McDonough County, IL: Limited Building Permits

Inside the City of Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois requires a building permit and the city sets its own zoning^1,2. For unincorporated land we could not confirm a countywide building-permit or zoning rule^3,4. Septic permits for any address, city or not, come from the McDonough County Health Department^5,6.

At a glance

Building permit: Countywide requirement not confirmed; ask the local government with jurisdiction³
Zoning: Countywide zoning not confirmed for unincorporated land⁴
Septic permit: McDonough County Health Department reviews plans, evaluates sites, and issues permits^5,6
RV or tiny-home living: Not confirmed; ask the authority governing the parcel⁴
Owner-builder exemption: No McDonough County exemption confirmed⁷
Private well: Permit required before construction, modification, or sealing⁸
County-road entrance: Entrance permits are issued by the County Highway Department⁹
Conventional septic soils: About 23% of soils rate without severe limitations¹⁰

Who to call

Health department

McDonough County Health Department

Private sewage disposal plan review, site evaluation, permits, and inspections for new or renovated systems

(309) 837-9951

mchd@mchdept.com

505 E. Jackson Street Macomb, IL 61455

Roads & driveways

McDonough County Highway Department

Entrance, utility, and oversize or overweight permits involving county highways

(309)833-4196

204 S. Western Ave. Macomb, IL 61455

One more officeAlso useful

Also useful

McDonough County Clerk and Recorder

County government contact when the applicable local building or zoning authority is unclear

(309)833-2474

jbenson@mcdonoughcountyclerk.org

#1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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

A countywide building-permit requirement for unincorporated McDonough County could not be confirmed.

A countywide building-permit requirement for unincorporated McDonough County could not be confirmed³. The City of Macomb is different: its permit page says erecting, altering or repairing a building within Macomb city limits requires a building permit¹. Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded construction; any permit requirement is handled by the municipality, village, city, or county with jurisdiction³. Illinois likewise leaves private-project inspections and occupancy certificates to the applicable local government³. The safe answer therefore depends on the parcel, not simply the county name. Ask the McDonough County Clerk and Recorder which local authority governs the address, then get that authority's permit, inspection, and occupancy requirements in writing¹¹. A municipality or county is not required to adopt a building code, and Illinois's statewide building-code baseline applies either way³.

Who handles building permits in McDonough County, and how do you reach them?

Inside Macomb, the City issues building permits: the fee is based on the estimated project cost, a permit is valid for 6 months, and electrical, plumbing, HVAC and right-of-way work may need separate permits¹. For unincorporated land, no general McDonough County building or zoning office could be confirmed, so begin with the McDonough County Clerk and Recorder at (309)833-2474, jbenson@mcdonoughcountyclerk.org, or #1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455¹¹. Ask which city, village, county, or other local authority has jurisdiction over the parcel because Illinois assigns private-project permitting to local government³. Septic stays with the county in every case: call the McDonough County Health Department at (309) 837-9951; its private-sewage page directs callers to extension 2000⁶. For an entrance or utility installation involving a county highway, contact the McDonough County Highway Department at (309)833-4196 or 204 S. Western Ave. Macomb, IL 61455⁹.

Does McDonough County have zoning?

The City of Macomb has its own zoning: land there cannot be built on, altered or used without conforming to the regulations for its district, and the city's permitted uses are listed in Chapter 17, Article VI of its Municipal Code². That city ordinance does not set the rule for unincorporated land². Countywide zoning for unincorporated McDonough County could not be confirmed from an authoritative county source⁴. An unanswered countywide zoning question is not permission to build or occupy any structure. Ask the County Clerk and Recorder to identify the authority for the parcel, especially when land lies inside or near an incorporated community¹¹. Illinois law allows county zoning districts to establish setbacks and building-height limits, but the applicable local ordinance supplies the actual dimensions¹². McDonough County-specific minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, lot coverage, accessory-dwelling, and agricultural-building rules also remain unconfirmed. Owner-builder treatment is unresolved as well⁷. Confirm the governing rules before relying on a seller's description of land as unrestricted.

How do septic permits work in McDonough County?

The McDonough County Health Department handles private sewage disposal locally, including for addresses inside Macomb and the county's other towns.

The McDonough County Health Department handles private sewage disposal locally, including for addresses inside Macomb and the county's other towns⁵. Its official page says the department reviews the application and system plan, conducts a site evaluation, issues the private-sewage permit, and inspects new or renovated systems⁶. Illinois requires plan approval from the state or local authority before construction of a new private sewage system begins, including qualifying tank replacements and major absorption-field changes¹³. Contact the department before choosing a system or excavating. Only about 23% of McDonough County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard field will work¹⁰. Illinois also approves certain off-grid human-waste systems conditionally, but other domestic wastewater still requires a conventional private sewage disposal system¹⁴.

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

McDonough County rules for residential RV use and tiny-home occupancy on private land could not be confirmed.

McDonough County rules for residential RV use and tiny-home occupancy on private land could not be confirmed. Illinois campground licensing governs qualifying campgrounds, but it does not answer whether someone may live in an RV on an individual parcel¹⁵. Countywide zoning is also unresolved, so ask the authority governing the parcel about dwelling classification, occupancy duration, setbacks, minimum size, and utility connections⁴. A manufactured home follows separate Illinois installation requirements, and local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility rules may also apply¹⁶. Any permitted dwelling still needs a lawful wastewater solution: private sewage construction requires advance plan approval, and the McDonough County Health Department evaluates the site and inspects new or renovated systems^6,13.

What are the steps to build a home in McDonough County?

Ask the McDonough County Clerk and Recorder which local government has jurisdiction over the parcel.

Ask the McDonough County Clerk and Recorder which local government has jurisdiction over the parcel¹¹.
Ask that authority in writing (the City of Macomb for city addresses) about zoning, building permits, inspections, setbacks, and an occupancy certificate because the countywide answers remain unconfirmed^1,3,4.
Design the home to the applicable Illinois building-code baseline³.
Submit the private-sewage plan to the McDonough County Health Department and arrange its site evaluation and inspections⁶.
Obtain a permit before constructing, modifying, or sealing a private well⁸.
Obtain an entrance permit from the County Highway Department for county-highway access, or contact IDOT before work in a state-road right-of-way^9,17.
Determine whether floodway or floodplain authorization applies before construction¹⁸.

What should you check before buying land in McDonough County?

Make septic suitability a contract contingency because only about 23% of McDonough County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.

Make septic suitability a contract contingency because only about 23% of McDonough County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹⁰. Confirm the parcel's building-permit and zoning authority before closing because neither countywide answer is settled^3,4. Check the road jurisdiction too: the County Highway Department issues entrance permits for county roads, while work in a state-maintained right-of-way requires an IDOT permit before it begins^9,17. Review mapped flood hazards and determine whether state authorization applies to proposed floodway or floodplain work¹⁸. A private well requires a permit before construction, modification, or sealing⁸. McDonough County's effective property-tax rate is about 2.2%, with a median annual bill of about $2,238¹⁰.

Watch-outs

Inside the City of Macomb a building permit is required and city zoning applies^1,2, but McDonough County-specific rules for unincorporated land (building permits, zoning, RV occupancy, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, setbacks, owner-builder treatment) could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk and Recorder to identify the authority for the parcel^3,4,7,11.
Conventional drain fields face severe soil limitations across most of McDonough County, so arrange the Health Department's site evaluation before committing to a house location^6,10.
A county-road entrance goes through the McDonough County Highway Department, while access work in a state-road right-of-way requires an IDOT permit before work begins^9,17.

Sources

18 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

Written October 10, 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 McDonough 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, McDonough County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

Rule	McDonough County	Schuyler County	Hancock County	Fulton County	Henderson County	Warren County	Brown County
Building permit	Limited	Not required	Not required	Limited	Limited	Required	Not required
County zoning	Not published	No	No	Yes	Not published	Yes	No
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.

Cities and towns in McDonough 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 Bardolph · Bethel Township · Village of Blandinsville · Bushnell · Colchester · Colchester Township · Eldorado Township · Village of Good Hope · Hire Township · Industry Township · Village of Industry · Macomb Township · Macomb City Township · Mound Township · New Salem Township · Village of Prairie City · Sciota Township · Village of Sciota · Scotland Township · Tennessee Township · Village of Tennessee

Answers from the rulebook for McDonough County

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

McDonough County rules

Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Countywide aggregate of local zoning conditions; this does not state that McDonough County itself administers every local zoning ordinance.
- The official state-hosted mitigation plan reports that the majority of McDonough County did not have zoning regulations when the plan was prepared.
- The same plan states that the City of Macomb had enacted zoning ordinances.
- Municipal and any extra-territorial zoning controls must be evaluated for the specific parcel.
“The majority of McDonough County does not have zoning regulations. The City of Macomb has enacted a series of ordinances since 1972.”
McDonough County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan ↗Re-checked Nov 13, 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) — Statewide Illinois building-code framework applicable to construction in McDonough County, subject to the applicable local code jurisdiction and project type.
  “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 Sep 26, 2026
- Adopted — Statewide Illinois building-code baseline applicable to residential and other construction, including McDonough County, effective January 1, 2025.
  “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
- 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
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.”
Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 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
Who permits septicState (with conditions)
Private sewage disposal systems in McDonough County under Illinois statewide authority.
- IDPH regulates covered private sewage disposal installations.
- Local health agencies may review construction plans under local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.
- The cited source does not identify McDonough County Health Department by name.
surface discharge threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (Systems discharging 1,500 gallons per day or more may involve Illinois EPA or federal NPDES permitting.)
“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).”
Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Mixed (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Illinois, including systems in McDonough 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. There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans, either by authority of a local ordinance or as an "agent" of the Department.”
  Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
- Mixed — Installation and plan approval for private sewage disposal systems statewide in Illinois.
  “There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
  Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Illinois Surface Discharge Permit (ILG62) ↗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
Well permitRequired
Construction of a new water well, modification of an existing water well, or sealing of an abandoned water well in Illinois.
- A permit must be obtained from the Illinois Department of Public Health or an approved local health department before work begins.
- The application must use Department or approved local health department forms and include a plan and drawing of the proposed construction.
- The plan must include the lot size, slope, property lines, distances to septic tanks, abandoned wells, property lines, seepage fields, sewers, and other contamination sources; driller license number and name; estimated daily pumping capacity if greater than 100,000 gallons per day; well location; owner name and address; well type; estimated depth; well-use type; and proposed aquifer.
- The permit is void if construction has not commenced within one year after issuance.
- The permit fee for constructing, deepening, modifying, or sealing a water well may not exceed $100.
- The Department will deny a permit request when available information indicates groundwater contamination exceeds Class I groundwater standards, subject to the treatment approval provision in subsection (f)(2).
- The permittee must notify the Department, approved local health department, or approved unit of local government by telephone or in writing at least two days before work begins.
maximum water well permit fee: <= 100 USD · permit commencement deadline: 1 year after issuance (Permit is void if construction has not commenced within that period.) · pre-work notification: >= 2 days (Notification may be by telephone or in writing.)
“A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction of a new water well, modification of an existing water well, or sealing of an abandoned water well in McDonough County under Illinois statewide requirements.
  “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
  77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 920, Section 920.130: Water Well Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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, including access-driveway requests to State highways.
- A permit must be obtained before work begins.
- Requirements may vary by IDOT district; the applicant must contact the district office for specific requirements.
- IDOT's access-driveway handbook guides what is allowable for highway access requests.
“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 activities in regulated Illinois floodways and, where a floodway has not been delineated, generally work anywhere in the floodplain.
- For downstate streams, IDNR Division permitting applies to floodways of streams draining at least one square mile in urban areas or ten square miles in rural areas.
- In northeastern Illinois, Part 3708 applies to identified floodways in Cook County excluding Chicago, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
- Some minor activities are automatically authorized by statewide or regional permits if their terms and conditions are met.
- For State-owned property, Part 3710 requires a permit for all development activity in FEMA-mapped floodplains.
urban stream drainage area threshold: >= 1 square mile (regulated floodways under Part 3700) · rural stream drainage area threshold: >= 10 square miles (regulated floodways under Part 3700)
“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

Inside cities and towns in McDonough County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Building permitRequired
Erection, alteration, or repair of buildings within Macomb city limits.
- General maintenance such as painting, sealants, protective treatments, carpet work, and other general maintenance is listed as not requiring a building permit.
- Enterprise-zone property still requires a permit, but the fee is waived.
- Failure to obtain a permit before construction doubles the building permit fee.
“The erection, alteration or repair of a building within Macomb City limits requires for a building permit to be filed.”
Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted
City of Macomb building-code references.
- This claim applies to the City of Macomb and not automatically to unincorporated McDonough County or other municipalities.
International Building Code: 2018 · International Fire Code: 2018 · International Mechanical Code: 2018 · International Residential Code: 2018 · Illinois Accessibility Code: 2018
“Building Codes Adopted 2021: International Building Code 2018 International Fire Code 2018 International Mechanical Code 2018 International Residential Code 2018”
cityofmacomb.com ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land and buildings within the City of Macomb and its zoning districts in McDonough County.
- The cited document describes City of Macomb zoning; it does not establish countywide zoning or rules for other municipalities or unincorporated areas.
- Uses and development must conform to the regulations of the applicable zoning district.
- The complete permitted-use listing is in Chapter 17, Article VI of the City Municipal Code.
“Generally speaking, no building or land shall be erected, moved, altered, used or occupied without conforming to the regulations specified for the district in which it is located. A complete listing of permitted uses within the city is included in Chapter 17, Article VI of the Municipal Code. The city is divided into the following zoning districts:”
Basic Zoning: Purpose & Permitted Uses ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — The City of Macomb and the contiguous unincorporated area within one and one-half miles from Macomb's corporate limits, as described in Macomb Municipal Code section 17-26.
  “The Official Zoning Map, which shall include the contiguous unincorporated area within one and one-half (1 Yi ) miles from the corporate city limits of Macomb, shall be amended, adopted by Ordinance, and published annually in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Municipal Code.”
  Ordinance Amending Section 17-26 of the Macomb Municipal Code Pertaining to the Official Zoning Map ↗Re-checked Nov 13, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)
Connections to public water or sewer systems in the City of Macomb.
- Permission and permits are required before tapping the public system.
- A plumbing number and Water-Sewer Service Form are required; separate permits are required for each service connection and building, and each branch connection when more than one connection is made by one service pipe.
- Water activation without contacting the Business Office may result in a penalty fee of up to $750.
activation penalty: <= 750 USD (for activating water service without contacting the Business Office)
“All connections to the public water or sewer systems need to receive permission and permits before tapping into the public system.”
Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land within the City of Macomb.
- A minor subdivision is a division into two or fewer lots.
- The final subdivision plat must be submitted within 12 months after preliminary plat approval.
- The planning commission has 40 days to approve, partially approve, or disapprove the subdivision.
minor subdivision maximum lots: <= 2 lots · final plat submission deadline: 12 months (after preliminary plat approval) · planning commission review period: 40 days
“A minor subdivision is a division of land into two or fewer lots.”
Land Developments ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Driveway excavation, repair, or temporary driveway use in the City of Macomb public right-of-way.
- A right-of-way permit is required for public right-of-way use.
- Driveway/sidewalk/alley excavations require a $1,000 security or bond deposit.
- Right-of-way permit approval by the Public Works Department is required.
- Driveway or sidewalk repair without excavation and temporary driveways have listed fees.
driveway/sidewalk/alley excavation fee: 50 USD · driveway/sidewalk/alley excavation security/bond: 1000 USD · driveway/sidewalk repair without excavation: 25 USD · temporary driveway: 25 USD
“Curb/Gutter/Sidewalk/Driveway/Alley Excavations ($50.00) [...] Driveway/Sidewalk Repair without Excavation ($25.00) Temporary Driveway ($25.00)”
Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
City of Macomb building permits.
- The building permit fee is based on the estimated cost of the project.
- The cited page links to a fee schedule but does not provide the full schedule text in the page passage.
fee basis: estimated cost of project
“The permit fee is based on the estimated cost of the project and uses the following schedule.”
Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
City of Macomb building-permit process.
- Commercial or institutional building erection or modification requires building plans.
- Residential structure changes should include a sketch of the changes on an aerial map provided by the City upon request.
- The permit is valid for six months.
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, and right-of-way work may require separate permits.
permit validity: 6 months
“When a building permit is issued, a colored paper sign is given to be displayed visibly in the project location. The permit is valid for 6 months.”
Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026

Still unanswered

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

County-wide zoning — County zoning regulation in McDonough County, including unincorporated territory.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in McDonough County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor-area requirement for a dwelling in unincorporated McDonough County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-area requirement for residential development in unincorporated McDonough County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in McDonough County.

4 more unanswered

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

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 McDonough County, Illinois

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

McDonough County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

How much does land cost in McDonough County, Illinois?

Land in McDonough County runs about $9,948 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McDonough County?

McDonough County gets about 39.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.9% of years.

How remote is McDonough County?

A representative private-land location has about 27,293 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,294,549 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 McDonough County, Illinois