Bolthole Index

De Witt County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and land rules in De Witt County, Illinois

45Index Score / 100
#82 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated De Witt County, Illinois requires a building permit before covered construction or structural alteration begins.1 County zoning also covers municipalities without their own zoning ordinance.2 The DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department handles private-sewage approval; inside Farmer City, the City Superintendent also issues a city septic permit and inspects installation.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction in unincorporated areas; listed exceptions apply1
Zoning
County zoning applies except inside municipalities with their own zoning ordinance25
Septic
DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department; Farmer City also requires city approval34
Manufactured home
Limited to the designated mobile-home district or a state-approved licensed park6
Minimum lot size
Varies by zoning district and sewer service; soil capability can require more land7
Private well
A permit is required before a new well, modification or abandonment sealing8
Floodplain
County development permit required for covered floodplain development9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

De Witt County Planning and Zoning

Building permits, county zoning, floodplain management, plat review and subdivision review

(217) 935-7775

zoning@dewittcountyil.gov

201 West Washington Street, Clinton, Illinois 61727

Online permits →

Septic permits

DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department

Private sewage disposal permits and inspections for De Witt County

217.935.3427

5924 Revere Road, Clinton, IL 61727

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 De Witt 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 De Witt County, Illinois?

Yes. In unincorporated De Witt County, a building permit must be issued before covered erection, construction, reconstruction or structural alteration begins.1 Listed exceptions include siding, windows, roofing and other listed remodeling, work that does not change size, shape, dimensions or height, public-utility structures and qualifying park structures.1

A single-family dwelling does not need the county occupancy permit required for other changes in use or occupancy.10 A single-family residential building permit costs $150, including attached or detached garages, carports, decks and porches, and county zoning and occupancy application fees are non-refundable.11 Agricultural-purpose buildings and accessory buildings on an operating farm have no permit fee; the fee waiver does not remove the building-permit requirement.12 Illinois statewide building-code requirements apply in De Witt County, although we could not confirm a separately adopted county building-code edition.13

Who issues building permits in De Witt County, and how do you reach them?

De Witt County Planning and Zoning handles county building permits, zoning, floodplain management, plats and subdivision review.14 Contact the office at 201 West Washington Street in Clinton, (217) 935-7775 or zoning@dewittcountyil.gov; online building permits are available through Cloudpermit.14

Clinton handles its own building permits.15 Farmer City handles its own building permits.16 Village of Wapella handles its own building permits.17 Village of Weldon handles its own building permits.18 Private-sewage approval remains with the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department, with additional city septic permitting in Farmer City.34

For a county building permit, meet with the Administrator and submit the application, boundary survey and plot plan unless the survey is waived.19 Ask Planning and Zoning which building-code edition and inspections apply; we could not confirm a general county inspection schedule.14

Does De Witt County have zoning?

Yes. De Witt County zoning applies in unincorporated areas and municipalities without their own zoning ordinance; municipalities with their own ordinance use local zoning instead.25 Clinton has its own zoning.20 Farmer City has its own zoning.21 Village of Wapella has its own zoning.22 Private-sewage approval stays with the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department, with additional city septic approval in Farmer City.34

The zoning chapter identifies agricultural, commercial, floodplain, industrial, residential, mobile-home and rural-development districts, each with its own use standards.23 District minimum lot areas range from 7,350 to 87,120 square feet where a minimum is listed, and land without public sewer may require a larger lot when soil capability warrants it.7 District building-height limits range from 35 to 60 feet where a maximum is listed, while some districts list no maximum and special-use exceptions may be available.24 Accessory residential structures may not exceed 25 feet in height, and setbacks vary by district.2526 The county definition of a modular home requires at least 24 feet of width and 1,000 square feet of floor area, but that definition does not establish a universal minimum for every dwelling type.27

How do septic permits work in De Witt County?

The DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department handles private-sewage approval in De Witt County; contact the Clinton office at 5924 Revere Road or 217.935.3427.328 Farmer City additionally requires a city septic permit and installation inspection by the City Superintendent.4

Submit a Private Sewage System Application and soil report before health review for building-permit approval; unsuitable soil requires alternative technology.29 Only about 5.1% of county soils avoid a severe USDA limitation rating for conventional drain fields, so evaluate the site early.30

A septic application is required for tank replacement, major-component additions or removals, an absorption-field increase of at least 25%, or removal and replacement of at least 25% of the field.31 Complete replacement or new installation costs $200; repairs of 50% or less cost $75.31 Arrange inspection before backfilling and give 48 hours’ notice; covered work or deficiencies can prevent approval.32 Residential systems also require evaluation within three years of installation and every five years afterward; non-residential systems require evaluation within three years and every three years afterward.33

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

De Witt County allows a recreational-vehicle camp only by special-use permit in the RD-1, RD-2, industrial and floodplain districts, but that rule does not authorize using an individual RV as a dwelling on an ordinary residential parcel.34 Ask De Witt County Planning and Zoning whether the parcel's district allows the exact RV use and what building permit, zoning approval, septic and floodplain requirements apply. We could not confirm a separate rule for temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy.

Manufactured and mobile homes are a separate category: placement is limited to the R-4 Mobile Home Residential District or an IDPH-approved and licensed mobile-home park.6 Manufactured and mobile homes without municipal water or sewer connections must comply with Health Department well and septic rules.35 The county definition of a modular home requires a minimum width of 24 feet and at least 1,000 square feet of floor area, plus a permanent foundation and required utilities.27 That modular-home definition does not establish a universal minimum-size rule for every house.27

Building a home in De Witt County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm whether county or municipal zoning controls the parcel; municipal zoning varies, and private-sewage approval comes from the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department, with additional city septic approval in Farmer City.534
  2. Ask De Witt County Planning and Zoning to confirm the district, permitted use, minimum lot area, height, setbacks and required exhibits.1423724
  3. Submit the private-sewage application and soil report to the Health Department before building-permit review.29
  4. Obtain the required private-well permit before constructing, modifying or sealing a well.8
  5. File the applicable building-permit application, survey and plot plan, and do not begin covered work before issuance.191
  6. Arrange septic inspection before backfilling with 48 hours’ notice, and ask Planning and Zoning which building inspections apply.3214
  7. Ask Planning and Zoning about floodplain review and obtain a floodplain development permit before covered work.9

What should you check before buying land in De Witt County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning district, then verify that the intended home type and use are allowed.3623 County Planning and Zoning reviews maps, plats and subdivisions, and the county's subdivision regulations are available through that office.373839

Check soils before choosing a house site because only about 5.1% of county soils avoid a severe USDA limitation rating for conventional drain fields.30 County Planning and Zoning handles floodplain management in unincorporated areas, and covered floodplain development requires a permit before work begins.409 Confirm access with the road authority; work in state highway right-of-way requires an IDOT permit.41 The county's effective property-tax rate is about 1.8%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,297.4243

Watch-outs

  • County zoning excludes municipalities with their own zoning ordinance; Farmer City also requires city septic approval alongside possible Health Department requirements.24
  • Do not backfill a septic installation before the Health Department inspection; give 48 hours’ notice to arrange a sanitarian.32
  • Covered floodplain development requires a county permit before work begins, and other government approvals may also apply.9
  • An RV camp requires a special-use permit in the districts where it is eligible, but long-term occupancy of one RV on an ordinary parcel remains unconfirmed; ask De Witt County Planning and Zoning about the exact use.3414

Sources

  1. DeWitt County Code § 155.126, Permits Required, quoted and re-checked
  2. § 155.007 Jurisdiction; Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Private Sewage System Application, quoted and re-checked
  4. Farmer City: PUBLIC WORKS - City of Farmer City (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  5. § 155.007 Jurisdiction; Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  6. § 155.095 Mobile Home Rules and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. DeWitt County Code § 155.065, District Lot Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  8. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. § 152.04 Development Permit, quoted and re-checked
  10. DeWitt County Code § 155.126, Permits Required, quoted and re-checked
  11. DeWitt County Code § 155.126, Permits Required, quoted and re-checked
  12. DeWitt County Code § 155.126, Permits Required, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. De Witt County Planning and Zoning (dewittcountyil.gov)
  15. Clinton: 9-1-8: Building Permit Issuance, Approval Of Plans (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  16. Farmer City: § 155.126 PERMITS REQUIRED. (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Village of Wapella: § 153.116 Permits (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Weldon: § 150.20 Permit Required (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  19. DeWitt County Code § 155.126, Permits Required, quoted and re-checked
  20. Clinton: 12-1-1: Title (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Farmer City: Zoning - City of Farmer City (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Village of Wapella: Chapter 153: Zoning Code (De Witt County), quoted and re-checked
  23. DeWitt County Code Chapter 155, Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  24. § 155.065 District Lot Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. § 155.096 Modifications and Exceptions, quoted and re-checked
  26. DeWitt County Code § 155.065, District Lot Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. § 155.005 Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  28. DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department (dewittpiatthealth.com)
  29. Private Sewage System Application, quoted and re-checked
  30. 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
  31. Permitting and Inspection FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  32. Permitting and Inspection FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  33. Private Sewage System Application, quoted and re-checked
  34. § 155.053 Schedule of Permitted Uses, Prohibited Uses, and Special Permit Uses by District, quoted and re-checked
  35. § 155.095 Mobile Home Rules and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  36. § 155.007 Jurisdiction; Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  37. § 151.01 Approval of Maps, Plats and Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  38. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  39. DeWitt County Code § 154.005, Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  40. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  41. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  42. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  43. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleDe Witt CountyMcLean CountyPiatt CountyMacon CountyLogan CountyChampaign CountyTazewell County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsDeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Dept.County Health Dept.DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Dept. of Public HealthChampaign-Urbana Public Health DistrictCounty Health Dept.

County locator

De Witt County in Illinois

45
County map
De Witt County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How De Witt County scores

Seclusion41100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency27100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% 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 →

$162kTypical home
1.8%Property tax
$11,261Land / acre
38.9"Annual rain
5.4% of yrsSevere drought
7.7 / yr (+7.2)Mid-century 100°F days
14.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.02" (+15.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.78×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,524Home insurance / yr
3.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.72%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
27,364People within 30 min
2,093,678People within 2 hr
27,043Radius comparison (15 mi)
38.6People / sq mi
0%Federal land
97%Land at 15% slope or less
5.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
12,690 acWorkable land screen
8.1%Wooded land
30.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in De Witt 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: Barnett Township · Clintonia Township · Creek Township · De Witt Township · Village of De Witt · Harp Township · Village of Kenney · Nixon Township · Rutledge Township · Santa Anna Township · Texas Township · Tunbridge Township · Wapella Township · Waynesville Township · Village of Waynesville · Wilson Township

Answers from the rulebook for De Witt County

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

De Witt County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erection, construction, reconstruction, or structural alteration of buildings and structures subject to De Witt County Chapter 155.

    • No permit is required for exterior remodeling such as siding, windows, roofing, painting, interior walls, kitchens, baths, carpeting, and similar remodeling.
    • No permit is required for exterior work that does not alter size, shape, dimension, or height.
    • Public utility structures and installations and qualifying public-park uses are excepted.
    • The Administrator issues the permit if the project complies with Chapter 155 and other relevant county ordinances.
    “Hereafter, no building or structure shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall work begin upon same until the required permit has been issued by the Administrator; except that, no permit shall be required for the following:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, reconstruction, erection, or structural alteration subject to county zoning in unincorporated De Witt County.
      “Hereafter, no building or structure shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall work begin upon same until the required permit has been issued by the Administrator; except that, no permit shall be required for the following:”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Changes in occupancy of land and changes of use or occupancy in new or existing buildings other than single-family dwellings.

    • No occupancy permit is required for land used for agricultural purposes, storm sewers, farm tiles, sanitary sewers, pipelines, public-utility distribution equipment, or similar listed uses.
    • Single-family dwelling occupancy is excluded from the stated building-occupancy requirement.
    • Every required permit must state that the new occupancy complies with Chapter 155.

    occupancy permit fee: 25 USD (For changes in land use other than agricultural, one-/two-family residence, public utility, or government purposes.)

    “Hereafter, no change in the occupancy of land, or any change of use or occupancy in a new or existing building other than for single-family dwelling shall be made until an occupancy permit has been issued by the Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County occupancy permits for changes in occupancy or use other than single-family dwellings.
      “Hereafter, no change in the occupancy of land, or any change of use or occupancy in a new or existing building other than for single-family dwelling shall be made until an occupancy permit has been issued by the Administrator.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning regulations adopted by the DeWitt County Board; the code applies countywide and also reaches municipalities without their own zoning ordinance.

    • The county code's jurisdiction excludes municipalities that have their own zoning ordinance.

    adoption date: 1972-08-08

    “The jurisdiction of this chapter shall include all lands and waters within the county and within those municipalities not having in force their own zoning ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — County zoning regulations and zoning districts within De Witt County, including municipalities that do not have their own zoning ordinance.
      “The jurisdiction of this chapter shall include all lands and waters within the county”
    • Present — The DeWitt County zoning chapter applies throughout the county and within municipalities that do not have their own zoning ordinance.
      “The jurisdiction of this chapter shall include all lands and waters within the county and within those municipalities not having in force their own zoning ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries

    Aggregate countywide conclusion: Chapter 155 applies countywide and to municipalities without their own zoning ordinance; incorporated municipalities with their own zoning ordinances may apply their local rules.

    • This claim aggregates county and municipal zoning coverage; the county does not administer each incorporated municipality's separate ordinance.
    “within those municipalities not having in force their own zoning ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate county result: the county zoning chapter applies where a municipality lacks its own zoning ordinance; incorporated municipalities with their own ordinances may apply different local rules.
      “The jurisdiction of this chapter shall include all lands and waters within the county and within those municipalities not having in force their own zoning ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and district-specific permitted, prohibited, special-use, and dimensional regulations.

    • The published Chapter 155 index identifies districts A, RD-1, RD-2, RD-3, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, B-1, B-2, B-3, I, and FP.
    • District-specific standards and the zoning map must be consulted for a particular parcel.
    “155.040 Agricultural district [...] 155.041 RD-1 Rural Development-1 District [...] 155.044 R-1 Low Density Single-Family Residential District [...] 155.052 FP Floodplain District”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — The use districts established by De Witt County Chapter 155.
      “In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the geographic area within the jurisdiction of this chapter is hereby divided into the following use districts:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Modular homes classified under De Witt County Chapter 155; the quoted minimum does not establish a universal minimum floor area for every dwelling type.

    • The definition also requires a pitched roof, approved roofing materials, a permanent foundation extending below the frost line, and required utilities.
    • The source identifies the code as current 2026 S-12, but does not state a separate effective date for this definition.

    minimum width: >= 24 feet · minimum floor area: >= 1000 square feet

    “MODULAR HOME. [...] has a minimum width of 24 feet, contains a minimum of 1,000 square feet”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots and building sites regulated by De Witt County zoning districts.

    • Minimums vary by zoning district.
    • For lots not served by public sewer, lot size is based on soil capabilities; the County Board may require larger lots.
    • Septic-system and state and county health requirements also apply.

    minimum lot area: 87,120; 21,780; 12,150; 7,350; 9,600; 8,500 square feet depending on district square feet (See § 155.065 district table and footnotes.)

    “A | 87,120 | None | 240 | 240 | 50 | 35 | 15 RD-1(h) | 87,120 | 60 | 240 | 240 | 50(e) | 35 | 15 RD-2 | 87,120 | 35 | 240 | 240 | 50 | 35 | 15 RD-3 | 21,780 | 35 | 150 | 150 | 30 | 20 | 15 R-1 | 12,150 | 35 | 90 | 90 | 30 | 20(c) | 10 R-2 | 7,350 | 35 | 70 | 70 | 20 | 20(c) | 6 R-3 | 9,600(d) | 60 | 80 | 80 | 20 | 20(c) | 6 R-4 | 7,350 | 35 | 70 | 70 | 20 | 20(c) | 6”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — County zoning districts A, RD-1, RD-2, RD-3, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, B-1, B-2, B-3, I, and FP.
      “A | 87,120 | None | 240 | 240 | 50 | 35 | 15”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Minimum front, rear, and side-yard setbacks by De Witt County zoning district.

    • Setbacks vary by district.
    • Where adjacent structures have different front setbacks, the minimum front setback is the average setback of the structure.
    • Buildings over two stories require five additional feet for each additional story in addition to the required minimum side yard.
    • Detached residential structures and certain nonresidential structures have stated rear and interior-lot-line exceptions.

    front setback: 10 to 50 feet (Varies by district.) · rear setback: 20 to 35 feet (Varies by district.) · side-yard setback: 6 to 20 feet (Varies by district.)

    “District | Minimum Area (Square Feet)(g) | Maximum Building Height (feet)(i) | Minimum Width (feet) | Minimum Road Frontage (feet) | Minimum Front Setback (feet)(a) | Minimum Rear Setback (feet) | Minimum Side Yard Setback (feet)(b)”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings and structures subject to county zoning height standards.

    • Architectural projections, special structures, essential services, utilities, and certain communication structures are exempt or subject to special rules.
    • Communication structures may not exceed three times their distance from the nearest lot line.
    • Public or semi-public facilities may be 60 feet high if required yards are increased by at least one foot for each foot above the district maximum.
    • Accessory residential structures may not exceed 25 feet.

    public or semi-public facility height: <= 60 feet (Required yards must increase at least one foot for each foot over the district maximum.) · communication structure height: 3 times distance from nearest lot line · accessory residential structure height: <= 25 feet (Under § 155.096(B))

    “Communication structures, such as radio and television transmission relay towers, aerials and observation towers, shall not exceed in height three times their distance from the nearest lot line; and”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Maximum building heights by county zoning district.
      “Exceptions from building height maximums may be granted as a special use permit.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational-vehicle camps and related recreational-vehicle use under De Witt County zoning; this does not establish authorization for an individual RV to be used as a dwelling on an ordinary residential parcel.

    • A recreational vehicle camp is allowed only by special use permit in the RD-1, RD-2, I, and FP districts shown in the schedule.
    • The code provides that uses with no “x” or “s” in a district are prohibited.
    • Other applicable building, septic, floodplain, and health requirements may apply.
    “uses allowed by special use permit, as indicated by “s” [...] Residential Uses | Agr. | RD-1 | RD-2 | RD-3 | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | R-4 | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | I | FP [...] Recreational vehicle camp | | s | s | | | | | | | | s | s |”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured and mobile homes in unincorporated De Witt County.

    • Placement is limited to the R-4 Mobile Home Residential District or IDPH-approved and licensed mobile-home parks.
    • R-4 minimum lot requirements apply.
    • Mobile-home-park lot sizes are regulated by IDPH.
    • Homes must comply with the Mobile Home Owners Tiedown Act and skirting requirements.
    • If not connected to municipal water or sewer, applicable Health Department well or septic rules apply.
    “Manufactured and mobile homes may be placed only in the R-4 Mobile Home Residential District or in areas approved and licensed as mobile home parks by the State Department of Public Health (IDPH).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured and mobile homes.
      “Manufactured and mobile homes may be placed only in the R-4 Mobile Home Residential District or in areas approved and licensed as mobile home parks by the State Department of Public Health (IDPH).”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal in De Witt County administered by the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department.

    • The county planning page states that Health Department approval is a condition of building-permit issuance.
    • Additional approval may be required from IDPH or Illinois EPA for particular systems.
    “A permit application is required when the septic tank is replaced or where a major component of the system is removed or added.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Private sewage systems in De Witt County administered through the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department.
      “The DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Septic tank replacement, major-component additions or removals, and absorption-field changes in De Witt County.

    • A permit application is required for septic-tank replacement or removal/addition of a major component.
    • A permit application is also required when the absorption field is increased by 25% or more, or when 25% or more is removed and replaced with new piping and backfill.
    • The department states fees of $200 for complete replacement or new installation and $75 for a repair of 50% or less.

    absorption-field increase threshold: >= 25 percent · absorption-field removal/replacement threshold: >= 25 percent · complete replacement or new installation fee: 200 USD · repair fee: 75 USD (Repair of less than or equal to 50% of existing system.)

    “A permit application is also required to be submitted to our agency when the size of the absorption field is increased by 25% or more or where 25% or more of the existing absorption field is removed and replaced with new piping and backfill material.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage systems associated with building-permit approval in De Witt County.
      “APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT or MODIFY”
    • Limited — Replacement of septic tanks or removal or addition of a major component of a private sewage system in De Witt County.
      “A permit application is required when the septic tank is replaced or where a major component of the system is removed or added.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Private sewage systems in the DeWitt County service area of the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department when a septic application is required and approved.

    • A permit application is required when the septic tank is replaced or when a major component is removed or added.
    • A permit application is also required when the absorption field is increased by 25% or more, or when 25% or more of the existing absorption field is removed and replaced with new piping and backfill material.
    • Inspection must occur before backfilling, with 48-hour notice to assure sanitarian availability.
    • The sanitarian may deny system approval if any part is covered at inspection or if deficiencies are found.
    • The department should be notified immediately of changes made during installation.

    absorption-field increase threshold: >= 25 percent · absorption-field removal/replacement threshold: >= 25 percent · inspection notice: 48 hours · permit cost for complete replacement or new installation: 200 USD · permit cost for repair of 50% or less of existing system: 75 USD

    “A sanitarian from the department is required to inspect the system before it is backfilled.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage systems serving residential and non-residential properties.
      “shall be evaluated within three (3) years of installation”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewer connections for manufactured or mobile homes and related development.

    • The ordinance specifically addresses compliance with applicable Health Department rules when manufactured or mobile homes are not connected to municipal water and/or sewer systems.
    • The general countywide utility-connection rule was not otherwise established.
    “If not connected to municipal water and/or sewer supply systems, manufactured and mobile homes shall comply with all applicable Health Department regulations concerning water well and/or septic systems.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural uses and agricultural buildings under county zoning permit and occupancy provisions.

    • No occupancy permit is required for land used or to be used for agricultural purposes.
    • By state law, no fees are charged for permits for buildings intended for agricultural purposes or accessory buildings located on an operating farm.
    • Other zoning, health, and applicable regulatory requirements may still apply.
    “By state law, no fees are charged for permits for buildings intended to be used for agricultural purposes or for accessory buildings located on an operating farm.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — County zoning-permit fees for buildings intended for agricultural purposes and accessory buildings on an operating farm.
      “By state law, no fees are charged for permits for buildings intended to be used for agricultural purposes or for accessory buildings located on an operating farm.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land into two or more parts for transfer of ownership or building development under De Witt County Chapter 154.

    • Exemptions include certain divisions of five acres or more without new streets or access easements, certain recorded-subdivision lot divisions, adjoining-owner exchanges, public-utility and public-purpose conveyances, corrective conveyances, and specified historic parcel divisions.
    • A single lot under five acres from a larger tract may be exempt if surveyed by a state-registered land surveyor, subject to the stated limits and local subdivision requirements.
    “SUBDIVISION. The division of land into two or more parts, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or building development. The following shall not be considered a SUBDIVISION and shall be exempt from the requirement of these regulations:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Maps, plats, and subdivisions subject to county review.
      “All maps, plats and subdivisions shall be reviewed and approved by the Administrator of the County Department of Planning and Zoning.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision review and county subdivision regulations in unincorporated De Witt County.
      “DeWitt County Subdivision regulations may be obtained online”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in the De Witt County floodplain.

    • Development by a person, firm, corporation, or governmental body exempted by law is outside the stated requirement.
    • The application must include scaled site drawings, grade elevations, building locations, lowest-floor elevation where applicable, and project cost.
    • The County Zoning Administrator must obtain all other required federal, state, and local permits; no county permit issues until those permits are obtained.
    • Land demonstrably above base flood elevation under the stated map conditions is not subject to the chapter.
    “No person, firm, corporation or governmental body not exempted by law shall commence any development in the floodplain without first obtaining a development permit from the County Zoning Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Floodplain development and floodplain management in unincorporated De Witt County.
      “Other duties of this office include Floodplain management for the unincorporated areas, Plat officer and Subdivision review.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    De Witt County zoning and occupancy permit applications.

    • Fees are non-refundable.
    • Legal-notice publication fees are paid by the applicant.
    • Agricultural-purpose buildings and accessory buildings on operating farms have no permit fee under the cited provision.

    single-family residential permit: 150 USD (Includes attached or detached garages, carports, decks, and porches.) · mobile-home permit: 35 USD · occupancy permit: 25 USD (For stated non-agricultural, non-one-/two-family-residence, non-public-utility, and non-government uses.) · commercial or industrial building fee: 0.03 per square foot USD ($50 minimum plus review and inspection fee after 7-1-2011.)

    “Fees for the various permit and zoning applications are non-refundable and are as follows:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning and occupancy permit applications under § 155.126.
      “Fees for the various permit and zoning applications are non-refundable and are as follows: (a) Single-family residential uses (including attached, detached garages, carports, decks and porches):$150;”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building and occupancy permit application process under Chapter 155.

    • The property owner or agent meets with the Administrator to learn the procedure and obtain an application.
    • The completed application and required exhibits are filed with the Administrator.
    • Building-permit applications require a boundary survey and plot plan unless waived by the Administrator.
    • The Administrator issues the permit if the project complies with Chapter 155 and other relevant county ordinances.
    “The applicant shall file the completed application form together with required exhibits with the Administrator. The Administrator shall issue a building permit and collect the required fee if the proposed project complies with the provisions of this chapter and other relevant county ordinances.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner occupants or lessee occupants of single-family residences, and owners of single-family residences under construction for their own occupancy, performing plumbing planning, installation, alteration, or repair in Illinois.

    • The exemption is limited to plumbing work on the specified single-family residence; the cited statute does not establish a general owner-builder exemption for all construction trades or a statewide exemption from building permits.
    • The plumbing must comply with the minimum standards in the Illinois State Plumbing Code.
    • The plumbing is subject to inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health or by the local governmental unit if it retains a licensed plumber as inspector.
    • The owner, owner occupant, or lessee occupant may not employ anyone other than a plumber licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law to assist.
    • An occupant must have taken possession of and be living in the premises as their bona fide sole and exclusive residence, or, for a residence under construction, expect to take possession and live there as that residence, with current intent to live there for at least 6 months after completion of the plumbing work or, for a residence under construction, at least 6 months after completion of construction.
    • Failure to possess and live in the premises as a sole and exclusive residence for 6 months or more creates a rebuttable presumption that the required intent was lacking.

    minimum occupancy period: >= 6 months (After completion of plumbing work; for a residence under construction, after completion of construction.)

    “Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the owner occupant or lessee occupant of a single family residence, or the owner of a single family residence under construction for his or her occupancy, from planning, installing, altering or repairing the plumbing system of such residence”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Privately funded construction in Illinois, including projects performed by an owner-builder, as to state-issued building permits, state plan review, state building-code inspections, and state occupancy permits.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    • Conditional — Statewide treatment of local plumbing permits and inspections for qualifying owner occupants performing plumbing work on a single-family residence.
      “Nothing contained in this Act shall prohibit any city, town, village, township or county from providing for a Plumbing Inspector or from requiring permits for the installation and repair of plumbing and collecting a fee therefor, but a city, town, village, township, or county that requires a permit for installation and repair of plumbing may not issue that permit without verification that the applicant has a valid plumbing license or that the applicant is the owner occupant of a single family residence that is the subject of the permit.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building-code requirements statewide in Illinois, including residential and commercial construction subject to the Capital Development Board Act baseline requirements.

    • Effective 2025-01-01, Illinois requires statewide baseline building-code requirements.
    • Local governments may adopt building codes, but they are not required to adopt codes; jurisdictions that do not adopt a code are treated as non-building-code jurisdictions and must follow the applicable state-law baseline requirements.
    • For jurisdictions with adopted codes, local codes must regulate structural design at least as stringently as the applicable IRC, IBC, or IEBC baseline.
    • Commercial buildings in non-building-code jurisdictions and state-funded buildings are subject to the state-listed codes and qualified-inspection requirements.
    • Residential requirements differ depending on whether the jurisdiction has adopted a compliant building code and whether the home purchaser and builder agree to an alternative code.

    statewide baseline effective date: 2025-01-01 · local code structural minimum for residential buildings: IRC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for commercial new buildings: IBC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for existing commercial buildings: IEBC minimum structural requirements

    “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. [...] Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IBC© for new buildings or IEBC© for existing buildings. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code where agreed to by the home purchaser and home builder. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have adopted a building code. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IRC©.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code requirements applicable to De Witt County beginning January 1, 2025.
      “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. Until then, units of local government such as cities and counties can adopt codes of their choice. The best and most accurate answers to building code questions must be answered by your city, village, or county code official.”
    • Adopted — Statewide baseline building-code requirements for residential construction in Illinois, including jurisdictions with and without locally adopted building codes.
      “Please be advised that the State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide baseline building codes effective 1/1/2025. Locally adopted building codes must comply with the requirements of the Act.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.

    • The Illinois Capital Development Board does not perform building-code inspections for privately funded construction.
    • If inspections are required, they are addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    • A local municipality or county may be a non-building-code jurisdiction, in which case applicable state baseline requirements and inspection-certification provisions may apply.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Building-code-compliance inspections performed by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitRequired

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

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

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

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes or other nontraditional small dwellings in De Witt County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.

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 De Witt County, Illinois

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

De Witt County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (38.9″/yr rainfall) and about 27,364 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in De Witt County, Illinois?

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

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

Living in an RV on your own land in De Witt County is limited to specific cases: Recreational-vehicle camps and related recreational-vehicle use under De Witt County zoning; this does not establish authorization for an individual RV to be used as a dwelling on an ordinary residential parcel. A recreational vehicle camp is allowed only by special use permit in the RD-1, RD-2, I, and FP districts shown in the schedule. The code provides that uses with no “x” or “s” in a district are prohibited. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in De Witt County, Illinois?

Land in De Witt County runs about $11,261 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in De Witt County?

De Witt County gets about 38.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.4% of years.

How remote is De Witt County?

A representative private-land location has about 27,364 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,093,678 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 De Witt compares in Illinois

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