Bolthole Index

Union County, Illinois

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

64Index Score / 100
#42 of 102 in Illinois

Union County, Illinois publishes building-permit forms, but we could not confirm the current permit requirement, fee, reviewing office or inspection process for unincorporated land; ask the County Treasurer before starting work12. Private septic and well permits go through Southern Seven Health Department34. Countywide zoning also remains unconfirmed5.

At a glance

Building permit
Current requirement and process not confirmed; ask the County Treasurer12
Zoning
Countywide zoning not confirmed5
Septic permit
Required before construction; Southern Seven charges a $200 fee64
Private well
Southern Seven issues permits for new private wells74
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed for private land; ask the county before relying on it5
Owner-builder exemption
No county building-permit exemption confirmed8
Unoccupied mobile home
After 60 days, necessary utility hookups must be operational outside municipalities9

Who to call

Also useful

Union County Treasurer's Office

County revenue and the office identified by the county permit record for payment; ask here for the current building-permit contact and process

618-833-5621

309 West Market Street, Room 123, Jonesboro, Illinois 62952

Roads & driveways

Union County Highway Department

Design, construction and maintenance of county roads; ask about access work affecting a county road

618-833-2912

306 Mis­sis­sip­pi Street, Jones­boro, Illi­nois 62952

Septic permits

Southern Seven Health Department, Environmental Health

Private sewage applications, septic permits and inspections, plus private water-well permits and inspections for Union County

(618) 634-2297 ext: 973114

[email protected]

37 Rustic Campus Dr. Building C, Ullin, IL 62992

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 Union County, Illinois?

Union County's site contains building-permit applications, but the current residential requirement for unincorporated Union County could not be confirmed from reliable text in those forms1. The same gap applies to permit fees, inspections, certificates of occupancy and the county's permit sequence, so contact the Union County Treasurer before ordering materials or breaking ground2. Illinois does not issue building permits, conduct building-code inspections or issue occupancy permits for privately funded projects; any such requirement is handled by the applicable local government101112. Illinois nevertheless has a statewide building-code baseline, including rules for jurisdictions that have not adopted a local code13. A county may choose whether to adopt its own building code, while a locally adopted residential code must meet the state framework's structural minimum14.

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

We could not confirm a dedicated Union County building department or a current official who reviews residential permit applications. Start with the Union County Treasurer's Office at 618-833-5621, 309 West Market Street, Room 123, Jonesboro, Illinois 62952, because the county permit record identifies the Treasurer for payment and the office receives county revenue12. Ask the office to identify the current permit reviewer, required drawings, fee, inspections and any occupancy document for the parcel. For work affecting a county road, contact the Union County Highway Department at 618-833-2912, 306 Mississippi Street, Jonesboro, Illinois 62952; the department designs, builds and maintains county roads15. A driveway entering a state-maintained highway instead requires an IDOT permit before work starts16.

Does Union County, Illinois have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance or zoning districts for unincorporated Union County5. That does not establish that a parcel is unrestricted: countywide zoning, local zoning, subdivision controls, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, minimum lot size and minimum dwelling size all remain unconfirmed. Illinois law allows county zoning rules to establish building or setback lines and building heights outside municipalities that exercise municipal zoning, but the actual limits depend on the applicable local ordinance1718. Before closing on land, ask the Union County Treasurer to route you to the current land-use contact and request a parcel-specific answer in writing2. Land inside a municipality may be subject to that municipality's rules rather than rules for unincorporated Union County10.

How do septic and well permits work in Union County?

IDPH regulates private sewage systems in Union County, while local health agencies may review plans under local ordinances or as IDPH agents1920. Southern Seven Health Department serves Union County, reviews applications, issues septic permits, advises on system design and inspects new systems4. Its application requires a $200 fee before construction, and state rules require plan approval before construction of a new system or specified major replacement or alteration621. Only 21.8% of Union County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation a purchase contingency22. New private wells require permits, and Southern Seven directs Union County applicants to Environmental Health2374.

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

We could not confirm a Union County rule allowing or prohibiting full-time RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Illinois campground rules address regulated campgrounds and temporary RV parking at those facilities; they do not decide whether one household may occupy an RV on its own parcel24. County zoning and dimensional controls also remain unconfirmed, so ask the county about the exact parcel, intended duration, utilities and occupancy during construction5. A manufactured home follows a state installation framework, but local zoning, building, floodplain and utility rules may still apply25. Outside incorporated municipalities, Union County treats an unoccupied mobile home kept for 60 consecutive days without operational electricity, water and sewage-disposal hookups as a nuisance269. That narrow rule does not authorize occupancy or answer the RV and tiny-home questions.

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

  1. Ask the Union County Treasurer to identify the current building-permit and land-use contacts, then confirm the permit, inspection, occupancy and zoning requirements for the parcel25.
  1. Have Southern Seven evaluate the proposed home and septic area, pay the $200 fee and obtain septic approval before construction46.
  1. If using a private well, apply through Southern Seven before construction begins47.
  1. Confirm the applicable Illinois building-code baseline and any locally adopted code with the local authority handling the project13.
  1. Coordinate county-road access with the Union County Highway Department, or secure an IDOT permit before work within a state-highway right-of-way1516.
  1. Check the flood map early; IDNR authorization is required before covered floodway work, subject to statewide-permit exceptions27.

What should you check before buying land in Union County?

Start with buildability, wastewater, water, legal access and flood exposure. Only 21.8% of Union County soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, even though 81.6% of the county's land is at a slope of 15% or less2228. Union County is 56.1% wooded and 18.5% federally owned, so verify boundaries, recorded access and whether a proposed route crosses land you do not control2930. IDNR authorization applies to covered floodway construction on rural streams draining at least 10 square miles; where no floodway is delineated, work elsewhere in the floodplain may also require authorization27. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.4%, the median annual property-tax bill is $1,851, and the typical annual home-insurance premium is $1,812313233. Confirm the well and septic sites with Southern Seven before treating the parcel as buildable76.

Watch-outs

  • Union County's current residential building-permit requirement, fees, inspections and reviewing office remain unconfirmed; call the County Treasurer before work begins12.
  • Countywide zoning and parcel-level rules for RVs, tiny homes, setbacks and minimum sizes remain unconfirmed; obtain a parcel-specific answer from the appropriate county or municipal office5.
  • Most Union County soils carry severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not choose the house site before a septic evaluation22.
  • Floodway work may require IDNR authorization even when a minor activity qualifies for a statewide permit rather than an individual application27.

Sources

  1. Union County IL - Building Permit Applications (2026 county census)
  2. Union County Treasurer's Office (unioncountyil.gov)
  3. Southern Seven Health Department - Private Sewage Disposal Program (2026 county census)
  4. Southern Seven Health Department, Environmental Health (southern7.org)
  5. (2026 county census)
  6. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  7. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  8. (2026 county census)
  9. County of Union, Illinois Nuisance Ordinance No. 2010-10, quoted and re-checked
  10. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Illinois Codes (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Union County Highway Department (unioncountyil.gov)
  16. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  20. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  21. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  23. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  24. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. County of Union, Illinois Nuisance Ordinance No. 2010-10, quoted and re-checked
  27. Permit Program, quoted and re-checked
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Typical home insurance premium: 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

Union County in Illinois

64
County map
Union County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Union County scores

Seclusion49100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency76100% ev.
Admin Boringness4868% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost66100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$149kTypical home
1.4%Property tax
$5,116Land / acre
48.7"Annual rain
3.7% of yrsSevere drought
11.5 / yr (+10.5)Mid-century 100°F days
15.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.31" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.79×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,812Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.09%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
43,462People within 30 min
1,423,190People within 2 hr
26,180Radius comparison (15 mi)
40.3People / sq mi
18.5%Federal land
81.6%Land at 15% slope or less
21.8%Septic soil without severe limits
56,029 acWorkable land screen
56.1%Wooded land
61.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.8°FAvg temp

Scout Union 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 Union 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 Union County

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

Union County rules

  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Unoccupied mobile homes outside incorporated municipalities.

    • The rule concerns an unoccupied mobile home, not all manufactured-home occupancy.
    • The condition is triggered after 60 consecutive days without all necessary utility hookups operational, including electricity, water, and sewage disposal.

    unoccupied period: >= 60 consecutive days (unoccupied mobile home lacking all necessary utility hookups)

    “To maintain or permit the presence of an unoccupied mobile home for sixty (60) consecutive days where such unoccupied mobile home does not have all necessary utility hook-ups in place and operational, including, but not limited to, electricity, water and sewage disposal.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Unoccupied mobile homes in unincorporated Union County.

    • The county ordinance applies to an unoccupied mobile home maintained for 60 consecutive days.
    • All necessary utility hook-ups must be in place and operational, including electricity, water, and sewage disposal.
    • The ordinance is enacted under county authority outside the corporate limits of any city, village, or incorporated town.

    unoccupied duration: >= 60 consecutive days

    “To maintain or permit the presence of an unoccupied mobile home for sixty (60) consecutive days where such unoccupied mobile home does not have all necessary utility hook-ups in place and operational, including, but not limited to, electricity, water and sewage disposal.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Unoccupied mobile homes on property outside incorporated municipalities.
      “To maintain or permit the presence of an unoccupied mobile home for sixty (60) consecutive days where such unoccupied mobile home does not have all necessary utility hook-ups in place and operational, including, but not limited to, electricity, water and sewage disposal.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Privately funded construction in Illinois; the State does not itself issue building permits, while any required permit is addressed by the applicable local government.

    • Permit requirements may be imposed and administered by the municipality, village, city, or county having jurisdiction.
    • The Illinois Capital Development Board states that statewide building codes became effective 1/1/2025, while local code officials remain the best source for project-specific answers.

    statewide building-code effective date: 2025-01-01

    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Issuance of building permits by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • 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.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations for building or setback lines outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The actual setback distances are established by applicable county zoning districts or other local ordinances.
    • Agricultural buildings may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    “to establish building or setback lines”
  • 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”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Union County under Illinois' statewide program and applicable local-health-agency review.

    • IDPH regulates private sewage disposal systems.
    • Local health agencies may review construction plans under local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.

    surface-discharge threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (The source describes treated effluent discharged 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 (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems). Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction. There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans, either by authority of a local ordinance or as an "agent" of the Department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Union County under Illinois law.
      “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems).”
    • Mixed — Installation and plan approval for private sewage disposal systems statewide in Illinois.
      “There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a new private sewage disposal system in Union County, including replacement of a septic tank or removal/addition of a major system component.

    • Plan approval must be obtained from IDPH or the local authority before construction begins.
    • The rule also covers a system where the absorption field is increased by 25% or more, or where 25% or more of the existing absorption field is removed and replaced with new piping and backfill material.
    • Applications require scaled plans, site and separation information, design volume or bedrooms, soil or percolation information, owner information, and applicant signature.
    • Persons constructing, installing, repairing, or modifying a system must notify IDPH or the local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.

    advance construction notice: >= 48 hours (before commencement of construction, installation, repair, or modification)

    “Plan approval shall be obtained from the Department or local authority prior to beginning any construction of a new private sewage disposal system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of private sewage disposal systems in Union County.
      “PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING A PERMIT TO INSTALL A PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEM [...] A $200.00 fee shall be paid to Southern Seven Health Department (S7HD) prior to any construction work.”
    • Required — 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 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New private water-well construction in Union County, 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.”
    • Required — Construction of private water wells in Union County, excluding community water wells.
      “Planning to drill a well for your new home or business? It is important that you contact the Environmental Health staff to apply for a water well permit. [...] Serving: Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, & Union County”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway, including access-driveway requests to State highways.

    • A permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • Requirements may vary by IDOT district; the applicant must contact the district office for specific requirements.
    • IDOT's access-driveway handbook guides what is allowable for highway access requests.
    “Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development in floodways and, where no floodway has been delineated, generally work anywhere in the floodplain in downstate Illinois counties including Union County.
      “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. [...] A permit application submittal to the Division is not needed for a construction activity that meets the terms and conditions of a statewide permit.”
  • 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 feesVariable (with conditions)

    Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.

    • The Department reviews applications and written inquiries free of charge to determine whether authorization is required when sufficient information is provided.
    • A permit application fee may apply under the Department's permit fee schedule.
    “January 15, 2014, a new Permit Application Fee went into effect. All applications and written inquiries received will be reviewed free of charge to determine whether the Public Water, dam and/or floodway work proposed requires authorization by the Department, so long as sufficient information is provided for the Department to make that determination.”
  • Permit 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 work in unincorporated Union County.
  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Union County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Whether zoning varies among incorporated municipalities and unincorporated Union County areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Union County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Union County.
8 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • Lot coverage
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land

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

Living off-grid in Union County, Illinois

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

Union County scores 64/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: strong self-sufficiency basics: 48.7″/yr rainfall plus 56.1% wooded land and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Union County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Southern Seven Health Department (Union County) under IDPH Private Sewage Disposal Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905. 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.

How much does land cost in Union County, Illinois?

Land in Union County runs about $5,116 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Union County?

Union County gets about 48.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.7% of years.

How remote is Union County?

A representative private-land location has about 43,462 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,423,190 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 Union 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 Union compares in Illinois

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