Bolthole Index

DeKalb County, Illinois

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

The Village of Shabbona, Illinois requires building permits for new construction, major renovations and expansions; building-permit paperwork goes to B&F Construction.1 Shabbona sets its own zoning and prohibits using an RV as a dwelling.23 In DeKalb County, the Health Department handles private sewage systems, but Shabbona’s sewer-connection requirements and restrictions on private septic come first inside village limits.456

At a glance

Building permits
Required for new construction, major renovations and expansions; submit paperwork to B&F Construction1
Zoning
Village zoning applies inside Shabbona limits2
RV living
Travel trailers and RVs cannot be used as dwellings3
Sewer and septic
Public-sewer connection rules apply; private septic is prohibited except under sewer-article exceptions56
Occupancy approval
Final occupancy permit required before the building can be used7
Lot coverage
R-1 maximum 30%; R-2 maximum 60%, including accessory buildings89

Who to call

Building permits

B & F Construction Codes, Inc. — Shabbona building-permit service

Shabbona building-permit applications, plan review and inspection requests

Zoning

Village of Shabbona Village Office

Starting point for Shabbona zoning and sewer-connection questions

Septic permits

DeKalb County Health Department, Environmental Health Division

Private sewage-disposal systems and private wells in DeKalb County

815-748-2153

well.septic@dekalbcounty.org

2550 North Annie Glidden Road DeKalb, IL 60115

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Shabbona requires building permits for new construction, major renovations and expansions, with paperwork and payment directed to B&F Construction rather than payment at the village office.1 Shabbona’s adopted residential code is the 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments.10 Complete the village application and submit the required plans to B&F Construction for review.11 A Shabbona final occupancy permit is required before the building can be used, so include occupancy approval in your construction schedule.7

Who handles building-permit applications in the Village of Shabbona?

Shabbona directs completed building-permit applications and plans to B&F Construction; the village’s permit materials also direct inspection requests to that service.11 Use the village building-permit page to obtain the application, then follow the project-specific checklist rather than submitting only a sketch.11 Shabbona’s shed checklist calls for a site plan or plat, design information, utility or mechanical information and distance to a septic field when applicable.11 Ask B&F Construction which supporting plans your proposed work needs before submitting the application.11

Does the Village of Shabbona have zoning and lot-coverage limits?

Shabbona has village zoning, so identify the parcel’s district with the Village Office before deciding where to place a house or accessory building.2 In Shabbona’s R-1 Single-Family Residence District, maximum lot coverage is 30%, including accessory buildings.8 In the R-2 Multiple-Family Residence District, buildings and structures, including accessory buildings, may cover no more than 60% of the lot.9 Those district-specific limits affect how much of a parcel can hold buildings; ask the Village Office for the applicable lot-size and setback requirements before commissioning plans.289

How do sewer connections and septic approvals work in the Village of Shabbona?

Shabbona requires connection within 90 days after official notice when the public sewer is within 200 feet of the property line under the village sewer provision.5 Shabbona prohibits constructing or maintaining private septic tanks, privies, cesspools and other sewage-disposal facilities except as provided elsewhere in its sewer article.6 Ask the Village Office whether a sewer-article exception applies before planning private sewage disposal.6 If a private system is eligible, contact DeKalb County Health Department Environmental Health; Illinois requires approval of private sewage-system plans before construction begins.412

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

Shabbona prohibits using a travel trailer or other recreational vehicle as a dwelling, so an RV is not an approved housing plan while you build.3 Shabbona’s RV parking provision requires a cement, asphalt or solidly packed gravel surface and compliance with accessory-building yard requirements.3 For a tiny home, ask the Village Office to confirm the proposed use and B&F Construction to confirm building-code requirements.210 Shabbona’s 600-square-foot minimum applies specifically to each unit in an R-1 conversion from a single-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling by special-use permit; that provision does not establish a general tiny-home minimum.13

What are the steps to build a home in the Village of Shabbona?

  1. Ask the Village Office to identify the zoning district and confirm the proposed home’s site layout against that district’s requirements.2
  2. Resolve public-sewer connection requirements with the village before designing a private septic system.56
  3. Submit the village building-permit application and plans to B&F Construction, and arrange inspection requests through that service.11
  4. Obtain plan approvals if the work affects a driveway, sidewalk or road; state or county road work may require the corresponding authority’s approval.14
  5. Obtain Shabbona’s final occupancy permit before using the building.7

For land outside village limits, use the DeKalb County guide: county building-permit and zoning rules apply to unincorporated DeKalb County.1516

Watch-outs

  • Shabbona’s RV parking rules do not authorize using the RV as a dwelling.3
  • Illinois owner-occupant plumbing provisions do not waive local plumbing permits or inspections; ask B&F Construction about the requirements for your Shabbona project.17
  • Shabbona subdivision projects can require village engineering review of roads, sidewalks and utilities as well as building approval.18

Sources

  1. Village of Shabbona construction and permit guidance (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  2. Shabbona Code of Ordinances, § 30-302—R-1 lot and building requirements (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  3. Shabbona Code of Ordinances, § 30-202—Travel trailers and recreational vehicles (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  4. Well & Septic (2026 county census)
  5. Shabbona Code of Ordinances, § 28-120—Use of public sewers required (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  6. Shabbona Code of Ordinances, § 28-120—Use of public sewers required (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  7. Village of Shabbona construction and permit guidance (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  8. Shabbona Code of Ordinances, § 30-302—R-1 lot and building requirements (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  9. Code of Ordinances, Sec. 30-329, R-2 lot and building requirements (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  10. Shabbona Code of Ordinances, § 8-48—Residential Code adopted (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  11. shabbona-il.com (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  12. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Code of Ordinances, Sec. 30-304, R-1 special uses (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  14. Village of Shabbona construction and permit guidance (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked
  15. dekalbcounty.org (2026 county census)
  16. Community Development (2026 county census)
  17. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Shabbona construction and permit guidance (Village of Shabbona), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Shabbona

Village of Shabbona’s own rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Installation of a solar energy facility or solar farm within Shabbona village.

    • The application must include the materials specified in § 30-602(f).
    • The zoning administrator issues the permit only if the location meets the article, the special-use permit, and other applicable Code provisions.
    “A building permit is required for the installation of each solar energy facility or solar farm.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New construction, major renovations, expansions, and other covered building work inside Shabbona village limits.
      “Building Permits – Required for new construction, major renovations, or expansions.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in Shabbona village.

    • The adopted code is the 2018 International Residential Code including appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, and K.
    • The ordinance provides for permits and fee collection.

    adopted_code_edition: 2018 International Residential Code

    “International Residential Code, 2018 edition, including appendix chapters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, and K, as published by the International Code Council, Inc., is hereby adopted as the code of the village for regulating the design, construction, quality of materials, erection, installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height in the village, and providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor;”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Solar energy facilities and solar farms within Shabbona village.

    • Within 30 consecutive calendar days after construction completion, and before the certificate is issued, owner/developer must provide complete paper and digital as-built plans and specifications.

    as_built_submission_deadline: <= 30 consecutive calendar days (Before issuance of certificate of occupancy)

    “Within 30 consecutive calendar days immediately following the completion of construction of the solar energy facility or solar farm, but in any event prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the zoning administrator, the owner and developer thereof shall provide to the zoning administrator a complete paper copy set and a complete digital set on a flash drive of as-built plans and specifications for the solar energy facility or solar farm.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within Shabbona village limits.

    • Chapter 30 establishes village zoning controls, including residential and agricultural district provisions.
    “Properties in the R-1 Single-Family Residence District shall conform to the following lot and building requirements:”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Zoning districts published in the supplied official Shabbona Code sections.

    • The official sections establish at least Agricultural, R-1 Single-Family Residence, and R-2 Multiple-Family Residence districts.
    • This is not a finding that the supplied sections list every village district.
    “Properties in the R-1 Single-Family Residence District shall conform to the following lot and building requirements:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residence District, for conversion of a single-family dwelling into a two-family dwelling by special-use permit.

    • Each converted dwelling unit must have at least 600 square feet measured from the outside, including utility rooms but excluding other areas not used for living or sleeping.

    minimum floor area per converted unit: >= 600 square feet (R-1 conversion special use)

    “When divided, each dwelling unit will have a minimum of 600 square feet in floor area measured from the outside, including utility rooms, but excluding all other areas not used for living or sleeping purposes.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    R-2 Multiple-Family Residence District.

    • Building and structures, including accessory buildings, may cover no more than 60 percent of the lot.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 60 percent (including accessory buildings)

    “Not more than 60 percent of the area of a lot may be covered by the building and structure, including accessory buildings.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle as a dwelling within Shabbona village.

    • The provision excludes travel trailers and recreational vehicles parked on a permitted RV sales lot from subsections (1), (3), and (4), not from the dwelling prohibition in subsection (2).
    “No travel trailer or other recreational vehicle shall be used as a dwelling.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Public camping and sleeping on public property or in a vehicle for public-camping purposes within Shabbona village.

    • The cited rule addresses public areas and village-owned/maintained property, not all private-land camping.
    • Vehicle camping violation includes the two-consecutive-hour/midnight-to-6:00-a.m. condition without village-board-and-president permission.
    “No person may sleep, nor otherwise engage in public camping, on a public sidewalk, street, alley, lane, other public right-of-way, park, bench, or any other publicly-owned property, nor on or under any bridge or viaduct, at any time.”
  • Accessory dwellingsProhibited

    Accessory structures used as dwellings in the R-2 Multiple-Family Residence District.

    • This claim is limited to accessory structures in R-2; the supplied/opened material did not establish rules for every district.
    “Use of any accessory structure as a dwelling is strictly prohibited.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private/off-grid sewage disposal within Shabbona village.

    • Private sewage facilities are unlawful except as provided in the sewer article.
    • Where a private system is authorized, County Health Department approval before construction, alteration, or addition is required.
    “Except as provided in this article, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private well drilling inside Shabbona village.

    • The DeKalb County Health Department page says the permit is required by law from the health department.

    water_well_permit_inspection_sample_fee: 310 USD (Published Health Department fee; includes permit/inspection/sample)

    “Q) Do I need a permit to drill a well? A) Yes. By law a permit must obtained from the health department.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Properties inside Shabbona village served by, or subject to development rules for, the public sanitary sewer.

    • Existing occupied/employment/recreation properties must connect after official notice when sewer is within 200 feet of the property line.
    • Connection is at owner expense and must occur within 90 days after official notice.
    • New development and property annexed to the village must connect improvements to the public sanitary sewer system.

    sewer_distance: <= 200 feet (Measured from property line) · connection_deadline: <= 90 days (After official notice)

    “The owner of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes situated within the village and abutting on any street, alley, or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located any public sanitary (or combined) sewer of the village is hereby required at said owner's expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this article, within 90 days after the date of official notice to do so, provided that said public sewer is within 200 feet (60 meters) of the property line.”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    New subdivisions and listed development types in Shabbona village floodplains.

    • Applicant must supply base-flood elevation and floodplain boundary, floodway boundary when applicable, and engineer drainage statement.
    • Applies to new subdivisions, manufactured-home parks, annexation agreements, planned unit developments, and additions to manufactured-home parks and subdivisions.
    “New subdivisions, manufactured home parks, annexation agreements, planned unit developments, and additions to manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall meet the damage prevention and building protection standards of sections 10-24 and 10-25.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Private subdivision and development projects inside Shabbona village limits.
      “Infrastructure Improvements by Private Developers (e.g., Subdivisions, Commercial Plazas) [...] Village Engineering Review – Ensures roads, sidewalks, and utilities meet municipal standards.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Private development inside Shabbona village limits when work affects driveways, sidewalks, or roads.

    • Plan approvals are required when work affects sidewalks, driveways, or roads.
    • State or county road projects may require IDOT or county approvals instead of a village permit.
    “Plan approvals – If work affects sidewalks, driveways, or roads.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Buildings located in Shabbona village floodplains.

    • Applies to new buildings valued above $1,000, substantial improvements, structural alterations increasing floor area more than 20 percent, specified manufactured-home installations, and trailers installed more than 180 days.
    • Residential/nonresidential buildings must meet listed fill or elevation methods; nonresidential buildings may structurally dry floodproof if certified.

    new_building_value_threshold: > 1000 USD (Construction or placement in floodplain) · structural_alteration_floor_area_increase: > 20 percent (Existing building in floodplain) · trailer_installation_duration: > 180 days (Floodplain building-protection requirement)

    “In addition to the damage prevention requirements of section 10-24, all buildings to be located in the floodplain shall be protected from flood damage below the flood protection elevation.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Village building permits.

    • Current permit fee structure is published annually by the village.
    • Undertaking building work without compliance triggers doubled fees and may trigger specified fines and litigation costs.
    “Permit fee schedule. Refer to current permit fee structure published annually by the village.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building-permit applications for solar energy facilities or solar farms in Shabbona village.

    • Application is submitted to zoning administrator on an approved form.
    • Requires two drawings and signed/sealed plans by structural and architectural engineers currently licensed in Illinois.
    • Special inspections may be required.
    • Permit must be posted conspicuously until construction/installation is complete.
    “Building permit applications shall be submitted to the zoning administrator. The application shall be on a form approved by the zoning administrator from time to time and shall be accompanied by two copies of a drawing that shows the proposed location and distance of the solar energy facility with reference to the property lines of the parcel on which it is located, the location of any residence, business, or public building on an adjacent parcel, the right-of-way of any public road that is within 500 feet, and such other information as may be specified on the application form.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building permit applications inside Shabbona village limits.
      “Submit completed permit and with plans detailed below to: planreview@bfccs.org”

Rules another office applies inside Village of Shabbona

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

  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Detached dwellings in the R-2 Multiple-Family Residence District within Shabbona village.

    • Two-family and multiple-family dwellings must connect to public sewer and water.
    • Multiple-family requirement is per dwelling unit.

    single_family_minimum_lot_area: >= 15000 square feet (With public sewer and water; 40,000 square feet without) · two_family_minimum_lot_area: >= 15000 square feet (Must connect to public sewer and water) · multiple_family_minimum_lot_area: >= 5000 square feet per dwelling unit (Must connect to public sewer and water)

    “Lot size. Every detached dwelling hereafter erected shall be located on a lot having the following minimum area requirements: (1) Single-family dwelling: 15,000 square feet with public sewer and water; 40,000 square feet without public sewer and water. (2) Two-family dwelling: 15,000 square feet; dwelling must be connected to public sewer and water. (3) Multiple-family dwelling: 5,000 square feet (per dwelling unit); dwelling must be connected to public sewer and water.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Agricultural District within Shabbona village.

    • Building setback is whichever is greater: property-line or right-of-way-centerline measurement.
    • Rules apply to buildings erected, enlarged, or remodeled as stated.

    building_setback: >= 50 feet from property line (Or 80 feet from centerline of right-of-way, whichever is greater) · side_yard: >= 40 feet · rear_yard: >= 40 feet (Same as side yards)

    “Every building hereafter erected or enlarged shall provide and maintain a setback from the public street in accordance with the following requirements: (1) Building setback: 50 feet from the property line or 80 feet from the centerline of the right-of-way, whichever is greater. (2) Side yards: Each building hereafter erected or remodeled shall have a side yard on each side of each building of not less than 40 feet. (3) Rear yards: Same as side yards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built homes within Shabbona village.
  • Inspections — General residential building construction within Shabbona village.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy within Shabbona village.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy inside Shabbona village limits.
  • Septic permit — Private sewage-disposal systems serving land inside Shabbona village limits.
3 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

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

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

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