Bolthole Index

Kankakee County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Kankakee County, Illinois

36Index Score / 100
#93 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Kankakee County, Illinois requires building permits for new and temporary buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions, prefabricated structures, building systems and utility hookups1. The county also administers zoning in unincorporated areas2. Septic and private-well permits go through the Kankakee County Health Department34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for listed construction and building-system work in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
County-administered in unincorporated areas; most municipalities administer their own rules25
Septic
Kankakee County Health Department issues permits and inspects installations3
Owner-builder
A homeowner may do the work, but still needs the permit and applicable inspections6
Septic soils
Only about 2% of soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field7
Private well
Kankakee County Health Department issues permits where public water is unavailable4
Permit fees
Variable, based on estimated project value including materials and labor8
Nearest city of 100,000+
About 29 miles away, straight-line9

Who to call

Building permits

Kankakee County Building Division (Planning Department)

Building permits, plan review, code enforcement, contractor registration, and floodplain management for unincorporated Kankakee County

815-936-5500

189 E. Court Street, Kankakee, IL 60901

Online permits →

Septic permits

Kankakee County Health Department, Environmental Health / Septic Program

Septic system construction permits, installation inspections, evaluation of existing systems, and dye testing for suspected failures in Kankakee County

815-802-9400

2390 W Station St, Kankakee, IL 60901

Roads & driveways

Kankakee County Highway Department

County road and highway maintenance for Kankakee County; a starting point for questions about access to a county-maintained road

815-933-1731

750 S East Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Kankakee County, Illinois requires building permits for new and temporary buildings, additions, demolitions, renovations, prefabricated structures, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, water and sewer hookups, and other listed projects1. Kankakee County has adopted building regulations for the unincorporated area, and the Building Division enforces them1011. Permit fees vary with the estimated value of materials and labor; contact a county code official for an estimate8. A homeowner may perform all work on the homeowner's own project without county contractor registration, but the permit, plans, code requirements and inspections still apply; owner-performed plumbing also requires a plumbing affidavit6.

Who is the Kankakee County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Kankakee County Building Division, within the Planning Department, handles permits and adopted building regulations for unincorporated Kankakee County110. Reach the division at 189 E. Court Street in Kankakee or by phone at 815-936-550011. Its online portal accepts permit applications and supporting documents and lets applicants check status1211. The county's published process calls for parcel and owner information, a project description, plot plan, cost estimate or signed contract, and a contractor list; some projects also need a floodplain survey, recorded deed or construction plans12. The review target is 10 working days, but scope and application volume can change the timing12.

Does Kankakee County have zoning?

Kankakee County administers zoning in unincorporated areas, while many incorporated municipalities administer their own zoning; Cabery, Irwin, Reddick and Union Hill are identified as exceptions governed by the county code25. Each county district has its own allowed and special uses and bulk requirements13. For lots created through subdivision, minimum depth, width and area depend on the applicable zoning district and subdivision rules14. Principal-structure setbacks also vary by district, and accessory structures must be at least 10 feet from the principal structure or 5 feet from an interior lot line15. Ask the Building Division to identify the parcel's current district and requirements rather than relying on a general county summary11.

How do septic permits work in Kankakee County?

The Kankakee County Health Department issues private-septic permits and inspects installations, while Illinois regulates private sewage-disposal systems statewide316. Illinois requires plan approval before a new system is built and advance notice before construction, repair or modification17. Only about 2% of Kankakee County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation before fixing the house location or purchase budget7. The same Health Department issues permits for private wells where public water is unavailable and inspects their installation4. Reach Environmental Health at 815-802-9400 or 2390 W Station Street in Kankakee18.

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

We could not confirm a county rule that plainly allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or a site-built tiny home on private land. Ask the Building Division what the parcel's zoning district permits before buying or moving a unit there, because unincorporated Kankakee County has district-specific uses and bulk requirements21311. We also could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling floor area. Illinois campground rules do not answer whether an owner may occupy one RV on private land19. A manufactured home still needs an Illinois-licensed installer, and state siting requirements apply20.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and identify its zoning district; municipal zoning often differs from county zoning5.
  2. Verify district uses, lot dimensions and setbacks with the Building Division before fixing the site plan141511.
  3. Arrange septic evaluation and permitting, and obtain a county Health Department well permit if public water is unavailable34.
  4. Create a portal account and submit the building application with the required parcel, project, site-plan, cost and contractor information12.
  5. Confirm the fee estimate with a code official because fees depend on project value8.
  6. If acting as owner-builder, submit the same permit documents and any required plumbing affidavit; the exemption is from contractor registration, not permitting6.
  7. Resolve driveway spacing and floodplain approvals before construction where they apply2122.

What to check before you buy land in Kankakee County, Illinois

Confirm jurisdiction and zoning before making an offer: Kankakee County regulates unincorporated parcels, while many municipalities use their own rules5. If you intend to split land, county subdivision rules may require a plat, and lot dimensions must satisfy the applicable district2314. A qualifying owner may use the county's farmstead process to divide a farmstead from an agricultural parcel instead of rezoning24. Test soils before assuming a conventional septic field will work; only about 2% rate free of severe limits7. County zoning regulates driveway spacing, and access from a state-maintained highway requires an IDOT permit2125. Floodplain development can require county, state or federal review, so bring mapped-floodplain questions to the Building Division before siting improvements2211.

Watch-outs

  • Kankakee County lets a homeowner perform work on the homeowner's own project without contractor registration, but permits, plans, inspections and any required plumbing affidavit still apply6.
  • Most of Kankakee County's soils rate poorly for a standard septic drain field, so budget time and money for a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system before you commit to a lot7.
  • County driveway-spacing rules and possible floodplain approvals can affect where improvements fit on a parcel; resolve both before finalizing a site plan2122.

Sources

  1. Guide to Obtaining a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Kankakee County Developers Handbook, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic Program, quoted and re-checked
  4. Application for Permit to Construct, Modify or Abandon a Water Well, quoted and re-checked
  5. Kankakee County Developers Handbook, quoted and re-checked
  6. Developers Handbook, quoted and re-checked
  7. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  8. Guide to Obtaining a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  9. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Resolution 2014-02-11-18, quoted and re-checked
  11. Kankakee County Building Division (Planning Department) (planning.k3county.net)
  12. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  13. County of Kankakee Guide to Development, quoted and re-checked
  14. Kankakee County Code, Chapter 117 - Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  15. Frequently Asked Questions - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  17. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Kankakee County Health Department, Environmental Health / Septic Program (kankakeehealth.org)
  19. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Subdivision, quoted and re-checked
  22. County of Kankakee Guide to Development, quoted and re-checked
  23. Subdivision | Kankakee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  24. Zoning Division | Kankakee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  25. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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.

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County locator

Kankakee County in Illinois

36
County map
Kankakee County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Kankakee County scores

Seclusion20100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency28100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability64100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost62100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$226kTypical home
2.2%Property tax
$6,734Land / acre
39.3"Annual rain
0.9% of yrsSevere drought
4.5 / yr (+4.2)Mid-century 100°F days
13.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.79" (+7.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.73×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,498Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.9%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
78,300People within 30 min
10,372,749People within 2 hr
100,826Radius comparison (15 mi)
156.6People / sq mi
0%Federal land
99.2%Land at 15% slope or less
1.6%Septic soil without severe limits
6,725 acWorkable land screen
8.8%Wooded land
49.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Kankakee County

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

Kankakee County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New buildings, temporary buildings, additions, demolitions, renovations, prefabricated structures, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, water and sewer hookups, and listed residential and commercial projects in unincorporated Kankakee County.

    • The County Planning Department's jurisdiction lies in the unincorporated areas of the County.
    • Permit fees are based on the estimated value of the project, including material and labor costs.
    • Floodplain surveys, recorded deeds, construction plans, and other forms may be required depending on project scope.
    “This Guide pertains to development in unincorporated Kankakee County. For development procedures within municipal boundaries the appropriate municipality should be contacted. [...] Building activity in the unincorporated areas of the County may require a building permit. Below are examples of projects which require a building permit”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A homeowner performing the work on the homeowner's own building-permit project in unincorporated Kankakee County.

    • The exemption concerns County contractor registration; it does not eliminate the building-permit requirement.
    • If the homeowner performs plumbing, the County application states that a plumbing affidavit is required.
    • The project remains subject to applicable plans, code requirements, inspections, and other permit-related documents.
    “Fill out the contractor list for each applicable contractor in your project. All contractors must be registered and current with all certificates. Home owner may do all the work on their project. [...] If you are doing your own plumbing, you will be asked to fill out a plumbing affidavit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Kankakee County building-code adoption and administration, primarily for unincorporated areas under the County Planning Department.

    • The County Board adopted a building code on June 1, 1959, as amended.
    • Chapter 105 is identified as Buildings and Building Regulations of the County Code.
    • The County Building Division adopts and enforces codes, standards, and ordinances.
    • The County's contractor-registration page states that contractors performing work involving a building permit in unincorporated Kankakee County must register before the permit will be issued.
    • A February 11, 2014 resolution approved a $25 administrative fee for each residential and non-residential construction permit at application, except agriculture-related permits; the fee start date was April 1, 2014.
    • Municipal building-code requirements may differ and are not established by this county claim.

    building code adoption date: 1959-06-01 (as amended) · administrative fee: 25 USD (Agriculture-related permits are exempt) · administrative fee effective date: 2014-04-01

    “This Guide pertains to development in unincorporated Kankakee County. [...] Building Codes have been adopted by the County to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all County residents.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Kankakee County zoning in unincorporated areas.

    • The Kankakee County Planning Department administers the zoning for unincorporated areas.
    • The ordinance was first adopted on March 21, 1967 and has been amended over time.
    • The county developers handbook states that the current ordinance should be consulted through the County Code or Planning Department because the handbook may not be immediately revised.
    • The County Zoning Division page states that the current online ordinance includes amendments through August 12, 2008; the page also lists later amendment history, including amendments adopted through November 8, 2011.
    • Zoning applications may involve map amendments, special-use permits, variances, or farmstead exemptions.

    original zoning ordinance adoption date: 1967-03-21 · current zoning ordinance date stated in handbook: 1996-05-14

    “The Kankakee County Planning Department administers the zoning for the unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across unincorporated Kankakee County and incorporated municipalities.

    • The county administers zoning for unincorporated areas.
    • Many municipalities administer their own zoning ordinances, so municipal rules must be checked with the relevant municipality.
    • The county handbook states that the County cannot provide zoning information for properties within municipalities except in Cabery, Irwin, Reddick, and Union Hill.
    • The handbook states that Cabery, Irwin, Reddick, and Union Hill do not have their own zoning ordinance and are governed by the County's code.
    “Many municipalities in Kankakee County have adopted and administer their own zoning ordinances. For zoning information within a municipality please contact the necessary municipality. The County cannot provide zoning information or answer zoning questions for properties within municipalities except in the Villages of Cabery, Irwin, Reddick, and Union Hill.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts governing unincorporated Kankakee County; incorporated municipalities may have their own zoning rules or, as stated in the guide, may be governed by the County code.

    • The county guide states that its overview is not a comprehensive listing of all uses and zoning requirements.
    • Each district has permitted and special uses and bulk requirements.
    • The guide lists A1 Agriculture, A2 Agricultural Estate, R1 Single-Family Residential, R2 High Density Residential, RE Rural Estate Residence, C1 Restricted Commercial, C2 General Commercial, I1 Restricted Industrial, I2 General Industrial, PL Public Lands, and PUD Planned Unit Development.
    • The source text says there are 10 districts while listing 11 district labels; this discrepancy is preserved rather than resolved.

    district count stated by source: 10 districts (The source's list contains 11 labels including PUD.)

    “There are 10 zoning districts for the unincorporated areas of Kankakee County. This section provides an overview of each of the zoning districts, and is not a comprehensive listing of all uses and zoning requirements. Each zoning district lists permitted and special uses as well as bulk requirements.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots created through subdivisions in unincorporated Kankakee County.

    • The applicable zoning district and subdivision regulations govern the minimum dimensions and area.
    • The source states that the rule applies to land outside any city, village, or incorporated town.

    minimum lot depth, width, and area: requirements of the applicable district in the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations

    “All lots shall meet the minimum depth, width, and area requirements of the applicable district in the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal structures in unincorporated Kankakee County zoning districts.

    • The listed table applies to principal structures.
    • For C1, C2, I1, and I2 districts, the official FAQ directs users to the zoning ordinance for requirements.
    • Accessory structures must be no nearer than 10 feet from the principal structure or 5 feet from an interior lot line.

    A-1 front setback: 50 feet · A-1 side setback: 30 interior / 50 corner lot feet · A-1 rear setback: 100 feet · A-2 front setback: 50 feet · A-2 side setback: 20 interior / 50 corner lot feet · A-2 rear setback: 50 feet · R1 front setback: 30 feet · R1 side setback: 6 interior / 30 corner lot feet · R1 rear setback: 40 feet · R2 front setback: 20 feet · R2 side setback: 6 interior / 20 corner lot feet · R2 rear setback: 25 feet · RE front setback: 50 feet · RE side setback: 20 interior / 50 corner lot feet · RE rear setback: 50 feet

    “The setbacks outlined below are for principal structures: A-1 (Agriculture)50 feet 30 feet - interior / 50 feet - corner lot 100'”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private septic systems in Kankakee County administered through the Kankakee County Health Department.

    • The cited page identifies KCHD as issuing septic system permits and conducting installation inspections.
    “KCHD Issues septic system permits, conducts inspections to ensure proper installation, conducts evaluation of existing systems, conducts dye tests to determine possible failures, evaluates findings, and makes recommendations.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Water well construction handled through the Kankakee County Health Department.

    • The Kankakee County application directs drillers to mail the permit application to the local health department, unless the county is not listed by IDPH.
    “KCHD issues well permits for the construction of private wells in areas where public water is not available, conducting inspections to assure proper installation.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Dividing a farmstead from an agricultural parcel in Kankakee County.

    • The farmstead exemption is available only if all application criteria are met.
    • The official page describes the process as an alternative to rezoning and states that it is less costly and typically quicker.
    “This process allows property owners wishing to divide a farmstead from an agricultural parcel, provided all application criteria is met.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Kankakee County.

    • A subdivision plat is typically required when a parcel is divided into parcels containing less than five acres.
    • Minor subdivisions are divisions of not more than five lots that do not involve new streets, roads, or extensions of municipal facilities.
    • Major subdivisions include country subdivisions outside one and one-half miles of a city or village corporate limit and urban subdivisions within one and one-half miles of a city or village with a sanitary sewer treatment facility, subdivisions containing multifamily units, or subdivisions within one thousand feet of an existing sewer or water main.
    • A final plat follows a favorable County Board vote and must be recorded with the County Recorder of Deeds.
    • For subdivisions, the official regulations also require applicable zoning, floodplain, soil, roadway, utility, and improvement compliance.

    plat threshold: < 5 acres (The county page says a plat is typically required for parcels containing less than five acres.) · minor subdivision maximum lots: <= 5 lots (Must not involve new streets, roads, or extension of municipal facilities.) · major urban subdivision sewer-distance threshold: <= 1000 feet (Within one thousand feet of an existing sewer or water main.) · construction guarantee: 110 percent of unfinished improvements cost (May be submitted for final plat approval instead of completing all proposed improvements.)

    “On December 9, 2008 the County Board approved new regulations for subdivisions in unincorporated Kankakee County.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access associated with parcels and subdivisions in unincorporated Kankakee County.

    • Parcels must comply with driveway spacing requirements regulated by Section 4.09 of the County Zoning Ordinance.
    • The cited county page does not state the numeric spacing limits.
    “The parcels must comply with driveway spacing requirements, as regulated in Section 4.09 of the Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in floodplains in unincorporated Kankakee County.

    • Floodplain permits may require approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, or both.
    • The cited county guide does not specify which projects require each approval.
    “Floodplain permits may need the approval of either the Army Corp of Engineers or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or both.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Kankakee County building permits for unincorporated areas.

    • The building permit fee is based on the estimated project value, including materials and labor.
    • The county directs applicants to contact a Code Official for an estimate.
    • Checks are payable to the Kankakee County Treasurer.

    fee basis: estimated project value including material and labor

    “Building permit fees are based on the estimated value of the project, which includes cost of material and labor. For an estimate on the cost of your building permit contact a Code Official. Make checks payable to the Kankakee County Treasurer.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications in unincorporated Kankakee County.

    • Applicants create a one-time personal account in the online portal.
    • Applicants may apply for permits, check status, and submit required documentation online.
    • The county's guide states that the review process may vary by project scope and application volume.
    • The county's permit guide lists required information including the tax identification number, owner information, project description, plot plan, cost estimate or signed contract, licensed contractor list, and, when applicable, floodplain survey, recorded deed, and two complete sets of construction plans.

    target review time: 10 working days (The county states the review process can vary depending on project scope and the number of applications waiting.)

    “Kankakee County now offers the ability to apply for building permits and to renew contractor’s registrations on-line using our new Building Division Portal. Follow the link provided to begin using this new service. Once there, you will need to create a one-time personal account which will allow you to apply for permits, check their status, and submit any required documentation.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • InspectionsLimited

    Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.

    • The Illinois Capital Development Board does not perform building-code inspections for privately funded construction.
    • If inspections are required, they are addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    • A local municipality or county may be a non-building-code jurisdiction, in which case applicable state baseline requirements and inspection-certification provisions may apply.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding 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.”
  • 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.”
    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.”
  • 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”
  • 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”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a new private sewage disposal system statewide, including systems where a septic tank is replaced, a major component is added or removed, or the absorption field changes by at least 25 percent.

    • Plan approval must be obtained from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction begins.
    • Persons constructing, installing, repairing, or modifying the system must notify the Department or local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.
    • The rule requires submission of plans, site and system information, bedroom count or design volume, soil or percolation information, owner information, and applicant signature.

    notice before commencement: >= 48 hours · absorption-field change threshold: >= 25 percent (The rule treats increasing the field by 25% or more, or removing and replacing 25% or more, as a new system.)

    “Plan approval shall be obtained from the Department or local authority prior to beginning any construction of a new private sewage disposal system.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems covered by Illinois EPA general NPDES Permit ILG62.

    • Coverage under the general permit is limited to eligible dischargers.
    • Systems not eligible for general-permit coverage may require an individual NPDES permit.
    • Periodic inspection, monitoring, and reporting are required under the permit.
    “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.

    • IDPH annually inspects and licenses campgrounds in Illinois.
    • The state campground definition includes camping and temporary parking of recreational vehicles.
    • Campgrounds within home rule units of government are exempt from the state campground licensing requirement.
    • Recreational areas without overnight camping, such as highway rest stops and picnicking areas, are subject to the rules but are not licensed or routinely inspected.

    minimum persons for statutory campground threshold: >= 10 persons · minimum camping duration for statutory campground threshold: >= 6 camping days per calendar year

    ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    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 a building code.
    • A county that does not adopt a building code is treated as a non-building-code jurisdiction, and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act applies.
    • A county that adopts a building code must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act.
    • Locally adopted codes must regulate residential structural design at least as stringently as the baseline International Residential Code.
    • For privately funded projects, the local code official is the authority having jurisdiction; the State does not issue private-project building permits, perform plan reviews, or perform inspections.
    “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).”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area in unincorporated Kankakee County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage requirements in unincorporated Kankakee County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of a recreational vehicle on private land in Kankakee County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Kankakee County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home in Kankakee County.
2 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup

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 Kankakee County, Illinois

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

Kankakee County scores 36/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 78,300 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics (39.3″/yr rainfall).

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

Kankakee County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Kankakee County Health Department (Environmental Health / Septic Program). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Kankakee County, Illinois?

Land in Kankakee County runs about $6,734 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kankakee County?

Kankakee County gets about 39.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.9% of years.

How remote is Kankakee County?

A representative private-land location has about 78,300 people within a 30-minute drive and 10,372,749 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Kankakee compares in Illinois

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