Johnson County, IL: Limited Building Permits

Johnson County, Illinois building-permit requirements for unincorporated land could not be confirmed; permits for private projects come from the applicable local government, not the state¹. Illinois statewide building-code standards still apply². Southern Seven Health Department issues Johnson County septic and private-well permits, while IDPH regulates private sewage systems statewide^3,4.

At a glance

Building permit: County requirement unconfirmed; Illinois does not issue permits for private projects¹
Zoning: Countywide zoning could not be confirmed⁵
Septic: Southern Seven issues permits; IDPH regulates systems statewide^3,4
Private well: Permit and completion inspection through Southern Seven³
RV or tiny home: Long-term occupancy rules could not be confirmed⁵
Owner-builder: Limited state plumbing exemption; no general county exemption confirmed⁶
Septic soils: Only about 6% of soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field⁷
Property tax: About 1.3% effective rate; $1,952 median annual bill⁷

Who to call

Septic permits

Southern Seven Health Department Environmental Health

Private sewage applications and septic permits, new-system inspections, private water-well permits, and completed-well inspections for Johnson County

(618) 634-2297 ext: 973114

37 Rustic Campus Dr. Building C, Ullin, IL 62992

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

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

Johnson County, Illinois has no confirmed county rule answering whether a building permit is required on unincorporated land.

Johnson County, Illinois has no confirmed county rule answering whether a building permit is required on unincorporated land¹. Illinois does not issue building permits, perform plan review, or conduct building-code inspections for privately funded construction; any such requirement belongs to the municipality, village, city, or county with jurisdiction¹. Illinois has required statewide building-code standards since 2025, although the applicable details depend on project type and any locally adopted code². Before designing a house, ask the Johnson County Clerk to identify the local authority for the parcel, and ask the municipality directly if the site lies inside city or village limits¹.

Who handles Johnson County building permits and inspections?

A Johnson County building department, permit office, adopted building code, and residential inspection process could not be confirmed from an official county source.

A Johnson County building department, permit office, adopted building code, and residential inspection process could not be confirmed from an official county source¹. The Illinois Capital Development Board does not issue permits or perform inspections for private construction, and directs those questions to the applicable local government¹. If Johnson County has not adopted a code, non-state commercial buildings must still be inspected by a qualified inspector for compliance with the applicable codes². For unincorporated land, ask the Johnson County Clerk to identify the local authority; inside a municipality, contact that city or village¹. Southern Seven separately handles septic and private-well permits and inspections throughout Johnson County³.

Does Johnson County, Illinois have zoning?

We could not confirm a Johnson County zoning ordinance, zoning map, or planning and zoning department for unincorporated land.

We could not confirm a Johnson County zoning ordinance, zoning map, or planning and zoning department for unincorporated land⁵. That gap does not establish that a parcel is unrestricted, and rules inside a city or village can differ from rules in unincorporated Johnson County⁵. Illinois law allows county zoning regulations to establish setbacks and building-height limits, but the actual measurements depend on the applicable local district or ordinance⁸. Minimum lot size, minimum home size, accessory dwellings, agricultural exemptions, subdivision review, and lot coverage also remain unconfirmed for Johnson County⁵. Ask the county clerk who handles land-use questions and obtain a written parcel-specific answer before relying on a proposed use⁵.

How do septic permits work in Johnson County?

IDPH regulates private sewage systems statewide, while Southern Seven Health Department reviews applications, issues Johnson County septic permits, helps with system design, and inspects new systems.

IDPH regulates private sewage systems statewide, while Southern Seven Health Department reviews applications, issues Johnson County septic permits, helps with system design, and inspects new systems^3,4. An owner who occupies a single-family home may work on that home's system without an installer license but must still follow the sewage law and code; otherwise, use an Illinois-licensed private-sewage-system contractor⁹. Southern Seven requires at least 48 hours' notice before construction and final approval before the system is covered¹⁰. Only about 6% of Johnson County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so settle the septic design before fixing the house site or purchase budget⁷.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Johnson County?

We could not confirm a Johnson County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel.

We could not confirm a Johnson County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel⁵. Illinois campground licensing rules concern regulated campgrounds and do not answer whether one owner may occupy an RV on private land¹¹. A manufactured home used as a dwelling is subject to state installation rules, while local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility requirements may still apply¹². Off-grid living does not avoid sewage review: IDPH regulates non-sewered private systems and requires plan approval before construction, including qualifying systems that discharge treated effluent to the ground surface⁴. Ask the local authority and Southern Seven about the exact parcel and sanitation plan before moving onto the land³.

Building a home in Johnson County, Illinois: the steps, in order

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, because Illinois assigns private-project permit questions to the applicable local government.

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, because Illinois assigns private-project permit questions to the applicable local government¹.
Ask the Johnson County Clerk to identify the building, zoning, and floodplain authority for that parcel, since county-specific requirements could not be confirmed^1,5.
Contact Southern Seven early for septic suitability and the required septic permit; difficult soils can change the usable house site^3,7.
Apply through Southern Seven before drilling a private well and arrange the completed-well inspection^3,13.
Obtain an IDOT permit before driveway work within an Interstate, federal route, state route, or state-maintained road right-of-way¹⁴.
Obtain IDNR approval before construction in a regulated floodway, and check whether local floodplain approval also applies¹⁵.

What should you check before buying land in Johnson County?

Start with sewage and water: only about 6% of Johnson County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, and Southern Seven requires permits for both a private septic system and a new private well^3,7. Check legal access separately; work in a state-maintained road right-of-way needs an IDOT permit, while a Johnson County rule for driveways on county roads could not be confirmed¹⁴. Construction in a regulated floodway requires IDNR approval, and local government may impose added floodplain requirements; Johnson County's local administrator and ordinance remain unconfirmed¹⁵. About 61% of the county is wooded and 87.2% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, but individual tracts can differ sharply⁷. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, with a median annual bill of about $1,952⁷.

Watch-outs

Do not treat the lack of a located zoning ordinance as proof that unincorporated Johnson County land is unrestricted; zoning, setbacks, and permit requirements remain unconfirmed^1,5.
Johnson County's soils commonly rate poorly for conventional septic drain fields, so obtain a site evaluation and permit path before committing to a house location^7,9.
Southern Seven inspects new septic systems, and final approval is required before covering the system^3,10.

Sources

15 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 7, 2026

Written October 7, 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 Johnson County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Johnson County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

Rule	Johnson County	Williamson County	Pope County	Massac County	Union County	Pulaski County	Saline County
Building permit	Limited	Required	Limited	Limited	Required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	Not published	Not published	Not published	Not published	Not published	No	No
Septic permits	Southern 7 Health Dept.	Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.	Southern Seven Health Dept.	Southern Seven Health Dept.	Southern Seven Health Dept.	Southern Seven Health Dept.	Egyptian Health Dept.

Cities and towns in Johnson 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: Village of Belknap · Village of Buncombe · Village of Cypress · Village of New Burnside · Village of Simpson · Vienna

Answers from the rulebook for Johnson County

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

Johnson County rules

Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Private sewage disposal systems in Johnson County, served by Southern 7 Health Department.
- Southern 7 serves Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, and Union Counties.
- IDPH retains statewide regulatory authority; local health agencies review plans either under local ordinance or as IDPH agents.
- The cited Southern 7 page states that enforcement is based upon county ordinances.
“The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems”
Private Sewage Disposal & Water Supply Program - Southern 7 Health Department ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Local (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal in Johnson County, Illinois, administered through the Southern Seven Health Department service area.
  “Through the private sewage disposal program, our Environmental Health staff inspect pumper trucks, review sewage system applications, issue septic permits, offer guidance when designing a sewage disposal system, and inspect new sewage disposal systems. [...] Serving: Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, & Union County”
  Private Sewage Disposal & Water Supply Program - Southern 7 Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitRequired
New private sewage disposal systems in Johnson County within the Southern 7 service area.
- Southern 7 reviews sewage-system applications and issues septic permits.
- IDPH rules and any applicable county ordinance also apply.
“Through the private sewage disposal program, our Environmental Health staff inspect pumper trucks, review sewage system applications, issue septic permits, offer guidance when designing a sewage disposal system, and inspect new sewage disposal systems.”
Private Sewage Disposal & Water Supply Program - Southern 7 Health Department ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
New private sewage disposal system construction in Johnson County.
- Southern Seven must be notified 48 hours before construction so routine field visits may occur.
- The contractor must call for final inspection and approval before covering the system.
- The licensed contractor is responsible for compliance during installation.
advance notice: 48 hours (before construction begins) · final inspection: before covering
“I, as the Contractor, agree to notify the Southern Seven Health Department at least 48 hours before any construction work is to begin and I further agree that I will call for final inspection and approval of this system before covering.”
Private Sewage Disposal & Water Supply Program - Southern 7 Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — New private sewage disposal systems in Johnson County within the Southern 7 service area.
  “Through the private sewage disposal program, our Environmental Health staff inspect pumper trucks, review sewage system applications, issue septic permits, offer guidance when designing a sewage disposal system, and inspect new sewage disposal systems. When the public registers a complaint regarding sewage disposal, it is our responsibility to not only conduct an investigation, but carry out any enforcement activities which are warranted based upon county ordinances.”
  Private Sewage Disposal & Water Supply Program - Southern 7 Health Department ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Well permitRequired
New private water wells in Johnson County within the Southern 7 service area.
- Applicants must contact Southern 7 Environmental Health staff before drilling.
- Southern 7 conducts a completed-well inspection.
- The Illinois Water Well Construction Code and related state codes apply.
“Planning to drill a well for your new home or business? It is important that you contact the Environmental Health staff to apply for a water well permit. Our staff will also conduct an inspection of your well once it is completed.”
Private Sewage Disposal & Water Supply Program - Southern 7 Health Department ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — New private water-supply wells in Johnson County through Southern Seven Health Department.
  “Planning to drill a well for your new home or business? It is important that you contact the Environmental Health staff to apply for a water well permit. Our staff will also conduct an inspection of your well once it is completed.”
  Private Sewage Disposal & Water Supply Program - Southern 7 Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

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
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Owner occupants or lessee occupants of single-family residences, and owners of single-family residences under construction for their own occupancy, performing plumbing planning, installation, alteration, or repair in Illinois.
- The exemption is limited to plumbing work on the specified single-family residence; the cited statute does not establish a general owner-builder exemption for all construction trades or a statewide exemption from building permits.
- The plumbing must comply with the minimum standards in the Illinois State Plumbing Code.
- The plumbing is subject to inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health or by the local governmental unit if it retains a licensed plumber as inspector.
- The owner, owner occupant, or lessee occupant may not employ anyone other than a plumber licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law to assist.
- An occupant must have taken possession of and be living in the premises as their bona fide sole and exclusive residence, or, for a residence under construction, expect to take possession and live there as that residence, with current intent to live there for at least 6 months after completion of the plumbing work or, for a residence under construction, at least 6 months after completion of construction.
- Failure to possess and live in the premises as a sole and exclusive residence for 6 months or more creates a rebuttable presumption that the required intent was lacking.
minimum occupancy period: >= 6 months (After completion of plumbing work; for a residence under construction, after completion of construction.)
“Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the owner occupant or lessee occupant of a single family residence, or the owner of a single family residence under construction for his or her occupancy, from planning, installing, altering or repairing the plumbing system of such residence”
HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — Privately funded construction in Illinois, including projects performed by an owner-builder, as to state-issued building permits, state plan review, state building-code inspections, and state occupancy permits.
  “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- Conditional — Statewide treatment of local plumbing permits and inspections for qualifying owner occupants performing plumbing work on a single-family residence.
  “Nothing contained in this Act shall prohibit any city, town, village, township or county from providing for a Plumbing Inspector or from requiring permits for the installation and repair of plumbing and collecting a fee therefor, but a city, town, village, township, or county that requires a permit for installation and repair of plumbing may not issue that permit without verification that the applicant has a valid plumbing license or that the applicant is the owner occupant of a single family residence that is the subject of the permit.”
  225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 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
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code standards applicable in Illinois, including Johnson County.
  “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 2, 2026
- Partial — Building-code requirements applicable statewide in Illinois, including Johnson County, subject to the jurisdiction's adopted codes and project type.
  “require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 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, including any such project in Johnson County.
- Applies to commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code.
- The building must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating that it complies with the listed applicable codes.
- County-specific adoption status was not established.
“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 6, 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 occupancyLimited
Occupancy permits or certificates for privately funded construction in Illinois.
- The State does not issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction.
- If an occupancy permit is required, it is addressed by the applicable 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 Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding 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
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
County zoning regulations for building or setback lines outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.
- The actual setback distances are established by applicable county zoning districts or other local ordinances.
- Agricultural buildings may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
“to establish building or setback lines”
ilga.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 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
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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Private, non-sewered sewage disposal systems in Illinois, including Johnson 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). Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction.”
  Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 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 exemptionAvailable
Agricultural experiences conducted as a secondary use with agricultural production on a farm in Illinois.
- The activity must be agriculture-related, a secondary use in conjunction with agricultural production, and occur on a farm.
- The activity must be open to the public with the intended purpose of promoting or educating the public about agriculture, agricultural practices, agricultural activities, or agricultural products.
- The property’s primary use must be agricultural production.
- The exemption prevents a county from requiring a conditional use permit, special use permit, special exception, or variance; the statute does not state that other applicable State or local requirements are waived.
“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
Driveway accessRequired
Work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway in Johnson County.
- The permit must be obtained before work begins.
- A copy of the approved permit must remain at the worksite.
- Requirements may vary by IDOT district.
- The claim does not address county-road or municipal-road access.
“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.”
Highway Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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
Construction and other development in floodways or regulated floodplain areas in Johnson County.
- IDNR jurisdiction includes streams in urban areas with drainage areas of at least 1 square mile and rural areas with drainage areas of at least 10 square miles.
- If no delineated floodway is shown, IDNR generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain.
- Local governing bodies may impose additional floodplain requirements.
- Statewide permits may automatically authorize certain minor activities if all terms and conditions are met.
urban stream drainage area threshold: >= 1 square mile · rural stream drainage area threshold: >= 10 square miles
“All construction activities in the floodways of streams [...] must be permitted by the Division prior to construction.”
Permit Program ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.
- The Department reviews applications and written inquiries free of charge to determine whether authorization is required when sufficient information is provided.
- A permit application fee may apply under the Department's permit fee schedule.
“January 15, 2014, a new Permit Application Fee went into effect. All applications and written inquiries received will be reviewed free of charge to determine whether the Public Water, dam and/or floodway work proposed requires authorization by the Department, so long as sufficient information is provided for the Department to make that determination.”
Permit Program ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Construction projects in Illinois waterways, floodplains, and wetlands seeking State and Federal authorizations through the joint permit application process.
- The joint application seeks authorizations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
- The joint application form replaced the former Protecting Illinois Waters application package.
“Construction projects in Illinois' waterways, floodplains and wetlands often require both State and Federal authorization. This joint application is designed to simplify the approval process for the applicant seeking project authorizations from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Office of Water Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.”
Permit Application and Instructions ↗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

Still unanswered

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

County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning authority in Johnson County, Illinois.
Local zoning — Aggregate municipal and township zoning within Johnson County; this claim does not attribute local ordinances to the county.
Zoning districts — Published county zoning districts in Johnson County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in unincorporated Johnson County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in unincorporated Johnson County.

6 more unanswered

Lot coverage
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Subdividing land

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 Johnson County, Illinois

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

Johnson County scores 72/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.7″/yr rainfall plus 61% wooded land.

How much does land cost in Johnson County, Illinois?

Land in Johnson County runs about $4,327 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Johnson County?

Johnson County gets about 49.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.7% of years.

How remote is Johnson County?

A representative private-land location has about 28,305 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,378,252 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 Johnson County, Illinois