Union County, IL: Owner-Builder Allowed

Union County, Illinois publishes building-permit forms, but we could not confirm the current building-permit requirement, fee, reviewing office or inspection process for unincorporated land; ask the County Treasurer before starting work¹. Building permits and zoning inside Anna are administered by the city, while septic and private-well permits throughout Union County go through Southern Seven Health Department^2,3,4. Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Current requirement and process not confirmed; ask the County Treasurer¹
Zoning: Countywide zoning not confirmed⁵
Septic permit: Required before construction; Southern Seven handles applications and inspections^4,6
Private well: Southern Seven issues permits for new private wells⁴
RV or tiny-home living: Not confirmed for private land; ask the county before relying on it⁵
Owner-builder exemption: State law allows limited owner-occupant plumbing work, not a general building-permit exemption⁷
Manufactured home: General occupancy rules unconfirmed; an unoccupied mobile home kept outside a municipality for 60 consecutive days must have operational utility hookups⁸

Who to call

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

madams@s7hd.org

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 October 9, 2026.

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

Union County's site contains building-permit applications, but the current residential building-permit requirement for unincorporated Union County could not be confirmed from reliable text in those forms¹. The same gap applies to building-permit fees, inspections, certificates of occupancy and the county's permit sequence, so ask the Union County Treasurer to identify the current building-permit contact before ordering materials or breaking ground¹. Illinois does not issue building permits, conduct building-code inspections or issue occupancy permits for privately funded projects; those functions belong to the applicable local government when required⁹. Illinois established a statewide building-code framework effective January 1, 2025; the standards for a residential project depend partly on whether the jurisdiction has adopted a local code and, in some cases, on the agreement between buyer and builder¹⁰. Union County's local code adoption remains unconfirmed, so ask the building-permit contact which standards govern the plans.

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 building-permit applications.

We could not confirm a dedicated Union County building department or a current official who reviews residential building-permit applications. Start with the Union County Treasurer because the county permit record identifies that office for building-permit fee payment¹. Ask the Treasurer to identify the current building-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 roads¹¹. A driveway entering a state-maintained highway instead requires an IDOT driveway permit before work starts¹².

Does Union County, Illinois have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance or zoning districts for unincorporated Union County.

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance or zoning districts for unincorporated Union County⁵. That does not establish that a parcel is unrestricted: subdivision controls, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, minimum lot size and minimum dwelling size all remain unconfirmed. The City of Anna administers its zoning code and issues city building permits and zoning certificates; its zoning map includes contiguous land within 1 1/2 miles of the city limits². Southern Seven still handles septic and private-well permits for Union County addresses, including parcels where a city handles building permits or zoning⁴. 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 ordinance¹³. Before closing, identify whether the parcel is governed by Anna, another municipality or unincorporated Union County; ask the County Treasurer to identify the current land-use contact for an unincorporated parcel¹.

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 agents.

IDPH regulates private sewage systems in Union County, while local health agencies may review plans under local ordinances or as IDPH agents⁶. Southern Seven Health Department serves Union County, reviews applications, issues septic permits, advises on system design and inspects new systems⁴. State rules require plan approval before construction of a new system or specified major replacement or alteration^6,14. For qualifying residential systems permitted after January 1, 2014, the state rule requires an evaluation before or within 3 years after installation and at least every 5 years afterward; owners must keep the maintenance records for the system's life and transfer them to the next owner¹⁵. Only 21.8% of Union County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation a purchase contingency¹⁶. New private wells require permits, and Southern Seven directs Union County applicants to Environmental Health^4,17.

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.

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 parcel¹⁸. County zoning and dimensional controls also remain unconfirmed, while Anna has its own zoning administration, so ask the authority for the exact parcel about intended duration, utilities and occupancy during construction^2,5. A manufactured home follows a state installation framework, but local zoning, building, floodplain and utility rules may still apply¹⁹. In unincorporated Union County, an unoccupied mobile home kept for 60 consecutive days must have operational electricity, water and sewage-disposal hookups⁸. That narrow nuisance rule neither authorizes manufactured-home occupancy nor answers the RV and tiny-home questions; Southern Seven remains the office for septic and private-well permits⁴.

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

For unincorporated land, ask the Union County Treasurer to identify the current building-permit and land-use contacts, then confirm the building-permit, inspection, occupancy and zoning requirements.

For unincorporated land, ask the Union County Treasurer to identify the current building-permit and land-use contacts, then confirm the building-permit, inspection, occupancy and zoning requirements^1,5. Inside Anna, obtain city building permits and zoning certificates from the city's zoning administration².

For any Union County address, have Southern Seven evaluate the proposed home and septic area and obtain septic approval before construction^4,6.

If using a private well, apply through Southern Seven before construction begins⁴.

Ask the authority handling the building permit how the statewide building-code framework and any locally adopted code apply to the plans¹⁰.

Coordinate county-road access with the Union County Highway Department, or secure an IDOT permit before work within a state-highway right-of-way^11,12.

Check the flood map early; IDNR authorization is required before covered floodway work, subject to statewide-permit exceptions²⁰.

What should you check before buying land in Union County?

Start with buildability, wastewater, water, legal access and flood exposure.

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 less¹⁶. 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 control¹⁶. 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 authorization²⁰. 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 $1,812¹⁶. Confirm the well and septic sites with Southern Seven before treating the parcel as buildable^4,6.

Watch-outs

Union County's current residential building-permit requirement, fees, inspections and reviewing office remain unconfirmed; ask the County Treasurer to identify the current building-permit contact before work begins¹.
Countywide zoning and parcel-level rules for RVs, tiny homes, setbacks and minimum sizes remain unconfirmed, while Anna administers municipal zoning; identify the authority for the parcel before relying on unincorporated-county assumptions^2,5.
Most Union County soils carry severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not choose the house site before a septic evaluation¹⁶.
Qualifying residential septic systems permitted after January 1, 2014 require recurring evaluations and lifetime maintenance records that transfer to the next owner¹⁵.
Floodway work may require IDNR authorization even when a minor activity qualifies for a statewide permit rather than an individual application²⁰.

Sources

20 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

Written October 9, 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.

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.

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Union County requires a building permit for a home.

Rule	Union County	Pulaski County	Johnson County	Alexander County	Jackson County	Williamson County	Massac County
Building permit	Required	Not required	Limited	Limited	Not required	Required	Limited
County zoning	Not published	No	Not published	Not published	No	Not published	Not published
Septic permits	Southern Seven Health Dept.	Southern Seven Health Dept.	Southern 7 Health Dept.	Southern Seven Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.	Southern Seven Health Dept.

Cities and towns in Union County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Village of Alto Pass · Village of Cobden · Village of Dongola · Jonesboro · Village of Mill Creek

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.”
unioncountyil.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
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.”
County of Union, Illinois Nuisance Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  County of Union, Illinois Nuisance Ordinance No. 2010-10 ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026

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.”
Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Owner occupants or lessee occupants of single-family residences, and owners of single-family residences under construction for their own occupancy, performing plumbing planning, installation, alteration, or repair in Illinois.
- The exemption is limited to plumbing work on the specified single-family residence; the cited statute does not establish a general owner-builder exemption for all construction trades or a statewide exemption from building permits.
- The plumbing must comply with the minimum standards in the Illinois State Plumbing Code.
- The plumbing is subject to inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health or by the local governmental unit if it retains a licensed plumber as inspector.
- The owner, owner occupant, or lessee occupant may not employ anyone other than a plumber licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law to assist.
- An occupant must have taken possession of and be living in the premises as their bona fide sole and exclusive residence, or, for a residence under construction, expect to take possession and live there as that residence, with current intent to live there for at least 6 months after completion of the plumbing work or, for a residence under construction, at least 6 months after completion of construction.
- Failure to possess and live in the premises as a sole and exclusive residence for 6 months or more creates a rebuttable presumption that the required intent was lacking.
minimum occupancy period: >= 6 months (After completion of plumbing work; for a residence under construction, after completion of construction.)
“Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the owner occupant or lessee occupant of a single family residence, or the owner of a single family residence under construction for his or her occupancy, from planning, installing, altering or repairing the plumbing system of such residence”
HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — Privately funded construction in Illinois, including projects performed by an owner-builder, as to state-issued building permits, state plan review, state building-code inspections, and state occupancy permits.
  “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- Conditional — Statewide treatment of local plumbing permits and inspections for qualifying owner occupants performing plumbing work on a single-family residence.
  “Nothing contained in this Act shall prohibit any city, town, village, township or county from providing for a Plumbing Inspector or from requiring permits for the installation and repair of plumbing and collecting a fee therefor, but a city, town, village, township, or county that requires a permit for installation and repair of plumbing may not issue that permit without verification that the applicant has a valid plumbing license or that the applicant is the owner occupant of a single family residence that is the subject of the permit.”
  225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
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©.”
Illinois Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted — Statewide Illinois baseline building-code requirements applicable to construction in Union County, subject to the distinction between jurisdictions with and without locally adopted building codes.
  “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. Until then, units of local government such as cities and counties can adopt codes of their choice. The best and most accurate answers to building code questions must be answered by your city, village, or county code official.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
- Partial — Statewide Illinois building-code framework affecting jurisdictions, including Union County, where local adoption status is unresolved
  “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. Until then, units of local government such as cities and counties can adopt codes of their choice.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
- 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.”
  Building Codes and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
ilga.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Private sewage disposal in Union County under Illinois statewide regulation and local-health-agency review.
- IDPH regulates private sewage disposal statewide.
- Local health agencies may review plans under a local ordinance or as IDPH agents.
- Union County's official ordinances page lists an ordinance amending private sewer disposal.
“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.”
Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
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).”
  Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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”
  Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction of private sewage disposal systems in Union County, including septic systems and qualifying alternative systems.
  “Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction.”
  Private Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
- 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.”
  77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Private sewage disposal systems in Union County that were installed and permitted under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 after January 1, 2014, including residential septic systems, non-residential septic systems, aerobic treatment units, and sand filters or waste stabilization ponds with surface discharges.
- The statewide maintenance and evaluation requirements apply after January 1, 2014 to systems installed and permitted under Section 905.190.
- Residential septic tanks serving a subsurface seepage system, or a sand filter discharging to a subsurface seepage system, must be evaluated prior to or within 3 years after installation and at least once every 5 years thereafter.
- Non-residential septic tanks of those system types must be evaluated within 3 years after installation and at least once every 3 years thereafter.
- An aerobic treatment unit requires evaluation and maintenance at least once every 6 months; the homeowner may perform the inspection and maintenance only in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
- Sand filters and waste stabilization ponds with surface discharges must be evaluated at least once every year; the homeowner may perform inspection and maintenance in accordance with Part 905.
- Evaluations may be performed by the homeowner where permitted by the applicable subsection, a licensed private sewage disposal system installation contractor, a licensed Environmental Health Practitioner, an Illinois licensed Professional Engineer, a representative of IDPH, or an agent of IDPH or a local health department.
- The evaluation must determine whether scum and settled solids exceed 33% of the tank's liquid capacity; if they do, the tank and compartments must be pumped and maintenance performed.
- Depending on system use, evaluation and pumping may be required more frequently.
- The owner must maintain maintenance records on Department-approved forms, make them available upon request, transfer them from owner to owner, and keep them for the life of the system.
- Failure to properly operate, maintain, and have routine service conducted is a violation of the Act and Part 905.
- A local-government ordinance may establish an equal-or-more-stringent inspection and regulation program if approved by IDPH; no Union County-specific ordinance or override was verified in the official sources reviewed.
residential initial evaluation: prior to installation or within 3 years after installation · residential recurring evaluation: 5 years (Depending on system use, more frequent evaluation and pumping may be needed.) · non-residential initial evaluation: within 3 years after installation · non-residential recurring evaluation: 3 years (Depending on system use, more frequent evaluation and pumping may be needed.) · aerobic treatment unit evaluation and maintenance: <= 6 months (Homeowner inspection and maintenance must follow manufacturer requirements.) · surface-discharge sand filter or waste stabilization pond evaluation: 1 year (Depending on system use, more frequent evaluation and pumping may be needed.) · scum and settled solids threshold: > 33 percent of tank liquid capacity (If exceeded, tanks and compartments must be pumped and maintained.)
“After the first evaluation, the system shall be evaluated a minimum of once every 5 years.”
Private Sewage Disposal Act and Code, 77 Illinois Administrative Code Part 905 ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems covered by Illinois EPA general NPDES Permit ILG62.
  “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
  Illinois Surface Discharge Permit (ILG62) ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Private Water & Closed Loop Wells ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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”
  Private Water & Closed Loop Wells ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable
Agricultural experiences conducted as a secondary use with agricultural production on a farm in Illinois.
- The activity must be agriculture-related, a secondary use in conjunction with agricultural production, and occur on a farm.
- The activity must be open to the public with the intended purpose of promoting or educating the public about agriculture, agricultural practices, agricultural activities, or agricultural products.
- The property’s primary use must be agricultural production.
- The exemption prevents a county from requiring a conditional use permit, special use permit, special exception, or variance; the statute does not state that other applicable State or local requirements are waived.
“a county shall not require a conditional use permit [...] or variance for agricultural experiences on property of which the primary use is agricultural production.”
Public Act 102-0492 — Agricultural Experiences Act ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
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.”
Highway Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Permit Program ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
  Permit Program ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
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.”
FY 2025-28, Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax Updates for Hosting Platforms for Short-Term Rentals ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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 Program ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Permit Application and Instructions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Operation of a campground providing temporary parking of recreational vehicles in Illinois; this is not a determination of long-term RV occupancy on an individual private parcel outside the statutory campground definition.
- IDPH annually inspects and licenses covered campgrounds.
- A covered campground includes an area where three or more tents, cabins, recreational vehicles, or other shelters are erected and maintained for camping, or where space is provided for camping or temporary RV parking for 10 or more persons for six or more camping days in a calendar year.
- Campgrounds within home-rule units of government are exempt from this State program.
- IDPH inspects water supply and sewage disposal systems, electrical systems, sanitation, food service, and recreational facilities.
- IDPH reviews construction plans for new campgrounds and major expansions or alterations.
- Local zoning and other local requirements may separately apply.
recreational vehicles or other shelters erected and maintained for camping: >= 3 shelters (One alternative branch of the statutory campground definition.) · persons using space for camping or temporary RV parking: >= 10 persons (Applies for six or more camping days during a calendar year.) · camping days: >= 6 days per calendar year (Applies to the 10-or-more-person branch of the statutory campground definition.)
“State law requires the IDPH to annually inspect and license campgrounds in Illinois. The Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act defines campground as a recreational area where three or more tents, cabins, recreational vehicles or other permanent or non-permanent type shelters are erected and maintained for camping or where space is provided for camping, temporary parking of recreational vehicles or placing of such tents, cabins, recreational vehicles or other permanent or non-permanent type shelters of any kind for 10 or more persons for six or more camping days during a calendar year.”
Youth Camps and Campgrounds ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.
  ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  Youth Camps and Campgrounds ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Temporary camping in covered Illinois campgrounds; this claim does not establish whether camping is allowed on a private parcel outside the statutory campground definition.
  “Campgrounds within home rule units of government are exempt. Staff inspects the water supply and sewage disposal systems, the electrical systems, general sanitation, food service and recreational facilities. IDPH also reviews construction plans for all new campgrounds and for major expansions or alterations of existing ones.”
  Youth Camps and Campgrounds ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
county building authorityLimited
County building-construction and building-code regulation, including residential structures, in counties meeting the statutory population and metropolitan-area conditions.
- The county must have a population not in excess of 1,000,000.
- The county must be located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.
- Rules are subject to rules or regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal under the cited gasoline and volatile-oils statute.
- The county must exempt municipalities located wholly or partly within the county when the municipal building code is equal to the county regulation and local authorities are enforcing that municipal code.
- The rules apply throughout the county, but municipalities may establish higher standards.
- The rules do not apply to construction or alteration of buildings or structures used or to be used for agricultural purposes on a tract zoned and used for agricultural purposes.
- The county board must follow the publication and posting requirements in 55 ILCS 5/5-1063.
- Beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly, a county adopting a new building code or amending an existing building code must provide the building-code identification to the Capital Development Board under Section 10.18 at least 30 days before adoption.
- Violations are petty offenses, and enforcement is by an officer designated by county-board resolution.
- The provision expressly authorizes county building-construction and building-code rules, but the opened text does not expressly use the phrase residential building permit requirement.
population threshold: <= 1000000 persons (The county must be located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.) · pre-adoption identification period: >= 30 days (Applies to a new building code or amendment under the stated amendatory-Act provision.)
“The county board in any county with a population not in excess of 1,000,000 located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission may prescribe by resolution or ordinance reasonable rules and regulations (a) governing the construction and alteration of all buildings and structures and parts and appurtenances thereof and governing the maintenance thereof in a condition reasonably safe from the hazards of fire, explosion, collapse, contagion and the spread of infectious disease”
55 ILCS 5/5-1064 — Buildings in certain counties of less than 1,000,000 population ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Illinois counties adopting and enforcing building codes and issuing building permits for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the statewide baseline framework.
  “A municipality or county is not required to adopt building codes. If they do NOT adopt a building code then they are considered a non-building code jurisdiction and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105) applies. If they do adopt a building code(s) then it must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105).”
  Illinois Codes FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Union County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning within the City of Anna, Union County, Illinois, and the area covered by the City's zoning code.
- The City of Anna Zoning Inspector or authorized representative administers and enforces the City Zoning Code.
- The City code states that the zoning district map includes the contiguous area within one and one-half (1 1/2) miles of the corporate limits.
“The Zoning Inspector or his authorized representative shall administer and enforce the Zoning Code, as amended from time to time and is in effect, in accordance with the powers and duties therein set forth, and in furtherance of such activity shall: (A) Issue all Building Permits and Zoning Certificates and make and maintain records thereof.”
Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of Anna, Illinois ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026

Still unanswered

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

County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Union County
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Union County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Union County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Union County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Union County.

5 more unanswered

Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Subdividing land

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

Living off-grid in 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.

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.

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