Bolthole Index

McHenry County, Illinois

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

33Index Score / 100
#96 of 102 in Illinois

McHenry County, Illinois requires a building permit for construction in unincorporated parts of the county, issued by the Planning & Development Building Division after zoning, stormwater and plan review1,2. The county administers its own zoning ordinance over unincorporated land through the Unified Development Ordinance3,4. Septic systems go through the McHenry County Department of Health, not the state directly, and the county's soils make conventional drain fields the exception rather than the rule here5,6.

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

Yes, if your land is in unincorporated McHenry County: the Building Division reviews construction documents, issues building permits and conducts inspections of construction there.

Yes, if your land is in unincorporated McHenry County: the Building Division reviews construction documents, issues building permits and conducts inspections of construction there1,2. If your property sits within a village or city's limits, that municipality's own building office handles the permit instead of the county2. Illinois has required a statewide building-code baseline since 2025, while local governments may adopt and administer compliant local codes12. The Building Division aims to complete permit reviews within 10 business days of the application date2. A permitted single-family residence must receive a Certificate of Occupancy before anyone moves in; a temporary certificate is limited to safe, substantially complete work and requires Health Department approval of the septic and well systems9.

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

The McHenry County Planning & Development Building Division is the building department for unincorporated county land, based at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098, phone (815) 334-4000.

The McHenry County Planning & Development Building Division is the building department for unincorporated county land, based at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098, phone (815) 334-40002. The division reviews construction documents, issues permits and conducts construction inspections in unincorporated McHenry County2. McHenry County publishes building permit fees by new-home floor area, but the available schedule is dated 2023 and the county advertises a newer schedule effective July 1, 2026, so ask the Building Division for the current amount before budgeting11. Illinois allows qualifying owner-occupants to perform plumbing work on their own single-family residence, but that is not a general exemption from building permits or other construction-trade requirements8. If your parcel is inside a village or city, contact that municipality's building or administrative office instead of the county2.

Does McHenry County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. McHenry County administers zoning in unincorporated parts of the county through the Planning, Zoning and Land Use Division and the Unified Development Ordinance3,4. The ordinance includes a "Zoning District Uses" table showing uses by zoning district; for an unlisted use, ask the Zoning Enforcement Officer to determine which district allows it4. Setback distances and building-height limits depend on the applicable county zoning district rather than one statewide measurement13. We could not confirm countywide numeric minimums for dwelling size, lot size or setbacks, so obtain the parcel's district and written answers from the Planning, Zoning and Land Use Division before designing a house. A zoning petition typically takes a minimum of three months4.

How do septic permits work in McHenry County?

A McHenry County Department of Health septic permit is required before a system is installed, repaired, extended, replaced or abandoned anywhere in McHenry County.

A McHenry County Department of Health septic permit is required before a system is installed, repaired, extended, replaced or abandoned anywhere in McHenry County14. Rodding lines, replacing solid pipe, and replacing damaged distribution or drop boxes are narrow minor-repair exceptions; consult the Health Department before starting work without a septic permit14. Septic systems must be installed by a licensed private sewage system installation contractor, and applications go to the Environmental Health Division in person or by mail14. A new system generally needs a site evaluation and soil boring report from a certified soil classifier7. Only 2.5% of McHenry County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility before fixing the house site6. Surface-discharging systems are not allowed, while holding tanks are limited to narrow temporary circumstances7.

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

You cannot use an RV as a residence on unincorporated McHenry County property that does not already have an occupied dwelling, unless the use is otherwise specifically permitted by the county ordinance.

You cannot use an RV as a residence on unincorporated McHenry County property that does not already have an occupied dwelling, unless the use is otherwise specifically permitted by the county ordinance10. One narrow exception allows an RV or mobile home on the same lot as a residence made uninhabitable by fire or natural disaster, but the owner must obtain a temporary-use permit, provide compliant water and sanitation, and remove the temporary shelter when the replacement or repaired home is complete15. RVs may also serve as temporary camping units in a compliant campground, but campground units cannot be principal residences and year-round residency is prohibited16. McHenry County's reviewed rules do not settle whether a tiny home qualifies as a dwelling on a particular parcel. Ask the Planning, Zoning and Land Use Division for a written determination based on the parcel's zoning district and the proposed structure; the county directs unlisted uses to its Zoning Enforcement Officer4.

Building a home in McHenry County: the steps, in order

Confirm the parcel's zoning district and whether the proposed use appears in the ordinance's Zoning District Uses table; ask the Zoning Enforcement Officer about an unlisted use.

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district and whether the proposed use appears in the ordinance's Zoning District Uses table; ask the Zoning Enforcement Officer about an unlisted use4.
  2. If the site is not on public sewer, apply to the McHenry County Department of Health for septic approval and arrange the required soil evaluation and licensed installer7,14.
  3. Ask the Water Resources Division about grading, drainage, wetlands and floodplain review because it checks building permits for stormwater compliance17.
  4. For a driveway connecting to a county highway, apply to the McHenry County Division of Transportation with a site plan or sketch; work in county right-of-way requires a permit18.
  5. Confirm the current building permit fee with the Building Division, then submit construction documents; the office aims to complete reviews within 10 business days2,11.
  6. Complete inspections and obtain the required Certificate of Occupancy before occupying a permitted single-family residence9.

What to check before you buy land in McHenry County

Test the soil before you count on a standard septic system: only 2.5% of McHenry County's soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and the county requires a soil boring evaluation and an Illinois-licensed contractor for permitted septic work.

Test the soil before you count on a standard septic system: only 2.5% of McHenry County's soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and the county requires a soil boring evaluation and an Illinois-licensed contractor for permitted septic work6,7. Confirm the zoning district and allowed uses with the Planning, Zoning and Land Use Division before closing because an unlisted use needs a determination from the Zoning Enforcement Officer4. Check drainage, wetlands and floodplain status with the Water Resources Division, which reviews building permits for stormwater compliance17. Most county land has a slope of 15% or less, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 18 miles from the county's center6. Budget for a typical effective property-tax rate of about 2.5% and a median annual property-tax bill near $7,1536.

Watch-outs

  • McHenry County requires permits in unincorporated areas, while incorporated villages and cities direct owners to their own building offices1,2.
  • Illinois has a plumbing-only exemption for qualifying owner-occupants working on their own single-family residence, but we could not confirm a broader McHenry County owner-builder exemption; ask the Building Division before planning other self-performed work8.
  • An RV cannot be occupied as a residence on unincorporated property without an occupied dwelling unless a specific ordinance exception applies; ordinary campground occupancy is temporary, not principal or year-round residence10,16.

Sources

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

  1. codelibrary.amlegal.com (2026 county census)
  2. McHenry County Planning & Development, Building Division (mchenrycountyil.gov)
  3. codelibrary.amlegal.com (2026 county census)
  4. McHenry County Planning & Development, Planning, Zoning and Land Use Division (mchenrycountyil.gov)
  5. § 8.04.370 General Requirements (2026 county census)
  6. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  7. McHenry County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division (mchenrycountyil.gov)
  8. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (2026 county census)
  9. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Request
  10. McHenry County Code § 16.56.050, Accessory Structure and Use Standards
  11. Planning and Development Fee Schedule April 1, 2023
  12. Illinois Codes (Illinois statewide rule)
  13. ilga.gov (Illinois statewide rule)
  14. So You Are Applying for a Septic Permit
  15. McHenry County Code § 16.56.040, Temporary Use Standards
  16. McHenry County Code § 16.08.020, Definitions
  17. McHenry County Planning & Development, Water Resources Division (mchenrycountyil.gov)
  18. Highway Access Permit Application

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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, McHenry County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMcHenry CountyBoone CountyLake CountyKane CountyDuPage CountyDeKalb CountyWinnebago County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Dept. of HealthCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

McHenry County in Illinois

33
County map
McHenry County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How McHenry County scores

33 / 100 · #96 of 102 in Illinois · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion10100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability68100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost51100% 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 →

$372kTypical home
2.5%Property tax
$8,304Land / acre
37.4"Annual rain
7.8% of yrsSevere drought
3 / yr (+2.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.7" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.71×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,672Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.1%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
361,985People within 30 min
12,745,880People within 2 hr
385,974Radius comparison (15 mi)
518.4People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
96.7%Land at 15% slope or less
2.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
9,317 acWorkable land screen
25.6%Wooded land
50.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
48.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in McHenry 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: Dorr Township · Dunham Township · Grafton Township · Village of Greenwood · Hartland Township · Village of Hebron · Village of Holiday Hills · Nunda Township · Village of Oakwood Hills · Village of Richmond · Village of Spring Grove · Village of Trout Valley · Village of Union · Woodstock

Answers from the rulebook for McHenry County

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

McHenry County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and other work regulated by the McHenry County Building Code in unincorporated McHenry County.

    • To obtain a permit, the applicant must file a written application on a form furnished by the Department of Planning and Development.
    • One-story detached accessory structures used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses may be exempt when they have a maximum floor area of 150 square feet, are not located in a floodplain or wetland, comply with the Unified Development Ordinance and Stormwater Ordinance, and are properly anchored.
    • Open fences may be exempt when they obscure less than 50 percent of the view through the fence, have a maximum height of 8 feet, are not located in a floodplain or wetland, and comply with the Unified Development Ordinance and Stormwater Management Ordinance.
    • Retaining walls not over 4 feet high may be exempt unless supporting a surcharge.
    • Sidewalks, patios, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grades may be exempt if they meet the stated code, Unified Development Ordinance, and Stormwater Management Ordinance conditions.
    • Agricultural Exempt Structures must obtain an Agricultural Exempt Structure Construction Card and comply with building setbacks and Stormwater Management Ordinance requirements.
    • Permit validity is generally a maximum of two years; work must commence within 180 days or the permit becomes invalid, subject to written extensions of not more than 180 days each.
    • Where a septic system is required, no building permit is issued without prior or simultaneous issuance of a septic permit.

    maximum floor area for detached accessory-structure exemption: <= 150 square feet (Must also satisfy floodplain, wetland, anchoring, Unified Development Ordinance, and Stormwater Management Ordinance conditions.) · maximum retaining-wall height for exemption: <= 4 feet (Exemption does not apply when supporting a surcharge.) · maximum height for open-fence exemption: <= 8 feet (Fence must obscure less than 50 percent of view and satisfy floodplain, wetland, Unified Development Ordinance, and Stormwater Management Ordinance conditions.) · permit commencement deadline: 180 days (Written extensions may be granted for periods not more than 180 days each.)

    “[A] 105.3 Application for permit. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the Department of Planning and Development for that purpose.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction in unincorporated McHenry County
      “the building division reviews construction documents, issues building permits and conducts inspections of all construction activities in unincorporated mchenry county.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The McHenry County Building Code and regulated construction in the county jurisdiction.

    • The County Board adopted the 2021 International Building Code with local amendments.
    • The 2006 International Building Code ordinance was repealed except for permit applications filed before the adoption date of the newer ordinance.
    • The Illinois State Plumbing Code applies to plumbing systems.
    • The McHenry County Public Health Ordinance applies to private sewage disposal systems and private and non-community water supplies.
    • The Department of Planning and Development is the enforcement agency.

    adopted building code edition: International Building Code 2021 (Subject to local amendments contained in § 15.04.010.)

    “The County Board hereby adopts the International Building Code 2021 with local amendments as contained below and that Ordinance O-201609-10-031 adopting the International Building Code 2006 with local amendments be repealed except for its application to permit applications filed prior to the date of adoption of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building codes reviewed for new permit applications in unincorporated McHenry County
      “effective january 1, 2023 all new building permit applications will be reviewed for compliance with the 2021 icc codes and the 2020 nec building codes and amendments”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of a single-family residence structure subject to a McHenry County building permit

    • A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued only when the portion to be occupied is safe and the permitted work is substantially complete.
    • A TCO is not issued for correction items involving life-safety requirements or substantial completion.
    • Written approval from the McHenry County Department of Health is required for septic and well systems for a TCO.
    • Commercial projects require written approval from the fire district having jurisdiction.
    • The TCO period may not extend beyond the permit expiration date.
    • Violating TCO conditions may revoke the TCO and trigger legal action.
    “Violating any of the conditions will result in revocation of the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy and a violation of IRC Sec. 110.1, occupying a single family residence structure without a Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within McHenry County outside incorporated municipalities that have adopted a zoning ordinance.

    • The ordinance excludes land lying within incorporated municipalities that have adopted a zoning ordinance.
    • Structures and land must be used, occupied, constructed, moved, enlarged, or structurally altered in conformity with the ordinance unless otherwise provided.
    • More restrictive statutes, ordinances, or regulations control where applicable.
    • The source identifies multiple amendments, including Ordinance O-202208-ZBA-031 passed 2022-08-16.
    “All land within the corporate limits of the County of McHenry, Illinois, excluding land lying within incorporated municipalities that have adopted a zoning ordinance, is bound by the provisions of this Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning in unincorporated McHenry County under Title 16 Unified Development Ordinance
      “the following titles and chapters govern land use, zoning, and development construction and permitting in unincorporated mchenry county”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Zoning in McHenry County: county UDO governs unincorporated land; incorporated municipalities with their own zoning ordinances are excluded

    • County Unified Development Ordinance applies to unincorporated land
    • Incorporated municipalities that have adopted a zoning ordinance administer their own zoning
    • Aggregate conclusion: zoning varies by municipality; the county does not administer municipal ordinances
    “all land within the corporate limits of the county of mchenry, illinois, excluding land lying within incorporated municipalities that have adopted a zoning ordinance, is bound by the provisions of this ordinance.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Minimum lot areas in McHenry County zoning districts governed by Table 16.36-1.

    • Minimum lot area varies by zoning district and, for some districts, by use category.
    • A-1 lists 40 acres for residences and 1 acre for all other uses.
    • A-2 lists 1 acre for residences and additional frontage and coverage standards by lot size.
    • E-5, E-3, E-2, E-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, B-1, B-2, B-3, O, I-1, and I-2 have district-specific dimensional entries.
    • Cul-de-sac frontage may be reduced to not less than 50 percent of the district standard or 75 feet, whichever is greater.

    A-1 residential minimum lot area: 40 acres · A-1 nonresidential minimum lot area: 1 acre · A-2 residential minimum lot area: 1 acre · E-5 minimum lot area: 5 acres · E-3 minimum lot area: 3 acres · E-2 minimum lot area: 2 acres · R-1 minimum lot area: 0.5 acre · R-2 minimum lot area: 1 acre · R-3 minimum lot area: 2 acres + 0.25 acre for each dwelling unit above 4

    “A-1 | None | 40ac | 1ac | 330' | None | 35' | None | None | 30' from ROW or 65' from the centerline if no dedicate d right-of-way exists or as allowed by §16.60. C.1.a. | 30' | 30' | 30' | A -1”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal structures in the R-1 Single-Family Residential district in unincorporated McHenry County (other districts have different values in Table 16.36-1)

    • Setbacks vary by zoning district; this claim covers R-1 only
    • Street setback may alternatively be the platted street setback or the block-face average when 60% of the blockface is developed, never less than 10 feet absent a variation (§ 16.60.010)
    • Street setback must be at least 90 feet from the centerline of a regional transportation corridor (footnote 3)
    • Reduced setbacks for nonconforming lots under § 16.80.050 D (footnote 4)
    • Flag/land-locked lot perimeter setback is measured from the main building site excluding the access strip (footnote 5)
    • Increased side/rear/perimeter setbacks apply when abutting certain districts (footnote 6)
    • Detached accessory structures have separate setbacks in Table 16.56.050-1
    • Table column order read as street, interior side, rear, flag-lot perimeter; source text is garbled by extraction

    R-1 minimum street setback: >= 30 feet (from right-of-way, or as allowed by § 16.60.C.1.a) · R-1 minimum interior side setback: >= 10 feet · R-1 minimum rear setback: >= 10 feet · R-1 flag- or land-locked lot perimeter setback: >= 20 feet

    “r-1 0.5ac 100' 35' 30% 50% 30' from ro w or as allo wed by § 16.60.c.1.a. 10' 10' 20' r -1”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Residential occupancy or storage of recreational vehicles on property without an occupied dwelling unit in unincorporated McHenry County.

    • The ordinance exception is for uses otherwise specifically permitted by the ordinance.
    “The storage or occupancy for residential purposes of recreational vehicles [...] is prohibited on any property without an occupied dwelling unit”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Temporary use of a recreational vehicle as an emergency residence after a fire or natural disaster makes a residence unfit for human habitation in unincorporated McHenry County.
      “The permit is valid for a maximum of twelve (12) months [...] not to exceed sixty (60) days.”
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle occupancy as a camping unit in a McHenry County campground.
      “RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, or similar STRUCTURE established, maintained or operated in a CAMPGROUND as temporary living quarters for recreation, education, or vacation purposes.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in McHenry County.

    • A permit is required before construction, replacement, modification, alteration, extension, or repair, except for minor repairs that do not influence system size or substantially alter function.
    • Applications must be written, use Department forms, and be signed by the owner or authorized agent.
    • The permit is valid for two years; renewal may be for six months at one-half the prevailing permit fee if original-submittal conditions remain valid.
    • The system must be approved by the Health Authority before use.
    • Where septic is required for a structure, a building permit requires prior or simultaneous septic-permit issuance.
    • New construction includes a new structure, additions of 50 percent or more of habitable square footage, additional bedrooms, additional nonresidential sewage flow, or additions failing Table IV setback requirements.
    • The ordinance states that its exemptions do not supersede local zoning or building restrictions.

    septic permit validity: 2 years (May be renewed for six months for one-half of the prevailing permit fee if original-submittal conditions remain valid.) · nonresidential public-sewer availability distance: 1000 feet (The application must demonstrate that a public sewer is not available and accessible to the property line; for nonresidential structures, available means within 1,000 feet.)

    “No private sewage disposal system shall be constructed, replaced, modified, altered, extended or repaired until a permit has been issued by the Health Authority.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic system installation, repair, extension, replacement, or abandonment in McHenry County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas as described by the county program.

    • A permit is required before the listed work begins.
    • Very minor repairs consisting of rodding lines, replacing solid pipe, or replacing damaged distribution or drop boxes do not require a permit.
    • Applicants should consult the McHenry County Department of Health before starting work when relying on the minor-repair exception.
    • Septic systems must be installed by a Licensed Private Sewage System Installation Contractor.
    • Permit applications are submitted to the McHenry County Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health, in person or by mail.
    • Required supporting documentation varies by permit type, and additional information may be required depending on the specific project.
    “A septic system permit is required before a septic system is installed, repaired, extended, replaced or abandoned in McHenry County. Some very minor repairs (rodding lines, replacing solid pipe, replacing damaged distribution or drop boxes) do not require a permit. Consult with the Health Department prior to starting any work.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway and other access connections onto McHenry County highways, including major commercial or subdivision access, minor access for a driveway serving 1-4 homes or a field entrance, temporary access, and emergency access.

    • The application must be returned to the McHenry County Division of Transportation with a site plan or preliminary engineering plan.
    • For minor access, the applicant must provide a sketch showing the property location and proposed driveway.
    • The permit requirement applies to work within the County right-of-way and is administered under the Illinois Highway Code, McHenry County Access Management Ordinance, and Utility Placement Policy.
    • The applicant must comply with MCDOT policies, conditions, and requirements and all applicable federal, state, county, subdivision, and agency requirements.
    • MCDOT may require engineering plans, sight-distance and traffic studies, performance and maintenance guarantees, and a certificate of insurance.
    • Submitting an application does not guarantee approval; insufficient room in the County highway right-of-way may be cause for denial.
    • Proposals become inactive after six months without an applicant response, after which the applicant must reapply and comply with then-current conditions, policies, and standards.
    • Separate Utility Consent Permit applications are required for utilities within the County highway right-of-way.
    • A Facility Installation Application, signed by the local municipality with jurisdiction, is additionally required for specified facilities within the County highway right-of-way.
    “For a Minor Access, provide a sketch, available from the Division, showing the property location and the proposed driveway. In accordance with the Illinois Highway Code, McHenry County Access Management Ordinance and Utility Placement Policy, a permit is required for any work within the County right-of-way.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Planning and Development permit and development-application fees in unincorporated McHenry County.

    • The opened fee schedule is dated April 1, 2023.
    • The schedule provides fee-specific amounts and percentage-based fees depending on permit type and process stage.
    • The county Planning and Development page advertises a new fee schedule effective July 1, 2026; current amounts should therefore be checked against that newer schedule.

    after-the-fact permit: double permit fee (not charged if work was completed by a prior property owner) · resubmittal fee: 25% of original permit fee (required for the 3rd and all subsequent resubmittals) · permit extension fee: 25% of original permit fee (required to extend the permit by 6 months)

    “After-the-Fact Permit (not charged if work was completed by a prior property owner) Double permit fee”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Planning and Development building permits in unincorporated McHenry County.
      “7. a. New Residential - under 2,500 sq. ft. $2,500 b. New Residential - 2,500 to 4,000 sq. ft. $3,250 c. New Residential - over 4,000 sq. ft. $4,000”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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”
    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.”
    • 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.”
  • InspectionsLimited

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

    • The Illinois Capital Development Board does not perform building-code inspections for privately funded construction.
    • If inspections are required, they are addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    • A local municipality or county may be a non-building-code jurisdiction, in which case applicable state baseline requirements and inspection-certification provisions may apply.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Building-code-compliance inspections performed by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning districts outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The applicable county zoning ordinance determines the actual height limit by district or use.
    • No single statewide height measurement was identified.
    “including height of buildings and structures”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes as dwellings, including occupancy in manufactured home communities regulated by IDPH.

    • Manufactured home communities with 5 or more sites must be licensed by IDPH, except communities located in home rule units.
    • IDPH annually inspects licensed communities for renewal, including water, sewage disposal, electrical systems, lighting, roads, spacing of homes, and garbage disposal.
    • Manufactured homes moved since January 1, 1980 must be secured using equipment meeting IDPH standards.
    • Effective December 31, 2001, manufactured homes must be installed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner and installed according to manufacturer instructions; if unavailable, the IDPH Manufactured Home Installation Code applies.
    • Local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility requirements may also apply.

    manufactured home community license threshold: >= 5 sites (Communities located in home rule units are excepted from this IDPH licensing statement.) · moved-home tiedown requirement effective date: >= 1980-01-01 · installation requirement effective date: >= 2001-12-31

    “designed and situated so as to permit its occupancy as a dwelling place for one or more persons”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

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

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

    Off-grid disposal of human wastes through privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets, and compost toilets statewide in Illinois.

    • Other domestic wastes must be disposed of in a conventional private sewage disposal system.
    • Compost toilets may also be used for other organic domestic wastes.
    • Privies have construction, capacity, venting, maintenance, and abandonment requirements.
    • A privy pit must have a minimum capacity of 50 cubic feet per seat.
    • A privy must be pumped when filled to within 18 inches of the bottom of the riser.
    • Vault privies are required where groundwater or limestone formations are within 4 feet of the bottom of the pit.
    • Recirculating toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 and residuals must go to an approved public or private sewage disposal system.
    • Incinerator and compost toilets have separate maintenance and disposal requirements; compost toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41.

    privy pit minimum capacity: >= 50 cubic feet per seat · privy pumping trigger: <= 18 inches from bottom of riser (Pump when filled to within this distance.) · vault-privy groundwater or limestone separation: < 4 feet from bottom of pit (Watertight, non-metal vaults are required where the condition applies.)

    “Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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”
    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).”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts and zoning-district maps
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated McHenry County
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land
  • Tiny homes — Tiny homes in unincorporated McHenry County
2 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Subdividing land

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in McHenry County, Illinois

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

McHenry County scores 33/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 361,985 people within a 30-minute drive.

How much does land cost in McHenry County, Illinois?

Land in McHenry County runs about $8,304 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McHenry County?

McHenry County gets about 37.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.8% of years.

How remote is McHenry County?

A representative private-land location has about 361,985 people within a 30-minute drive and 12,745,880 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.

How McHenry compares in Illinois

Compare side-by-side →See all 102 Illinois counties ranked →