Bolthole Index

Carroll County, Illinois

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

63Index Score / 100
#47 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Carroll County, Illinois requires building permits, applied for through Carroll County Zoning & Building under Chapter 360, with fees from $10 to $200 for homes and outbuildings123. County zoning covers only unincorporated land; each city and village zones inside its own limits45. Illinois regulates private septic systems, and the Carroll County Health Department inspects septic and wells678.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated areas (Chapter 360); apply through Carroll County Zoning & Building13
Permit fees
$10 to $200 for homes, additions and outbuildings, by square footage2
Zoning
Yes on unincorporated land (10 standard districts); municipal rules apply inside city and village limits495
Septic approval
Illinois regulates installation; the county Health Department inspects; septic approval may be needed with the building application6710
RV living
Generally prohibited, with limited zoning, vacation and permitted construction exceptions11
Manufactured home
Allowed as a dwelling if county width, age, HUD-plate and installation conditions are met12
Owner-builder
No general permit exemption confirmed; Illinois has a narrow plumbing exemption for qualifying occupants13
Private well
A valid well permit may be required with the county building application14
Setbacks
Depend on the applicable county zoning district15

Who to call

Building permits

Carroll County Zoning & Building

Building, demolition, address, agricultural land-development, sign and guest-home applications in unincorporated Carroll County

815-244-0284

zoning@carrollcountyil.gov

Online permits →

Septic permits

Carroll County Health Department

Environmental-health inspections of water wells and private sewage disposal

(815) 244-8855

carrollcountyhd@carrollcountyil.gov

822 South Mill Street, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. Unincorporated Carroll County requires building permits, and the county points applicants to Chapter 360 Building Regulations for details on when a permit is or is not required1. County applications cover rural property and subdivisions outside incorporated cities and villages3. Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded construction; the local government administers them16. Statewide baseline building codes have applied since 2025, and a locally adopted residential code must meet the minimum structural requirements of the International Residential Code17. We could not confirm the project exemptions, inspection stages or occupancy-certificate rules, so describe the proposed work to Carroll County Zoning & Building before ordering plans or materials3.

Who issues building permits in Carroll County, Illinois?

Carroll County Zoning & Building is the first stop for building permit applications and for demolition, address, agricultural land-development, sign and guest-home applications on unincorporated property3. Call 815-244-0284 or email zoning@carrollcountyil.gov; applications can be filed online, started by phone or handled as a walk-in, and the county asks walk-ins to call ahead310. Every online application needs a site plan and every online building application needs a building plan; well and septic approval, a property access permit or affidavit, and a property survey may also be requested10. An incomplete application cannot be reviewed and may fail to submit10. The county then sends an invoice with payment instructions, and online payment is available10.

Fees follow the size of the project: $10 for pools, patios, portable buildings and construction under 200 sq. ft.; $20 for 200 to 400 sq. ft.; $50 for 401 to 1000 sq. ft.; $100 for 1001 to 2500 sq. ft.; $150 for 2501 to 4000 sq. ft.; and $200 above that2. The fee page gives no effective date, so confirm the current amount when you call2. Illinois does not conduct code inspections for privately funded construction; ask the county office which inspections apply and whether the finished project needs a local occupancy certificate183.

Does Carroll County, Illinois have zoning?

Yes. The unincorporated area of Carroll County is divided into zoning districts under Chapter 7004. Cities and villages administer zoning inside their own limits, and the county tells applicants inside a city to work with that city's zoning rules5. The county has 10 standard district types: Agricultural, Business, Commercial, Industrial 1 and 2, Airport, Residential 1 and 2, Recreational and Mobile Home Park, so the parcel's district decides what you can build9. Rezoning requires a public hearing and county approval, and approval is not guaranteed9. Setbacks and building height vary by district; for example, buildings in the MHP-1 district may not exceed 24 feet1519. We could not confirm countywide figures for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks or lot coverage.

Splitting a parcel is regulated by the Zoning Department under the Illinois Plat Act. Each district sets lot size, minimum acreage and road frontage, and a division that misses them creates a non-conforming lot that cannot get building permits20. The county also references a 2-acre residential lot-size exemption in the Agricultural District and further options under the Carroll County Residential Subdivision Ordinance20. Give Carroll County Zoning & Building the parcel number, proposed use and any planned land split before relying on a listing description3.

How do septic permits and well permits work in Carroll County, Illinois?

Illinois regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems through the Illinois Department of Public Health; local health agencies may review plans by local ordinance or as agents of the state6. In Carroll County, the Carroll County Health Department conducts environmental-health inspections of private sewage disposal and of water wells78. We could not confirm the Health Department's permit-issuance steps, so call (815) 244-8855 or email carrollcountyhd@carrollcountyil.gov before fixing the house site8. The county may ask for well and septic approval with a building application10.

Under Chapter 700, a human-occupied building not on a common sewage system needs soil percolation testing for a subsurface seepage field or sand filter, and no building may be built for habitation on land unsuitable for private sewage disposal unless a common private or public system serves it21. The county material does not establish a universal water or sewer hookup requirement21. About 53.7% of Carroll County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a parcel-specific evaluation remains essential22. A new, modified or sealed private well requires a state or approved local permit before work begins23.

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

Carroll County generally prohibits using a parked or stored RV as a residence, but Chapter 700 allows exceptions in REC-1 and MHP-1 districts, under an approved special-use permit, for vacation use of up to 72 hours in a seven-day period, or under a temporary RV-use permit during construction or repair11. The construction exception lasts no more than eight months, requires construction to begin within 60 days after RV placement and allows only one RV on the parcel11. Campgrounds must meet REC-1 conditions and provide evidence of an Illinois campground license on request24. We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule or countywide minimum dwelling size; a permanent tiny home still faces county building and zoning review2526. A manufactured home can qualify as a single-family dwelling if it is at least 24 feet wide, was built after June 30, 1976, has a valid HUD approval plate and is installed to the manufacturer's specifications; narrower units are allowed only in a mobile-home park12.

What are the steps to build a home in Carroll County, Illinois?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside a city or village, then ask Carroll County Zoning & Building for its zoning district, allowed residential use and applicable setbacks27153.
  2. Obtain approval from the appropriate road authority before creating or improving a driveway connection or doing work in a public-road right-of-way28.
  3. Fix the house site with the Health Department and obtain the well and septic documents requested for the project7108.
  4. Prepare the required site plan and building plan, plus any requested access approval, survey and supporting documents10.
  5. Apply online, by phone or as a walk-in; the Zoning Officer reviews the project, collects the fee ($10 to $200 by size) and issues approval when the application complies2923.
  6. Pay the invoice online or as instructed, then ask Zoning & Building which inspections apply and whether a local occupancy certificate is required103.

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

Check zoning, lot-split history, buildability, wastewater, water, flood exposure, and legal access before the purchase contingency expires. Carroll County zoning applies to unincorporated land, and allowed uses vary among the county's 10 standard districts49. A structure on flood-prone land must meet Chapter 720, the Carroll County Floodplain Regulation, before it can be permitted30. A land division that missed county lot size or frontage rules leaves a non-conforming lot that cannot get building permits, so ask how the parcel was created20. A new or improved driveway connection to a public road requires approval from the appropriate road jurisdiction, with proof submitted for the building or zoning application28. About 87.9% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, while 53.7% of soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field; neither countywide figure replaces a survey or site evaluation3122. The effective property-tax rate is about 2%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,3083233.

Watch-outs

  • Carroll County jurisdiction stops at city and village limits, so land inside an incorporated municipality follows that municipality's zoning process5.
  • Carroll County generally prohibits RV habitation; the narrow exceptions have limits on zoning, duration or construction-permit status11.
  • A composting or incinerating toilet can handle human waste only under state conditions; other domestic wastewater still needs a conventional private sewage-disposal system34.
  • The county fee schedule gives no effective date, so confirm current permit fees with Carroll County Zoning & Building23.

Sources

  1. Applications & Support Documents, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Code & Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  3. Carroll County Zoning & Building (carrollcountyil.gov)
  4. Zoning Ordinance & Search, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning Ordinance & Search, quoted and re-checked
  6. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  7. carrollcountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Carroll County Health Department (carrollcountyil.gov)
  9. Ch. 700 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Applications & Support Documents, quoted and re-checked
  11. Chapter 700 Zoning Amended 05.18.2023, quoted and re-checked
  12. cms9files.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  13. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (2026 county census)
  14. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  15. ilga.gov (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Codes and Regulations (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Chapter 700 Zoning Amended 05.18.2023, quoted and re-checked
  20. Plats, Surveys & Subdividing Land, quoted and re-checked
  21. Chapter 700 Zoning Amended 05.18.2023, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  23. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. cms9files.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  25. Applications & Support Documents (2026 county census)
  26. Zoning Ordinance & Search (2026 county census)
  27. carrollcountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  28. Address & Driveways, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter 360 Building Regulations Amended 05.18.2023, quoted and re-checked
  30. Chapter 700 Zoning Amended 05.18.2023, quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  34. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Carroll County has countywide zoning.

RuleCarroll CountyJo Daviess CountyWhiteside CountyStephenson CountyOgle CountyLee CountyRock Island County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Carroll County in Illinois

63
County map
Carroll County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Carroll County scores

Seclusion56100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability60100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost57100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$166kTypical home
2%Property tax
$9,704Land / acre
38.3"Annual rain
4.7% of yrsSevere drought
2.7 / yr (+2.6)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.85" (+9.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.76×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,426Home insurance / yr
3.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.38%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
15,354People within 30 min
1,951,741People within 2 hr
18,241Radius comparison (15 mi)
34.9People / sq mi
4.9%Federal land
87.9%Land at 15% slope or less
53.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
145,014 acWorkable land screen
16.3%Wooded land
38.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
48.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Carroll 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 researched: Village of Chadwick · Cherry Grove-Shannon Township · Elkhorn Grove Township · Fairhaven Township · Freedom Township · Village of Milledgeville · Mount Carroll · Rock Creek-Lima Township · Salem Township · Savanna Township · Village of Thomson · Washington Township · Woodland Township · Wysox Township · York Township

Answers from the rulebook for Carroll County

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

Carroll County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building permits and county building applications in unincorporated Carroll County, including rural areas and subdivisions.

    • County applications apply outside incorporated cities and villages.
    • The page directs applicants to Chapter 360 Building Regulations for details on when a permit is or is not required.
    “Carroll County Building Regulations Chapter 360. Carroll County, IL ordinance requiring building permits.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning under Chapter 700.

    • Applies to the unincorporated area; zoning jurisdiction stops at city limits.
    • The ordinance may also apply to a municipality that elects to use it.
    “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into zoning districts.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning in unincorporated Carroll County, including rural areas and subdivisions.
      “Zoning regulates land use and the location of improvements on property. The unincorporated area of the county is divided into zoning districts.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    The countywide aggregate of zoning jurisdiction in Carroll County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated city limits.

    • The county administers zoning in the unincorporated area.
    • Zoning jurisdiction stops at city limits.
    • For property inside city limits, the source directs the applicant to contact the city and work within the city's zoning regulations.
    • This aggregate claim does not assert that Carroll County administers municipal zoning ordinances or that every incorporated municipality has adopted zoning.
    “Zoning jurisdiction start and stop at city limits. If you have any zoning questions for inside the city limits, you will need to contact the city and work within their zoning regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate zoning situation across Carroll County, including county zoning in unincorporated areas and municipal zoning inside city limits.
      “Zoning jurisdiction start and stop at city limits. If you have any zoning questions for inside the city limits, you will need to contact the city and work within their zoning regulations.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land in the unincorporated area of Carroll County, Illinois.
      “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into zoning districts.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and land-use controls in unincorporated Carroll County.

    • County zoning jurisdiction starts and stops at city limits; properties inside city limits are subject to the applicable city regulations.
    • Certain uses are allowed in each district.
    • Zoning amendments require a public-hearing and county-approval process, and approval is not guaranteed.
    • The page identifies ten standard district types: Agricultural, Business, Commercial, Industrial 1, Industrial 2, Airport, Residential 1, Residential 2, Recreational, and Mobile Home Park.

    standard zoning district types: 10 district types

    “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into zoning districts.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Standard zoning districts in unincorporated Carroll County.
      “There are 10 different types of standard zoning districts in Carroll County, including: Agricultural, Business, Commercial, Industrial 1 and 2, Airport, Residential 1 and 2, Recreational and Mobile Home Park.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Standard zoning districts in unincorporated Carroll County.
      “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into zoning districts. There are 10 different types of standard zoning districts in Carroll County, including: Agricultural, Business, Commercial, Industrial 1 and 2, Airport, Residential 1 and 2, Recreational and Mobile Home Park.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building height in county zoning districts.

    • The located numeric rule applies to MHP-1; other districts may have separate rules.

    MHP-1 maximum building height: <= 24 feet

    “No building placed within the MHP-1 district shall have a height that exceeds twenty-four (24) feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Habitation and storage of recreational vehicles under Chapter 700.

    • RV habitation is prohibited except in REC-1, MHP-1, or property with an approved special-use permit; vacation usage up to 72 hours in a seven-day period; or a temporary RV-use permit during construction or repair.
    • Temporary use is limited to eight months, construction must start within 60 days of RV placement, and only one RV is allowed on a parcel during construction or repair.
    • Storage limits include no more than one RV unless one RV per acre is met, never exceeding three, with five-foot setbacks; RV use on residential property under one acre is prohibited.

    vacation usage: <= 72 hours (within any seven-day period) · temporary construction occupancy: <= 8 months (temporary RV use permit required) · RV setback: >= 5 feet (from all property lines) · RV storage density: per 1 RV per acre (never more than three RVs)

    “No RV will be permitted as a residence and habitation of any parked or stored RV shall be prohibited, with the following exceptions:”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping and campground use by recreational vehicles or tents.

    • A campground must be zoned or permitted for recreational use, provide potable water and public toilet facilities, meet REC-1 regulations, and provide evidence of an Illinois campground license on request.
    • RV vacation usage is limited to 72 hours in any seven-day period.

    vacation usage: <= 72 hours (within any seven-day period)

    “All campgrounds must meet the conditions of the Recreational District (REC-1) Regulations and provide evidence on request of the State of IL Campground License to run and operate such a facility.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes used as single-family dwellings.

    • Must be at least 24 feet wide, built after June 30, 1976, have a valid HUD approval plate, and be installed to manufacturers' specifications.
    • Manufactured homes under 24 feet wide are allowed only in a mobile-home park.

    minimum manufactured-home width: >= 24 feet (homes under 24 feet allowed only in a mobile-home park) · construction date: > 1976-06-30 (must be built after this date)

    “Manufactured homes that are not less than twenty-four feet (24’) in width, built after June 30, 1976, having a valid HUD approval plate, and installed to manufacturers’ specifications may be issued a building permit as a single-family dwelling. Manufactured homes less than 24 feet in width will only be allowed in a mobile home park.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal and related environmental-health administration.

    • County Health Department conducts environmental-health inspections of private sewage disposal.
    • Chapter 700 also assigns standards and requirements to the Illinois Department of Public Health or Carroll County Health Department.
    “The department also conducts environmental health inspections of water wells, food and beverage establishments, and private sewage disposal.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Environmental-health administration of private sewage disposal and related inspections in Carroll County.
      “The department also conducts environmental health inspections of water wells, food and beverage establishments, and private sewage disposal.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Building-permit applications requiring well and septic approval for private sewage systems.

    • Chapter 360 requires a valid well and septic permit issued by the Department of Public Health among application exhibits when requested.
    • Chapter 700 requires soil percolation testing for human-occupied buildings not connected to a common sewage-disposal system.
    “A valid well and septic permit issued by the Department of Public Health.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage disposal for human-occupied buildings not connected to a common sewage system.

    • Soil percolation testing is required.
    • Private sewage disposal must be suitable, or the building must be served by a common private or public disposal system.
    • Illinois Department of Public Health and Carroll County Health Department standards apply.
    “Soil percolation tests as specified by the Illinois Department of Public Health or Carroll County Health Department shall be undertaken for all buildings to be inhabited by humans to determine the requirements for a subsurface seepage field or sand filter when such buildings are not to be connected to a common sewage disposal system, either private or public in nature.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewage arrangements for human-occupied buildings under Chapter 700.

    • Buildings not connected to a common sewage-disposal system must undergo soil percolation testing for a subsurface seepage field or sand filter.
    • A building may not be constructed for human habitation on land unsuitable for private sewage disposal unless served by a common private or public disposal system.
    • The reviewed material does not establish a universal water or sewer hookup requirement.
    “It shall be unlawful to construct a building for human habitation upon land that is found to be unsuitable for the proper function of private sewage disposal systems, unless such use is to be served by a common disposal system, either private or public nature.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land and plat administration in unincorporated Carroll County.

    • The county requires compliance with the Illinois Plat Act.
    • County rules and requirements apply to property divisions creating a new property from a larger piece.
    • Each zoning district has designated lot size, minimum acreage, and road frontage/access requirements.
    • Property divisions that do not meet county requirements result in non-conforming illegal lots that cannot obtain building permits for legal development.
    • The county states that further subdivision options may exist under the Carroll County Residential Subdivision Ordinance.
    • The page references a recent 2-acre residential lot-size exemption in the Agricultural District.
    “The Zoning Department is charged with regulating the division of land in the unincorporated areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Division of land and plat administration in unincorporated Carroll County.
      “LAND SUBDIVISION AND PLAT ADMINISTRATION. The Zoning Department is charged with regulating the division of land in the unincorporated areas of the county. It is the responsibility of the department to ensure that the Illinois Plat Act Law is adhered to. The county has also adopted rules and requirements for the division of property (a new property created from a larger piece).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or improved driveway connections to public roads and work in road rights-of-way in Carroll County outside city and village limits.

    • The property owner must request and receive approval before any work in a road right-of-way.
    • Standard public-road right-of-way is 33 to 40 feet measured from the road center, but may vary significantly.
    • Approval is most commonly required for creating or improving a driveway connecting to a public road.
    • An access driveway permit or Driveway Access Affidavit must be completed with the appropriate road jurisdiction.
    • Proof of approval is required with a building or zoning application.

    standard public-road right-of-way width: 33 to 40 ft from center of road (May vary significantly in some instances.)

    “NEW DRIVE WAY ACCESS OR Right-of-Way (ROW) WORK PERMIT REQUIRED. It is the legal responsibility of a property owner to make request and receive approval before any work is preformed in the ROW (right-of-way) of any road way. Standard ROW of a public road is 33 to 40 ft measured from the center of road, but can vary significantly in some instances. Approval is most commonly required for creating or improving a driveway that connects to a public road. When submitting a building or zoning application, proof of approval documentation will be required.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Structures proposed on land subject to flooding.

    • Chapter 720 Carroll County Floodplain Regulation requirements must be met before a structure is permitted.
    • Other floodplain permitting or state/federal requirements may also apply.
    “No structure shall be permitted on any land that is subject to flooding unless the requirements of Chapter 720, the Carroll County Floodplain Regulation are met.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County permit fees for the permit and zoning categories listed on the Carroll County Building Code & Occupancy page.

    • The page does not state an effective date for the fee list.
    • Fees vary by project type, size, hearing, tower height, megawatt rating, and supporting structure.
    • For commercial solar facilities, the total fee is rounded to the nearest tenth decimal point and associated substations/supporting facilities pay $200 per structure.
    • For wind energy conversion systems, the total fee is rounded to the nearest tenth decimal point; temporary meteorological towers require no fees or permits; associated substations/supporting facilities pay $200 per structure.
    • The page states that the county applications apply outside incorporated cities and villages.

    permit fee for pools, patios, portable buildings, and construction less than 200 sq. ft.: 10 USD · permit fee for additions and new construction between 200 and 400 sq. ft.: 20 USD (The page also lists personal roof mounted solar arrays in the same numbered item.) · permit fee for additions and new construction between 401 and 1000 sq. ft.: 50 USD (The page also lists personal ground mounted solar arrays, personal wind towers, and agricultural grain storage bins of any size in the same numbered item.) · permit fee for additions and new construction between 1001 and 2500 sq. ft.: 100 USD · permit fee for additions and new construction between 2501 and 4000 sq. ft.: 150 USD · permit fee for additions and new construction greater than 4001 sq. ft.: > 200 USD · new tower or related structure fee: per 25 USD per foot of tower height · co-location or major commercial tower component replacement fee: 1200 USD · LESA report fee: 75 USD · Zoning Board of Appeals public-hearing request fee: 400 USD (Variance, Special Use, or Amendment examples listed by the page) · wind-energy-generating-facility special-use hearing fee: per 800 USD per hearing night · 10% variation or non-conforming structure fee: 75 USD (Section 700-20.01(a)(4)(A)) · temporary-use permit fee: 100 USD (Section 700-22-.01; examples include circuses and festivals) · commercial solar facility fee: per 4000 USD per megawatt power output rating (Total fee rounded to nearest tenth decimal point; associated substation or supporting facilities pay $200 per structure) · wind energy conversion system fee: per 7000 USD per megawatt power output rating per wind tower turbine (Total fee rounded to nearest tenth decimal point; no fees or permits required for temporary Meteorological Towers; associated substation or supporting facilities pay $200 per structure)

    “Fees for permits shall be as follows: 1. $10.00 for pools, patios, portable buildings and construction less than 200 sq. ft.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building and zoning application process in unincorporated Carroll County.

    • Applications may be made online, by phone, or by walk-in.
    • Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed and may fail to submit.
    • A site plan is required for all online applications.
    • A building plan is required for all online building applications.
    • Well and septic approval and property-access documentation may be required upon request.
    • An invoice with payment instructions is sent after submission; online payment is available.
    “Applications can be made online using the ONLINE APPLICATION LINK provided above. Applications can also be started by phone by dialing 815-244-0284. Walk-ins are also welcomed but encouraged to call ahead to check for availability. Please review SUPPORT DOCUMENTS BELOW for examples of what will be asked of you when submitting an application. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed and may fail to submit. An invoice with payment instructions will be sent after submitting. An online payment option is available.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit application process.
      “The applicant shall file the completed application form together with the required exhibits to the Zoning Officer.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building and related applications in unincorporated Carroll County.
      “Applications can be made online using the ONLINE APPLICATION LINK provided above. Applications can also be started by phone by dialing 815-244-0284.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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”
    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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of a new water well, modification of an existing water well, or sealing of an abandoned water well in Illinois.

    • A permit must be obtained from the Illinois Department of Public Health or an approved local health department before work begins.
    • The application must use Department or approved local health department forms and include a plan and drawing of the proposed construction.
    • The plan must include the lot size, slope, property lines, distances to septic tanks, abandoned wells, property lines, seepage fields, sewers, and other contamination sources; driller license number and name; estimated daily pumping capacity if greater than 100,000 gallons per day; well location; owner name and address; well type; estimated depth; well-use type; and proposed aquifer.
    • The permit is void if construction has not commenced within one year after issuance.
    • The permit fee for constructing, deepening, modifying, or sealing a water well may not exceed $100.
    • The Department will deny a permit request when available information indicates groundwater contamination exceeds Class I groundwater standards, subject to the treatment approval provision in subsection (f)(2).
    • The permittee must notify the Department, approved local health department, or approved unit of local government by telephone or in writing at least two days before work begins.

    maximum water well permit fee: <= 100 USD · permit commencement deadline: 1 year after issuance (Permit is void if construction has not commenced within that period.) · pre-work notification: >= 2 days (Notification may be by telephone or in writing.)

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New private water well construction in Carroll County under Illinois statewide rules.
      “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.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in Illinois where at least one room is rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days and accommodations are reserved in advance, when the hosting platform meets the statutory definition of a re-renter.

    • Beginning July 1, 2025, qualifying hosting platforms are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.
    • The source establishes tax and registration obligations, not statewide land-use permission; local zoning and licensing may separately apply.

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

    “Beginning July 1, 2025, hosting platforms for short-term rentals that meet the definition of “re-renter” are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Carroll County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Carroll County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in county zoning districts.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Carroll County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in county zoning jurisdiction.
1 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Carroll County, Illinois

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

Carroll County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics (38.3″/yr rainfall) and mixed durability signals.

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

Carroll County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Carroll County Health Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Carroll County is limited to specific cases: Habitation and storage of recreational vehicles under Chapter 700. RV habitation is prohibited except in REC-1, MHP-1, or property with an approved special-use permit; vacation usage up to 72 hours in a seven-day period; or a temporary RV-use permit during construction or repair. Temporary use is limited to eight months, construction must start within 60 days of RV placement, and only one RV is allowed on a parcel during construction or repair. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Carroll County, Illinois?

Land in Carroll County runs about $9,704 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Carroll County?

Carroll County gets about 38.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.7% of years.

How remote is Carroll County?

A representative private-land location has about 15,354 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,951,741 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.

How Carroll compares in Illinois

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