Bolthole Index

Edwards County, Illinois

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

69Index Score / 100
#28 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Edwards County, Illinois has no county zoning ordinance1, but we could not confirm a county building-permit requirement, so ask the County Clerk who has jurisdiction before work starts23. Grayville reports its own zoning, while Albion, Bone Gap, Browns and West Salem do not4. Septic plans must be approved before construction by the Illinois Department of Public Health or a local health agent, which appears to be the Edwards County Health Department56.

At a glance

Building permit
County requirement unconfirmed; Illinois does not issue private-project permits27
Building code
Illinois statewide building codes took effect 1/1/20258
Zoning
No county zoning in unincorporated Edwards County; Grayville reports its own14
Septic plans
Approval required before construction5
RV living
No county zoning rule applies in unincorporated areas1
Tiny homes
No county zoning rule applies; building code and septic still apply1
Private wells
Permit required before construction, modification or sealing9

Who to call

Also useful

Edwards County Clerk

County courthouse contact to ask which local office has jurisdiction over building, zoning and occupancy questions

618-445-2115

50 E. Main St., Albion, IL 62806

Septic permits

Edwards County Health Department

Local health-office contact to ask whether it reviews Edwards County septic and private-well applications or routes them to IDPH

(618) 445-2615

25 N. 5th St, Albion, IL

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

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

We could not confirm an Edwards County building-permit requirement or application for unincorporated land2. Illinois does not issue building permits, conduct building-code inspections or issue occupancy certificates for privately funded projects; any such requirements are handled by the applicable local government71011. A building code applies either way: Illinois requires statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025, with local codes and amendments where a local government adopted them8. Before buying materials or breaking ground, call the Edwards County Clerk and ask which authority has jurisdiction over the parcel and whether a permit, inspection or occupancy approval is required3. Septic and well approvals are separate from any building permit and come from the health authorities59.

Who handles Edwards County building permits, and how do you reach them?

No Edwards County building department or county permit office was confirmed. The practical first contact is the Edwards County Clerk at the courthouse, 50 E. Main St. in Albion, by phone at 618-445-21153. Ask the Clerk to identify the authority having jurisdiction for the parcel, especially if the property is near Albion, Browns, Bone Gap, Grayville or West Salem. Illinois allows a county or municipality to adopt and enforce a code, while a government that does not adopt one is treated as a non-building-code jurisdiction under the state framework12. The state itself does not process a private project's building permit, plan review or inspection12. Whoever issues building permits, septic plan approval is a different office: the Edwards County Health Department or the Illinois Department of Public Health135.

Does Edwards County have zoning?

Unincorporated Edwards County has no county zoning ordinance, so the county sets no rule on minimum house size, minimum lot size, setbacks, building height, lot coverage, accessory dwellings, RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes or temporary camping1. Zoning can still apply inside towns: a county hazard-mitigation plan lists zoning for Grayville but none for Albion, Bone Gap, Browns or West Salem, and that plan is several years old, so confirm current status with the town clerk4. Absence of zoning does not remove building-code, septic, well or floodplain rules, which apply on every parcel. Ask the Edwards County Clerk whether anything has changed since the county's last ordinance inventory3.

How do septic permits work in Edwards County?

Illinois requires plan approval from the Illinois Department of Public Health or a local health agency before a new private sewage system is built5. Edwards County's health department appears to review and issue these permits as an agent of the state, but the arrangement was not confirmed on an official page, so call the Edwards County Health Department at (618) 445-2615 and ask whether it accepts the application or sends it to IDPH61413. The same approval rule covers replacing a septic tank, adding or removing a major component, or changing at least 25% of an absorption field5. The person doing the work must give the department or local authority at least 48 hours' notice before starting5. Only 3.7% of county soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early feasibility step15.

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

Unincorporated Edwards County has no county zoning, so no county zoning rule restricts living in an RV, camping on private land or placing a tiny home there1. Other rules still apply. A home you live in needs wastewater handled through a private sewage system approved by the health authorities, although Illinois recognizes alternative toilets such as privies and incinerating toilets for human waste, with other domestic wastewater still going to a conventional system16. A tiny home also falls under the statewide building-code baseline, and local occupancy approvals were not confirmed811. Illinois campground law regulates qualifying campgrounds and does not answer whether one household may occupy an RV on private land17. Inside Grayville or another town, ask the town first, since town rules differ from the county's4.

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

  1. Ask the Edwards County Clerk which government has building-permit jurisdiction over the parcel, and request its current permit, inspection and occupancy requirements32.
  1. If the parcel is inside Grayville or another town, ask that town about zoning; unincorporated land has no county zoning41.
  1. Arrange septic plan review before construction; call the Edwards County Health Department to learn whether the local office or IDPH will process it513.
  1. Obtain a permit before constructing, modifying or sealing a private water well9.
  1. If the driveway enters a state-maintained highway, get an IDOT permit before work begins18.
  1. Check floodway status; regulated construction may need an IDNR permit19.
  1. Complete any locally required inspections and occupancy approval identified in the first step1011.

What should you check before buying land in Edwards County?

Start with wastewater: only 3.7% of Edwards County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work15. Confirm legal road access, and remember that a new driveway entering a state-maintained highway requires an IDOT permit before work begins18. Check flood maps and project location because construction in regulated Illinois floodways may need state authorization19. For a private well, a permit from IDPH or an approved local health department is required before construction, modification or sealing begins9. Edwards County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,4292021. Finally, get a written building-permit answer for the specific parcel, and a zoning answer if it lies inside a town24.

Watch-outs

  • A missing county permit page is not proof that no permit is required; ask the Edwards County Clerk to identify the authority having jurisdiction before work starts23.
  • No county zoning applies in unincorporated Edwards County, but Grayville reports its own zoning, and a parcel inside a town may be subject to town rules14.
  • Only 3.7% of Edwards County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so septic feasibility can change the usable building area and project budget15.
  • Alternative toilets do not eliminate wastewater planning because Illinois still requires other domestic wastes to go to a conventional private sewage disposal system16.

Sources

  1. Illinois law on county zoning and building authority
  2. Illinois Codes FAQ (2026 county census)
  3. Edwards County Clerk (ilsos.gov)
  4. Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  5. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Illinois Department of Public Health - Private Sewage Disposal (2026 county census)
  7. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Section 920.130 Water Well Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  10. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Edwards County Health Department (idjj.illinois.gov)
  14. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  15. 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
  16. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: 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

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Edwards County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleEdwards CountyWabash CountyRichland CountyWayne CountyWhite CountyLawrence CountyClay County
Building permitLimitedLimitedRequiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot required
County zoningNoNot publishedNoNoNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.IL Dept. of Public HealthCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.IDPHCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Edwards County in Illinois

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

How Edwards County scores

Seclusion63100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency55100% ev.
Admin Boringness7468% ev.
Durability53100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$117kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$5,893Land / acre
47.1"Annual rain
2.1% of yrsSevere drought
12.4 / yr (+10.9)Mid-century 100°F days
14.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.13" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.85×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,542Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.26%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
17,224People within 30 min
1,248,685People within 2 hr
16,720Radius comparison (15 mi)
26.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
97.1%Land at 15% slope or less
3.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
5,196 acWorkable land screen
15.8%Wooded land
37.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Edwards 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.

Albion · Village of Bone Gap · Village of Browns · Village of West Salem

Answers from the rulebook for Edwards County

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

Edwards County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Edwards County jurisdiction listed in the official countywide ordinance inventory.

    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning status across Edwards County municipalities and unincorporated county areas.

    • This is an aggregate conclusion from the plan’s jurisdiction table and does not claim that Edwards County administers municipal ordinances.
    • The plan reports zoning for Grayville but N for Edwards County, Albion, Bone Gap, Browns, and West Salem.
    • The source is a 2017 plan and does not establish current status.
    “Albion N N N N Y N N N 2011 Bone Gap N N N N N N N N N Browns N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N Grayville 1986 2011 2011 N 2001 N N 1968 2011 West Salem N Y N N Y N N N Y”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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.
    • The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected.
    • Municipal zoning may apply independently, as reflected in the separate local-zoning claim.
    “Edwards County N N State Model (Current) N N N N N N”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Privately funded construction in Illinois; the State does not itself issue building permits, while any required permit is addressed by the applicable local government.

    • Permit requirements may be imposed and administered by the municipality, village, city, or county having jurisdiction.
    • The Illinois Capital Development Board states that statewide building codes became effective 1/1/2025, while local code officials remain the best source for project-specific answers.

    statewide building-code effective date: 2025-01-01

    “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 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.”
  • 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©.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code framework applicable to building work in Edwards County.
      “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 (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code framework applicable in Edwards County, subject to the distinctions between local-code and no-local-code jurisdictions.
      “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.”
    • Partial — Building-code requirements applicable in Illinois, including Edwards County.
      “Currently there is no statewide building code. Units of local government can adopt codes of their choice. However, effective 1/1/2025 a statewide building code will go into effect as required by the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105).”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Edwards County.

    • IDPH regulates private sewage disposal systems statewide.
    • Local health agencies may review construction plans under local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.
    • The specific Edwards County local health agency arrangement was not independently verified on the opened official pages.

    surface-discharge threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (Systems with no surface discharge are also covered.)

    “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Illinois, including Edwards County, subject to the state program and any authorized local health-agency review.
      “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems). Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction. There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans, either by authority of a local ordinance or as an "agent" of the Department.”
    • Mixed — Installation and plan approval for private sewage disposal systems statewide in Illinois.
      “There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a new private sewage disposal system statewide, including systems where a septic tank is replaced, a major component is added or removed, or the absorption field changes by at least 25 percent.

    • Plan approval must be obtained from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction begins.
    • Persons constructing, installing, repairing, or modifying the system must notify the Department or local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.
    • The rule requires submission of plans, site and system information, bedroom count or design volume, soil or percolation information, owner information, and applicant signature.

    notice before commencement: >= 48 hours · absorption-field change threshold: >= 25 percent (The rule treats increasing the field by 25% or more, or removing and replacing 25% or more, as a new system.)

    “Plan approval shall be obtained from the Department or local authority prior to beginning any construction of a new private sewage disposal system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems in Edwards County, including septic tanks, seepage fields, and qualifying alternative systems.
      “Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction.”
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems in Illinois, including systems located in Edwards County.
      “Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems potentially located in Edwards County.

    • Applies to systems eligible for Illinois EPA General NPDES Permit ILG62 coverage.
    • Systems not eligible for general-permit coverage may require an individual Illinois EPA NPDES permit.
    • This claim does not establish a general inspection rule for every non-surface-discharge septic system.
    “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems covered by Illinois EPA general NPDES Permit ILG62.
      “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New private water-well construction in Edwards County, excluding community water wells.
      “To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
    • Required — New, modified, deepened, or abandoned private water wells in Edwards County.
      “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.”
  • 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)

    Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.

    • The Department reviews applications and written inquiries free of charge to determine whether authorization is required when sufficient information is provided.
    • A permit application fee may apply under the Department's permit fee schedule.
    “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)

    Construction projects in Illinois waterways, floodplains, and wetlands seeking State and Federal authorizations through the joint permit application process.

    • The joint application seeks authorizations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
    • The joint application form replaced the former Protecting Illinois Waters application package.
    “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 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.

  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility-connection requirements in Edwards County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from building or land-use regulation in Edwards County.
  • Subdividing land — Subdivision regulation in Edwards County.

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 Edwards County, Illinois

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

Edwards County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Edwards County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Edwards County Health Department (agent of Illinois Department of Public Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Edwards County is allowed: Unincorporated Edwards County: no county rule sets this, because Edwards 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. The source is the Edwards County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and its ordinance inventory is dated within the plan; later amendments may not be reflected. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Edwards County, Illinois?

Land in Edwards County runs about $5,893 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Edwards County?

Edwards County gets about 47.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.1% of years.

How remote is Edwards County?

A representative private-land location has about 17,224 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,248,685 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 Edwards compares in Illinois

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