Bolthole Index

Cook County, Illinois

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

29Index Score / 100
#100 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Cook County, Illinois requires a building permit application for work other than qualifying ordinary repairs1. Cook County handles zoning on unincorporated land; incorporated properties go to the applicable municipal building and zoning authority23. Cook County Department of Public Health approves septic systems except in incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park and South Barrington4. A parked RV cannot be used for living or sleeping on an unincorporated residential zoning lot5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for work in unincorporated Cook County, except qualifying ordinary repairs1
Zoning
Cook County administers zoning in unincorporated areas; municipalities administer their own rules67
Septic
County health approval is required, except in four incorporated villages with their own approved ordinances89
RV living
A parked RV cannot be used for living or sleeping on an unincorporated residential zoning lot5
Minimum home size
Single-family minimums range from 720 to 1,000 square feet by residential zoning district10
Minimum lot size
Varies by district, dwelling type and sewer or septic service11
Owner-builder
No general exemption confirmed; qualifying owner-occupants may do their own plumbing, subject to code, inspection and local permits1213
Wells
Suburban Cook County well applications go through CCDPH using Illinois health-department forms14

Who to call

Building permits

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning

Plan review, building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy and zoning for unincorporated Cook County and Forest Preserve properties

312-603-0500

info.bnz@cookcountyil.gov

69 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Online permits →

Building permits

Cook County Building Permit Requirements

Building-permit submission requirements for unincorporated Cook County

intake.bnz@cookcountyil.gov

Online permits →

Zoning

Cook County Zoning Administrator

Parcel zoning lookup, zoning certificates, variances, special uses and map amendments for unincorporated Cook County

Septic permits

Cook County Department of Public Health - Environmental Health

Review and approval of private sewage disposal systems and well/septic evaluations in Cook County

708-836-8600

7556 Jackson Boulevard, Forest Park, IL 60130

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 Cook 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 Cook County, Illinois?

Unincorporated Cook County requires a building permit application for work other than qualifying ordinary repairs, with supplemental requirements for electrical and plumbing work1. Cook County has adopted building, residential, mechanical, energy, fire, existing-building, plumbing and electrical codes, with local or Illinois amendments15. Orland Park16, Park Forest17, Lemont18 handle their own building permits. Woodridge19, Homer Glen20, Crete21 extend into Cook County from neighboring counties and handle their own building permits. Municipal building and zoning authority does not generally transfer septic approval: CCDPH covers Cook County systems except the named village exceptions; confirm the county containing a cross-county parcel4.

Who issues Cook County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Cook County Department of Building and Zoning handles unincorporated building permits at 69 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602; call 312-603-0500 or email info.bnz@cookcountyil.gov22. Building permit materials must be digital; application questions go to intake.bnz@cookcountyil.gov23. Required materials include the application, child-support declaration, contractor letters of intent, scope of work and additional new-construction documents24. Electronic submissions require a $100 residential or $500 non-residential deposit, credited toward the final building permit fee rather than covering the full cost25. Cook County publishes a separate Building and Zoning fee schedule26. Construction inspections are required; permit issuance provides inspector contacts and required inspection stages, and construction also requires spot and final grade surveys27.

Does Cook County have zoning?

Cook County zoning applies to unincorporated parcels; use the county parcel search and property index number to identify the district228. Orland Park29, Tinley Park30, Park Forest31, Lemont32, Steger33 set their own zoning. Woodridge34, Homer Glen35, Crete36, University Park37 extend into Cook County from neighboring counties and set their own zoning. Municipal building and zoning authority does not generally transfer septic approval: CCDPH covers Cook County systems except the named village exceptions; confirm the county containing a cross-county parcel4. In unincorporated residential districts, lot area depends on district, dwelling type and sewer or septic service; setbacks and coverage limits also vary113839. Single-family minimum dwelling sizes range from 720 to 1,000 square feet10. The residential summary lists single-family height limits of 2.5 stories or 35 feet and accessory-structure limits of 15 feet40. Unincorporated property under contract needs a zoning certificate before closing41.

How do septic permits work in Cook County?

Cook County Department of Public Health approves private sewage disposal systems except in incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park and South Barrington, which use their own state-approved septic ordinances4. For unincorporated new construction served by septic, submit CCDPH approval with the building permit application42. The septic application calls for a completed application, seven plan sets, a soil report, applicable supporting documents and payment by check or money order43. Going without sewer service still requires an approved private sewage system44. Only about 0.9% of Cook County soils lack severe limitations for conventional drain fields, making a parcel-specific soil evaluation essential before choosing a design45. Buying or selling a home with a well or septic system typically requires an evaluation; CCDPH asks for requests two to three weeks ahead46.

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

A parked RV cannot be used for living, sleeping or other occupancy on a residential zoning lot in unincorporated Cook County, and cannot connect to gas, water or sanitary sewer service5. The ordinance allows no more than two parked RVs on such a lot and prohibits using an RV as an accessory structure5. A proposed tiny home must account for single-family minimum dwelling sizes of 720 to 1,000 square feet by residential district10. We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule or temporary private-land camping terms; ask the Cook County Zoning Administrator about the proposed home and any construction-period accommodation41.

Building a home in unincorporated Cook County: steps in order

  1. Confirm unincorporated jurisdiction and find the parcel’s zoning district through Cook County’s property-index-number search328.
  2. Compare the design with district lot-area, dwelling-size, setback, height and coverage rules1110384039.
  3. Obtain CCDPH septic approval for septic-served new construction, and arrange any well application through CCDPH4214.
  4. Assemble the building application and supporting documents, then submit digital materials and pay the $100 residential deposit toward the final fee242325.
  5. Obtain the driveway permit and any township approval for a curb cut or apron replacement47.
  6. Follow the inspection stages supplied with the building permit and provide spot and final grade surveys27.
  7. Arrange the certificate of occupancy with Building and Zoning: Cook County requires the certificate for construction, occupancy, alterations and land-use changes within its jurisdiction48.

What should you check before buying land in Cook County?

Obtain the required zoning certificate before closing on unincorporated Cook County property41. For subdivision plans, Cook County publishes a Subdivision Manual; ask Building and Zoning which approvals the proposed division needs4922. New, modified or sealed water wells need a permit before work starts; suburban Cook County applications go through CCDPH using IDPH forms5014. Every unincorporated driveway needs a permit, and new curb cuts or public-right-of-way apron replacements need the township Highway commissioner’s approval or waiver47. Work in a Cook County highway right-of-way also needs a Transportation and Highways construction/maintenance permit; check the highway-jurisdiction map and apply two to three months ahead51. State-highway access and regulated floodway work have separate Illinois authorization requirements5253. Cook County’s effective property-tax rate is about 2%, with a median annual bill of about $6,0535455.

Watch-outs

  • A parked RV cannot be occupied for living or sleeping on an unincorporated Cook County residential zoning lot, even though limited RV parking is allowed5.
  • Illinois lets qualifying owner-occupants perform plumbing on their single-family residence, but the work must meet the plumbing code and remains subject to inspection and any local permit requirement; this is not a general building-permit exemption1213.
  • Cook County’s annual occupancy/business-license inspection rule excludes single-family dwellings; that exclusion does not remove required construction inspections5627.

Sources

  1. Building and Zoning Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning Ordinance Administration, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic - Cook County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. 25-0036 Full Text PDF, quoted and re-checked
  6. Amendment to Cook County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Septic, quoted and re-checked
  9. Septic, quoted and re-checked
  10. Zoning Districts Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  11. Zoning Districts Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  12. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Wells - Cook County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  15. Department of Building and Zoning Code Posting, quoted and re-checked
  16. Village of Orland Park: International Residential Code (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Village of Park Forest: Permits | Park Forest, IL (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Lemont: Single-family building code amendments (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Village of Woodridge: 8-1A-9: Building Permits (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Village of Homer Glen: Chapter 220, Article XII: Administration and Enforcement (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Village of Crete: New Residents – Village of Crete (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Cook County Department of Building and Zoning (cookcountyil.gov)
  23. Cook County Building Permit Requirements (cookcountyil.gov)
  24. Building and Zoning Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  25. Building and Zoning Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  26. Building and Zoning Fees, quoted and re-checked
  27. Building and Zoning Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  28. Zoning Ordinance Administration, quoted and re-checked
  29. Village of Orland Park: Village of Orland Park Land Development Code (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Village of Tinley Park: Zoning Ordinance (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  31. Village of Park Forest: Park Forest Code, § IV-2 — Summary Table of Zoning Requirements (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  32. Village of Lemont: Standards for the R-4A district (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  33. Village of Steger: Appendix A - Zoning, Section 4 - General provisions (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  34. Village of Woodridge: Woodridge, IL Code of Ordinances (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  35. Village of Homer Glen: Village of Homer Glen, IL Code of Ordinances (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  36. Village of Crete: Sec. 28-274. R-1 single-family residence district (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  37. Village of University Park: University Park Code § 1232-03, Control over yards and other open space (Cook County), quoted and re-checked
  38. Amendment to Cook County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  39. Amendment to Cook County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  40. Cook County Zoning Ordinance – Summary of Residential District Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  41. Cook County Zoning Administrator (cookcountyil.gov)
  42. Building and Zoning Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  43. Septic, quoted and re-checked
  44. Septic - Cook County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  45. 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
  46. Septic - Cook County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  47. E-permits, quoted and re-checked
  48. Building and Zoning Business Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  49. Ordinances and Codes, quoted and re-checked
  50. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  51. Construction/Maintenance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  52. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  53. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  54. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  55. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  56. Building and Zoning Multi Dwelling Units, quoted and re-checked

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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Cook County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCook CountyDuPage CountyWill CountyKane CountyLake CountyKendall CountyKankakee County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Dept. of Public HealthCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Cook County in Illinois

29
County map
Cook County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Cook County scores

Seclusion9100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency5199% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability70100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost27100% 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 →

$343kTypical home
2%Property tax
$18,054Land / acre
38.3"Annual rain
1% of yrsSevere drought
3.9 / yr (+3.7)Mid-century 100°F days
13.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.97" (+7.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.7×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,643Home insurance / yr
2.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.88%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
2,538,522People within 30 min
12,877,700People within 2 hr
2,610,439Radius comparison (15 mi)
5,383.6People / sq mi
0%Federal land
98.6%Land at 15% slope or less
0.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
3,344 acWorkable land screen
44.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Cook 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: Barrington Township · Village of Bellwood · Berwyn Township · Bloom Township · Blue Island · Bremen Township · Village of Bridgeview · Calumet Township · Chicago Heights · Cicero Township · Countryside · Village of Dixmoor · Elk Grove Township · Village of Evergreen Park · Village of Forest Park · Hanover Township · Harvey · Hometown · Village of Justice · Lemont Township · Lyons Township · Maine Township · Village of Morton Grove · Village of Mount Prospect · New Trier Township · Niles Township · Village of Niles · Village of North Riverside · Northfield Township · Norwood Park Township · Village of Oak Park · Village of Olympia Fields · Orland Township · Palatine Township · Village of Phoenix · Prospect Heights · Proviso Township · Rich Township · Village of Richton Park · Village of River Forest · Riverside Township · Village of Riverside · Village of Robbins · Schaumburg Township · Stickney Township · Village of Stickney · Village of Stone Park · Thornton Township · Wheeling Township · Village of Willow Springs · Village of Worth

Answers from the rulebook for Cook County

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

Cook County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    All work in unincorporated Cook County.

    • Ordinary repairs subject to Section 102-105.3 of the Cook County Building Code are excepted.
    • New construction served by a septic field requires Cook County Department of Public Health approval at submission.
    • Applicants must submit the required application documents and Child Support Enforcement Declaration Form.

    residential electronic-submission deposit: 100 USD (Deposit is deducted from final permit fee) · non-residential electronic-submission deposit: 500 USD (Deposit is deducted from final permit fee)

    “All work in unincorporated Cook County, other than ordinary repairs subject to provisions of Section 102-105.3 of the Cook County Building Code, Amendments-Adopting Ordinance, requires the submittal of a permit application.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Work in unincorporated Cook County.
      “All work in unincorporated Cook County, other than ordinary repairs subject to provisions of Section 102-105.3 of the Cook County Building Code, Amendments-Adopting Ordinance, requires the submittal of a permit application.”
    • Required — Construction and other work in unincorporated Cook County.
      “All work in unincorporated Cook County, other than ordinary repairs subject to provisions of Section 102-105.3 of the Cook County Building Code, Amendments-Adopting Ordinance, requires the submittal of a permit application.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building, residential, mechanical, energy, fire, existing-building, plumbing, and electrical codes in unincorporated Cook County and Forest Preserve District properties.

    • The July 29, 2021 ordinance adopted local amendments.
    • The 2018 International Energy Conservation Code includes Illinois Amendments.
    • The 2014 State of Illinois Plumbing Code and 2014 Cook County Electrical Code remain in their entirety.
    • Except as provided in Section 102-1(c) of the Cook County Code of Ordinances, submitted drawings must conform after December 1, 2021.

    adoption date: 2021-07-29 · conformity date: >= 2021-12-01 (Except as provided in Section 102-1(c) of the Cook County Code of Ordinances)

    “On July 29, 2021 the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance adopting the following regulatory codes with local amendments for all of unincorporated Cook County and all of the Cook County Forest Preserve District properties –”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Cook County Building Code requirements in unincorporated Cook County.
      “All work in unincorporated Cook County, other than ordinary repairs subject to provisions of Section 102-105.3 of the Cook County Building Code, Amendments-Adopting Ordinance, requires the submittal of a permit application.”
    • Partial — Cook County regulatory building codes in unincorporated areas.
      “On July 29, 2019, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance adopting new regulatory codes.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Cook County regulatory-code jurisdiction, including unincorporated Cook County.
      “On July 29, 2019, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance adopting new regulatory codes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction subject to a Cook County building permit in unincorporated Cook County.

    • Inspections are required during the construction process.
    • Upon permit issuance, the applicant receives the field inspectors' names and phone numbers and the stages of construction that must be inspected.
    • A spot survey and final grade survey are also required during construction.
    • Properties in incorporated municipalities use the applicable local building and zoning authority.
    “Inspections are required during the construction process. Upon issuance of your permit, you will receive the name and phone numbers of the field inspectors and the stages of construction that must be inspected.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Building and property inspections administered by Cook County in unincorporated areas.
      “The Department conducts plan reviews and responsible, timely inspections of buildings and properties, as well as enforces all applicable building codes and zoning ordinances.”
    • Limited — Buildings, structures, and uses with a certificate of compliance (occupancy) or business license.
      “The Building Commissioner and his assistants shall make an annual inspection of all buildings, structures, and uses for which a certificate of compliance (occupancy) or business license has been issued; except single-family dwellings.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Construction, occupancy, expansion, alteration, or land-use changes in unincorporated Cook County subject to the Department of Building and Zoning.

    • The certificate must state that the use and occupancy comply with the Cook County Zoning Ordinance and applicable building regulations.
    • The page states the requirement in the context of the Department's unincorporated jurisdiction.

    business occupancy fee: 250 USD (Fee stated on the Business Occupancy page.)

    “A building shall not be constructed or occupied, an existing building shall not be expanded or otherwise altered or occupied, a new land use shall not be established and an existing land use shall not be changed until a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Department of Building and Zoning.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Certificates of occupancy for applicable buildings and business occupancy processes in unincorporated Cook County.
      “Apply for a Cook County Building Permit Contact Inspectors for rough & final inspections Pay Inspection Fee Pay Permit Fee Certificate of Occupancy Issued”
    • Required — Construction, occupancy, alteration, and land-use establishment or change administered by the Cook County Department of Building and Zoning.
      “A building shall not be constructed or occupied, an existing building shall not be expanded or otherwise altered or occupied, a new land use shall not be established and an existing land use shall not be changed until a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Department of Building and Zoning.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Cook County zoning ordinance in unincorporated Cook County.

    • The zoning ordinance excludes incorporated cities, villages, and towns that have their own zoning ordinances.
    • Cities, villages, and towns without zoning ordinances may be subject to the county ordinance.
    “The unincorporated area of Cook County is divided into the following districts:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Parcels in unincorporated Cook County only.
      “The Department of Building and Zoning allows you to review the current zoning classification of parcels located in unincorporated Cook County (only).”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate county conclusion covering unincorporated Cook County and incorporated municipalities.

    • Cook County administers zoning in unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated jurisdictions may administer their own zoning ordinances and should be contacted directly.
    “The Department oversees all building and zoning matters in the unincorporated areas of Cook County and all of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Inquiries regarding permits, zoning certificates and other matters for properties located in incorporated jurisdictions (municipalities) should contact the applicable local building and zoning authority.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate: unincorporated areas are administered by Cook County; incorporated municipalities have their own applicable authorities.
      “Inquiries regarding permits, zoning certificates and other matters for properties located in incorporated jurisdictions (municipalities) should contact the applicable local building and zoning authority.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and district requirements for unincorporated Cook County.

    • The county provides parcel zoning classification searches and zoning district requirements.
    • The zoning ordinance states that incorporated jurisdictions with their own zoning ordinances are excluded.
    “You can search for Zoning of the property in Unincorporated Areas of Cook County. The Zoning District Requirements are listed to help you in planning your projects.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Unincorporated Cook County parcels.
      “The Department of Building and Zoning allows you to review the current zoning classification of parcels located in unincorporated Cook County (only).”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Residential zoning districts R1 through R8 in unincorporated Cook County.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district and residence type.

    single-family minimum size: 720-1000 square feet (R1 through R8 values shown in the official summary) · two-family minimum size: 600 square feet (Applicable districts only) · multi-family minimum size: 500 square feet (Applicable districts only)

    “Minimum Size: 7 Single‐Family Unit 1,000 SF 1,000 SF 1,000 SF 900 SF 720 SF 720 SF 720 SF 720 SF 720 SF Two‐Family Unit ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ 600 SF 600 SF 600 SF 600 SF Multi‐Family Unit ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ 500 SF 500 SF 500 SF 500 SF”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    District regulations in the Cook County Zoning Ordinance, including the cited C-5 provisions.

    • The cited provision states that minimum lot area is not required except for lodginghouses.
    • Lodginghouses require 1,250 square feet of minimum lot area per lodging room.

    minimum lot area for lodginghouses: per 1250 square feet per lodging room (The ordinance states minimum lot area is not otherwise required in the cited district.)

    “Minimum lot area is not required, except for lodginghouses which require a minimum lot area of 1,250 square feet per lodging room.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential zoning districts R1 through R8 in unincorporated Cook County.
      “Minimum Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit Single‐Family 5 Acres 2 Acres 40,000 SF 20,000 SF Sewer 40,000 SF Septic 10,000 SF 1 5,000 SF 10,000 SF 10,000 SF 10,000 SF [...] R5 Properties on septic service shall require at least 40,000 square feet of lot area.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    District-specific zoning setbacks in unincorporated Cook County.

    • The cited district provision requires a 30-foot front-yard setback.
    • Other districts may have different requirements.

    front yard setback: >= 30 feet

    “Buildings and structures shall be set back from the front lot line at least 30 feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    District-specific lot-coverage regulation in unincorporated Cook County.

    • The cited district permits no more than 40 percent of lot area to be occupied by buildings, structures, or parking areas.
    • Other districts may have different requirements.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 40 percent

    “No more than 40 percent of the lot area of a lot may be occupied by buildings, structures, or parking areas.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts R1 through R8 in unincorporated Cook County, with height limits varying by building type and district.

    • Single-family dwellings are limited to 2½ stories or 35 feet in all listed residential districts.
    • Townhomes have a 2½-story or 35-foot limit in R5A through R8; the table contains inapplicable placeholders for R1 through R5.
    • Multifamily buildings have a 45-foot limit in R5A through R8; the table contains inapplicable placeholders for R1 through R5.
    • Nonresidential buildings have 40-foot limits in R1 through R5 and 45-foot limits in R5A through R8.
    • Accessory structures have a 15-foot limit in all listed residential districts.
    • The county page states the ordinance was adopted November 6, 2001 and most recently amended in 2003.
    • Zoning standards may be modified through an administrative adjustment of ten percent or less, or through a variance, subject to the county process.

    single-family height by district R1-R8: 2.5 stories or 35 ft in each district · townhome height by district R1-R8: R1-R5 not applicable; R5A-R8 2.5 stories or 35 ft · multifamily height by district R1-R8: R1-R5 not applicable; R5A-R8 45 ft · nonresidential height by district R1-R8: R1-R5 40 ft; R5A-R8 45 ft · accessory structure height by district R1-R8: 15 ft in each district

    “Building Height Single‐Family 2½ Story or 35 Ft 2½ Story or 35 Ft 2½ Story or 35 Ft 2½ Story or 35 Ft 2½ Story or 35 Ft 2½ Stories or 35 Ft 2½ Stories or 35 Ft 2½ Stories or 35 Feet 2½ Stories or 35 Ft Townhome ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ 2½ Stories or 35 Ft 2½ Stories or 35 Ft 2½ Stories or 35 Ft 2½ Stories or 35 Ft Multifamily ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ 45 Feet 45 Feet 45 Feet 45 Feet Nonresidential 40 Feet 40 Feet 40 Feet 40 Feet 40 Feet 45 Feet 45 Feet 45 Feet 45 Feet Accessory 15 Feet 15 Feet 15 Feet 15 Feet 15 Feet 15 Feet 15 Feet 15 Feet 15 Feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — District-specific structure-height regulation in unincorporated Cook County.
      “Detached single-family residential dwelling units shall not exceed 2½ stories and a height of 35 feet.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Living, sleeping, or other occupancy use of a parked RV on a residential zoning lot in unincorporated Cook County.

    • The prohibition applies to a parked RV.
    • No RV may be connected to gas, water, or sanitary sewer service.
    • The ordinance separately limits parking to no more than two RVs on a residential zoning lot.
    • An RV may be parked in a fully enclosed garage unless parking is specifically prohibited elsewhere in the Code.
    • RVs may not be used as accessory structures in any zoning district.
    • The source ordinance was approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners; its text states that it takes effect immediately upon adoption.

    maximum RVs parked on residential zoning lot: <= 2 RVs

    “At no time shall a parked RV be used for living, sleeping or other purposes. No RV shall be connected to gas, water or sanitary sewer service.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Cook County.

    • CCDPH reviews and approves private sewage systems throughout Cook County except incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park, and South Barrington, which have their own IDPH-approved septic ordinances.
    • Illinois Department of Public Health is identified as the governing body for septic-system rules and contractor licensing.
    “CCDPH reviews and approves all private sewage disposal systems throughout Cook County; except in incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park, and South Barrington, which have their own IDPH-approved septic ordinances.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems throughout Cook County.
      “CCDPH reviews and approves all private sewage disposal systems throughout Cook County; except in incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park, and South Barrington, which have their own IDPH-approved septic ordinances.”
    • County (with conditions) — Private or on-site sewage disposal systems in Cook County.
      “CCDPH reviews and approves all private sewage disposal systems throughout Cook County; except in incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park, and South Barrington, which have their own IDPH-approved septic ordinances.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage disposal system approval for homes and businesses without sewer service.

    • CCDPH approval is required before moving forward with applicable construction projects involving septic systems.
    • Incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park, and South Barrington use their own IDPH-approved septic ordinances.
    “Cook County Building and Zoning requires homeowners and contractors to get CCDPH approval before moving forward with home construction projects involving wells and septic.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing well and/or septic systems associated with a sale, remodel, improvement, addition, or other major property change.

    • The county page says an evaluation is typically needed for sale or purchase of a property with a well and/or septic system.
    • Requests must be made two to three weeks ahead.
    • This does not establish a universal periodic inspection requirement.
    “If you are selling or buying a home with a well and/or septic system, typically an evaluation is needed. We offer these evaluation services at a service cost.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private sewage disposal systems and related environmental-health work in suburban Cook County.
      “CCDPH’s Environmental Health Services (EHS) Unit assists residents and businesses throughout suburban Cook County by providing regulatory oversight, plan reviews and inspections for private sewage disposal systems (septics), water wells, closed loop (geothermal) wells, and non-community public water supplies.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private or on-site sewage systems where homes or businesses do not have access to sewer services.

    • System is subject to CCDPH review and approval except in incorporated Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palos Park, and South Barrington.
    “Private or on-site sewage disposal systems, commonly called septic systems, are a safe and viable way of disposing sewage for hundreds of homes and businesses that do not have access to sewer services.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction, modification, and sealing of water and closed-loop wells in suburban Cook County.

    • Contractor application materials use IDPH applications and forms, Illinois Water Well Construction Code fees, payment payable to IDPH, and submission through CCDPH.
    “Contractors interested in applying to Cook County Department of Public Health for water well and closed loop well systems should do the following:”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land development subject to Cook County land-development ordinances.

    • The county publishes a Cook County Subdivision Manual as part of its zoning and land-development materials.
    “The Cook County Zoning Ordinance was most recently amended in 2003. Included sections are: Cook County Zoning Ordinance of 2003 Floodplain Ordinance for Cook County Cook County Subdivision Manual”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways in unincorporated Cook County.

    • All driveways require a permit.
    • A new curb cut or replacement of an apron in the public right-of-way requires the township Highway commissioner’s letter of approval or waiver.
    “A "driveway" is a pathway for motor vehicles from a street to a structure used for service purposes or for access to the structure. All driveways require a permit. If a new curb cut is requested or replacement of an apron area in public right-of-way, the township Highway commissioner’s letter of approval/waiver is required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential or commercial access and street entrances requiring work in a Cook County highway right-of-way.
      “Construction/maintenance permits are issued by the Cook County Department of Transportation (Doth) and Highways Permits Division when any work is required within the Cook County highway right of way.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Cook County building permit submissions in unincorporated areas.

    • Electronic submissions require a $100 residential or $500 non-residential deposit.
    • The deposit is deducted from the final permit fee amount.
    • The final permit fee is invoiced after approval.

    residential electronic submission deposit: 100 USD (Deposit deducted from final permit fee.) · non-residential electronic submission deposit: 500 USD (Deposit deducted from final permit fee.)

    “All electronic submissions require a deposit of $100 for residential projects or $500 for non-residential projects that are payable online. Applications delivered in person shall be accompanied by a check made payable to Cook County Collector for the same deposit fee. The deposit will be deducted from the final permit fee amount.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Cook County Department of Building and Zoning applications.
      “On October 22, 2020, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a new fee schedule for the Department of Building and Zoning. The new schedule took effect December 1, 2020.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Cook County building permit applications in unincorporated Cook County.

    • Applicants may submit online, by email, or in person/mail.
    • Required materials include a full permit application, child-support declaration, contractor letters of intent, scope of work, and additional new-construction documents.
    • Cook County may request additional items during review.
    “To officially start your permit application, follow these steps:”

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.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes as dwellings, including occupancy in manufactured home communities regulated by IDPH.

    • Manufactured home communities with 5 or more sites must be licensed by IDPH, except communities located in home rule units.
    • IDPH annually inspects licensed communities for renewal, including water, sewage disposal, electrical systems, lighting, roads, spacing of homes, and garbage disposal.
    • Manufactured homes moved since January 1, 1980 must be secured using equipment meeting IDPH standards.
    • Effective December 31, 2001, manufactured homes must be installed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner and installed according to manufacturer instructions; if unavailable, the IDPH Manufactured Home Installation Code applies.
    • Local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility requirements may also apply.

    manufactured home community license threshold: >= 5 sites (Communities located in home rule units are excepted from this IDPH licensing statement.) · moved-home tiedown requirement effective date: >= 1980-01-01 · installation requirement effective date: >= 2001-12-31

    “designed and situated so as to permit its occupancy as a dwelling place for one or more persons”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Required connection to public water or sewer for development in unincorporated Cook County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Cook County building or zoning requirements.

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

Living off-grid in Cook County, Illinois

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

Cook County scores 29/100 on the Bolthole Index, a weak county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: little seclusion — roughly 2,538,522 people within a 30-minute drive and higher long-term carry cost.

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

Cook County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Cook County Department of Public Health (Environmental Health). 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 Cook County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Cook County is prohibited: Living, sleeping, or other occupancy use of a parked RV on a residential zoning lot in unincorporated Cook County. The prohibition applies to a parked RV. No RV may be connected to gas, water, or sanitary sewer service. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Cook County, Illinois?

Land in Cook County runs about $18,054 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cook County?

Cook County gets about 38.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1% of years.

How remote is Cook County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,538,522 people within a 30-minute drive and 12,877,700 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 Cook compares in Illinois

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