Bolthole Index

Cook County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic in the Village of Lemont, Illinois

The Village of Lemont, Illinois requires building permits and inspections for most projects through its Building Department.1 Lemont has its own zoning, while Cook County Department of Public Health reviews private septic systems in the Cook County portion of the village.23 Lemont prohibits occupying recreational vehicles for dwelling purposes, so an RV is not a routine housing option while you build.4

At a glance

Building permits
Most projects require village building permits and inspections1
Zoning
Village zoning applies inside Lemont limits2
Septic
Cook County Public Health review in the Cook County portion3
RV living
RV dwelling occupancy prohibited; emergency waivers may apply4
Manufactured homes
Dwelling occupancy prohibited, with emergency waiver provisions5
Lot size
R-4A minimum: 5,000 square feet, subject to subdivision provisions6

Who to call

Building permits

Village of Lemont Building Department

Village building-permit questions, applications and inspections

630-257-1580

418 Main St. Lemont, IL 60439

Planning & zoning

Village of Lemont Community Development Department

Village land-use planning, zoning administration and development proposals

630-257-1595

418 Main St. Lemont, IL 60439

Septic permits

Cook County Department of Public Health - Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal review and approval in the Cook County portion of Lemont; well and septic evaluations

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 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in the Village of Lemont, IL?

Lemont requires building permits and inspections for most projects; painting and basic maintenance may not require a building permit.1 All fences require a building permit, and the village residential-code amendments also require building permits for specified retaining walls, walks, driveways, patios and swimming pools.7 Lemont has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments for residential work.8 Ask the Building Department to identify the building-permit requirements for your exact project before starting work.1

Who handles building permits and zoning in the Village of Lemont?

Contact the Lemont Building Department at 630-257-1580 or visit 418 Main St. Lemont, IL 60439 for building-permit questions; its official building page provides a link to start an application.1 Lemont’s Community Development Department, reached at 630-257-1595, administers the Unified Development Ordinance and reviews development proposals.9 These village building and land-use functions are separate from Cook County Public Health’s private-septic review in the Cook County portion of Lemont.193

Does the Village of Lemont have zoning, lot-size and driveway rules?

Lemont has village zoning and publishes dimensional standards by district, so identify the parcel’s district with Community Development before designing a home.2109 In Lemont’s R-4A district, the minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet and minimum lot width is 45 feet, subject to the ordinance’s lot-subdivision provisions.6 R-4A driveway width cannot exceed 22 feet.11 Lemont publishes land-use application fees and escrow requirements that vary by application type and acreage; that schedule does not establish every building-permit fee.12

How do septic permits work inside the Village of Lemont?

Cook County Department of Public Health reviews and approves private sewage disposal systems in the Cook County portion of Lemont.3 Illinois requires plan approval from IDPH or the applicable local authority before new septic-system construction, and notification at least 48 hours before work begins.13 Cook County Public Health’s septic page requests a completed application, system-design plans, a soil report and payment for its review.14 For a Lemont parcel in DuPage or Will County, confirm the septic authority with Community Development before using the Cook County application.39

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in the Village of Lemont?

Lemont prohibits occupying recreational vehicles for dwelling purposes; emergency waivers may apply under the village ordinance.4 Lemont also prohibits dwelling occupancy in manufactured or mobile homes, with temporary-housing waiver provisions for natural disasters or other emergencies.5 Lemont’s camping ordinance excepts camping on residential property with the owner’s permission, but that exception does not establish permission for RV dwelling occupancy.154 We could not confirm a specific tiny-home or accessory-dwelling rule; ask Community Development about the proposed building and use before buying a unit.9

Building a home in the Village of Lemont: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Lemont Community Development to confirm the parcel’s zoning district and review the proposed residential use and dimensions.910
  2. Ask the Building Department which building-permit application and inspections your project needs.1
  3. For private septic, obtain plan approval before construction; use Cook County Public Health for the Cook County portion of Lemont.133
  4. Arrange final inspection within 30 days after permitted residential work is completed and before occupancy; ask the Building Department about any separate occupancy paperwork.161

What should you check before buying land in the Village of Lemont?

For land outside village limits, use the Cook County guide for the county’s unincorporated-area building-permit answer.17 Inside Lemont, ask Community Development about setbacks, sewer availability and floodplain review for the specific parcel.9 Illinois requires a permit from IDPH or an approved local health department before constructing, modifying or sealing a private well; confirm the issuing office for your address.18 For access work within a state-maintained road’s right-of-way, obtain IDOT authorization before work begins and contact the district office about the driveway request.19

Watch-outs

  • Lemont’s Cook County septic answer does not resolve septic authority for the village’s DuPage or Will County portions.3
  • Lemont’s R-4A lot-size and driveway limits are district-specific; do not apply them to every Lemont parcel.611
  • We could not confirm Lemont’s complete certificate-of-occupancy requirements; ask the Building Department, and arrange final inspection before occupancy.116

Sources

  1. Village of Lemont Building Department (lemont.il.us)
  2. Standards for the R-4A district (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  4. Manufactured homes, trailers, tents, and boats (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  5. Manufactured homes, trailers, tents, and boats (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  6. Standards for the R-4A district (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  7. Single-family building code amendments (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  8. Single-family building code amendments (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  9. Village of Lemont Community Development Department (lemont.il.us)
  10. Standards for the R-4A district (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  11. Standards for the R-4A district (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  12. Fees and escrow amounts (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  13. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Cook County Department of Public Health - Environmental Health (cookcountypublichealth.org)
  15. Public camping prohibited; exceptions (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  16. Single-family building code amendments (Village of Lemont), quoted and re-checked
  17. Building and Zoning Building Permits (2026 county census)
  18. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Lemont

Village of Lemont’s own rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Work governed by the locally amended residential building code, including fences and specified site improvements.

    • All fences require a building permit under the cited amendment.
    • The supplied section also states that certain retaining walls, sidewalks, service walks, driveways, patios, and swimming pools require permits.
    • Permit requirements vary by project and the cited section does not establish a universal rule for every construction activity.
    “all fences shall require a building permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Most projects in Lemont village.
      “Please remember that most projects require building permits and inspections to comply with Zoning and Building Codes.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowners seeking to perform their own work in Lemont village.

    • The homeowner must have lived in the residence longer than six months.
    • The homeowner must sign a homeowners agreement and perform the work without a contractor.
    • Otherwise the person must register as a Village contractor or hire a contractor.

    minimum prior residence: > 6 months (homeowner performing work without a contractor)

    “Yes, if you (the homeowner) have lived in the residence for longer than six months and sign a homeowners agreement that you will be performing the work yourself without a contractor.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    One- and two-family dwellings in Lemont village.

    • The Village amendments state that the 2021 IRC was adopted in § 15.06.010.
    • The amendment applies the current Illinois Plumbing Code to plumbing and the International Private Sewage Disposal Code to private sewage disposal systems.

    residential code edition: 2021 (International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code)

    “The following additions, insertions, deletions, and changes are made to the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, 2021 edition, adopted in section 15.06.010 :”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted residential work inside Lemont village limits.

    • Final inspection must be requested within 30 days after permitted work is completed.
    • Final inspection must occur before occupancy.

    request deadline: <= 30 days after completion

    “within 30 days after the permitted work has been completed and prior to any occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted construction in Lemont village.
      “Final Plumbing & Electric Inspections must be completed and approved prior to Final Building Inspection.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings and land uses in Lemont village before occupancy.

    • It applies upon completion in accordance with applicable building-permit requirements and before occupancy.
    • The certificate is issued by the Building Official after compliance with the ordinance.
    “Upon completion of any building or other structure in accordance with applicable building permit requirements and prior to occupancy, a Certificate of Occupancy is required for the use originally designated.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    All property within Lemont village.

    • The UDO contains zoning and subdivision regulations.
    “The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) contains the zoning and subdivision regulations for all property within the Village of Lemont.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Land inside Lemont village limits; the adopted code contains Title 17, Unified Development Ordinance, Article II, Zoning.
      “TABLE 17-07-01. Lot and Dimensional Standards for the R Districts”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts within Lemont village.

    • The Village publishes an interactive zoning map and a printable 2025 zoning map.
    • The UDO table identifies R-1 through R-6 residential districts and includes R-4A and R-5A.
    “Interactive Zoning Map Lemont Zoning Map 2025 (printable PDF) Lemont 2030 Future Land Use Map”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Zoning districts inside Lemont village limits, including R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4A, R-5, R-5A, R-6, B districts, INT, and M districts.
      “Lot and Dimensional Standards for the R Districts [...] Lot and Building Standards for the B Districts and INT District [...] Lot and Dimension Standards for the M Districts”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential uses in the R-4A zoning district inside Lemont village limits.

    • The R-4A table uses Note 1 for minimum lot size.
    • Note 1 states minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet and minimum lot width is 45 feet, subject to §17.07.020.C lot-subdivision provisions.

    minimum lot size: >= 5000 sq. ft. (§17.07.020.C applies to lot subdivision)

    “Minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft. and minimum lot width is 45 feet. However, the provisions of § 17.07.020.C of this ordinance concerning lot subdivision shall apply.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Recreational-vehicle dwelling occupancy in Lemont village.

    • The President of the Board of Trustees may waive the requirement for natural disasters or other emergencies requiring temporary housing.
    • An initial waiver may last six months and may be extended in three-month durations.

    initial emergency waiver: 6 months (natural disaster or other emergency requiring temporary housing)

    “Manufactured homes, mobile homes, trailers, tents, recreational vehicles, and boats shall not be occupied for dwelling purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Occupying a recreational vehicle for dwelling purposes on land inside Lemont village limits.
      “recreational vehicles [...] shall not be occupied for dwelling purposes.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping inside Lemont village limits.

    • Camping or sleeping in a public place or public way is prohibited.
    • Camping on residential property is excepted when done with the property owner's permission and consent.
    • The supplied ordinance was adopted July 28, 2025.
    “Camp or sleep in or upon a public place or public way in the village”
  • Manufactured homesProhibited

    Manufactured-home dwelling occupancy in Lemont village.

    • The President of the Board of Trustees may grant emergency waivers for temporary housing.
    • In B-4, manufactured homes may provide office space and employee break facilities only, with no overnight accommodations.
    “Manufactured homes, mobile homes, trailers, tents, recreational vehicles, and boats shall not be occupied for dwelling purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Occupying manufactured or mobile homes for dwelling purposes inside Lemont village limits.
      “Manufactured homes [...] shall not be occupied for dwelling purposes.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within Lemont village.

    • Subdivision is regulated through the Village UDO.
    “The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) contains the zoning and subdivision regulations for all property within the Village of Lemont.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveways serving lots in the R-4A zoning district inside Lemont village limits.

    • The R-4A rule limits driveway width but does not state a universal access-permit or curb-cut rule.

    maximum driveway width: <= 22 ft

    “Driveway width shall not exceed 22 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Sidewalks, service walks, driveways, and patios in Lemont village.
      “Delete this exemption, all sidewalks, service walks, driveways, and patios shall require a permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Lemont flood fringes, designated floodways, SFHAs, and floodplains without identified floodways.

    • Requirements are in addition to §§ 17.19.060—17.19.080.
    • Buildings in an SFHA must be protected below the flood-protection elevation, subject to specified construction and improvement thresholds.
    “In addition to the requirements found in §§ 17.19.060 — 17.19.080 for development in flood fringes, designated floodways, and SFHA or floodplains where no floodways have been identified, the following requirements shall be met.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Land-use applications inside Lemont village limits.

    • Fees vary by application type and acreage.
    • The ordinance also requires minimum escrow deposits for rezoning, zoning variation, special use, subdivision, annexation, and PUD applications.
    • The cited schedule is for land-use applications and does not establish every building-permit fee.
    “Fees for land use applications required under this ordinance are listed in Table A-1 below.”

Rules another office applies inside Village of Lemont

Village of Lemont does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Residential uses in Lemont's R-1 zoning district.

    • Table 17-07-01 applies to R districts.

    maximum lot coverage: 25 percent (residential uses)

    “Maximum Lot Coverage (as a percentage of total lot area) Residential uses 25% 35% 45% 55%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Residential uses in Lemont's R-1 zoning district.

    • Table 17-07-01 applies to R districts.

    maximum building height: 37 ft (residential uses)

    “Maximum Building Height (in ft.) Residential uses 37 37 37 37 33”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private sewage disposal systems in the Cook County portion of Lemont village.

    • CCDPH's page states that its review applies throughout Cook County except four incorporated municipalities; Lemont is not listed among those exceptions.
    • This claim does not resolve the DuPage County or Will County portions of the village.
    “CCDPH reviews and approves [...] throughout Cook County”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Home construction involving wells or private septic systems in the Cook County portion of Lemont village.

    • CCDPH approval is required before moving forward with home construction projects involving wells and septic.
    • The requirement applies to private sewage disposal systems and not municipal sewer service.
    “requires homeowners and contractors to get CCDPH approval”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private or on-site sewage disposal systems in the Cook County portion of Lemont village where sewer services are unavailable.

    • The official source describes septic as serving homes and businesses that do not have access to sewer services.
    • CCDPH approval and review are required for private sewage disposal systems.
    “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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Lemont or Cook County directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Residential districts inside Lemont village limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Lemont village limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Lemont village limits.
  • Septic inspection — Private septic systems inside Lemont village limits.
  • Well permit — Private wells inside Lemont village limits.
4 more unanswered
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit process

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of Lemont publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Cook County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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