Bolthole Index

Lee County, Illinois

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

42Index Score / 100
#87 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Lee County, Illinois requires a county building permit for structures through its Building and Zoning Office.1 County zoning also controls permitted uses and where improvements may sit, while the Lee County Health Department permits and inspects private septic systems.23

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures in unincorporated Lee County; use the county portal14
Zoning
Yes; allowed uses depend on the parcel's county zoning district25
Septic
Lee County Health Department permit and inspection required36
Private well
Lee County Health Department permit required for a new well7
RV living
Not confirmed; ask Building and Zoning about the parcel and proposed occupancy8
Tiny home
No countywide occupancy answer confirmed; zoning and permit review still apply21
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed by the county's published permit materials9
Floodplain work
Development is restricted and may require county and state review1011

Who to call

Building permits

Lee County Building and Zoning Office

Building permits and permit questions for construction in unincorporated Lee County; the broader office also administers zoning, subdivision and floodplain inquiries

815-288-3109

[email protected]

Online permits →

Septic permits

Lee County Health Department, Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal permits and inspections, new-well permits, and sanitary evaluations in Lee County

815-284-3371

[email protected]

309 S. Galena Ave., Ste. 100, Dixon, IL

Roads & driveways

Lee County Highway Department

Driveway-access, culvert and drainage questions for roads under county jurisdiction

815-857-4141

1629 Lee Center Road, Amboy, IL 61310

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes. A structure in unincorporated Lee County generally goes through the county building-permit process; the county separates fence, pool, commercial, portable-shed and other application paths.1 The general building application calls for an application, a site plan and architectural plans, along with the parcel number and zoning.4 Apply online, but do not treat the submission notice or assigned permit number as permission to start: work may begin only after the county provides an approved placard and approval letter.4

Lee County describes itself as having no county building code, but its plan review uses current state and model standards including the applicable building, energy, accessibility, plumbing, fire and electrical codes.12 Illinois also has statewide baseline building-code requirements effective in 2025.13

Who issues building permits in Lee County, Illinois?

The Lee County Building and Zoning Office is the first stop for a project in an unincorporated area, and the county directs permit applicants to its online portal.8 Call the Building Official at 815-288-3109 or email [email protected] if the project category is unclear.8 The office says applicants can search and submit through its online system, and the general application requires the site plan and architectural plans in addition to the application itself.84

County permit fees are published rather than flat across every project: the reviewed schedule lists charges based on project type and floor area, with a minimum building-permit fee.14 Because the county page also identifies separate application paths, confirm the current category and amount before budgeting.1

Does Lee County, Illinois have zoning?

Yes. Unincorporated Lee County is divided into zoning districts, and each district controls allowed uses and the location of improvements.2 Lee County publishes its zoning regulations under Title 10, so a parcel's district is the starting point for questions about a house, accessory structure, business, setback or special use.5 Incorporated cities and villages may administer their own rules instead of county zoning.2

Do not assume one setback applies everywhere: Illinois leaves actual distances to the applicable zoning district, and the reviewed county figures cover commercial and industrial districts rather than every residential or agricultural parcel.1516 Certain agricultural uses may qualify for a state-law zoning exemption, but Lee County directs landowners to the Zoning Department for an eligibility decision.17

How do septic and well permits work in Lee County?

The Lee County Health Department issues permits and conducts inspections for private sewage systems installed in Lee County, and those systems must follow county and Illinois private-sewage codes.36 Illinois requires plan approval from the department or local authority before construction of a new private sewage system begins.18 Contact Environmental Health at 815-284-3371 or [email protected].19

Site conditions deserve attention before a purchase: only about 16% of Lee County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field.20 That rating does not decide whether a particular parcel can support a system, but it makes early site evaluation especially useful. New private wells also require a Lee County Health Department permit.7 The same department can answer whether a proposed alternative sanitation setup meets county and state requirements.19

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Lee County?

Lee County's published material does not give a confirmed countywide answer for living in an RV on private land, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home placement or accessory-dwelling occupancy. Ask the Building and Zoning Office about the parcel's district and the exact proposed use before buying or moving a unit onto the land.8 County zoning divides unincorporated land into districts with different permitted uses, so a use allowed on one parcel may need approval or be unavailable on another.2

A tiny home is not a way around the permit process: structures in unincorporated Lee County remain subject to the applicable building-permit path.1 Illinois rules allow manufactured homes as dwellings under stated installation requirements, but local zoning, building, floodplain and utility rules can still apply.21 No explicit owner-builder permit exemption was confirmed in the county's published material.9

Building a home in Lee County: what are the steps?

For a home on unincorporated land, use this order:

  1. Confirm the parcel number, zoning district, allowed residential use and parcel-specific setbacks with the Building and Zoning Office.42
  2. Ask the Lee County Health Department for preliminary septic and private-well review, then obtain the required permits and inspections.37
  3. Prepare the building application, site plan and architectural plans, and submit them through the county portal.4
  4. Resolve access with the road authority that controls the frontage; county commercial materials require driveway-access, address-sign and drainage approvals from the Highway Engineer after an address is issued.22
  5. If the site is in a flood hazard area, complete the county and any applicable state review before construction.1011
  6. Wait for the approved placard and approval letter before starting work.4

What should you check before buying land in Lee County?

Start with jurisdiction: confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Lee County rather than a city or village with its own rules.2 Then verify the zoning district, allowed dwelling type, setbacks, access and whether a land division needs subdivision approval; the county regulates divisions of land in unincorporated areas.523

Check septic feasibility and the water source early because most mapped soils carry severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and new private wells require a permit.207 Review flood maps and ask the Building and Zoning Office whether county or state floodplain approvals apply.10 The typical farmland value is about $10,639 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 1.9%; use parcel records and a current assessment rather than countywide figures for an offer.2425 Finally, confirm which road authority controls the frontage before designing a driveway.26

Watch-outs

  • An online submission and permit number do not authorize construction; wait for the approved placard and approval letter.4
  • Lee County has not published a confirmed countywide rule for private-land RV occupancy or tiny-home occupancy; ask Building and Zoning about the parcel and intended use.8
  • Floodplain rules allow only limited development without a variation, and additional county or state approvals may be needed.10
  • A driveway onto a state-maintained road requires an IDOT permit before work begins; county-road access questions go to the Lee County Highway Department.2627

Sources

  1. Building Permits | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Health | Lee County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permits | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  6. Environmental Health | Lee County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Environmental Health | Lee County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  8. Lee County Building and Zoning Office (leecountyil.com)
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Floodplain Information and Regulations | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  11. Permit Application and Instructions (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. BUILDING PERMIT FEES & REGULATIONS, quoted and re-checked
  13. Illinois Codes (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. BUILDING PERMIT FEES & REGULATIONS, quoted and re-checked
  15. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  18. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Lee County Health Department, Environmental Health (lchd.com)
  20. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  21. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, quoted and re-checked
  23. Subdivision Regulations | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  24. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Lee County Highway Department (leecountyil.com)

Written September 27, 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

Lee County in Illinois

42
County map
Lee County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Lee County scores

Seclusion32100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency27100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability64100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% 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 →

$191kTypical home
1.9%Property tax
$10,639Land / acre
38.2"Annual rain
4.1% of yrsSevere drought
3.7 / yr (+3.6)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.87" (+8.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.76×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,549Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
48,386People within 30 min
9,262,742People within 2 hr
36,896Radius comparison (15 mi)
46.4People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
99.4%Land at 15% slope or less
15.5%Septic soil without severe limits
71,370 acWorkable land screen
5.5%Wooded land
34.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
49.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Lee County

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

Lee County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures in Lee County subject to the county building-permit process.

    • The county page identifies the building permit application for any structure other than a fence or pool.
    • The page states that only a placard and an approval letter allow a project to begin.
    • Commercial, fence, pool, portable-shed, and other categories use their identified application paths.
    “Building Permit Application (ANY STRUCTURE other than a Fence or Pool. Those two applications are below.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Plan review for Lee County building permits.

    • The county application states that, in the absence of a Lee County Building Code, specified current state and model codes are used for plan review.
    • The listed codes include IBC, IEBC, Illinois Energy Efficient or Stretch Energy Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, Illinois Plumbing Code, applicable Fire Investigation Act rules, and NEC.
    “In the absence of a Lee County Building Code, the most current International Building Code (IBC) or International Existing Building Code (IEBC); the Energy Efficient Building Code or the Illinois Stretch Energy Code; the Illinois Accessibility Code, the Illinois Plumbing Code, rules adopted in accordance with Section 9 of the Fire Investigation Act; and the most current National Electric Code (NEC) shall be used for the review of plans.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Structures built after July 1, 2011 in listed Lee County commercial or industrial zoning districts, and structures later converted to commercial use.

    • Applies to R-4, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, and I-3 zones.
    • A certificate of inspection must be signed by a qualified inspector under Public Act 096-0704.
    • Commercial-building fire inspections are obtained from the local fire department.

    construction date threshold: >= 2011-07-01 (Structures built after this date are covered.)

    “Any structure built after July 1, 2011, in an R-4, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, or I-3 zone, or a structure built after July 1, 2011, and subsequently converted to a commercial use, will be required to obtain a certificate of inspection signed by an inspector who is qualified under the terms of Public Act 096-0704.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Commercial buildings in Lee County.

    • All commercial buildings must be inspected and approved before a Letter of Occupancy is granted.
    • The building may not be occupied until the Letter of Occupancy is issued by the Lee County Zoning Office.
    “All commercial buildings must be inspected and approved before a Letter of Occupancy is granted. NO BUILDING SHALL BE OCCUPIED UNTIL THE LETTER OF OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE LEE COUNTY ZONING OFFICE.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations in unincorporated Lee County.

    • Lee County adopted zoning regulations in 1961.
    • Zoning regulates allowed land uses and the location of improvements.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own local rules.
    “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones". Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these zones.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and applicable county zoning regulations in unincorporated Lee County.

    • The county states that the unincorporated area is divided into districts or zones.
    • The county publishes a link to Lee County Code, Title 10 Zoning Regulations.
    • District-specific permitted uses are listed in the ordinance.
    “LEE COUNTY CODE, Title 10 Zoning Regulations”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Commercial and industrial zoning in unincorporated Lee County.

    • Commercial zoning requires 15 feet from side and rear lot lines and 25 feet from the front property line.
    • Industrial zoning requires 15 feet from side and rear lot lines and 65 feet from the front property line.
    • The cited figures do not establish setbacks for every zoning district or use.

    commercial side setback: 15 ft · commercial rear setback: 15 ft · commercial front setback: 25 ft · industrial side setback: 15 ft · industrial rear setback: 15 ft · industrial front setback: 65 ft

    “Commercial Zoning 15’ from side & rear lot lines - 25’ from front property line set back Industrial Zoning 15’ from side & rear lot lines - 65’ from front property line set back”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Lee County.

    • IDPH regulates private sewage disposal systems statewide.
    • Local health agencies review sewage-disposal construction plans by local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.
    • Lee County Health Department states that Lee County and Illinois private-sewage codes apply.
    “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).”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.

    • Lee County Health Department issues permits.
    • Systems must comply with Lee County and Illinois State Private Sewage Codes.
    • Permit fees are required.
    “Permits are issued and inspections are conducted of private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County. All systems must be installed in accordance with specific Lee County and Illinois State Private Sewage Codes.. Fees are required for permits.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.

    • The Lee County Health Department conducts inspections of private sewage disposal systems.
    • The page also describes sanitary evaluations for home sales as request-for-service evaluations, which are distinct from installation inspections.
    “Permits are issued and inspections are conducted of private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New private wells installed in Lee County.

    • Lee County Health Department issues permits for all new wells installed in Lee County.
    • Permit fees are required.
    • Abandoned wells must be sealed under Illinois and Lee County requirements.
    “Permits are issued on all new wells which are installed in Lee County. All systems must be installed in accordance with specific Lee County Codes and Rules and Regulations. Fees are required for permits.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Certain agricultural uses under Lee County zoning requirements.

    • The county states that certain agricultural uses are exempt from local zoning requirements according to state law.
    • Eligibility must be determined by contacting the Zoning Department.
    “Certain agricultural uses are exempt from meeting local zoning requirements according to state law. Contact the Zoning Department to determine if you qualify for this exemption.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land and subdivision platting in unincorporated Lee County.

    • Preliminary plat approval is required before submission of a final plat.
    • The preliminary-plat process includes staff review and a hearing before the County Board Planning Committee.
    • Final plat approval is the responsibility of the Zoning Administrator.
    • One-lot subdivisions may be exempt in some instances or approved by the Planning Commission in others.
    “The Zoning Department is responsible for regulating the division of land in the unincorporated areas of Lee County.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Commercial-building permit applicants after the Building and Zoning Office has issued an address.

    • The applicant must receive a driveway access permit, a 9-1-1 sign permit, and a drainage permit from the Lee County Highway Engineer.
    • Before installing culverts, mailboxes, or performing work within the road right-of-way, the permittee must contact and obtain approval from the highway authority with jurisdiction over the road.
    “After the Zoning Office has issued an address, the individual requesting the permit must receive a driveway access permit, a 9-1-1 sign permit and drainage permit from the Lee County Highway Engineer”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Building or development in Lee County floodplains or designated flood-hazard areas.

    • A Lee County floodplain permit, elevation survey, state applications, and building permit are identified as typical additional steps.
    • The building permit applies if the project is allowable.
    • The county directs applicants to the Lee County Flood Control Ordinance.
    “These are fairly restrictive and allow only limited development activities without variation of the regulations.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Lee County building permits and related permit categories.

    • The fee schedule identifies April 18, 2024 Resolution No. 2024-04-004.
    • Examples include $0.20 per square foot for above-ground living area, $0.15 per square foot for garages/accessory buildings, $50 above-ground pools, $100 inground pools, $50 fences, $50 development permits, and a $50 minimum building permit fee.
    • A late fee is twice the cost of the building permit; agricultural-building penalty fee is $150.
    • A newer commercial-building PDF displays a 2025 resolution and should be consulted for current commercial fees.

    above-ground living area fee: 0.2 USD/sq ft · garage/accessory building fee: 0.15 USD/sq ft · minimum building permit fee: 50 USD (Any fee less than $50.00) · agricultural building penalty fee: 150 USD (Building commenced without an approved permit)

    “Floor area above ground (Living area) $ .20/sq. ft. Floor area below ground (Basement) $ .20/sq. ft. Garages/Accessory buildings $ .15/sq. ft.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Lee County building-permit applications.

    • Applications must be submitted through the county portal.
    • The general building application requires an application, site plan, and architectural plans.
    • The site location's parcel number and zoning are required.
    • Submission notification and permit number alone do not authorize work; an approved placard and approval letter are required.
    “This permit needs 3 forms, the Application, Site Plan and Architectural Plans.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • 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.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from Lee County building-permit or contractor requirements.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Lee County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Lee County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Lee County.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Lee County.
4 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • 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 Lee County, Illinois

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

Lee County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (38.2″/yr rainfall) and about 48,386 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Lee County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Lee County Health Department, Environmental Health Division. 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 Lee County, Illinois?

Land in Lee County runs about $10,639 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lee County?

Lee County gets about 38.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.1% of years.

How remote is Lee County?

A representative private-land location has about 48,386 people within a 30-minute drive and 9,262,742 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 Lee County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Lee compares in Illinois

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