how much of your land can be covered in non-permeable surface.”
Setbacks and Lot Coverage ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building heightSpecified
Structures governed by Title 8 section 8-3H-8.
- Unless a special-use permit grants otherwise, structures may not exceed 35 feet.
- The reviewed section is district-specific and should not be generalized to every municipality or township.
maximum structure height: <= 35 feet (unless otherwise granted under a special-use permit)
“all structures shall not exceed thirty five feet (35') in height.”
codelibrary.amlegal.com ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational-vehicle living or sleeping use while stored on residential premises.
- Use may not exceed 30 days in a calendar year while the recreational vehicle is stored on the premises; recreational vehicle parks are separately regulated.
maximum occupancy while stored: <= 30 days per calendar year (Recreational vehicle parks are separately regulated)
“exceeding thirty (30) days in a calendar year”
8-5B-1: Accessory Uses ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary camping or temporary RV/mobile-home occupancy on private property.
- Stored recreational vehicles may be used for living or sleeping no more than 30 days in a calendar year.
- Temporary emergency shelter after fire or natural disaster requires a permit, is limited to 12 months, and may receive an extension of up to six months.
- The temporary shelter must meet stated setback and septic/well sign-off requirements.
temporary emergency shelter initial term: 12 months (Zoning Board of Appeals extension up to 6 months)
“issue a temporary emergency shelter permit for the use of a mobile home or recreational vehicle”
8-5B-1: Accessory Uses ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
A tiny home that is treated as a recreational vehicle and stored on property in unincorporated Jo Daviess County.
- The county zoning code limits recreational-vehicle living or sleeping to no more than thirty (30) days in a calendar year while the vehicle is stored on the premises.
- The zoning code separately regulates permanent detached accessory dwellings; building, zoning, septic, and other applicable approvals may also apply.
- The cited zoning code is countywide in authorship but applies to property outside incorporated municipalities.
maximum RV living or sleeping while stored: <= 30 days per calendar year
“No recreational vehicle shall be used for living or sleeping purposes for a period exceeding thirty (30) days in a calendar year while stored on the premises.”
Jo Daviess County Code, 8-5B-1 Accessory Uses ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured homes used as detached accessory dwelling units.
- Only one detached accessory dwelling unit per parcel; it must be accessory to a principal residence; manufactured homes used in that role may not be older than 15 years at placement; a special-use permit expires after three years unless extended; the zoning lot must be at least five acres; floor area must be 400–900 square feet.
minimum zoning lot: >= 5 acres · manufactured-home age at placement: <= 15 years · accessory dwelling floor area: 400-900 square feet
“shall not be older than fifteen (15) years”
8-5B-52: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit; Manufactured Homes ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Private sewage disposal systems in Jo Daviess County.
- The county Environmental Health program administers local permitting and inspection while applying state code and local ordinance.
“The department staff reviews plans, issues permits, and inspects”
Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Septic permitRequired
New and replacement private septic systems.
- A septic permit or sign-off must be issued before a county building permit; Galena Territory and Apple Canyon Lake may require architectural-review materials before the septic permit.
“Once the staff reviews the application, a permit will be issued. A copy of the permit will be sent to the contractor, Galena Territory, or Apple Canyon Lake (if applicable), and Building and Zoning. Once Building and Zoning receives the septic permit, a building permit can be obtained.”
Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of new and replacement private septic systems.
- Inspection checks location, sizing, state-code compliance, and county-ordinance compliance; an inspection report and detailed site map are retained.
“Once the septic installation contractor has completed the septic installation, an inspection takes place to check if the system was installed in the correct location, is sized properly, and meets applicable state code and county ordinance.”
Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural buildings under county building-permit fee rules.
- Agricultural buildings may be exempt from building-permit fees; the cited rule does not establish a blanket exemption from permits or other zoning, septic, floodplain, or access requirements.
“Any application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a fee as set by the county board. Fees shall apply to all new construction of any building or structure regulated by this chapter. Agricultural buildings may be exempt.”
7-1-6: Fees ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision activity under Jo Daviess County subdivision regulations.
- The Planning and Development Department administers and enforces subdivision regulations; detailed plat and survey exemptions depend on Title 9.
“administering and enforcing the County's [...] Subdivision Regulations”
Planning & Development ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Access approval associated with new County addresses and driveway permitting.
- Before an address is issued, the Road Authority must sign off that the location has safe access.
- Driveway permits and culvert requirements are obtained from the appropriate agency, which may be the County Highway Department, a township road commissioner, or IDOT.
“Prior to an address being issued, the Road Authority will need to sign off that the location has a safe access.”
Building Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in county floodplain areas.
- The Planning and Development Department assists the Floodplain Officer with administering and enforcing the Floodplain Ordinance; flood-area development permit fees are listed separately in the county fee schedule.
flood area development permit fee: 100 USD
“The Planning and Development Department also assists the Floodplain Officer with administering the Floodplain Ordinance, works with the Health Department and the Sheriff's Office in the administration and enforcement of the Nuisance Ordinance, and issues all addresses in the unincorporated area of Jo Daviess County.”
Planning & Development ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Guest accommodations and guest houses/homes used as short-term rentals.
- A zoning certificate is required; county standards include parking, ingress/egress, access sight distance, setbacks, screening, and septic or central sewer requirements; a guest-accommodation license may also be required.
zoning certificate validity: <= 12 months (Unless a guest accommodation license is procured)
“Application for a zoning certificate shall be filed”
8-5B-46: Guest Accommodations and Guest Houses/Homes ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Planning and Development building, zoning, subdivision, special-use, and related permit fees.
- The county fee schedule is labeled as of 12-12-2024 on the Planning and Development page; the PDF itself states a last revision in 2022, so fee currency should be confirmed before reliance.
building application base fee: 75 USD · building permit fee: per 4 USD per thousand-dollar cost value · additional inspection: 50 USD per inspection
“Application fee (Base Fee) ------------------------------------- $ 75.00 Building Permit fee Schedule $4.00 per thousand-dollar cost value Additional Inspection Per inspection $ 50.00”
Fee Schedule ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building-permit process.
- Completed application packet, plan-review checklist, two sets of scaled plans, two survey/site-plan copies, and septic permit are required submittals; permit work must start within six months and maintain consistent inspections.
approximate review time: 15-20 working days (After receipt of completed application packet) · permit work start deadline: <= 6 months (After permit issuance)
“Review time is approximately 15 - 20 working days after we have received a completed application packet. Solar permits might take longer and will require interconnect sign off from the energy company prior to approval. After the review is complete the office will contact you and let you know what the permit fee is and how you can pay.”
Building Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026

Illinois rules that apply here

Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Off-grid disposal of human wastes through privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets, and compost toilets statewide in Illinois.
- Other domestic wastes must be disposed of in a conventional private sewage disposal system.
- Compost toilets may also be used for other organic domestic wastes.
- Privies have construction, capacity, venting, maintenance, and abandonment requirements.
- A privy pit must have a minimum capacity of 50 cubic feet per seat.
- A privy must be pumped when filled to within 18 inches of the bottom of the riser.
- Vault privies are required where groundwater or limestone formations are within 4 feet of the bottom of the pit.
- Recirculating toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 and residuals must go to an approved public or private sewage disposal system.
- Incinerator and compost toilets have separate maintenance and disposal requirements; compost toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41.
privy pit minimum capacity: >= 50 cubic feet per seat · privy pumping trigger: <= 18 inches from bottom of riser (Pump when filled to within this distance.) · vault-privy groundwater or limestone separation: < 4 feet from bottom of pit (Watertight, non-metal vaults are required where the condition applies.)
“Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste 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
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
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

Still unanswered

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

Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.

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 Jo Daviess County, Illinois

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

Jo Daviess County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics (38.7″/yr rainfall) and mixed durability signals.

How much does land cost in Jo Daviess County, Illinois?

Land in Jo Daviess County runs about $7,940 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Jo Daviess County?

Jo Daviess County gets about 38.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.8% of years.

How remote is Jo Daviess County?

A representative private-land location has about 22,403 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,343,898 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 Jo Daviess County, Illinois