Bolthole Index

Coles County, Illinois

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

66Index Score / 100
#35 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Coles County, Illinois requires no county building permit and has no county zoning outside the named municipal zoning jurisdictions12. Municipal zoning jurisdiction can extend beyond city limits; start with Coles County Regional Planning to identify the reviewing authority34. Septic plan approval and inspections go through the Coles County Health Department, with an additional municipal septic permit inside Mattoon; private-well work requires a permit through Illinois or an approved local health department567.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required by Coles County on unincorporated land outside municipal zoning jurisdictions14
Zoning
No county zoning outside the zoning jurisdictions of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt and Ashmore23
Septic
County Health Department reviews private-sewage plans and inspections; Mattoon also requires a municipal septic permit56
Water wells
A permit is required before constructing, modifying or sealing a private well87
RV / tiny home living
No county zoning rule restricts either use in the unincorporated area, but sanitation and other rules still apply910
Minimum home size / setbacks
No county zoning minimum applies outside the named municipal zoning jurisdictions1112
Owner-builder
Qualifying owner or lessee occupants may do plumbing on their own single-family residence; this is not a general construction exemption13

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Coles County Regional Planning

Questions about county building permits, municipal zoning jurisdiction, floodplain development, subdivisions, junkyards, and commercial solar or wind development

217-348-0521

Health department

Coles County Health Department, Environmental Health

Environmental Health programs for sewage systems and water wells

(217) 348-0530

cchd@co.coles.il.us

753 Windsor Road, Charleston, IL 61920

Septic permits

Coles County Health Department Sewage Program

Private sewage plan approval, site and final inspections, soil-evaluation guidance, and complaints

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Coles County does not require a county building permit, engineering report or property specifications for a project outside the zoning jurisdictions of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt and Ashmore4. Illinois does not issue building permits or occupancy permits for privately funded construction; any such requirement comes from the applicable local government1415. In a non-building-code jurisdiction, a contract for new residential construction must specify an agreed residential code; if no code is agreed or stated, the current International Residential Code and Illinois energy and plumbing codes become part of the contract by law16. New or substantially improved commercial buildings in a non-code jurisdiction require a qualified inspector’s compliance statement17. Qualifying owner or lessee occupants may perform plumbing on their own single-family residence, subject to plumbing standards and inspections; this is not a general construction exemption18.

Who issues building permits in Coles County, Illinois?

Coles County does not issue county building permits for unincorporated land outside the named municipal zoning jurisdictions4. Start with Coles County Regional Planning at 217-348-0521 to confirm parcel jurisdiction and ask whether subdivision, floodplain or another county ordinance applies4. The county identifies municipal jurisdiction extending 1.5 miles from the boundaries of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt and Ashmore; contact the relevant community to determine which ordinance applies3. Within the City of Charleston, the Building and Development Services department enforces adopted building codes19. The Coles County Health Department reviews private-sewage plans and conducts site and final inspections, while Mattoon also requires a written private-sewage permit from its Superintendent56. Illinois and approved local health departments administer private-well permits; Coles County Environmental Health lists water wells among its programs2021.

Does Coles County have zoning?

Coles County has no county zoning on parcels outside the zoning jurisdictions of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt and Ashmore2. In that unincorporated area, county zoning sets neither a minimum dwelling size nor zoning-based setbacks; separate subdivision, floodplain and other siting rules can still apply1112. Mattoon has its own zoning districts, and the City of Charleston publishes district-specific lot-size, setback, coverage and height standards for city land within Charleston Township2223. Municipal zoning does not replace county private-sewage review, and Mattoon also requires its Superintendent’s septic permit56. Illinois exempts agricultural land and buildings from township zoning regulations under Article 110, except building or setback lines; that provision does not establish that a Coles County township has zoning or exempt a project from other approvals24.

How do septic permits work in Coles County?

Private-sewage construction requires plan approval before work begins, and Illinois allows local health agencies to review those plans under local authority or as state agents2526. Inside Mattoon, a written septic permit from the City Superintendent is also required before construction6. In Coles County, the Health Department Sewage Program approves private-sewage plans, conducts on-site and final inspections, investigates complaints, and directs applicants to start with a soil evaluation5. That early test matters because only 1.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field27. A permitted sanitary sewer generally displaces a new or renovated private system when available within 300 feet of a residential property, subject to barriers, local ordinances and connection-line feasibility28. The county describes conventional systems, buried sand filters and aerobic treatment units as common local options, but the site evaluation determines which design fits5.

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

Outside the named municipal zoning jurisdictions, unincorporated Coles County has no county zoning restriction on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping9. That answer applies only outside municipal zoning jurisdictions and does not override subdivision, floodplain or other separate county rules229. Off-grid sanitation is not a free-for-all: privies, chemical toilets, recirculating toilets, incinerator toilets and composting toilets must comply with Illinois private-sewage standards, while unlisted systems are not approved unless a variance or experimental-use permit applies10. Raw or improperly treated sewage cannot be discharged onto the ground or into water, wells, cisterns, basements, mines, caves, sinkholes or tunnels10. Ask Regional Planning about parcel jurisdiction and the Health Department Sewage Program about septic plan approval before buying45.

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

  1. Ask Regional Planning whether the parcel is outside municipal zoning jurisdiction and whether subdivision or floodplain review applies4.
  1. Contact the applicable municipality about its ordinance if the parcel is within its jurisdiction3.
  1. For land outside those jurisdictions, confirm the county building-permit exemption; if hiring a builder in a non-building-code jurisdiction, specify the residential code in the construction contract416.
  1. Arrange a septic soil evaluation and obtain plan approval before installation; inside Mattoon, obtain the Superintendent’s written septic permit too5256.
  1. Obtain the private-well permit before construction, modification or sealing work87.
  1. Get an IDOT driveway permit before work in a state-maintained right-of-way30.

What should you check before buying land in Coles County?

Confirm municipal jurisdiction first, because the county's no-zoning and no-building-permit answer does not govern a parcel within a named municipality's review area3. Investigate wastewater before setting a house budget: only 1.9% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, and sewer availability can require connection instead of septic2728. Check whether a land division triggers subdivision review, because Coles County regulates subdivisions even where county zoning is absent31. Check floodplain status and legal road access before choosing a building site; regulated floodway work can need a state permit, while work in a state-maintained right-of-way needs an IDOT driveway permit3230. The effective property-tax rate is about 2%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,4943334.

Watch-outs

  • A parcel near Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt or Ashmore may be under municipal jurisdiction even when it appears rural; confirm the reviewing government before designing the project4.
  • Only 1.9% of Coles County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the soil evaluation an early purchase contingency275.
  • We could not confirm driveway requirements for county-maintained roads or the county floodplain approval process; ask Regional Planning who reviews those parts of your project4.

Sources

  1. Coles County - Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Coles County Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Coles County Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Coles County Regional Planning (colesco.illinois.gov)
  5. Coles County Health Department Sewage Program (colesco.illinois.gov)
  6. Mattoon: official source (Coles County), quoted and re-checked
  7. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  9. Illinois law on county zoning and building authority
  10. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.30 Approved Private Sewage Disposal Systems, quoted and re-checked
  11. Coles County Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  12. Coles County Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  13. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (2026 county census)
  14. Illinois Codes FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  15. Illinois Codes FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  16. 815 ILCS 670/15 — Adoption of residential building code, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Charleston, IL Laws, quoted and re-checked
  20. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  21. Coles County Health Department, Environmental Health (colesco.illinois.gov)
  22. Mattoon: Chapter 159: Zoning (Coles County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Charleston Township: 10-8-1: Density And Dimensional Standards (Coles County), quoted and re-checked
  24. 60 ILCS 1/110-15 — Exercise of powers, quoted and re-checked
  25. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  26. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  27. 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
  28. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.20 General Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  29. Coles County Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  30. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Coles County Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  32. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 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

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Coles County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleColes CountyDouglas CountyCumberland CountyMoultrie CountyEdgar CountyClark CountyShelby County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredLimitedNot requiredRequired
County zoningNoNot publishedNoYesNot publishedNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Public Health Dept.County Health Dept.Shelby County

County locator

Coles County in Illinois

66
County map
Coles County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Coles County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.
Admin Boringness8690% ev.
Durability62100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost54100% 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 →

$142kTypical home
2%Property tax
$10,272Land / acre
41.4"Annual rain
1.6% of yrsSevere drought
8.3 / yr (+7.7)Mid-century 100°F days
14.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.94" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.82×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,442Home insurance / yr
3.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.95%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
50,172People within 30 min
1,722,020People within 2 hr
54,373Radius comparison (15 mi)
90.6People / sq mi
0%Federal land
95.3%Land at 15% slope or less
1.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,137 acWorkable land screen
13.5%Wooded land
80.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Coles 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: Ashmore Township · Village of Ashmore · Charleston · East Oakland Township · Humboldt Township · Village of Humboldt · Hutton Township · Lafayette Township · Village of Lerna · Mattoon Township · Morgan Township · North Okaw Township · Oakland · Paradise Township · Pleasant Grove Township · Seven Hickory Township

Answers from the rulebook for Coles County

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

Coles County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Parcels in the unincorporated areas of Coles County outside the zoning jurisdictions of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.

    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    • Coles County ordinances regulate certain developments, including floodplain, subdivisions, regional pollution control facilities, entertainment, junkyards, and solar/wind commercial development.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — Parcels in unincorporated Coles County that are outside the zoning jurisdictions of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.
      “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Countywide aggregate of municipal zoning jurisdictions; Coles County does not itself administer each municipal ordinance.

    • The county page identifies the zoning jurisdictions of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.
    • The communities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore have jurisdiction within one and one-half miles of their municipal boundary.
    • The county instructs persons to contact the relevant community to determine whether a development is subject to its ordinance.
    • Outside those zoning jurisdictions, the county states that there is no Coles County zoning.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.

    municipal review jurisdiction from municipal boundary: 1.5 miles (Applies to the communities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore, according to the county zoning page.)

    “The communities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore have jurisdiction within one and one-half miles of their municipal boundary and should be contacted to determine whether your development is subject to this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Coles County, aggregated across unincorporated areas and the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.
      “The communities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore have jurisdiction within one and one-half miles of their municipal boundary and should be contacted to determine whether your development is subject to this ordinance.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone (with conditions)

    County zoning minimum-dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Coles County, outside the listed municipal zoning jurisdictions.

    • No county zoning applies in the stated area, so no county zoning minimum dwelling size was identified.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    • Special county ordinances and municipal jurisdiction within one and one-half miles may impose other requirements.
    • This is not a determination that state building, health, septic, floodplain, or other non-zoning standards are absent.
    “there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Coles County, outside the listed municipal zoning jurisdictions.
      “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore. Thus, Coles County does not require building permits, engineering reports, property specifications, and other documents pertaining to zoning or permitting. All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • SetbacksNone (with conditions)

    County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Coles County, outside the listed municipal zoning jurisdictions.

    • No county zoning applies in the stated area, so no county zoning setback was identified.
    • County ordinances still regulate specified developments, including floodplain, subdivision, and commercial solar/wind development; those ordinances may contain location or siting standards.
    • The listed communities have jurisdiction within one and one-half miles of their municipal boundaries.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based setback requirements in unincorporated Coles County, outside the listed municipal zoning jurisdictions.
      “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore. Thus, Coles County does not require building permits, engineering reports, property specifications, and other documents pertaining to zoning or permitting. All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    “Please be advised that there is no Coles County zoning pertaining to any parcel located outside the zoning jurisdictions of the municipalities of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision-related development in Coles County, including unincorporated areas outside municipal zoning jurisdictions, subject to the applicable county subdivision ordinance and any overlapping municipal jurisdiction.

    • Coles County ordinances regulate the location, siting, and operations of subdivisions.
    • There is no Coles County zoning for parcels outside the zoning jurisdictions of Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore.
    • All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation.
    • Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Lerna, Humboldt, and Ashmore have jurisdiction within one and one-half miles of their municipal boundaries; the applicable community should be contacted to determine whether the development is subject to the ordinance.
    • The cited county page does not state the detailed statutory or ordinance exemptions, including the Illinois Plat Act exceptions; those provisions require separate document-level verification.
    “Coles County does have ordinances which regulate the location, siting, and operations of certain developments, including those in a flood plain, subdivisions, regional pollution control facilities, entertainment, junkyards, and solar/wind commercial development.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in Coles County, subject to the applicable county subdivision ordinance and any incorporated-municipality jurisdiction.
      “Coles County does have ordinances which regulate the location, siting, and operations of certain developments, including those in a flood plain, subdivisions, regional pollution control facilities, entertainment, junkyards, and solar/wind commercial development.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Published Coles County Clerk/Recorder fees relevant to subdivision-related land records for residential development in unincorporated Coles County; these are recording fees, not a county building-permit fee.

    • The county zoning page states that certain county ordinances regulate subdivisions and other specified developments.
    • The published fee page states that recording fees are effective January 1, 2025.
    • All recording fees are $70 except stated exceptions.
    • Non-standard documents are $85.00.
    • Subdivision plats are $85.00.
    • The source does not establish a building-permit fee for ordinary unincorporated residential construction.

    general recording fee: 70 USD (All recording fees are $70 with the noted exceptions.) · non-standard document fee: 85 USD · subdivision plat recording fee: 85 USD

    “Thus, Coles County does not require building permits, engineering reports, property specifications, and other documents pertaining to zoning or permitting. All developments must still conform to state and federal laws and legislation. Commercial buildings, according to state law, must be inspected before first use and those forms can be found in the Coles County Assessment Office. Coles County does have ordinances which regulate the location, siting, and operations of certain developments, including those in a flood plain, subdivisions, regional pollution control facilities, entertainment, junkyards, and solar/wind commercial development.”

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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — State-issued building permits for privately funded construction in Illinois
      “Does the State perform plan reviews, issue building permits, perform inspections for building code compliance or issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction? No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    • 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.”
  • 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©.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Contracts for new residential construction in any Illinois non-building-code jurisdiction, including a Coles County area only if it is such a jurisdiction.
      “A contract to build new residential construction in any non-building code jurisdiction must adopt as part of the construction contract the applicability of a residential building code that is agreed to by the home builder and the home purchaser as provided in this Section. The home builder and the home purchaser may agree to adopt the International Residential Code or any municipal residential building code or county residential building code that is in effect on the first day of construction in any county or municipality that is within 100 miles of the location of the new home. If the home builder and the home purchaser fail to agree to a residential building code or if no residential building code is stated in the contract, the code adopted under Section 15 of the Energy Efficient Building Act, the plumbing code promulgated by the Illinois Department of Public Health under Section 35 of the Illinois Plumbing License Law, and the current edition of the International Residential Code shall, by law, be adopted as part of the construction contract.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code baseline applicable to construction in Coles County, including jurisdictions that have not adopted a local building code.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Commercial buildings in Illinois jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code, and state-funded buildings.

    • For non-state buildings, inspection must be performed by a qualified inspector who states that the building complies with the listed applicable codes.
    • The page separately identifies new or substantially improved buildings and lists the IEBC, IBC, NEC, Illinois Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, Illinois Plumbing Code, and Fire Prevention and Safety Rules as applicable requirements.
    • The page says the statewide building-code requirement is effective 1/1/2025.
    • Exceptions, exemptions, and other applicable codes may apply; the page directs users to consult a design professional.

    effective date: 2025-01-01

    “Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Non-state buildings must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating the building complies with the above codes.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New or substantially improved commercial buildings in Illinois jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code, excluding the stated state-funded-building distinction
      “Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Non-state buildings must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating the building complies with the above codes.”
    • 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.”
    • Limited — Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.
      “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — State-issued occupancy permits for privately funded construction in Illinois
      “Does the State perform plan reviews, issue building permits, perform inspections for building code compliance or issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction? No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    • 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.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Illinois, including Coles County.

    • IDPH regulates installation of private sewage disposal systems with no surface discharge and systems discharging treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface.
    • Local health agencies also review sewage-disposal construction plans when authorized by a local ordinance or acting as an agent of IDPH.
    • The source does not identify whether Coles County Health Department acts by local ordinance or as an IDPH agent.

    treated effluent discharge threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (Systems with no surface discharge are also covered.)

    “There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Installation and plan approval for private sewage disposal systems statewide in Illinois.
      “There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a new private sewage disposal system statewide, including systems where a septic tank is replaced, a major component is added or removed, or the absorption field changes by at least 25 percent.

    • Plan approval must be obtained from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction begins.
    • Persons constructing, installing, repairing, or modifying the system must notify the Department or local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.
    • The rule requires submission of plans, site and system information, bedroom count or design volume, soil or percolation information, owner information, and applicant signature.

    notice before commencement: >= 48 hours · absorption-field change threshold: >= 25 percent (The rule treats increasing the field by 25% or more, or removing and replacing 25% or more, as a new system.)

    “Plan approval shall be obtained from the Department or local authority prior to beginning any construction of a new private sewage disposal system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems in Illinois, including systems in Coles County, where plan approval is required before construction.
      “Staff also review and approve plans [...] before construction.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems covered by Illinois EPA general NPDES Permit ILG62.

    • Coverage under the general permit is limited to eligible dischargers.
    • Systems not eligible for general-permit coverage may require an individual NPDES permit.
    • Periodic inspection, monitoring, and reporting are required under the permit.
    “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Off-grid disposal of human wastes through privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets, and compost toilets statewide in Illinois.

    • Other domestic wastes must be disposed of in a conventional private sewage disposal system.
    • Compost toilets may also be used for other organic domestic wastes.
    • Privies have construction, capacity, venting, maintenance, and abandonment requirements.
    • A privy pit must have a minimum capacity of 50 cubic feet per seat.
    • A privy must be pumped when filled to within 18 inches of the bottom of the riser.
    • Vault privies are required where groundwater or limestone formations are within 4 feet of the bottom of the pit.
    • Recirculating toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 and residuals must go to an approved public or private sewage disposal system.
    • Incinerator and compost toilets have separate maintenance and disposal requirements; compost toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41.

    privy pit minimum capacity: >= 50 cubic feet per seat · privy pumping trigger: <= 18 inches from bottom of riser (Pump when filled to within this distance.) · vault-privy groundwater or limestone separation: < 4 feet from bottom of pit (Watertight, non-metal vaults are required where the condition applies.)

    “Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Privies, chemical toilets, recirculating toilets, incinerator toilets, compost toilets, holding tanks, and other private sewage disposal systems in Coles County.
      “The following systems are approved for private sewage disposal when designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with this Part: [...] Privies, chemical toilets, re-circulating toilets, incinerator toilets or compost toilets. [...] All other systems or components not listed undert this Part are not approved.”
  • Well permitRequired

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

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

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

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction or change in depth of water wells in Coles County under Illinois statewide law
      “Commencing no later than January 1, 1988, issue permits for the construction, modification, abandonment, or change in depth of any water well other than community public water systems and monitoring wells;”
    • Required — New private water well construction in Illinois, including Coles County.
      “the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Use of private sewage disposal instead of connection to a permitted sanitary sewer serving property in Coles County.

    • New or renovated private sewage disposal systems may not be approved when a permitted sanitary sewer is available for connection.
    • A sewer is considered available within 300 feet for a residential property or non-residential property with flow under 1,500 gallons per day.
    • A sewer is considered available within 1,000 feet for a non-residential property with flow of at least 1,500 gallons per day.
    • An exception applies when a physical barrier or local ordinance prevents connection.
    • A private sewage system may be installed if connection cannot be made with an individual 4-inch line.

    residential or low-flow sewer availability distance: <= 300 feet (Physical barrier or local ordinance may prevent connection.) · high-flow non-residential sewer availability distance: <= 1000 feet (Applies at sewage flow greater than or equal to 1,500 gallons per day.) · individual connection line: 4 inch (Private sewage may be installed if an individual line cannot be made.)

    “New or renovated private sewage disposal systems shall not be approved where a sanitary sewer operated and maintained under permit of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is available for connection. A sanitary sewer is available for connection when it is within 300 feet of a residential property or a non-residential property with a sewage flow less than 1500 gallons per day, or within 1000 feet of a non-residential property with a sewage flow greater than or equal to 1500 gallons per day, unless a physical barrier or local ordinance exists that prevents connection to the sewer. If connection from the property to the sanitary sewer cannot be made with an individual line (i.e., 4" inch line), then a private sewage disposal system may be installed.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural land and agricultural buildings subject to zoning powers under Article 110 of the Illinois Township Code, including relevant land in Coles County where township zoning authority exists.

    • The exemption applies to regulations or permits imposed under Article 110 township zoning powers.
    • Agricultural buildings or structures may still be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    • This claim does not establish that Coles County or any particular Coles County township has adopted zoning regulations.
    “The powers given by this Article shall not be exercised to impose regulations or require permits with respect to land used or to be used for agricultural purposes or with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, remodeling, or extension of buildings or structures used or to be used for agricultural purposes upon that land, except that buildings or structures for agricultural purposes may be required to conform to building or set back lines.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

    • A permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • Requirements may vary by IDOT district; the applicant must contact the district office for specific requirements.
    • IDOT's access-driveway handbook guides what is allowable for highway access requests.
    “Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction activities in regulated Illinois floodways and, where a floodway has not been delineated, generally work anywhere in the floodplain.

    • For downstate streams, IDNR Division permitting applies to floodways of streams draining at least one square mile in urban areas or ten square miles in rural areas.
    • In northeastern Illinois, Part 3708 applies to identified floodways in Cook County excluding Chicago, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
    • Some minor activities are automatically authorized by statewide or regional permits if their terms and conditions are met.
    • For State-owned property, Part 3710 requires a permit for all development activity in FEMA-mapped floodplains.

    urban stream drainage area threshold: >= 1 square mile (regulated floodways under Part 3700) · rural stream drainage area threshold: >= 10 square miles (regulated floodways under Part 3700)

    “All construction activities in the floodways of streams (the channel and the adjacent portion of the floodplain that is needed to safely convey and store flood waters) in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more or in rural areas where the stream drainage area is ten square miles or more must be permitted by the Division prior to construction.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

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

    Construction projects in Illinois waterways, floodplains, and wetlands seeking State and Federal authorizations through the joint permit application process.

    • The joint application seeks authorizations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
    • The joint application form replaced the former Protecting Illinois Waters application package.
    “Construction projects in Illinois' waterways, floodplains and wetlands often require both State and Federal authorization. This joint application is designed to simplify the approval process for the applicant seeking project authorizations from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Office of Water Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

Inside cities and towns in Coles County

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building regulations and unified development controls in the City of Charleston.

    • The municipal code page states that the code is current through Ordinance 2026-O-14, passed March 3, 2026.
    • The code publication is hosted by American Legal Publishing and warns that the official printed copy should be consulted for definitive authority.
    “The department is responsible for the enforcement of building codes and regulations within the City of Charleston. [...] The City is a member of the International Code Council and utilizes their family of codes.”

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 Coles County, Illinois

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

Coles County scores 66/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and mixed durability signals.

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

Coles County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Coles County Health Department (Environmental Health - Private Sewage). 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 Coles County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Coles County is allowed: Unincorporated Coles County: no county rule sets this, because Coles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Municipal zoning jurisdictions remain applicable. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Coles County, Illinois?

Land in Coles County runs about $10,272 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Coles County?

Coles County gets about 41.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.6% of years.

How remote is Coles County?

A representative private-land location has about 50,172 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,722,020 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 Coles compares in Illinois

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