Bolthole Index

Madison County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Hamel Township, Illinois

Unincorporated Hamel Township, Illinois requires building permits through Madison County Building & Zoning before construction begins.1 Madison County zoning governs the township’s unincorporated residential and agricultural districts; the district determines lot and dwelling requirements.23 Septic permits and installation inspections come from Madison County Planning & Development, with sewer availability and soils determining whether private sewage is permitted.4

At a glance

Building permits
County building permits before construction on unincorporated land15
Zoning
County district rules on unincorporated land; confirm the parcel’s district26
Septic permits
Madison County Planning & Development; sewer availability and acceptable soils required4
RV living
Stored campers and camping trailers on unincorporated residential property must be unoccupied7
Small dwellings
620-square-foot minimum in county residential districts and for non-urban, non-farm homes in the Agricultural District83
Owner-builder
Owner-performed roofing has a licensing exemption; building permits and inspections still apply9
Private wells
New private wells require permits through IDPH or the local health department10

Who to call

Building permits

Madison County Building & Zoning Department — Building Permits & Inspections

Building permit applications, plan review and construction inspections in unincorporated Madison County

(618)296-4668

[email protected]

157 N. Main Street, Suite 254 Edwardsville, IL 62025

Zoning

Madison County Zoning Administration

Zoning administration, map amendments, special-use permits and variances

(618)296-4985

[email protected]

157 N. Main Street, Suite 254 Edwardsville, IL 62025

Septic permits

Madison County Planning & Development — Private Sewage Permits & Inspections

Private sewage permits, installation inspections and installer licensing

(618)296-4663

[email protected]

157 N. Main Street, Suite 254 Edwardsville, IL 62025

Floodplain permits

Madison County Stormwater — Floodplain Management

Floodplain review for building and development proposals

618-296-4665

[email protected]

157 N. Main Street, Suite 254 Edwardsville, IL. 62025

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

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Hamel Township, IL?

For unincorporated Hamel Township, Madison County Building & Zoning requires a building permit application and project plans before construction; work may start after plan review and permit issuance.1 The township’s county-administered construction also requires inspections in the proper sequence, requested with 24 hours’ notice.5

Call the county building inspection office at (618)296-4668 to discuss the project and applicable code editions before preparing final plans.1 Owner-performed roofing has an exemption from the roofing-contractor licensing requirement, but that exemption does not remove building permits or inspections.9 For a building requiring a county building permit, a final inspection and certificate of occupancy are required before occupancy or use.11

Does Hamel Township have zoning, lot-size and setback rules?

Unincorporated Hamel Township follows Madison County district-specific zoning requirements, so ask county Zoning Administration to identify the parcel’s district before choosing a house footprint or dividing land.21213 The county zoning office handles questions about zoning map amendments, special-use applications and variances.13

In the county R-1 district, a detached home needs at least 40,000 square feet of land and 150 feet of width at the building line; R-2 requires 15,000 square feet and 100 feet of width.2 R-3 requires 9,000 square feet and 70 feet of width, while R-4 requires 6,000 square feet and 50 feet of width.2 Ask Zoning Administration for the current primary and accessory structure setbacks for the specific district before placing buildings.13

How do septic permits work inside Hamel Township?

Madison County Planning & Development permits and inspects private sewage installation in Hamel Township; private sewage is allowed only where public sewer is unavailable and cannot be extended to the property line, and acceptable soil conditions are present.4 County staff review the proposed system before issuing a septic permit, and Madison County licenses private sewage installers.4

For an unincorporated Hamel Township parcel served by a sewer district, the proposal requires a letter stating that sewer is unavailable within 200 feet of the building or unavailable for connection.14 Septic systems must be inspected before covering, and aerobic systems must remain open until inspected and approved.15 Madison County schedules a follow-up inspection six months after installation; the homeowner remains responsible for system maintenance.4

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Hamel Township?

On unincorporated residential property in Hamel Township, stored campers and camping trailers must be unoccupied; the storage rule does not authorize living in a camper while building a house.7 Side-yard storage must be at least 20 feet from the side property line, and residential driveway, street or right-of-way parking is limited to active loading or unloading for no more than 48 consecutive hours in a week.7

County R-1 through R-4 single-family dwellings require at least 620 square feet per dwelling unit, measured from outside walls, including utility rooms and excluding other areas not used for living or sleeping.8 The same floor-area minimum applies to non-urban, non-farm single-family dwellings in the county A Agricultural District.3 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy or temporary-camping rule for Hamel Township; ask Madison County Zoning Administration about the proposed use.13

Building a home in Hamel Township: what are the steps?

For a county-administered Hamel Township project, work through zoning, sewage approval, building plans and inspections before moving in.13411

  1. Ask Madison County Zoning Administration to confirm the district, permitted use and any zoning amendment or variance needed for the proposed site plan.13
  2. Establish sewer availability and acceptable soils with the county private sewage office before committing to a septic layout.4
  3. Submit the building permit application and plans to county Building & Zoning, and wait for plan review and permit issuance before construction.1
  4. Request mandatory construction inspections in sequence with 24 hours’ notice, and arrange septic inspection before covering the system.515
  5. Complete the final inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the building.11

What should you check before buying land in Hamel Township?

Start by asking Madison County Building & Zoning to confirm whether the Hamel Township parcel falls within its unincorporated-area building jurisdiction; the county rules described here apply to unincorporated land.1 Use the Madison County guide for the wider county’s unincorporated-land rules.1

In unincorporated Hamel Township, development in mapped A Zone floodplain areas requires a permit from the Zoning Administrator before work begins.16 Ask county Stormwater staff to review floodplain concerns alongside the proposed building site.17 Subdivisions near a municipality exercising extraterritorial subdivision jurisdiction have special procedures within 1.5 miles of its corporate limits.12

New private wells require permits through IDPH or local health departments.10 Work in a state-maintained highway right-of-way requires an IDOT permit before work begins; we could not confirm the township-road entrance approval process, so ask Hamel Township’s highway commissioner before planning access.18

Watch-outs

  • Confirm current building-code editions with Madison County Building & Zoning before designing a Hamel Township project.1
  • Illinois allows specified human-waste systems such as compost toilets, but other domestic wastewater still needs a conventional private sewage disposal system; ask the county private sewage office to approve the complete Hamel Township sanitation plan.194
  • A zoning minimum lot area does not establish septic suitability for a Hamel Township parcel; county private sewage approval also depends on sewer availability and acceptable site soils.24

Sources

  1. Madison County Building & Zoning Department — Building Permits & Inspections (madisoncountyil.gov)
  2. Madison County § 93.025 R-1 Through R-4 Single-Family Residential Districts (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Madison County § 93.023 A Agricultural District (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Madison County Planning & Development — Private Sewage Permits & Inspections (madisoncountyil.gov)
  5. Madison County Building Permit Information (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Madison County § 93.023 A Agricultural District (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Madison County § 93.097 Trailers and Recreational Vehicles (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Madison County § 93.025 R-1 Through R-4 Single-Family Residential Districts (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. Madison County Building Permit Information (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Illinois Department of Public Health Private Water and Closed Loop Wells (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  11. Madison County Building Permit Information (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  12. Madison County § 92.004 Jurisdiction (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Madison County Zoning Administration (madisoncountyil.gov)
  14. Madison County Building Permit Information (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  15. Madison County Building Permit Information (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. Madison County Building Permit Information (Hamel Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Madison County Stormwater — Floodplain Management (madisoncountyil.gov)
  18. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Hamel Township

Rules another office applies inside Hamel Township

Hamel Township does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner performing roofing work on property in the county-administered portion of Hamel Township.

    • The exemption is from the State of Illinois roofing-contractor licensing requirement, not from building permits or inspections.
    “An owner of property, who performs the work himself, is exempt from the licensing requirement.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Unincorporated portions of Hamel Township subject to Madison County building administration.

    • The county adopts the listed codes by reference, including the 2012 IBC, 2012 IRC with stated exceptions, 2012 IFC, 2005 NEC, 2009 IECC, 2012 IMC, Illinois Plumbing Code, Illinois Private Sewage Code, and 2012 International Property Maintenance Code.
    “The following Codes are adopted by reference and made a parte hereof as if appearing in total: (1) 2012 International Building Code (IBC) in its entirety;”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction in the Madison County-administered portions of Hamel Township.

    • Inspections are mandatory and must be requested in sequence.
    • Twenty-four hours notice is required.
    • Final building inspection requires completed construction, passed plumbing and electrical inspections, final grading, displayed address, and erosion control.

    inspection notice: 24 hours

    “The inspections are mandatory and must be requested in the proper sequence.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings requiring Madison County building permits in Hamel Township.

    • A final inspection is required before issuance.
    • The certificate must be issued before occupancy or use.

    certificate of occupancy fee: 30 USD

    “The certificate of occupancy must be issued prior to any occupancy/use of the building.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Non-urban and non-farm single-family dwellings in the Madison County A Agricultural District applicable to unincorporated Hamel Township.

    • The rule applies to non-urban and non-farm single-family dwellings.
    • Floor area is measured from outside walls and includes utility rooms but excludes areas not used for living or sleeping.

    minimum dwelling floor area: >= 620 square feet (per dwelling unit)

    “Non-urban and non-farm single-family dwellings shall have a total floor area of not less than 620 square feet for each dwelling unit, measured from the outside walls, including utility rooms but excluding all other areas not used for living or sleeping purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwellings in Madison County R-1 through R-4 districts applicable to unincorporated Hamel Township.
      “Single-family dwellings shall have a total floor area of not less than 620 square feet for each dwelling unit, measured from the outside walls, including utility rooms but excluding all other areas not used for living or sleeping purposes.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R-1 through R-4 single-family residential districts in unincorporated Hamel Township; the district-specific minimum varies by R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4.

    • R-1 requires 40,000 square feet and 150-foot width; R-2 requires 15,000 square feet and 100-foot width; R-3 requires 9,000 square feet and 70-foot width; R-4 requires 6,000 square feet and 50-foot width.

    R-1 minimum lot area: >= 40000 square feet (minimum width 150 feet) · R-2 minimum lot area: >= 15000 square feet (minimum width 100 feet) · R-3 minimum lot area: >= 9000 square feet (minimum width 70 feet) · R-4 minimum lot area: >= 6000 square feet (minimum width 50 feet)

    “Every one-family detached dwelling hereafter erected shall be located on a tract of land having an area of not less than 40,000 square feet and a width at the established building line of not less than 150 feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    A Agricultural District in unincorporated Hamel Township.

    • No primary structure may be within 40 feet of a public roadway, right-of-way line, private roadway easement, or other property boundary.

    primary structure setback: >= 40 feet (measured from public roadway, right-of-way line, private roadway easement, or other property boundary)

    “No primary structure is to be erected within 40 feet of any public roadway, right-of-way line, private roadway easement or any other property boundary line.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles and camping trailers on residential property in unincorporated Hamel Township.

    • A maximum of four boats, campers/camping trailers, and trailers is permitted in the rear or side yard.
    • On properties of two acres or greater, one additional unit may be placed in the front driveway at least 30 feet from the front property line.
    • Units stored in side yards must be at least 20 feet from the side property line.
    • All boats and campers/camping trailers must be unoccupied.
    • Recreational vehicles and trailers may not be parked on driveways, streets, or rights-of-way except during active loading or unloading for no more than 48 consecutive hours in one week.

    maximum residential boats/campers/trailers: 4 units (one additional unit in a front driveway on property of at least 2 acres) · front driveway setback for additional unit: >= 30 feet (property of at least 2 acres) · side yard setback: >= 20 feet (side-yard storage) · loading/unloading duration: <= 48 hours (in any one-week period)

    “All boats and campers/camping trailers must be unoccupied, and parked in an orderly and organized fashion.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage systems installed in the Madison County-administered portion of Hamel Township.

    • Inspection must occur before covering.
    • Aerobic systems must remain open until inspected and approved.
    “Septic systems must be inspected prior to covering. In the case of an aerobic system, it must be left open until the inspection has been made and approved.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New private water wells inside Hamel Township.

    • IDPH and local health departments review installation plans, issue permits, and inspect wells.
    • Community water wells are excepted from the private-water program.
    “To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    A private sewage proposal in an unincorporated portion of Hamel Township where a village, city, or sewer district may provide sanitary sewer service.

    • A letter from the relevant jurisdiction is required stating that sanitary sewers are unavailable within 200 feet of the building or that the system is unavailable for connection.

    sewer availability distance: 200 feet (letter may instead state that the sanitary sewer system is unavailable for connection)

    “When a private sewage disposal system is proposed within a village or city that has a public sewer system, or from a portion of the unincorporated county that has a sewer district; then a letter from that jurisdiction is required stating the unavailability of sanitary sewers within 200 feet of the building or that the sanitary sewer system is unavailable for connection.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated portions of Hamel Township.

    • Special procedures apply within one and one-half miles of a municipality exercising extraterritorial subdivision jurisdiction.
    • Lots must conform to zoning minimum area and dimensions, have required access, and satisfy the stated lot-design rules.

    municipal extraterritorial subdivision radius: <= 1.5 miles (special procedures)

    “These regulations shall be applicable in all unincorporated portions of the county, provided, that special procedures shall be applicable to subdivisions located within one and one-half miles of the corporate limits of any municipality which exercises extraterritorial subdivision jurisdiction.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction, substantial improvement, subdivision, manufactured-home placement, or other development in mapped A Zone floodplain areas in unincorporated Hamel Township.

    • A zoning-administrator permit is required before development in an A Zone.
    • Applications must include elevations and, where applicable, professional certification of flood-proofing.
    • Residential first floors or basements generally must be at least two feet above the regulatory flood elevation, subject to stated alternatives and restrictions.

    minimum residential floor elevation: >= 2 feet above regulatory flood elevation (specific alternative flood-proofing measures may apply)

    “No person, firm or corporation shall commence any construction, substantial improvement, subdivision of land, placement of a manufacturing home or other developments in areas located in an A Zone without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Administrator.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Hamel Township or Madison County directly.

  • Building height — Principal-building height limits in Hamel Township.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Hamel Township.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Hamel Township.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Hamel Township.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation inside Hamel Township.
2 more unanswered
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Hamel Township publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Madison County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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