Bolthole Index

Cumberland County, Illinois

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

69Index Score / 100
#25 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Cumberland County, Illinois does not require a county residential building permit and has no county zoning ordinance12. Statewide baseline building codes still apply, and the Cumberland County Health Department issues septic construction permits and inspects installations34. Municipal rules can differ, so confirm whether a parcel is inside village or city limits5.

At a glance

Building permit
No county building department found; no county building permit required for ordinary construction1
Zoning
None; Cumberland County has no zoning ordinance in place62
Septic
County-permitted through the Health Department, as an agent of the Illinois Department of Public Health47
Owner-builder
No general owner-builder exemption confirmed; a narrow exemption covers qualifying owners doing plumbing on their own single-family residence8
Minimum lot size / dwelling size / setbacks
None set by county zoning, since Cumberland County has no zoning ordinance91011
Wells
Health Department construction permit and inspection required for privately owned water wells12
Off-grid sanitation
Privies, portable, recirculating, incinerator and compost toilets are approved statewide for human waste, with construction and capacity rules13
Floodway construction
State IDNR permit required for construction in regulated floodways (urban streams 1+ sq mi, rural streams 10+ sq mi drainage)14

Who to call

Septic permits

Cumberland County Health Department, Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal system construction permits and installation inspections, as an agent of the Illinois Department of Public Health, plus private water well construction permits and inspections for Cumberland County

(217) 849-3211

info@cumberlandhealth.org

200 S Indiana St, Toledo, IL 62468

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, Illinois?

Unincorporated Cumberland County does not require a county residential building permit, and the county has no building or code-enforcement office1. Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded construction; any permit requirement is administered by the applicable local government15. That does not mean construction is code-free: Illinois has required statewide baseline building codes since 2025, including requirements for residential work in jurisdictions without a locally adopted code3. Non-state commercial buildings in jurisdictions without a local code must be inspected by a qualified inspector who confirms compliance with the applicable codes16. For a true agricultural building on land where agriculture is the principal activity, Illinois limits county authority to require zoning permits, though building or setback lines may still apply17.

Who handles building and septic permits in Cumberland County?

Cumberland County has no building or code-enforcement office for a county residential building permit1. The Cumberland County Health Department, Environmental Health division, is the key local office for rural construction because it issues septic construction permits, inspects new or renovated systems, and handles private-well construction permits and inspections18. Reach the Health Department at (217) 849-3211, at 200 S Indiana St, Toledo, IL 62468, or by email at info@cumberlandhealth.org18. Construction in a regulated floodway follows a separate state process through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources rather than the Health Department14.

Does Cumberland County have zoning?

Unincorporated Cumberland County has no county zoning ordinance2. County zoning therefore sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot-coverage limit, or building-height limit there109111920. The absence of a county zoning ordinance also means county zoning does not restrict accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, or temporary camping on unincorporated land21. Separate septic, plumbing, floodplain, access, and statewide building-code requirements still apply. Rules vary inside municipalities: Greenup publishes its own zoning title, and the available information does not establish the zoning status of every municipality or township5.

How do septic permits work in Cumberland County?

Every private sewage disposal system installed in Cumberland County needs a construction permit from the Health Department before work begins, and the applicant must notify the department at least 48 hours before installation starts22. The Health Department also inspects the installation of new or renovated systems and investigates complaints, acting as a local agent of the Illinois Department of Public Health, which regulates systems statewide, including those with no surface discharge and those discharging up to 1,500 gallons per day of treated effluent to the ground surface2324. Soils here are a serious constraint: only 3.2% of Cumberland County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, among the more difficult counties for a standard system, so expect to need a site evaluation and likely an engineered or alternative system25. If your system discharges to the surface, you must also complete the Not Discharging to the Waters of the United States Attestation as part of your application22. Off-grid options for human waste specifically are approved statewide, including privies, portable toilets, recirculating toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets, each with its own construction, capacity and maintenance rules, such as a 50-cubic-foot minimum privy pit capacity per seat13. Wells are handled by the same office: the Health Department issues construction permits and performs inspections for privately owned water wells and collects samples for lab testing12.

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

County zoning does not restrict RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, or accessory dwellings on unincorporated land because Cumberland County has no county zoning ordinance21. That answer is limited to county zoning; septic, plumbing, floodplain, access, and statewide building-code rules can still affect whether a particular setup works34. Municipal zoning can also differ, so verify that the parcel is outside city or village limits5. Manufactured-home communities follow a separate state regime: a newly constructed community site must be licensed and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health before a manufactured home may be placed or occupied there26. That community-site rule does not establish an occupancy restriction for every privately owned parcel26.

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

First, confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Cumberland County, because municipal zoning and construction rules can differ5. Next, design to the Illinois statewide baseline building-code requirements even though the county does not issue a residential building permit31. Get a soil evaluation early; only 3.2% of Cumberland County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field25. Apply to the Health Department for the septic construction permit and give at least 48 hours' notice before installation22. Apply to the same office for a private-well construction permit if needed12. Finally, check for regulated floodway and state-highway access permits before site work1427.

What to check before you buy land in Cumberland County

Soils are the biggest wildcard here: only 3.2% of the county's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and likely an alternative system before you commit25. Water is generally reliable, with about 43.3 inches of precipitation a year and severe drought in just 1.8% of years2829. Terrain is gentle and buildable, with 93.7% of the county at 15% slope or less30. Check FEMA and IDNR floodway maps before you buy, since floodway construction is the clearest state-level permit trigger here14. Confirm whether the parcel falls inside any incorporated municipality's limits, since a town's own zoning or building rules would apply there even though the county itself has none2. Typical carrying costs run moderate: an effective property tax rate near 1.8%, a median annual bill around $2,068, and a typical home value around $167,393313233.

Watch-outs

  • County zoning does not restrict RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, or accessory dwellings on unincorporated land, but municipal and non-zoning rules can still apply215.
  • The absence of a county residential building permit does not make construction code-free: statewide baseline codes apply, and septic, well, floodway, and state-highway access approvals remain separate34.

Sources

  1. Cumberland County, Illinois Official Website (2026 county census)
  2. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health – Cumberland County Illinois Health Department (2026 county census)
  5. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft, quoted and re-checked
  6. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft (2026 county census)
  7. Environmental Health – Cumberland County Illinois Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  8. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft, quoted and re-checked
  10. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft, quoted and re-checked
  11. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft, quoted and re-checked
  12. Environmental Health – Cumberland County Illinois Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  13. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. F.A.Q.'s - Water Resources, quoted and re-checked
  15. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures, quoted and re-checked
  18. Cumberland County Health Department, Environmental Health (cumberlandhealth.org)
  19. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft, quoted and re-checked
  20. Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan Draft, quoted and re-checked
  21. Illinois law on county zoning and building authority
  22. Septic System Safety & Inspection – Cumberland County Illinois Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  23. Septic System Safety & Inspection – Cumberland County Illinois Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  24. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  25. 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
  26. Illinois Manufactured Home Community Code, Section 860.140, quoted and re-checked
  27. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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 4 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Cumberland County has no countywide zoning.

RuleCumberland CountyJasper CountyColes CountyClark CountyEffingham CountyShelby CountyDouglas County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoYesNot published
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Shelby CountyCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Cumberland County in Illinois

69
County map
Cumberland County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Cumberland County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency68100% ev.
Admin Boringness8390% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost57100% ev.

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

$167kTypical home
1.8%Property tax
$8,894Land / acre
43.3"Annual rain
1.8% of yrsSevere drought
8.8 / yr (+8.2)Mid-century 100°F days
14.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.92" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,473Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.02%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
43,459People within 30 min
2,493,752People within 2 hr
28,129Radius comparison (15 mi)
29.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
93.7%Land at 15% slope or less
3.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
7,021 acWorkable land screen
21.2%Wooded land
85.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Cumberland 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: Cottonwood Township · Crooked Creek Township · Greenup Township · Village of Greenup · Village of Jewett · Neoga Township · Spring Point Township · Sumpter Township · Village of Toledo · Union Township · Woodbury Township

Answers from the rulebook for Cumberland County

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

Cumberland County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Cumberland County, Illinois.

    • This conclusion concerns the county's own zoning authority and does not determine rules adopted by incorporated municipalities.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning within Cumberland County, aggregated across county and municipal authorities.

    • Cumberland County states that it has no county zoning ordinance.
    • The Village of Greenup publishes Title 17 Zoning.
    • This aggregate conclusion does not represent the county as administrator of municipal zoning ordinances or establish zoning status for every municipality or township.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Cumberland County: no county rule sets this, because Cumberland 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.
    • This conclusion concerns the county's own zoning authority and does not determine rules adopted by incorporated municipalities.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Minimum dwelling size requirements based on county zoning in unincorporated Cumberland County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; incorporated municipalities may impose their own rules.
    • Non-zoning requirements, including applicable building, plumbing, septic, and occupancy rules, are not negated.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    Minimum lot size requirements based on county zoning in unincorporated Cumberland County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; incorporated municipalities may impose their own rules.
    • Non-zoning subdivision, platting, health, septic, and access requirements may still apply.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Cumberland County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; incorporated municipalities may impose their own rules.
    • Separate state, road, floodplain, health, or building requirements may establish setbacks or placement limits.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Cumberland County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; incorporated municipalities may impose their own rules.
    • Separate stormwater, floodplain, septic, or building requirements may limit development.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height requirements in unincorporated Cumberland County.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; incorporated municipalities may impose their own rules.
    • Non-zoning building, fire, airport, floodplain, or other state and federal limits may still apply.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Cumberland County: no county rule sets this, because Cumberland 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.
    • This conclusion concerns the county's own zoning authority and does not determine rules adopted by incorporated municipalities.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Cumberland County: no county rule sets this, because Cumberland 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.
    • This conclusion concerns the county's own zoning authority and does not determine rules adopted by incorporated municipalities.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Cumberland County: no county rule sets this, because Cumberland 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.
    • This conclusion concerns the county's own zoning authority and does not determine rules adopted by incorporated municipalities.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Cumberland County: no county rule sets this, because Cumberland 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.
    • This conclusion concerns the county's own zoning authority and does not determine rules adopted by incorporated municipalities.
    “Cumberland County does not have a zoning ordinance in place and this has resulted in a unique and diverse situation in Cumberland County.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private sewage disposal systems in Cumberland County.

    • The county health department administers construction permits and inspections; Illinois Department of Public Health rules also apply.
    “The Cumberland County Health Department issues construction permits, inspects installation of new or renovated sewage disposal systems, and conducts complaint investigations.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of a private sewage disposal system in Cumberland County.

    • An application and appropriate fee must be submitted to the Health Department for approval before installation.
    • If the system discharges to the surface, the Not Discharging to the Waters of the United States Attestation must be completed.
    • The applicant must notify the health department a minimum of 48 hours before installation.
    • A person who owns and occupies a single-family dwelling may be issued a permit if the application is approved and necessary provisions are met.

    installation notice: >= 48 hours minimum · permit fee: appropriate fee

    “Before a private sewage disposal system can be installed in Cumberland County, an Application for a Permit to Install a Private Sewage System and the appropriate fee must be submitted to the Health Department for approval. If the system is discharging to the surface, the Not Discharging to the Waters of the United States Attestation must be completed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the health department a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of new or renovated private sewage disposal systems in Cumberland County.

    • The county health department inspects installation of new or renovated systems.
    • Complaint investigations are also conducted.
    “The Cumberland County Health Department issues construction permits, inspects installation of new or renovated sewage disposal systems, and conducts complaint investigations.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Privately owned water wells in Cumberland County.

    • Cumberland County Health Department issues construction permits for privately owned water wells.
    • Noncommunity water systems are also inspected.
    “CCHD issues construction permits and performs inspections to ensure proper installation and repair of privately owned water wells. Noncommunity water systems are also inspected. CCHD collects water well samples for testing at the IDPH lab.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    County zoning permits and land-use controls affecting agricultural land and agricultural buildings or structures in Illinois, including applicable unincorporated Cumberland County areas.

    • The agricultural purpose must constitute the principal activity on the land.
    • The statute excludes certain parcels of less than 5 acres in counties with populations between 300,000 and 400,000, counties contiguous to a county with a population between 300,000 and 400,000, and counties with populations over 400,000, under the stated agricultural-sales conditions.
    • Agricultural buildings or structures may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    • Counties may establish a minimum lot size for residences on land used for agricultural purposes.
    • Agricultural purposes do not include extraction of sand, gravel, or limestone; those activities may be regulated by county zoning ordinance even when related to agriculture.
    “nor shall they be exercised so as to impose regulations [...] or require permits with respect to land used for agricultural purposes”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — Issuance of building permits by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    • Limited — Privately funded construction in Illinois; the State does not itself issue building permits, while any required permit is addressed by the applicable local government.
      “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 — Statewide Illinois baseline building-code requirements applicable to construction in jurisdictions covered by Public Act 103-0510.
      “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 Illinois baseline building-code requirements and the statutory framework governing municipalities and counties, including non-building-code jurisdictions.
      “Please be advised that the State of Illinois recently passed legislation [...] changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide baseline 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, including non-state buildings.

    • The rule applies to commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code and to state-funded buildings.
    • Non-state buildings must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating that the building complies with the listed applicable codes.
    • The cited page distinguishes this category from jurisdictions that have adopted building codes and from residential 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 — Non-state commercial buildings in Illinois jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code, including Cumberland County if the project falls within that category.
      “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Issuance of occupancy permits or certificates by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    County zoning and building-regulation authority affecting agricultural land and agricultural buildings, including unincorporated Cumberland County.

    • Agricultural purposes must constitute the principal activity on the land.
    • Agricultural purposes include growing farm crops, truck garden crops, animal and poultry husbandry, apiculture, aquaculture, dairying, floriculture, horticulture, nurseries, tree farms, sod farms, pasturage, viticulture, and wholesale greenhouses.
    • The exemption from regulations, use elimination, and permits has statutory exceptions for parcels under 5 acres producing $1,000 or less of agricultural products in counties with populations between 300,000 and 400,000 or counties contiguous to such counties, and for parcels under 5 acres in counties with populations over 400,000.
    • Agricultural buildings may still be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    • Counties may establish a minimum lot size for residences on land used for agricultural purposes.
    • Extraction of sand, gravel, or limestone is not agricultural purpose and may be regulated by county zoning ordinance.

    agricultural principal activity: true · small-parcel exception threshold: < 5 acres (Applies in specified higher-population or contiguous counties described by the statute.) · agricultural-products exception threshold: <= 1000 USD per calendar year (Applies in counties with population between 300,000 and 400,000 or contiguous to such counties.)

    “nor shall they be exercised so as to impose regulations, eliminate uses, buildings, or structures, or require permits with respect to land used for agricultural purposes, which includes [...] wholesale greenhouses when such agricultural purposes constitute the principal activity on the land, other than parcels of land consisting of less than 5 acres from which $1,000 or less of agricultural products were sold in any calendar year in counties with a population between 300,000 and 400,000 or in counties contiguous to a county with a population between 300,000 and 400,000, and other than parcels of land consisting of less than 5 acres in counties with a population in excess of 400,000, 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 such land except that such buildings or structures for agricultural purposes may be required to conform to building or set back lines and counties may establish a minimum lot size for residences on land used for agricultural purposes;”
  • 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 feesVariable (with conditions)

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources floodway permits, including regulated floodway construction in Cumberland County.

    • Applies when a permit is required for an activity not already authorized by a Statewide or Regional Permit.
    • The fee is non-refundable.
    • Applicants are notified in writing of the required fee after the Department's initial review.
    • The source states a maximum of $5,000 per application; it does not state a single fixed fee.

    permit application review fee: <= 5000 USD per application (The required fee is notified in writing after initial review.)

    “If a permit is required for an activity that is not already authorized by a Statewide or Regional Permit, permit applicants must pay a non-refundable permit application review fee of up to $5000 per application. Applicants will be notified in writing of the required fee after the Department's initial review of the application.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.
      “January 15, 2014, a new Permit Application Fee went into effect. All applications and written inquiries received will be reviewed free of charge to determine whether the Public Water, dam and/or floodway work proposed requires authorization by the Department, so long as sufficient information is provided for the Department to make that determination.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources floodway permitting for regulated construction in Cumberland County.

    • Construction in floodways requires an IDNR Division of Water Resource Management permit.
    • The Division's jurisdiction includes urban streams with drainage areas of at least one square mile and rural streams with drainage areas of at least ten square miles.
    • Construction includes placement, construction, or reconstruction of buildings or structures, filling, excavating, channel modification, material storage, levees, bridges, culverts, roads, and similar activities.
    • If no delineated floodway is shown, the Division generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain.
    • Local governing bodies may impose additional permit requirements.
    • Statewide or Regional Permit exceptions may apply; activities meeting statewide-permit limitations are automatically authorized without contacting the Division for further approval.

    urban stream drainage area threshold: >= 1 square mile · rural stream drainage area threshold: >= 10 square miles

    “Construction in the floodways of the rivers, lakes and streams of the state requires a permit from the Division of Water Resource Management. The Division's jurisdiction includes all streams in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more and all streams in rural areas where the drainage area is ten square miles or more.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Construction projects in Illinois waterways, floodplains, and wetlands seeking State and Federal authorizations through the joint permit application process.
      “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 staysLimited

    Placement and occupancy of a manufactured home on a newly constructed site in an Illinois manufactured home community, including any such community in Cumberland County.

    • The site must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health before the manufactured home is placed there.
    • After construction of new sites, the Department regional office must be contacted to arrange an inspection.
    • The inspector must approve the site.
    • The license fee for the new site or sites must be submitted before the sites may be licensed or occupied.
    • The cited rule applies to manufactured home community sites, not every parcel containing a manufactured home.
    “No manufactured home shall be placed on a site that has not been licensed by the Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.
      ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  • 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.

  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility connection requirements in Cumberland County.
  • Subdividing land — Subdivision of land in unincorporated Cumberland County, Illinois.

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 Cumberland County, Illinois

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

Cumberland County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and workable self-sufficiency basics (43.3″/yr rainfall).

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

Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Health Department, Environmental Health (agent of IDPH). 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 Cumberland County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Cumberland County is allowed: Unincorporated Cumberland County: no county rule sets this, because Cumberland 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. This conclusion concerns the county's own zoning authority and does not determine rules adopted by incorporated municipalities. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Cumberland County, Illinois?

Land in Cumberland County runs about $8,894 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cumberland County?

Cumberland County gets about 43.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.8% of years.

How remote is Cumberland County?

A representative private-land location has about 43,459 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,493,752 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 Cumberland compares in Illinois

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