Bolthole Index

Tazewell County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Tazewell County, Illinois

49Index Score / 100
#73 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Tazewell County, Illinois requires building permits for new buildings and many alterations, and Community Development administers zoning and construction rules12. A new home needs water and sewage approvals, and no building may be used or occupied before the county issues a certificate of occupancy34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new buildings and many alterations in unincorporated areas1
Building code
County code adopts the 2018 International Building Code5
Zoning
County-administered in unincorporated areas; standards vary by district26
Septic permit
Required through the Tazewell County Health Department78
Well permit
Required before well or pump work; published fee is $1009
RV occupancy
Generally in an RV park; a bona fide guest may stay up to 60 days per year10
Minimum home size
700 square feet per unit for a single- or two-family dwelling11
Certificate of occupancy
Required before a building or structure is occupied or used4

Who to call

Building permits

Tazewell County Community Development Department

Building permits, zoning compliance certificates, construction regulation, subdivision administration and floodplain ordinance enforcement in unincorporated Tazewell County

309-477-2235

McKenzie Building, 11 S. 4th Street, Ste. 400, Pekin, IL 61554

Septic permits

Tazewell County Health Department

Permits for constructing, altering or extending private sewage disposal systems in Tazewell County

309-925-5511

[email protected]

21306 IL Route 9, Tremont, IL 61568-9252

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Yes. Unincorporated Tazewell County requires a permit before construction of buildings or structures, including agricultural structures, and for relocation, demolition, structural alteration, swimming pools, many interior alterations, non-exempt fences, and electrical, mechanical or plumbing work1. Routine maintenance, agricultural fences and accessory structures smaller than 25 square feet are among the stated exemptions1. The county code adopts the 2018 International Building Code and applies the currently adopted Illinois Energy Conservation Code5. Fees vary by project, and starting required work without a permit doubles the fee12. A permit expires if work does not begin within 180 days, although one written 90-day extension may be available1.

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

The Tazewell County Community Development Department issues building permits and zoning compliance certificates for unincorporated land13. The office is in the McKenzie Building, 11 S. 4th Street, Ste. 400, Pekin, IL 61554, and the phone number is 309-477-223513. Community Development also administers the county subdivision and floodplain ordinances13. A complete application includes the prescribed form and fee, parcel and project details, a scaled site plan, water and sewage approvals, and an access approval when a new or existing driveway serves the project314. Ask the office which plans and outside approvals apply before submitting; residential and commercial submittals have different requirements3.

Does Tazewell County have zoning?

Tazewell County administers zoning in unincorporated areas; incorporated cities and villages may use their own land-use rules2. The county divides unincorporated land into agricultural, rural residential, residential, commercial, industrial and conservation districts, with district-specific uses and dimensions6. Minimum lots therefore vary: examples include 40 acres in A-1 and Conservation, 10 acres in A-2, 2 acres in Rural Residential, and at least 1 acre in R-1 and R-2, with water, sewer and soils able to affect the applicable standard15. A single- or two-family dwelling must contain at least 700 square feet per dwelling unit11. Setbacks also vary by district and road classification, so confirm the parcel's zoning and bulk standards before laying out a house or accessory building16.

How do septic and well permits work in Tazewell County?

The Tazewell County Health Department issues permits for private sewage systems countywide7. A permit is required before constructing, altering or extending a system, remains valid for 1 year, and carries a published $150 fee8. The Health Department inspects new and repaired systems; a property-sale operational inspection is recommended rather than stated as universally mandatory17. Only 20.4% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so settle system feasibility early in a purchase contingency18. Well construction or repair and pump installation also require a Health Department permit before work begins; the published fee is $100, and a new well needs laboratory analysis and approval before service9. The Health Department is at 21306 IL Route 9, Tremont, IL 61568-9252 and can be reached at 309-925-551119.

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

Tazewell County generally limits dwelling occupancy of an RV to an RV park, although a bona fide guest may occupy one for up to 60 days per calendar year10. A separate temporary-use permit can allow an RV at a dwelling destroyed or made uninhabitable by fire or natural disaster while the replacement is built; that permit requires approved septic and lasts up to 6 months, with one possible extension of no more than 6 months20. Tiny homes are not separately defined in the reviewed county rules, but a single- or two-family dwelling must have at least 700 square feet per unit11. An accessory dwelling is allowed under conditions, including one per lot, family-only occupancy, a shared driveway, and 350 to 800 square feet of floor area21. Ask Community Development how the proposed unit will be classified before purchase13.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is unincorporated and have Community Development identify its zoning district, permitted residential use, lot minimum and setbacks26.
  1. Resolve subdivision, floodplain and driveway access questions before final design222324.
  1. Obtain the applicable septic, sewer and well approvals; a new-home application must document septic approval or a sanitary-district hookup application259.
  1. File the building-permit application with fees, a scaled site plan, project information and the required plan sets and outside approvals3.
  1. Arrange county and Health Department inspections as directed during construction1713.
  1. Complete final compliance and obtain the county certificate of occupancy before using or occupying the building4.

What should you check before buying land in Tazewell County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning because county rules described here apply to unincorporated Tazewell County, while incorporated places may regulate land separately2. Confirm the district, minimum lot area, setbacks, subdivision status and legal road access with Community Development before treating a listing as buildable15162214. Ask whether floodplain permitting or an elevation certificate applies to the specific site because the county administers a floodplain ordinance but the project-specific requirements vary23. Test wastewater feasibility early because conventional drain-field suitability is severely limited across much of the county18. If the driveway enters a state-maintained road, obtain the Illinois transportation permit before right-of-way work begins26. The effective property-tax rate is about 2.1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $3,4812728.

Watch-outs

  • Do not occupy a new, reconstructed, enlarged or moved building before Tazewell County issues its certificate of occupancy; unauthorized occupancy can draw a $50-per-day fine4.
  • RV guest occupancy is limited to 60 days per calendar year, and the disaster-reconstruction exception requires a temporary-use permit and approved septic1020.
  • A building-permit application may need access approval from the township, county or state road authority that controls the road14.

Sources

  1. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  4. Certificate of Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building and Property Maintenance Code, quoted and re-checked
  6. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  7. Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  8. Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  9. Water Supply, quoted and re-checked
  10. District Regulations and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  11. District Regulations and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  13. Tazewell County Community Development Department (tazewell-il.gov)
  14. Residential Permitting Fees and Setbacks, quoted and re-checked
  15. Land Use Matrix, quoted and re-checked
  16. Land Use Matrix and Bulk Chart, quoted and re-checked
  17. Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  19. Tazewell County Health Department (tazewellhealth.org)
  20. Temporary Uses, quoted and re-checked
  21. District Regulations and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  22. Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  23. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  24. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  25. Residential Permitting Packet – New Dwelling, quoted and re-checked
  26. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Tazewell County in Illinois

49
County map
Tazewell County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Tazewell County scores

Seclusion25100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency54100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% 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 →

$194kTypical home
2.1%Property tax
$10,389Land / acre
38.5"Annual rain
3.9% of yrsSevere drought
7.6 / yr (+7.1)Mid-century 100°F days
14.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.84" (+7.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.75×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,619Home insurance / yr
4.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.84%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
270,056People within 30 min
2,646,440People within 2 hr
97,325Radius comparison (15 mi)
200.4People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
95.1%Land at 15% slope or less
20.4%Septic soil without severe limits
81,293 acWorkable land screen
15.6%Wooded land
55 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.1°FAvg temp

Scout Tazewell County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Tazewell County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Answers from the rulebook for Tazewell County

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

Tazewell County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, erection, development, relocation, reconstruction, structural alteration, demolition, specified interior alterations, non-exempt fences, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • Required before construction of buildings or structures, including agricultural structures.
    • Required for relocation, expansion or change of nonconforming use, swimming pools, reconstruction or structural alteration, demolition, specified interior alterations, non-exempt fences, electrical, HVAC/mechanical, and plumbing work.
    • Exemptions include routine maintenance or repair, portable pools under 24 inches deep or under 125 square feet, accessory structures under 25 square feet, agricultural fences, and ornamental fences.
    • Applications require applicable fees, site information, ingress/egress approval when needed, health permits for water/sewage facilities, and additional plans for specified commercial, industrial, multifamily, institutional, and residential projects.
    • Permits expire if work does not begin within 180 days, subject to one written 90-day extension; completion periods are two years for a new principal structure, six months for a swimming pool, and one year for other work.
    • Failure to obtain a required permit doubles the fee.

    accessory structure exemption threshold: < 25 square feet (Must still meet district setbacks unless otherwise exempted.) · permit commencement deadline: 180 days (One written 90-day extension may be granted.) · new principal structure completion period: 2 years

    “A building permit shall be obtained from the Community Development Administrator [...] before commencing:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of structures other than commercial and industrial in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED INFORMATION TO HELP AID IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING ALL OF THE PROPER INFORMATION PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT BY THE TAZEWELL COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ALL STRUCTURES OTHER THAN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    County building-code administration in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • The code adopts the 2018 International Building Code by reference.
    • The code also states that the currently adopted Illinois Energy Conservation Code applies to building energy efficiency.
    “The 2018 International Building Code is hereby adopted by reference.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential and nonresidential principal and accessory structures in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • No building or structure may be occupied or used before issuance.
    • Required for occupancy or use of a newly erected, reconstructed, enlarged, or moved building and for occupancy or change in use.
    • The property is inspected for compliance with zoning, County Code, Environmental Barriers Act, and applicable Illinois Department of Public Health Code.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued for no more than 60 days before completion of the entire structure.
    • Failure to obtain one may result in a $50-per-day fine.

    temporary certificate period: <= 60 days · certificate issuance deadline after final inspection: 10 working days (All relevant fees must be paid and compliance determined.) · occupancy without certificate fine: 50 USD per day

    “No building or structure shall be occupied or used until a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Community Development Administrator”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Occupancy or use of structures subject to the county certificate-of-occupancy process.
      “Failure to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy prior to occupancy or use of structure shall result in the issuance of a Notice of Violation and Notice to Appear to the applicant before the County Adjudication Hearing Officer, which could result in fines of $50 per day for occupancy or use of said structure.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning administration and enforcement in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • The Community Development Department administers the county zoning ordinance and regulates construction and uses in unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own land-use rules.
    “The primary function of the Community Development Department is for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the Tazewell County Zoning Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning administration and enforcement in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “The Department is responsible for the issuance of building permits, zoning compliance certificates and regulation of construction and all use activities in the unincorporated areas of Tazewell County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • This claim does not cover incorporated municipalities or other local jurisdictions.
    “The Department is responsible for the issuance of building permits, zoning compliance certificates and regulation of construction and all use activities in the unincorporated areas of Tazewell County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts and their permitted uses in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • The county states that unincorporated areas are divided into zoning districts and that the zoning ordinance lists permitted uses.
    • The county publishes a zoning-districts map and district regulations/bulk chart.
    “The unincorporated areas of the County are divided into “zoning districts.” Particular types of uses are allowed in each of these districts.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and district-specific standards in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “The unincorporated areas of the County are divided into “zoning districts.” Particular types of uses are allowed in each of these districts. The Zoning Ordinance lists these uses.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwelling units in county zoning districts.

    • Single- and two-family dwellings require at least 700 square feet per dwelling unit.
    • Multifamily dwellings require at least 400 square feet per dwelling unit.

    single- or two-family dwelling minimum: >= 700 square feet per dwelling unit · multifamily dwelling minimum: >= 400 square feet per dwelling unit

    “Single- and two-family dwelling: 700 square feet per dwelling unit; and (B) Multi-family dwelling: 400 square feet per dwelling unit.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Zoning districts in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • Requirements vary by district and may vary based on public water and sewer availability and soil types.
    • The bulk chart lists, among others, A-1 40 acres, A-2 10 acres, RR 2 acres, R-1/R-2 1+ acres, C-1/C-2 0.5 acres, I-1 0.5 acres, I-2 1 acre, and Conservation 40 acres.
    “Minimum lot size requirements may vary in each district”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal and accessory structures in unincorporated Tazewell County zoning districts.

    • Road setbacks vary by district and road classification.
    • Rear and side setbacks vary by district and by principal versus accessory structure.

    A-1/A-2/Conservation principal rear setback: 50 feet · A-1/A-2/Conservation principal side setback: 30 feet · RR principal rear/side setback: 30 feet · R-1/R-2 principal rear/side setback: 20 rear; 10 side feet · C-1/C-2 principal rear/side setback: 20 rear; 10 side feet · I-1/I-2 principal rear/side setback: 20 rear; 15 side feet

    “R-1 & R-2 20' 10' 5' 5' R-R 30' 30' 15' 15' A-1 , A-2 & Cons. 50' 30' 25' 15' C-1 & C-2 20' 10' 5' 5' I-1 & I-2 20' 15' 10' 10'”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational-vehicle occupancy as a temporary use on premises of a dwelling in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • A temporary-use permit may be issued only when the dwelling has been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by fire or natural disaster.
    • The RV must occupy the premises during reconstruction of the new dwelling.
    • An approved septic permit is required before issuance.
    • The permit is without charge, expires after six months, and may receive one extension of no more than six months.
    • The RV must then be removed; non-removal within ten days permits county removal and creates a lien for removal and disposition costs.

    initial permit duration: 6 months · maximum extension: <= 6 months (one extension at administrator discretion) · removal deadline: 10 days (after the date determined by the section)

    “to occupy a manufactured/mobile home or recreational vehicle”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Parking, storage, seasonal use, and dwelling occupancy of recreational vehicles under the county zoning code.
      “Recreational vehicles occupied for dwelling purposes shall be located in a recreational vehicle park, unless the occupant is a bona fide guest of the dwelling owner. Such bona fide guest shall not occupy the recreational vehicle for more than 60 days in a calendar year while parked on the premises.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwellings in residential and agriculture zoning districts.

    • The lot's principal use must be a single-family dwelling.
    • Only one accessory dwelling is allowed per lot and it must be owned by the person occupying the principal dwelling.
    • It must share the principal dwelling's driveway.
    • Floor area must be no greater than 50% of the principal dwelling, with a minimum of 350 square feet and maximum of 800 square feet.
    • A separate entrance may not face a street on which the lot fronts.
    • It may be in a detached accessory structure, may not be rented to non-family members, and must obtain a 911 address.

    minimum floor area: >= 350 square feet · maximum floor area: <= 800 square feet · maximum floor area percentage: <= 50 percent of principal dwelling

    “An accessory dwelling shall be permitted in any residential and agriculture district in accordance with the following requirements:”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private sewage disposal systems within Tazewell County.

    • The ordinance is interpreted and enforced together with the Illinois Department of Public Health Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code.
    • The Tazewell County Health Department is the issuing and administering authority.
    “a valid permit issued by the Health Department”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or extension of private sewage disposal systems.

    • The permit is valid for one year from issuance.
    • Applications require sufficient site information and, for new construction, building plans and the homeowner's bedroom-count signature.
    • Routine cleaning, septic-tank-cover/baffle/riser replacement, and rodding inlets/outlets do not require a permit under the cited ordinance provision.

    permit validity: 1 year (from date of issue) · septic permit fee: 150 USD (fee schedule updated February 2026)

    “This permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issue.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and repaired private sewage disposal systems and specified operational or zoning inspections.

    • The Health Department inspects new and repaired systems.
    • Operational inspection is recommended for property sales, not generally stated as mandatory.
    • Zoning inspection applies when property is replatted, bedrooms or square footage are added, or a dwelling is rebuilt after loss.
    • Operational inspections are valid for 90 days; operational re-inspection fee is $75.

    operational inspection validity: 90 days · operational re-inspection fee: 75 USD (septic)

    “Inspect new and repaired private sewage disposal systems.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage treatment where public sewage treatment facilities are not reasonably available, specifically in manufactured/mobile home parks.

    • The private treatment system must be approved by the Department of Public Health.
    • The plans must be approved before a building permit is issued.
    “a private treatment system shall be approved”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction or repair of water wells and installation of water-well pumps in Tazewell County.

    • Permit must be obtained from the County Health Department before work begins.
    • Well and pump work must comply with Illinois Department of Public Health codes.
    • New wells require laboratory analysis and approval before being placed in service.
    • Permit fee is $100.

    well permit fee: 100 USD

    “it shall be unlawful to proceed with such work unless a permit therefore shall have first been obtained from the County Health Department”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or repair of water wells and installation of water-well pumps in Tazewell County.
      “No water well shall be constructed or repaired nor any water well pump installed in this County except in accordance with this Chapter, and it shall be unlawful to proceed with such work unless a permit therefore shall have first been obtained from the County Health Department, said permit fee being $100.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Manufactured/mobile home parks governed by Tazewell County zoning.

    • Where public water is reasonably available, the park must connect and use it exclusively.
    • Where public water is unavailable, a private supply must furnish at least 150 gallons per day per manufactured/mobile home at at least 20 psi and be approved by the Department of Public Health.
    • Where public sewage treatment is reasonably available, sewage must use that system; otherwise a private treatment system approved by the Department of Public Health is required before a building permit.

    private water supply: >= 150 gallons/day per manufactured/mobile home · private water pressure: >= 20 psi

    “connection shall be made thereto and its supply used exclusively.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — New residential dwellings in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “Proof of septic/sewer 1. Septic permit or written approval from the Tazewell County Health Department (309-477-2223) 2. Or, an appropriate letter from the Sanitary District stating that owners have applied for hookup.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision administration in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • The Community Development Department administers and enforces the Subdivision Ordinance.
    “administration and enforcement of the Subdivision Ordinance”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision administration in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “Additional Departmental functions include the administration and enforcement of the Subdivision Ordinance, Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Control Ordinance, Flood Plain Development Ordinance, Adult Use Ordinance, Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance and the Wind Farm Ordinance.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New ingress and egress associated with structures or uses requiring a building permit.

    • An approved ingress and egress permit must be obtained from the state, county, or township responsible for road jurisdiction when a new ingress or egress is required.
    • County zoning separately requires a driveway to be at least one foot from a side or rear property line, except shared driveways created by recorded easement.

    driveway side/rear property-line separation: >= 1 foot (Common driveway created by recorded easement.)

    “An approved ingress and egress permit shall be obtained from the appropriate state, county, or township responsible for road jurisdiction”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New driveways or use of existing driveways for county building-permit applications.
      “COPY OF ACCESS PERMIT from Township, State or County Road Official responsible for road jurisdiction. WHEN INSTALLING A NEW DRIVEWAY OR UTILIZING AN EXISTING DRIVEWAY.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development subject to Tazewell County floodplain-development administration.

    • The Community Development Department administers and enforces the Flood Plain Development Ordinance.
    • Project-specific floodplain permit and elevation-certificate requirements were not fully resolved from the opened source material.
    “Additional Departmental functions include the administration and enforcement of the Subdivision Ordinance, Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Control Ordinance, Flood Plain Development Ordinance, Adult Use Ordinance, Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance and the Wind Farm Ordinance.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published county residential permitting fees and related application fees.

    • Fees vary by project type and square footage.
    • Failure to obtain a permit doubles the required fee.

    new 1-2 family dwelling up to 200 square feet: 200 USD · new 1-2 family dwelling 201-699 square feet: 300 USD · new 1-2 family dwelling 700-1000 square feet: 400 USD · 911 addressing fee: 50 USD

    “Dwellings: 1 & 2 Family - New, Additions, Alteration and Repairs • 200 Square feet or less $200.00 • 201 to 699 square feet $300.00 • 700 to 1,000 square feet $400.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — County building-permit, plan-review, inspection, stop-work, certificate, and related fees.
      “The applicant shall pay all costs associated with the application for a building permit pursuant to § 154.011”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit process in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • File the prescribed application with fees and required owner, applicant, contractor, parcel, cost, use, and scaled site-plan information.
    • Obtain required ingress/egress approval and health approvals for water/sewage facilities.
    • Commercial, industrial, multifamily projects with three or more units, and institutional projects require architecturally sealed plans; fire-district approval may be required.
    • Single- and two-family dwellings, additions, and residential accessory dwellings require three full sets of plans with square footage listed.
    • Permit issuance requires conformity with applicable regulations, all required permits and approvals, and payment of relevant fees.
    “all required permits and approvals have been obtained, and all relevant fees have been paid.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential and commercial building-permit submissions.
      “The following information will be required at the time of submittal of a Building Permit application. Failure to submit all requirements at the time of application will delay the review process.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Tazewell County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Tazewell County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Tazewell County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Tazewell County zoning or permitting requirements.

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 Tazewell County, Illinois

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

Tazewell County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 270,056 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Tazewell County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tazewell County 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 Tazewell County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Tazewell County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Recreational-vehicle occupancy as a temporary use on premises of a dwelling in unincorporated Tazewell County. A temporary-use permit may be issued only when the dwelling has been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by fire or natural disaster. The RV must occupy the premises during reconstruction of the new dwelling. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Tazewell County, Illinois?

Land in Tazewell County runs about $10,389 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Tazewell County?

Tazewell County gets about 38.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.9% of years.

How remote is Tazewell County?

A representative private-land location has about 270,056 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,646,440 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 Tazewell County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Tazewell compares in Illinois

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