Bolthole Index

Shelby County, Illinois

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

61Index Score / 100
#53 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Shelby County, Illinois requires an Improvement Location Permit, also called a building permit, before placing, erecting, altering, changing or locating a structure12. The county Zoning Office issues permits and enforces the ordinance in unincorporated areas3. A sewer permit from the Shelby County Public Health Department comes first when applicable2.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures and improvements in the county zoning jurisdiction12
Zoning
County zoning applies outside villages, cities and incorporated towns45
Septic permits
Shelby County Public Health Department administers the private sewage program67
RV living
Not allowed as a dwelling except at a location lawfully established for that use8
Tiny home
A residence must have at least 900 sq ft on the ground floor; a hardship variance may be available910
Owner-builder
No owner-builder exemption from the county permit requirement was confirmed11
Private well
A permit is required before construction, modification or sealing1213
County-road driveway
An entrance and culvert permit is required, with an aerial map1415

Who to call

Building permits

Shelby County Zoning Office

Improvement Location Permits, zoning enforcement, zoning questions, variances and parcel zoning information for unincorporated Shelby County

217-774-5797

[email protected]

315 1/2 E Main Street Shelbyville, Illinois 62565

Septic permits

Shelby County Public Health Department

Private sewage disposal and potable-water programs in Shelby County

217-774-2355

Roads & driveways

Shelby County Highway Department

County-highway entrance, culvert, right-of-way and oversize permits

217-774-2721

[email protected]

1590 STATE HIGHWAY 16 Shelbyville, Illinois 62565

Online permits →

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

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

Yes. Unincorporated Shelby County requires an Improvement Location Permit, commonly called a building permit, before a structure is placed, erected, altered, changed or located within the county's jurisdiction, including an unincorporated village2. The rule covers homes and accessory buildings; the county page says aluminum carports and boat docks are traditionally exempt1. A new-residence permit costs $175, while a residential addition or accessory-building permit costs $12516. The county typically issues a permit within 15 business days, and construction must begin within 1 year or the permit expires2. Illinois's statewide building-code baseline took effect in 2025, but Shelby County's adopted local code edition could not be confirmed17. Ask the Zoning Office what code and inspection steps apply to the specific project before ordering plans or materials3.

Who is the Shelby County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Shelby County Zoning Office is the permit counter for unincorporated land: it issues building permits and enforces the county ordinance3. The office is at 315 1/2 E Main Street, Shelbyville, Illinois 62565; call 217-774-5797 or email [email protected]3. The Zoning Office is open by appointment because the administrator is a part-time position without a fixed schedule3. Before applying, decide the proposed structure's size and placement and obtain the county health department's sewer permit when one applies2. The office also provides the zoning-permit application, zoning map, setback document and county GIS link3. Illinois does not issue the local building permit, conduct private-project inspections or issue the local occupancy certificate; any such project-specific requirements are handled by the applicable local government181920.

Does Shelby County, Illinois have zoning?

Yes. Shelby County's zoning ordinance applies to territory outside villages, cities and incorporated towns, so incorporated municipalities may apply their own rules instead5. The county divides its jurisdiction into agricultural, residential, rural-residential, general-business, industrial and floodplain-overlay districts21. Parcel rules therefore depend on the mapped district rather than a single countywide dimensional standard21. For example, a non-farm residence in an agricultural district needs a 1-acre minimum lot22. Road setbacks also vary: the agricultural schedule lists 40 feet along a major street, 30 feet along a collector street and 25 feet along a local street23. Agricultural buildings clearly incidental to agricultural operations receive special permit treatment and permits without a fee, but those structures still must meet applicable setback lines24. Confirm the parcel's district and proposed use with the Zoning Office before relying on any single dimension3.

How do septic permits work in Shelby County, Illinois?

Shelby County Public Health Department administers the county's Private Sewage Disposal Program, and the Zoning Office directs applicants to obtain a sewer permit first when applicable672. Illinois requires plan approval from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction of a new private sewage system begins25. The state rule also treats certain major repairs as new construction, including replacement of a septic tank or changing at least 25% of an absorption field25. Site feasibility deserves early attention in Shelby County because only 2.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field26. Call the health department at 217-774-2355 before choosing a house site or system design7. A Shelby County-specific inspection requirement could not be confirmed, so ask the health department what inspections and signoffs it will require for the proposed system.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Shelby County, Illinois?

An RV cannot be used as a dwelling unit for living, sleeping or housekeeping in unincorporated Shelby County unless the location is lawfully established for that use, such as a park or campground8. A general rule for occasional temporary camping on private land could not be confirmed, so ask the Zoning Office before staying on a building site3. A tiny house used as a residence must meet the county's 900-square-foot minimum ground-floor building size, although the county says an applicant may seek a variance when a rule creates a particular hardship910. A manufactured home is not automatically exempt from county review: Illinois installation rules apply, and local zoning, building, floodplain and utility requirements may also apply27. No separate county rule for accessory dwelling units was confirmed; ask the Zoning Office whether the proposed second dwelling is allowed in the parcel's district3.

Building a home in Shelby County, Illinois: the steps in order

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside a village, city or incorporated town and ask the Zoning Office for its mapped district53.
  2. Check the district's permitted use, lot size and setbacks before fixing the house and driveway locations212223.
  3. Call Shelby County Public Health Department at 217-774-2355 for septic approval, and apply before septic construction begins725.
  4. Apply to the local health authority before constructing a private well12.
  5. Submit the Improvement Location Permit application to the Zoning Office after the sewer permit is obtained when applicable2.
  6. Ask the Zoning Office which building-code, inspection and occupancy requirements apply because the county's adopted code edition was not confirmed173.
  7. For an entrance on a county highway, send the Highway Department the permit form and aerial map at least 2 business days before construction1415.

What should you check before buying land in Shelby County, Illinois?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: county rules govern land outside incorporated municipalities, and the parcel's district controls uses and dimensions521. Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency because only 2.8% of Shelby County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field26. Confirm a legal entrance with the road authority; a county-highway entrance needs a permit and aerial map, while work in an Illinois state-highway right-of-way needs an IDOT permit before work starts1428. Check flood mapping and permitting before building near a stream because regulated Illinois floodway work may need state authorization29. A private well requires advance approval through IDPH or an approved local health department13. Shelby County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $1,9553031.

Watch-outs

  • The county's residential minimum is 900 square feet on the ground floor, so many marketed tiny-home plans will need redesign or a variance9.
  • An RV is not a legal dwelling on an ordinary unincorporated parcel; dwelling use is limited to locations lawfully established for that purpose8.
  • Only 2.8% of Shelby County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not choose the building site before septic evaluation26.
  • No owner-builder permit exemption or county-adopted building-code edition was confirmed; ask the Zoning Office how those issues apply before construction113.

Sources

  1. Shelby County - Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Shelby County Zoning Office (shelbycounty-il.gov)
  4. Shelby County - Zoning (2026 county census)
  5. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. Shelby County IL Public Health Department - Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  7. Shelby County Public Health Department (sarahbush.org)
  8. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  9. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  10. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  11. (2026 county census)
  12. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  13. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Shelby County - Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  15. Shelby County Highway Department (shelbycounty-il.gov)
  16. Fee Schedule for Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Codes and Regulations (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  23. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  24. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  25. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  27. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Shelby County in Illinois

61
County map
Shelby County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Shelby County scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost59100% 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 →

$171kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$8,890Land / acre
41.6"Annual rain
1.5% of yrsSevere drought
9.2 / yr (+8.3)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.86" (+6.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.81×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,403Home insurance / yr
2.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.59%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
29,744People within 30 min
2,392,949People within 2 hr
24,090Radius comparison (15 mi)
27.1People / sq mi
1.2%Federal land
93.4%Land at 15% slope or less
2.8%Septic soil without severe limits
13,542 acWorkable land screen
15.6%Wooded land
62.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Shelby County

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

Shelby County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures, improvements, and uses of land in the county zoning jurisdiction, including unincorporated villages.

    • Aluminum car ports and boat docks are traditionally exempt according to the county webpage.
    • A sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department is required first when applicable.
    • The permit is typically issued within 15 business days and expires if construction has not begun within one year.

    permit issuance time: <= 15 business days (typically) · permit commencement period: 1 year (construction must begin before expiration) · new residence fee: 175 USD · residential addition fee: 125 USD · accessory building fee: 125 USD · new commercial building fee: 500 USD · commercial accessory building fee: 250 USD · commercial addition fee: 250 USD

    “No structure of any kind shall be placed, erected, altered, changed, or located on any land within the jurisdiction of Shelby County, Illinois, including any unincorporated villages, without an Improvement Location Permit (Building Permit).”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning administered by Shelby County in unincorporated areas, including unincorporated villages.

    • The county zoning office states its enforcement jurisdiction is unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer separate local rules.
    “This ordinance shall apply to all of the territory of Shelby County, Illinois, outside of villages, cities and incorporated towns, said area to be known as the Jurisdictional Area for the purposes of this ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    The county zoning jurisdiction and its zoning districts.

    • The ordinance and zone map divide the jurisdictional area into districts with land-use controls.
    • The county zoning page links to a zoning map and ordinance.
    “The Jurisdictional Area is hereby classified and divided into new zoning Districts as follows: District Designation: Primarily Use: A Agriculture R1 Residential RR Rural Residential GB General Business I1 Industrial FPO Flood Plain Overlay”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Residential districts governed by the county zoning ordinance.

    • The figure lists 900 square feet for the applicable residential district columns.
    • A variance may be available for a hardship under the ordinance.

    minimum ground floor building size: >= 900 square feet (variance provisions apply)

    “Minimum ground floor building size (square feet) 900 900 900 900”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential development in county zoning districts.

    • The ordinance specifies different lot sizes by district and sewage arrangement.
    • For non-farm residential dwellings in an Agricultural District, the ordinance states one acre.

    agricultural non-farm residential minimum lot size: 1 acre · agricultural non-farm residential minimum lot size: 43560 square feet

    “The Minimum lot size for non-farm residential dwellings in an Agricultural District is one (1) acre.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures and residential development governed by county zoning.

    • Setbacks vary by street classification and zoning district.
    • Agricultural district rights-of-way setbacks are 40 feet for major streets, 30 feet for collector streets, and 25 feet for local streets.
    • Side-yard and district-specific setbacks also apply.

    major street setback: 40 feet · collector street setback: 30 feet · local street setback: 25 feet

    “Building setbacks shaII be maintained for all structures along the public rights-of-way as follows: Abutting: Major Street ……….40 feet Collector Street……30 feet Local Street………..25 feet”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Residential development in county zoning districts.

    • Maximum lot coverage varies by district; the residential figure shows 25 percent in applicable columns and n/a in others.
    • Variances may allow greater lot coverage in qualifying hardship cases.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 25 percent (district-specific schedule)

    “Maximum lot coverage as percentage of lot n/a 25 n/a 25”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in county zoning districts.

    • Maximum height varies by district and use.
    • Residential schedule values include 35 feet and 75 feet.
    • A variance may permit a structure to exceed applicable height limits.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (district-specific schedule) · maximum building height: <= 75 feet (district-specific schedule)

    “Maximum building height (feet) 35 35 35 75”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of recreational vehicles as dwelling units or for living, sleeping, or housekeeping.

    • Exception: locations lawfully established for such use, such as parks and campgrounds.
    “Recreational Vehicles (RVs), as defined in §1, shall not be used as dwelling units. They may not be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping, except in locations lawfully established for such use.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Residential dwellings in county zoning districts.

    • The ordinance requires a minimum ground-floor building size of 900 square feet in the residential district schedule.
    • A zoning variance may be available for hardship under the ordinance.

    minimum ground floor building size: >= 900 square feet (variance may be available)

    “Currently, the minimum requirement for a residence is 900 square feet. If this rule, or any rule, is creating a particular hardship, you may apply for a variance during your application process.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal in Shelby County: IDPH statewide regulation with review by local health agencies, including the county health department where applicable.

    • IDPH regulates private sewage systems statewide.
    • Local health agencies may review plans under local ordinance or as IDPH agents.
    • Shelby County's zoning page directs applicants to obtain a sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department when applicable.

    treated effluent threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (systems discharging to the ground surface)

    “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge [...] 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings and uses clearly incidental to agricultural operations in the county jurisdictional area.

    • The ordinance's permit requirements do not prevail for buildings and uses clearly incidental to agricultural operations.
    • Agricultural buildings and structures must comply with building setback lines.
    • Agricultural permits are issued free of charge under the cited state statute.

    agricultural permit fee: 0 USD (covered agricultural buildings and structures)

    “It is hereby declared that the intent of the permit requirements of the ordinance shall not prevail with respect to buildings and uses which are clearly incidental to agricultural operations; however, buildings and structures for agricultural uses shall conform to the building setback line requirements of this ordinance. [...] Permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, remodeling, or extension of buildings or structures used or to be used for agricultural purposes shall be issued free of charge.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Culvert and entrance construction affecting Shelby County highway rights-of-way.

    • Submit at least two business days before construction.
    • An aerial map is required.
    • The owner installs the entrance at the owner's expense.
    • Extensions also require a permit.

    minimum advance submission: >= 2 business days

    “Please submit these forms a minimum of 2 business days prior to the construction of the entrance. An aerial map shall also be required to be submitted with the permit. [...] Any extensions shall also require a permit and shall be installed by the owner’s representative as well.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Shelby County zoning and building permit applications.

    • The fee schedule is dated October 20, 2023.
    • Agricultural permits described in the ordinance may be free of charge.
    • The ordinance permits fees to be changed by the County Board.

    new residence fee: 175 USD · residential addition fee: 125 USD · accessory building fee: 125 USD · preliminary plat fee: 500 USD (plus $25 for each lot or parcel) · final plat fee: 500 USD (plus $25 for each lot or parcel)

    “Building Permit – New Residence $175 Building Permit – Residential Addition $125 Building Permit – Accessory Building $125”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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©.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    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.”
  • 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 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private water wells in Shelby County and Illinois, excluding community water wells.
      “To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
  • 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 staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.

    • IDPH annually inspects and licenses campgrounds in Illinois.
    • The state campground definition includes camping and temporary parking of recreational vehicles.
    • Campgrounds within home rule units of government are exempt from the state campground licensing requirement.
    • Recreational areas without overnight camping, such as highway rest stops and picnicking areas, are subject to the rules but are not licensed or routinely inspected.

    minimum persons for statutory campground threshold: >= 10 persons · minimum camping duration for statutory campground threshold: >= 6 camping days per calendar year

    ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Illinois counties adopting and enforcing building codes and issuing building permits for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the statewide baseline framework.

    • A municipality or county is not required to adopt a building code.
    • A county that does not adopt a building code is treated as a non-building-code jurisdiction, and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act applies.
    • A county that adopts a building code must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act.
    • Locally adopted codes must regulate residential structural design at least as stringently as the baseline International Residential Code.
    • For privately funded projects, the local code official is the authority having jurisdiction; the State does not issue private-project building permits, perform plan reviews, or perform inspections.
    “A municipality or county is not required to adopt building codes. If they do NOT adopt a building code then they are considered a non-building code jurisdiction and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105) applies. If they do adopt a building code(s) then it must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105).”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from county building-permit or inspection requirements.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Shelby County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Shelby County.

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 Shelby County, Illinois

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

Shelby County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics (41.6″/yr rainfall) and higher long-term carry cost.

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

Shelby County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Shelby County (IL) Public Health Department. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Shelby County is prohibited: Use of recreational vehicles as dwelling units or for living, sleeping, or housekeeping. Exception: locations lawfully established for such use, such as parks and campgrounds. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Shelby County, Illinois?

Land in Shelby County runs about $8,890 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Shelby County?

Shelby County gets about 41.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.5% of years.

How remote is Shelby County?

A representative private-land location has about 29,744 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,392,949 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Shelby compares in Illinois

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