Bolthole Index

Franklin County, Illinois

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

67Index Score / 100
#31 of 102 in Illinois

Franklin County, Illinois requires a building permit before construction of a permanent structure or addition begins, and each structure needs a separate permit.1 The Supervisor of Assessments takes applications, the County Engineer approves permits, and Illinois's statewide building-code baseline applies.23 Septic permits go through the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required for permanent structures and additions before work begins1
Small portable structures
No county permit when portable and smaller than 12 by 141
Building-permit fee
$50; no fee for agricultural uses of land or buildings56
Zoning
Countywide zoning status is unconfirmed; ask the county before choosing a use or site plan7
Septic
$150 permit required through the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department for new systems and major renovations89
RV and tiny-home living
Not confirmed for an individual private parcel; ask the county and Environmental Health710
Owner-builder
Qualifying occupants may do their own plumbing, but this does not waive the building permit1112
Private well
Permit required before construction; new wells are inspected13

Who to call

Building permits

Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments

County building-permit applications and property-assessment questions

(618) 435-9800

Franklin County Campbell Building 901 Public Square Benton, IL 62812

Septic permits

Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Department - Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal reviews, permits and inspections, plus private water-supply permits and inspections

(618) 439-0951

eh@bicountyhealth.org

403 East Park Benton, IL 62812

Floodplain permits

Franklin County Highway Department and Floodplain Administrator

Floodplain review of building permits in unincorporated areas, county-highway entrances and county-road jurisdiction questions

618-439-0331

13034 Oddfellow Lane, Benton, IL 62812

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 Franklin County, Illinois?

Yes. Franklin County requires a building permit before construction of a permanent structure or an addition to an existing structure begins, and each structure needs its own permit.1 Mobile homes, manufactured homes, and permanently affixed decks or porches are among the covered projects.1 A portable building, portable carport, or other portable structure smaller than 12 by 14 does not require the county permit.1 The building-permit fee is $50, payable to the Supervisor of Assessments; agricultural uses of land or buildings do not pay that fee, but the exception does not waive the permit requirement.56 Illinois's statewide building-code baseline has applied since 2025, including in jurisdictions without a locally adopted code.3 Franklin County says the permit is issued within 30 days after all facts and pertinent data are properly presented.2

Who handles Franklin County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

Franklin County uses the Supervisor of Assessments rather than a separately named building department for building-permit applications, and the County Engineer approves every permit.2 The office is in the Franklin County Campbell Building, 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois, and its phone number is (618) 435-9800.14 Submit a separate application for each structure; once all facts and pertinent data are properly presented, the county's stated issuance period is 30 days.2 For unincorporated parcels, the County Engineer also checks building permits for floodplain compliance, but that review does not establish a general inspection program for all construction.15 Ask the Supervisor of Assessments which code path and local inspections apply; the statewide baseline is confirmed, but Franklin County's own adopted code edition, general inspection schedule, and occupancy-certificate process could not be confirmed.314

Does Franklin County, Illinois have zoning?

Franklin County's countywide zoning status is unconfirmed; no official county zoning ordinance or clear statement that the county has no zoning was confirmed.7 Do not treat that gap as permission for a particular use, setback, building height, minimum home size, or lot layout.7 Illinois counties can establish setback lines and regulate building height through local zoning districts, so any actual dimensional limit would come from the applicable local rules.1617 The county board lists zoning among its Public Safety committee responsibilities, and its permit notice distinguishes cities, towns and villages that do not have zoning or city ordinances, so land-use controls differ by locality.18 For property inside a city, town or village without zoning or city ordinances, the county states that a building permit is required.18 Ask the Supervisor of Assessments which land-use authority applies to the parcel before fixing a site plan.14

How do septic permits work in Franklin County?

The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department administers local sewage review and enforcement under local ordinances incorporating the state code, while Illinois retains statewide authority.4 Private systems serving 15 people or fewer need a permit before construction for new and major-renovation work, and the permit fee is $150.89 The application needs a 911 address, and the department must be notified 48 hours before construction begins after the permit is issued.8 A private-system permit may be refused if sanitary sewer service adjoins the property or a practical permitted connection is available within 300 feet for a single-family home.19 A septic permit is valid for 12 months from issuance, and the Board of Health acts on applications within 15 days.20 Routine cleaning or replacing a septic-tank cover does not need a construction permit.20 The department inspects for compliance with approved plans and code; a homeowner-installed system also needs a site inspection before permit issuance.21 Only about 3.1% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so confirm feasibility before fixing the house site.22

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

Franklin County has not confirmed a rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on an individual private parcel.7 The county's permit rule still applies to permanent structures, additions, mobile homes, and manufactured homes, while only portable structures smaller than 12 by 14 receive the stated size exception.1 Illinois campground licensing addresses regulated campgrounds and temporary RV parking there, not the separate question of living in an RV on your own land.23 Before buying or moving a unit onto land, ask the Supervisor of Assessments whether the proposed structure and use need county approval, and ask Environmental Health how wastewater will be approved.1410 A manufactured home also remains subject to Illinois installation requirements and any applicable local zoning, floodplain, and utility rules.24

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, and ask the Supervisor of Assessments which land-use rules apply because countywide zoning is unconfirmed.714
  2. Check sewer availability with Environmental Health and obtain septic approval before construction if a private system is allowed.198
  3. Submit a separate building-permit application for each permanent structure and pay the $50 fee unless the agricultural-use fee exception applies.256
  4. Confirm the applicable code path and inspections; Illinois's statewide baseline applies, while Franklin County's local code edition and general inspection schedule could not be confirmed.314
  5. Obtain the County Engineer's approval and, for development in an unincorporated floodplain, a floodplain-development permit.225
  6. Obtain a private-well permit before construction if the property will use a new well.13
  7. Identify the road authority; Franklin County provides one 20-foot entrance per property on county highways, while state-highway work needs an IDOT permit.2627

What should you check before buying land in Franklin County?

Start with sewer availability and septic feasibility: a nearby sanitary sewer can prevent private-system approval, and only about 3.1% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.1922 Check the house site for floodplain constraints because development in an unincorporated floodplain needs a permit from the County Engineer.25 Identify the road authority before planning access; Franklin County provides one 20-foot entrance per property on county highways, while state-highway work needs an IDOT permit.2627 Land transfers must follow the Franklin County Subdivision Ordinance and Illinois Plat Act, and a transfer outside a city or subdivision lot needs the Supervisor of Assessments' approval for compliance.28 A new private well needs a permit before construction and will be inspected.13 Reported farmland value is about $5,677 per acre, while the median property-tax bill is about $1,316 a year at an effective rate near 1.5%.293031

Watch-outs

  • The agricultural provision waives Franklin County's $50 building-permit fee, but it does not say agricultural construction is exempt from obtaining the permit.6
  • Do not assume that an unconfirmed zoning status means unrestricted land; ask the Supervisor of Assessments which local land-use rules govern the parcel.714
  • Only about 3.1% of Franklin County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so get a site evaluation before fixing the house location.228
  • Development in an unincorporated Franklin County floodplain needs a permit from the County Engineer, so resolve floodplain constraints before finalizing the site plan.25
  • A nearby sanitary sewer can cause the Board of Health to refuse a private-septic permit; ask Environmental Health about sewer availability before paying for a system design.19

Sources

  1. Franklin County Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  2. Franklin County Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health - Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Franklin County Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  6. Franklin County Code § 150.01 Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Annual Report FYE 2025, quoted and re-checked
  9. Private Sewage Disposal Procedures, quoted and re-checked
  10. Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Department - Environmental Health (bicountyhealth.org)
  11. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Environmental Health - Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  14. Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments (franklincountyil.gov)
  15. franklincountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. ilga.gov (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Franklin County Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  19. § 50.05 Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  20. § 50.05 Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  21. Environmental Health - Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  22. 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
  23. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. codelibrary.amlegal.com, quoted and re-checked
  26. Highway Department - Franklin County, quoted and re-checked
  27. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. County Clerk / Recorder - Franklin County, quoted and re-checked
  29. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Effective property tax rate: 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

RuleFranklin CountyWilliamson CountyHamilton CountyPerry CountyJefferson CountySaline CountyJackson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNot publishedNot publishedNoYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsFranklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Egyptian Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Franklin County in Illinois

67
County map
Franklin County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Franklin County scores

Seclusion46100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency68100% ev.
Admin Boringness7468% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost65100% 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 →

$109kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$5,677Land / acre
47"Annual rain
2.8% of yrsSevere drought
11.9 / yr (+10.7)Mid-century 100°F days
16 daysMid-century dry spell
2.23" (+7.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.86×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,666Home insurance / yr
3.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.32%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
44,174People within 30 min
2,412,558People within 2 hr
48,161Radius comparison (15 mi)
90.8People / sq mi
5.4%Federal land
98.5%Land at 15% slope or less
3.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
7,731 acWorkable land screen
30%Wooded land
45.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Franklin 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.

Barren Township · Benton · Benton Township · Browning Township · Village of Buckner · Cave Township · Christopher · Denning Township · Eastern Township · Ewing Township · Village of Ewing · Frankfort Township · Goode Township · Village of Hanaford · Village of North City · Northern Township · Orient · Village of Royalton · Sesser · Six Mile Township · Village of Thompsonville · Tyrone Township · Village of Valier · Village of West City · West Frankfort · Zeigler

Answers from the rulebook for Franklin County

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

Franklin County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New structures, alterations, additions, mobile or manufactured homes, and permanently affixed decks or porches on property in Franklin County; the county code states the rule applies to real property in the county.

    • A separate permit is required for each structure.
    • Portable buildings, portable carports, or other portable structures smaller than 12 x 14 do not require a permit.
    • The county permit information also addresses property within city, town, or village limits that lacks zoning or city ordinances.
    “Building Permits are required for: [...] Any permanent structure erected on the property [...] Any additions to an existing structure”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Building permits and development projects in unincorporated Franklin County floodplain areas.

    • The inspection statement is specific to floodplain compliance and does not establish a general inspection requirement for all construction.
    • The County Engineer is the Floodplain Administrator.
    “checks all building permits in unincorporated areas for compliance with FEMA floodplain regulations”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning situation across Franklin County, including municipalities, towns, villages, and unincorporated areas; the county conclusion does not assert that Franklin County administers every local ordinance.

    • The county building-permit information distinguishes cities, towns, and villages that do not have zoning or city ordinances, indicating that local land-use controls differ by locality.
    • For property located within a city, town, or village without zoning or city ordinances, the county states that a building permit is required.
    • The county clerk states that land transfers must comply with the Franklin County Subdivision Ordinance and the Illinois Plat Act.
    • The county board identifies zoning among its Public Safety committee responsibilities.

    building permit fee: 50 USD (The county permit page states the fee is payable to the Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments.)

    “Any property located within the city limits of a city, town or village that does not have any type of zoning or city ordinances”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Franklin County.

    • Franklin County's ordinance assigns permitting and application review to the Health Department and Board of Health.
    • Illinois IDPH regulates private sewage disposal statewide and local health agencies may review plans under local ordinance or as IDPH agents.
    “IDPH regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal in Franklin and Williamson Counties.
      “This program is conducted in compliance with local health ordinances that incorporates the Illinois Department of Public Health Private Sewage Code and includes enforcement authority.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or extension of individual domestic sewage disposal systems in Franklin County.

    • A valid Health Department permit is required and is valid for 12 months from issuance.
    • Applications are made to the Board of Health or its authorized representative.
    • A permit may be refused where sanitary sewer service is available.
    • Sewer availability includes a line adjoining or abutting the premises or a practical permitted connection within 300 feet for a single-family residence or 1,000 feet for a commercial establishment, subdivision, or multifamily dwelling.
    • Routine cleaning, replacing a septic-tank cover, or rodding inlet and outlets does not require a construction permit.
    • The Health Department must be notified of modifications, changes, or repairs to determine whether a permit is required.
    • The Board of Health acts on applications within 15 days.
    • A fee is charged and collected when the application is submitted; the fee schedule is approved by the Board of Health.

    permit validity: 12 months (from the date issued) · single-family sewer-availability distance: <= 300 feet · commercial, subdivision, or multifamily sewer-availability distance: <= 1000 feet · application decision time: <= 15 days (from receipt)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter or extend individual domestic sewage disposal systems within the county unless he or she holds a valid permit issued by the Health Department stating the name of such person for which the specific construction, alteration or extension is proposed. This permit shall be valid for period of 12 months from the date it is issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage systems serving fifteen people or less in Franklin County and Williamson County, including new and major-renovation systems.
      “All private sewage systems installed serving fifteen people or less must have a permit through this department before construction begins.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage systems reviewed by the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department.

    • Inspections confirm compliance with application plans and code requirements.
    • For homeowner-installed systems, a site inspection is required before permit issuance.
    • The annual report records 976 on-site inspections for FY 2025.

    pre-permit homeowner site inspection: required (homeowner-installed systems)

    “Inspections are made to confirm compliance with application plans & code requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems in Franklin County.
      “Inspections are made to confirm compliance with application plans & code requirements.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New private wells in Franklin and Williamson Counties.

    • The Health Department acts under a written agreement with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
    • A permit is issued before construction after compliance with the Illinois Water Well Construction Code.
    • All new wells are inspected.
    “A permit is issued prior to construction on any new well”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Sanitary sewer connection versus private sewage disposal in Franklin County.

    • The Board of Health may refuse a private sewage permit where a sanitary sewer is available.
    • A sewer is considered available when a line adjoins or abuts the premises or when a practical permitted connection exists within 300 feet for a single-family residence or 1,000 feet for a commercial establishment, subdivision, or multifamily dwelling.
    • The ordinance does not establish a universal countywide water-connection requirement.

    single-family sewer-availability distance: <= 300 feet · commercial, subdivision, or multifamily sewer-availability distance: <= 1000 feet

    “where a sanitary sewage system is available”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Agricultural uses of land or buildings under the county building-permit fee rule.

    • This is an exemption from the $50 filing fee; the source does not state that agricultural structures are exempt from the underlying permit requirement.

    building permit filing fee: 50 USD (fees shall not be collected for agricultural uses of land or buildings)

    “except fees shall not be collected for agricultural uses of land or buildings.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land transfers and subdivision plats in Franklin County.

    • Transfers must comply with both the Franklin County Subdivision Ordinance and the Illinois Plat Act.
    • Property transfers outside city and subdivision lots require approval by the Supervisor of Assessments for compliance.
    “All land transfers must adhere to Franklin County‘s Subdivision Ordinance and the Illinois Plat Act.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land transfers and subdivision activity in Franklin County.
      “All land transfers must adhere to Franklin County‘s Subdivision Ordinance and the Illinois Plat Act.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Entrances onto Franklin County highways.

    • The county states that one entrance is provided per property on county highways.
    • Additional entrances or additional length may be installed by county forces and paid for at current material prices as approved by the County Engineer.
    • Roadway jurisdiction may instead belong to IDOT, a township road district, municipality, or another agency.

    standard entrance width: 20 feet (one entrance per property on County Highways)

    “one 20 foot entrance per property on County Highways”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Driveway entrances onto Franklin County highways.
      “The Department will provide one 20 foot entrance per property on County Highways.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Building permits in unincorporated Franklin County areas subject to FEMA floodplain regulations.

    • The County Engineer is the county Floodplain Administrator.
    • The County Engineer checks all building permits in unincorporated areas for FEMA floodplain compliance.
    • Base Flood Elevations are provided in floodplain areas.
    “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 Engineer.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building permits described in the official Franklin County permit notice.

    • The $50 fee applies to the building permits described in the notice and is payable to the Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments.
    • Septic permit fees are charged separately under the county sewage ordinance and the schedule is approved by the Board of Health.
    • Municipal permit fees may differ.

    building permit fee: 50 USD (payable to the Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments)

    “Permits are available from the Supervisor of Assessments Office and require a $50 fee payable to the Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Franklin County building permits.
      “require a $50 fee payable to the Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments”
    • Published (with conditions) — Private sewage permits issued by the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department.
      “There will be a fee of $150 for each sewage permit.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Franklin County building permit application and approval process.

    • Applications are handled by the Supervisor of Assessments.
    • All permits are approved by the County Engineer.
    • The county code states issuance within 30 days after all facts and pertinent data have been properly presented.
    • Each structure requires a separate permit.

    issuance period: 30 days (after all facts and pertinent data have been properly presented)

    “The building permit shall be issued within 30 days after all facts and pertinent data have been properly presented to the County Supervisor of Assessments”

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©.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code baseline applicable to Franklin County, subject to the distinctions for jurisdictions that have adopted local codes and jurisdictions that have not.
      “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025.”
    • Adopted — Statewide Illinois building-code requirements applicable in Franklin County on and after 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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations for building or setback lines outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The actual setback distances are established by applicable county zoning districts or other local ordinances.
    • Agricultural buildings may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    “to establish building or setback lines”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning districts outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The applicable county zoning ordinance determines the actual height limit by district or use.
    • No single statewide height measurement was identified.
    “including height of buildings and structures”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes as dwellings, including occupancy in manufactured home communities regulated by IDPH.

    • Manufactured home communities with 5 or more sites must be licensed by IDPH, except communities located in home rule units.
    • IDPH annually inspects licensed communities for renewal, including water, sewage disposal, electrical systems, lighting, roads, spacing of homes, and garbage disposal.
    • Manufactured homes moved since January 1, 1980 must be secured using equipment meeting IDPH standards.
    • Effective December 31, 2001, manufactured homes must be installed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner and installed according to manufacturer instructions; if unavailable, the IDPH Manufactured Home Installation Code applies.
    • Local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility requirements may also apply.

    manufactured home community license threshold: >= 5 sites (Communities located in home rule units are excepted from this IDPH licensing statement.) · moved-home tiedown requirement effective date: >= 1980-01-01 · installation requirement effective date: >= 2001-12-31

    “designed and situated so as to permit its occupancy as a dwelling place for one or more persons”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Off-grid disposal of human wastes through privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets, and compost toilets statewide in Illinois.

    • Other domestic wastes must be disposed of in a conventional private sewage disposal system.
    • Compost toilets may also be used for other organic domestic wastes.
    • Privies have construction, capacity, venting, maintenance, and abandonment requirements.
    • A privy pit must have a minimum capacity of 50 cubic feet per seat.
    • A privy must be pumped when filled to within 18 inches of the bottom of the riser.
    • Vault privies are required where groundwater or limestone formations are within 4 feet of the bottom of the pit.
    • Recirculating toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 and residuals must go to an approved public or private sewage disposal system.
    • Incinerator and compost toilets have separate maintenance and disposal requirements; compost toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41.

    privy pit minimum capacity: >= 50 cubic feet per seat · privy pumping trigger: <= 18 inches from bottom of riser (Pump when filled to within this distance.) · vault-privy groundwater or limestone separation: < 4 feet from bottom of pit (Watertight, non-metal vaults are required where the condition applies.)

    “Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
  • 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.

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning regulation in Franklin County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts for Franklin County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor-area or dwelling-size requirements for residences in Franklin County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-area requirements in Franklin County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Franklin County.
4 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

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 Franklin County, Illinois

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

Franklin County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and strong self-sufficiency basics: 47″/yr rainfall with little drought.

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

Franklin County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Franklin-Williamson Bicounty 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.

How much does land cost in Franklin County, Illinois?

Land in Franklin County runs about $5,677 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Franklin County?

Franklin County gets about 47" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.8% of years.

How remote is Franklin County?

A representative private-land location has about 44,174 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,412,558 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 Franklin compares in Illinois

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