Bolthole Index

Rock Island County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in East Moline, Illinois

East Moline, Illinois handles residential building permits through its Inspection Department and administers its own zoning inside city limits.12 In Rock Island County, private sewage permits remain with the County Health Authority; public sewer connections are arranged with the municipality.3 East Moline allows limited RV guest occupancy on residential lots, rather than general RV living, and requires covered dwellings to have at least 900 square feet.45

At a glance

Residential building permits
City Inspection Department; complete compliant applications issued in 10 days or less1
Zoning
East Moline administers its own zoning ordinance2
Septic permits
County Health Authority for private sewage; municipality for public sewer connections3
RV living
Residential-lot exception for guests only: up to 30 consecutive days, without charge4
Minimum dwelling size
At least 900 square feet for the specified dwelling types, plus building-code floor-area standards5
Water and sewer
Connection required when public sewer and/or water is available within 200 feet of the property line; 90 days after notice6

Who to call

Building permits

East Moline Inspection Department

Building permits and inspections; driveway approach permits in the city right-of-way

309-752-1509

912 16th Ave. East Moline, IL 61244

Online permits →

Zoning

East Moline Community Development Department — Zoning Official

Questions about city zoning districts, proposed uses and dimensional requirements

309-752-1597

Septic permits

Rock Island County Health Department

Private sewage disposal approval and private-water-supply questions

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

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in East Moline, Illinois?

East Moline routes residential permit applications through the city Inspection Department; applications require plans and specifications in duplicate, verified by the owner, architect or contractor in charge.1 East Moline has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code and other listed International codes, with local amendments held by the Inspection Department, plus the 2017 National Electrical Code.7

East Moline building permit fees depend on total project valuation, and the fee schedule separately addresses inspections and additional plan review.8 A complete application and attachments meeting code requirements are stated to receive a permit in 10 days or less; that condition matters when scheduling construction.1

Who issues building permits in East Moline, and how do you reach the office?

For East Moline building and electrical inspection questions, call the Inspection Department at 309-752-1509 or use the City Hall Annex at 912 16th Ave. East Moline, IL 61244.9 For East Moline zoning questions, contact the Community Development Zoning Official at 309-752-1597.10 Private sewage approval inside East Moline remains with the County Health Authority when a public sewer connection is not used.3

East Moline also requires a driveway approach permit for residential or commercial driveway construction or reconstruction within the city right-of-way; obtain that permit from the Inspection Department.9 Include the proposed driveway approach in your discussion with the city before arranging site work.9

Does East Moline have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

East Moline administers its own zoning ordinance, so a parcel inside city limits needs the city district and use rules checked before a house layout is chosen.2 For R-1 residential development, the city-hosted public-review schedule lists a minimum lot area of 7,500 square feet and a minimum width of 75 feet; ask the Zoning Official to confirm the current codified schedule before relying on those figures.1110

The same R-1 schedule lists a 25-foot front yard, a 6-foot minimum side yard, a 12-foot combined side-yard width and a 35-foot rear yard, also requiring confirmation against the current schedule.12 Subdivision lots must meet their district dimensions, cannot count submerged land or proposed street improvements toward minimum area, and must abut a qualifying street.13

How do septic permits and water connections work inside East Moline?

East Moline private sewage systems require approval through the County Health Authority when public sewer is not used; public sewer arrangements instead go through the municipality owning the sewer.3 Rock Island County has an application for installing or repairing private sewage disposal systems, with health-department approval and certification of compliance with county and Illinois law.14

East Moline requires buildings with plumbing fixtures intended for human habitation, occupancy or use to connect when public sewer and/or water is available within 200 feet of the property line, within 90 days after the owner receives notice.6 That connection requirement should be resolved before planning private sanitation or water infrastructure.6 We could not confirm a complete East Moline rule for every off-grid sanitation method or a direct private-well permit requirement; ask the city about utility availability and the Rock Island County Health Department about the proposed private system.615

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in East Moline?

East Moline prohibits living, sleeping or housekeeping in an RV parked or stored on a residential lot except for guest housing for occupants of the principal residence, limited to 30 consecutive days without charge.4 RV parking or storage must be in a required side or rear yard, meet setbacks, and use a concrete or asphalt pad or equivalent acceptable material.4 The guest exception does not establish permission for an owner to live in an RV while building.4

East Moline requires one-story, one-and-a-half-story and two-story dwellings to have at least 900 square feet and satisfy building-code floor-area standards.5 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home or accessory-dwelling rule; ask the Zoning Official how a specific design and proposed use fit the city ordinance before buying a unit.210

What are the steps to building a home in East Moline?

  1. Confirm the East Moline zoning district and proposed residential use with the city Zoning Official, then check the applicable lot dimensions and setbacks.210
  2. Resolve public water and sewer availability with the city before choosing private infrastructure; private sewage approval goes through the County Health Authority.63
  3. Submit the residential application with duplicate plans and specifications verified by the owner, architect or contractor in charge.1
  4. If the East Moline site is in a floodplain, contact the Director of Engineering about floodplain development approval and other required local, state and federal permits.16
  5. Contact the Inspection Department for applicable inspections when work is complete, and obtain the city zoning certificate of occupancy before using or occupying a newly created, erected, changed, converted or enlarged building or premises.117

For land outside East Moline city limits, use the Rock Island County guide: the county zoning department administers unincorporated properties.18

Watch-outs

  • East Moline’s R-1 lot and setback figures above come from a public-review document; confirm the current codified schedule with the city Zoning Official before committing to a site plan.111210
  • East Moline’s residential-lot RV exception is for guests of the principal residence, with no charge, for up to 30 consecutive days; do not treat RV storage permission as permission to live there.4
  • East Moline floodplain development approval is handled by the Director of Engineering and does not replace other required local, state or federal permits.16
  • Illinois does not provide a general local building-permit exemption merely because an owner performs the work; ask the East Moline Inspection Department about the proposed work.199

Sources

  1. Permit Application (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  2. codelibrary.amlegal.com (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  3. § 51.06 Permit Required (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  4. 10-24-8: Parking, Storage or Use of Automobiles, Recreational Vehicle, or Mobile Agricultural Machinery or Equipment (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  5. 10-4-10: Minimum Ground Floor Area for Dwellings (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  6. 4-3-5: Individual Connection to Sewer and/or Water Required (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  7. 4-1-1: Building Codes Adopted by Reference; Permit Fees (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  8. 4-1-1: Building Codes Adopted by Reference; Permit Fees (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  9. East Moline Inspection Department (eastmoline.com)
  10. East Moline Community Development Department — Zoning Official (eastmoline.com)
  11. Zoning Ordinance (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  12. Zoning Ordinance (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  13. 10-31-3.3: Lot Requirements; Access and Relationship to Streets (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  14. Application to Install or Repair Private Sewage Disposal System, quoted and re-checked
  15. Water and Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  16. 4-12-4: Duties of the Responsible Official (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning Ordinance (East Moline), quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning & Building Safety, quoted and re-checked
  19. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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

Answers from the rulebook for East Moline

East Moline’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside East Moline city limits.

    • 2018 editions of the listed International codes are adopted, subject to amendments in exhibits A through H on file with the Inspection Department.
    • NFPA 70: 2017 National Electrical Code is adopted.
    • Where referenced codes conflict, the more restrictive provision determined by the Building or Code official applies.

    International Building Code edition: 2018 · International Residential Code edition: 2018 · National Electrical Code edition: 2017

    “The provisions of the International Building Code, 2018 edition, International Residential Code, 2018 edition, International Existing Building Code, 2018 edition, International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 edition, International Mechanical Code, 2018 edition, International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 edition, International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 edition, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 edition, which are freely viewable online at http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/index.htm, and, the NFPA 70: 2017 National Electrical Code prepared and published by the National Fire Protection Association are hereby adopted by reference and shall serve as the Building Code of the City, subject to certain amendments, which are marked exhibits A through H, as attached to the respective codes, which amendments are on file in the Office of the Inspection Department.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy of a building, premises, or part thereof created, erected, changed, converted, or enlarged inside East Moline city limits.

    • The certificate must show that the building, premises, or proposed use conforms to Title 10.
    • The cited requirement is from the City's zoning ordinance.
    “certificate of occupancy shall be obtained”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside East Moline city limits; the City adopts and administers its own zoning ordinance.

    • The code states that the zoning ordinance was amended by replacing the prior ordinance with the chapters in Title 10.
    “The Zoning Ordinance of the City of East Moline, Illinois”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    One-story, one-and-a-half-story, and two-story dwellings inside East Moline city limits.

    • The dwelling must also meet minimum floor-area standards in the International Building Code.
    • The length may not exceed four times the width.

    minimum floor area: >= 900 square feet (one-story, one-and-a-half-story, or two-story dwelling)

    “A one story dwelling or a story and a half, or two story dwelling shall meet the minimum floor area standards in the International Building Code and be at least nine hundred (900) square feet with the length being no more than four (4) times the width.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R-1 One-Family Residence District inside East Moline city limits.

    • The City-hosted zoning document presents the R-1 bulk table with one- to three-story residential development.
    • The document is labeled for public review; verify against the current official codified zoning schedule before relying on the values.

    minimum lot area: >= 7500 square feet (R-1; one to three stories) · minimum lot width: >= 75 feet (R-1; one to three stories)

    “Number of Stories Lot Area (sq. ft.) Lot Width Front Yard Depth Least Side Yard Width Side Yard Sum Width Rear Yard Depth 1 to 3 7,500 75 ft. 25 ft. 6 ft. 12 ft. 35 ft.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    R-1 One-Family Residence District inside East Moline city limits.

    • The cited table specifies front, least-side, side-yard-sum, and rear-yard requirements.
    • The City-hosted zoning document is labeled for public review; verify against the current official codified schedule.

    front yard depth: >= 25 feet (R-1; one to three stories) · least side yard width: >= 6 feet (R-1; one to three stories) · side yard sum width: >= 12 feet (R-1; one to three stories) · rear yard depth: >= 35 feet (R-1; one to three stories)

    “Number of Stories Lot Area (sq. ft.) Lot Width Front Yard Depth Least Side Yard Width Side Yard Sum Width Rear Yard Depth 1 to 3 7,500 75 ft. 25 ft. 6 ft. 12 ft. 35 ft.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Principal structures in the R-1 One-Family Residence District inside East Moline city limits.

    • Accessory structures have a separate one-story/fifteen-foot limit except as modified by the General Provisions section.

    maximum principal-structure height: <= 35 feet (also limited to three stories) · maximum principal-structure stories: <= 3 stories

    “No principal structure shall exceed 3 stories or thirty-five feet (35') in height. No accessory structure shall exceed one (1) story fifteen feet (15') in height, except as described in the General Provisions Section.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Living, sleeping, or housekeeping in recreational vehicles parked or stored on residential lots inside East Moline city limits.

    • RV parking/storage must be in a required side or rear yard and meet setbacks.
    • The vehicle must be on a concrete or asphalt pad or equivalent acceptable material.
    • Temporary guest housing is allowed only for occupants' guests, for no more than 30 consecutive days, with no charge.
    • Loading/unloading may occur for 24–48 hours, no more than twice in any consecutive seven-day period, with at least 30 hours between occurrences.

    guest occupancy maximum: <= 30 consecutive days (guests of occupants of the principal residence; no charge may be made)

    “occupancy shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive days”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured or mobile-home occupancy inside East Moline city limits.

    • The City zoning materials identify an R-7 Mobile Home/Manufactured Housing District.
    • The zoning materials state that mobile home parks are governed by the City's Mobile Home Ordinance.
    • Placement also remains subject to applicable building, utility, and occupancy requirements.
    “"R-7" MOBILE HOME/MANUFACTURED HOUSING DISTRICT”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems inside East Moline city limits when a public sewer connection is not used.

    • The County Health Authority administers private sewage disposal permits.
    • Where connection is to a public sewer, arrangements are made with the municipality owning the sewer rather than the County Health Department.
    “a permit therefor shall have first been obtained from the Health Authority.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Every building with plumbing fixtures intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use inside East Moline city limits.

    • A public sewer and/or water must be available within 200 feet of the property line.
    • The owner must connect within 90 days after receiving notice of availability.
    • The rule allows an individual connection to the sewer and/or water main, so the exact utility depends on which public service is available.

    availability distance: <= 200 feet from property line (public sewer and/or water) · connection deadline: 90 days after notice

    “within ninety (90) days after the owner thereof has received notice”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land inside East Moline city limits.

    • Subdivision lots must conform to the minimum lot area and dimension requirements of the applicable zoning district.
    • Land under water or proposed for street improvements cannot be counted toward minimum requirements.
    • Corner and through lots must permit required front setbacks on every street-facing side.
    • Each lot must abut a qualifying street.
    “All lots in a subdivision shall conform to the minimum lot area and dimensions requirements of the zoning district in which said subdivision is located; land that is under water or proposed for street improvements shall not be counted to satisfy these minimum requirements.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development activities within floodplains under East Moline city jurisdiction.

    • The Director of Engineering processes floodplain development permits.
    • The City coordinates or performs inspections.
    • Water-supply and waste-disposal systems must meet public-health standards.
    • Applicants must obtain other required local, state, and federal permits.
    • Subdivisions, annexations, planned-unit developments, and manufactured-home parks have additional floodplain requirements.
    “Process floodplain development permits in accordance with section 4-12-5 of this chapter;”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Building permits and listed inspection-related services inside East Moline city limits.

    • Building permit fees are based on total valuation.
    • Additional listed fees include after-hours inspections, reinspection, unlisted inspections, additional plan review, outside consultants, and communication towers.
    • No fee waiver is allowed without City Council resolution or ordinance, except for the stated public-school and Enterprise Zone exceptions.

    permit fee for valuation $100-$500: 25 USD · after-hours inspection: 42 USD per hour (minimum charge two hours; jurisdiction's total hourly cost may be greater) · reinspection: 42 USD per hour (subject to cited code provision)

    “Building permit fees shall be charged according to the following schedule:”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permit applications inside East Moline city limits.

    • Applications require plans and specifications in duplicate.
    • Plans must be verified by the owner, architect, or contractor in charge.
    • The permit applicant is responsible for contacting the Inspection Department for applicable inspections when work is complete.
    • The official residential application states that a complete compliant application is issued in ten days or less.

    stated processing time: 10 days or less (complete application and attachments meeting code requirements)

    “a permit will be issued in 10 days or less.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask East Moline or Rock Island County directly.

  • Lot coverage — General lot coverage limits for ordinary residential lots inside East Moline city limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside East Moline city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside East Moline city limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside East Moline city limits.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation inside East Moline city limits.
3 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

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

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that East Moline publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Rock Island County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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