Bolthole Index

Fulton County, Illinois

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

74Index Score / 100
#9 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Fulton County, Illinois requires a county zoning permit before construction, substantial rehabilitation or alteration, or installation of manufactured housing1. The county reviews zoning compliance rather than enforcing a local building code, while Illinois's statewide building-code requirements still apply23. Inside incorporated communities, the city or village may handle building permits and zoning, but Fulton County Environmental Health issues septic and private-well permits countywide456.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction in unincorporated areas; it is a zoning permit17
Zoning
County zoning applies outside municipalities; city and village rules can differ24
Septic
A Health Department permit is required before covered septic work begins5
Private well
A permit is required before constructing, modifying or deepening a private water supply6
RV living
Private-land residence is not confirmed; RV and camper parks are conditional uses in the AC district89
Tiny home
No specific occupancy rule is confirmed; district zoning and sanitation approval still matter105
Owner-builder
A narrow plumbing exemption applies to qualifying occupants; no general construction exemption is confirmed1112
Manufactured home
Allowed subject to county district, size, installation and utility conditions13

Who to call

Building permits

Fulton County Planning & Zoning

Zoning permits, zoning questions, site visits, certificates of occupancy or completion, and county floodplain administration

(309) 547-0902

zoning@fultonco.org

257 West Lincoln Street Lewistown, IL 61542

Septic permits

Fulton County Health Department Environmental Health

Septic permits, private-well permits and testing, and septic and well evaluations

309-647-1134

700 East Oak Street

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Fulton County Department of Public Works & Highways

Driveway and entrance permits from county roads and questions about county highway rights-of-way

(309) 647-0351

fultonch@fultonco.org

421 East Hickory Street , Canton, IL 61520

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

Unincorporated Fulton County requires the County Zoning Office to issue a zoning permit before construction, substantial rehabilitation or alteration, or installation of manufactured housing can legally begin1. The county formerly called this a building permit and requires applicable well and septic permit numbers and copies7. The published schedule lists a $125 base fee plus $0.25 per square foot for a dwelling or manufactured home, while a mobile home is $50014. The county reviews use, setbacks, height, parking and land coverage rather than enforcing a local building code152. Illinois's statewide building-code requirements have applied since 2025, including in jurisdictions without an adopted local code; ask the responsible city, village or county official which requirements and local amendments govern the project3.

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

Fulton County Planning & Zoning issues the county zoning permit for projects on unincorporated land: call (309) 547-0902, email zoning@fultonco.org, or visit 257 West Lincoln Street Lewistown, IL 615429. The office administers the county zoning ordinance but does not interpret or enforce building codes2. After construction, the owner must notify the Zoning Officer for a zoning-compliance inspection and certificate decision; this is not a general building-code inspection1617. Inside an incorporated community, contact its city or village hall about building permits and zoning approval4. Fulton County Health Department Environmental Health still issues septic permits and private-well permits countywide; call 309-647-1134 or visit 700 East Oak Street1856.

Does Fulton County, Illinois have zoning?

Fulton County administers five zoning districts in unincorporated areas, while incorporated communities may direct residents to their own city or village hall for zoning approval and building permits24. Uses, lot dimensions and building-height limits depend on the parcel's district1920. Minimum front, side and rear setbacks also vary by district: the Agricultural Conservation district requires 50-foot front and rear yards and 20-foot side yards, while residential districts use smaller minimums21. In the Agricultural Conservation district, multiple dwellings require a separate acre for each dwelling, required yards, road access and Health Department approval, with no more than three dwellings per parcel22. A mobile home there must have at least 500 square feet of living area, not a general minimum for every dwelling type23. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's district and exact dimensional rules9.

How do septic permits work in Fulton County?

Illinois regulates private sewage disposal systems, while local health agencies may review construction plans under local ordinance or as state agents24. In Fulton County, the Health Department issues the permit required before constructing, renovating, altering or extending a private sewage disposal system255. The installation cannot be covered or used until the Health Officer has inspected it and approved it in writing26. About 38.6% of Fulton County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make system feasibility an early purchase contingency27. Contact Environmental Health at 309-647-1134 before ordering a system or scheduling excavation18.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Fulton County?

We could not confirm a Fulton County rule allowing an RV to serve as a long-term residence on private land; ask Planning & Zoning for a parcel-specific answer before moving one onsite9. Recreational-vehicle and camper parks are conditional uses in the Agricultural Conservation district, must serve patrons who have other residences, and require Health Department approval for water and sewage systems, but those park rules do not answer private RV residence8. We also could not confirm a specific tiny-home occupancy rule. The published 500-square-foot minimum applies only to mobile homes in the Agricultural Conservation district, not every dwelling23. Manufactured homes face separate rules for construction date, HUD seal, anchoring, utilities, running gear and district dimensions13.

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

  1. Confirm whether county or municipal zoning and building-permit authority applies, then give the responsible office the parcel number and proposed use4.
  2. Check the district's use, setbacks, height and lot rules, plus any flood-hazard restrictions212028.
  3. Obtain applicable Fulton County septic and private-well permits before applying for the county zoning permit756.
  4. Submit the owner and applicant names, parcel index number, proposed use, address, detailed sketch, structure location and required supporting information16.
  5. Obtain a Fulton County driveway permit for a new entrance from a county road; for a township, state, federal or municipal road, contact that road's jurisdiction29.
  6. Leave the septic installation uncovered until written approval26.
  7. After construction, notify the Zoning Officer for the zoning-compliance inspection and certificate decision17.

What should you check before buying land in Fulton County?

Confirm whether the parcel is under county or municipal zoning, then verify its allowed use, setbacks, height, lot dimensions and approval path before closing4192120. Make septic feasibility a contract contingency because only about 38.6% of Fulton County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field27. Verify the private-water plan early because constructing, modifying or deepening an individual or semi-private water supply requires a county permit6. Check mapped flood risk because special flood-hazard areas carry strict construction conditions28. Identify the road owner because a new county-road entrance requires a driveway permit from Public Works & Highways, while a township, state, federal or municipal road has a different authority29. Fulton County's effective property-tax rate is about 2.1%, with a median annual bill of about $2,1863031.

Watch-outs

  • A Fulton County zoning permit is not the same as a full building-code inspection permit; the county closeout inspection addresses zoning compliance717.
  • Illinois allows qualifying owner occupants to perform plumbing on their own single-family residence, but that narrow exception does not waive building permits or create a general exemption for other construction trades12.
  • RV-park rules do not establish a right to live in an RV on a private parcel; obtain a parcel-specific answer from Planning & Zoning89.

Sources

  1. Fulton County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Complete Zoning Ordinance with Index, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Communities with Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  5. Fulton County Health Ordinance Part II: Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Fulton County Health Ordinance Part IV: Water Supply Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Obtaining a Zoning Permit (formerly a “Building Permit”), quoted and re-checked
  8. Fulton County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Fulton County Planning & Zoning (fultoncountyil.gov)
  10. Complete Zoning Ordinance with Index (2026 county census)
  11. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (2026 county census)
  12. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. fultoncountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  14. Zoning Permit Application and Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  15. Fulton County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Obtaining a Zoning Permit (formerly a “Building Permit”), quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning Permit Application and Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  18. Fulton County Health Department Environmental Health (fultoncountyhealth.com)
  19. Fulton County Zoning Ordinance with Updates, quoted and re-checked
  20. Fulton County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. Fulton County Zoning Ordinance with Updates, quoted and re-checked
  22. Fulton County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. fultoncountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  25. Fulton County Health Ordinance Part II: Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. Fulton County Health Ordinance Part II: Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. 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
  28. Floodplain Administration, quoted and re-checked
  29. Fulton County Highway FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. 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 4 of its 6 neighbors, Fulton County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleFulton CountyMason CountyMcDonough CountyKnox CountyPeoria CountySchuyler CountyCass County
Building permitLimitedLimitedLimitedRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNot publishedYesYesNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Peoria City/County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Fulton County in Illinois

74
County map
Fulton County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Fulton County scores

Seclusion72100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness5590% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost63100% ev.

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

$106kTypical home
2.1%Property tax
$6,836Land / acre
39"Annual rain
3.2% of yrsSevere drought
8.3 / yr (+7.6)Mid-century 100°F days
15 daysMid-century dry spell
1.82" (+7.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.76×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,501Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.03%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
10,496People within 30 min
1,173,831People within 2 hr
25,896Radius comparison (15 mi)
37.6People / sq mi
0.5%Federal land
81.4%Land at 15% slope or less
38.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
206,217 acWorkable land screen
29.3%Wooded land
49.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Fulton County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Astoria · Astoria Township · Village of Avon · Banner Township · Village of Banner · Bernadotte Township · Village of Bryant · Buckheart Township · Canton · Cass Township · Cuba · Village of Dunfermline · Ellisville Township · Village of Ellisville · Fairview Township · Village of Fairview · Farmers Township · Farmington Township · Harris Township · Village of Ipava · Isabel Township · Joshua Township · Kerton Township · Lee Township · Lewistown Township · Liverpool Township · Village of Liverpool · Village of London Mills · Village of Marietta · Village of Norris · Orion Township · Pleasant Township · Putman Township · Village of Smithfield · Village of St. David · Village of Table Grove · Union Township · Vermont Township · Village of Vermont · Waterford Township · Woodland Township · Young Hickory Township

Answers from the rulebook for Fulton County

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

Fulton County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction and land-use permitting in unincorporated Fulton County.

    • The county identifies the permit as a zoning permit formerly called a building permit.
    • Well and septic permit numbers and copies are required if applicable.
    • Municipal areas may use separate permitting authorities.
    “Required Information to obtain a “Zoning Permit””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, substantial rehabilitation or alteration, and installation of manufactured housing under the Fulton County zoning ordinance.
      “A permit that the County Zoning Office must issue before such activities as construction, substantial rehabilitation or alteration, or installation of manufactured housing can legally take place.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    County zoning-compliance inspection after construction.

    • This is a zoning inspection and certificate process, not evidence of a general county building-code inspection program.
    “UPON COMPLETION OF THE CONSTRUCTION THEY WILL NOTIFY THE ZONING OFFICER, WHO SHALL THEN INSPECT THE PREMISES AND ISSUE OR REFUSE TO ISSUE A Zoning Compliance Certificate.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning districts and regulations in unincorporated Fulton County.

    • Fulton County is divided into five zoning districts: AC, R-1, R-2, B, and I.
    • The county page states that residents within listed communities’ corporate boundaries must contact the appropriate city or village hall for permits and zoning information; incorporated municipalities therefore may administer their own zoning and permitting.
    • The Fulton County Zoning Office enforces and interprets the county zoning ordinance but does not interpret or enforce building codes.
    “A. DISTRICTS: Fulton County is divided into five specific zoning districts.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    The countywide aggregate of zoning administration across Fulton County municipalities and unincorporated areas.

    • The conclusion aggregates municipal or village zoning within corporate boundaries and county zoning outside those boundaries.
    • The county lists Astoria, Avon, Canton, Cuba, Dunfermline, Fairview, Farmington, Ipava, Lewistown, St. David, and Table Grove as communities whose corporate-boundary residents should contact the appropriate city or village hall for zoning information.
    • The county zoning office administers the county zoning ordinance for county-regulated areas.
    “If you reside within the “corporate boundaries” of these communities, you will need to contact the appropriate city/village hall for permits and zoning information.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts and district-specific regulations.

    • The ordinance identifies AC, R-1, R-2, B, and I districts and provides district-specific uses, lot dimensions, yards, and mobile-home requirements.
    “Fulton County is divided into five specific zoning districts:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Mobile homes in the Agricultural Conservation district.

    • The cited minimum is for mobile-home living area, not a general minimum floor area for every dwelling type.

    minimum living area: >= 500 square feet (mobile homes in AC district)

    “AC No minimum width (minimum of 500 square feet of living area.).”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Multiple dwellings on one parcel in the AC Agriculture/Conservation District.

    • Required yards must be provided around each dwelling.
    • Each dwelling must have access to a main road.
    • Approval must be obtained from the Fulton County Health Department.
    • No more than three dwellings may be placed per parcel.

    land per dwelling: 1 acre (AC District; applies when more than one dwelling is on a single lot)

    “In the AC District, there may be more than one dwelling on a single lot, providing that the following conditions are met: a. A separate acre of land must be provided for each dwelling.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum front, side, and rear yards for development regulated by the Fulton County Zoning Ordinance in unincorporated Fulton County.

    • The applicable minimum depends on the zoning district.
    • The ordinance states that the listed yards are measured in feet.
    • Other ordinance provisions may impose additional setbacks for specialized uses or structures.

    AC front yard: 50 feet · AC side yard: 20 feet · AC rear yard: 50 feet · R-1 front yard: 25 feet · R-1 side yard: 10 feet · R-1 rear yard: 25 feet · R-2 front yard: 25 feet · R-2 side yard: 10 feet · R-2 rear yard: 25 feet · B front yard: none · B side yard: none · B rear yard: none · I front yard: 25 feet · I side yard: none · I rear yard: 25 feet

    “The following minimum yards, measured in feet, shall be provided within the districts indicated below: DISTRICT FRONT YARD SIDE YARD REAR YARD AC 50’ 20’ 50’ R-1 25’ 10’ 25’ R-2 25’ 10’ 25’ B NONE NONE NONE I 25’ NONE 25’”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings subject to district height limits under the Fulton County zoning ordinance.

    • Buildings may not exceed the height limit established for their zoning district.
    “No building shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed, or structurally altered to exceed the height limit herein established for the district in which the building is located.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational-vehicle parks, camper parks and off-highway vehicle parks in the AC Agriculture/Conservation District.

    • The use is a conditional use.
    • A scaled site plan must show drainage, topography, wells, sewage systems, facilities, traffic patterns, entrances and exits.
    • Tracks, trails, thoroughfares or roadways must be 1,320 feet from the nearest occupied residence, except entrance and exit roads.
    • Entrances and exits must be 330 feet from the nearest occupied residence.
    • A 20-foot buffer with a six-foot noise-abatement barrier is required where the park abuts a residential or business district.
    • Water and sewage systems must be approved by the County Health Department.
    • The park must be used by patrons having other residences.
    • The Zoning Board of Appeals may waive specified conditions for qualifying off-highway recreational trails.

    distance from nearest occupied residence for tracks, trails, thoroughfares or roadways: 1320 feet (entrance and exit roads) · distance from nearest occupied residence for entrances and exits: 330 feet · buffer strip where adjoining residential or business district: 20 feet (must include a noise-abatement barrier at least six feet high)

    “off-highway vehicle parks as contemplated by the Recreational Trails of Illinois Act, recreational vehicle parks, and/or camper parks and the conditions they would be subject to:”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes placed outside mobile-home parks.

    • Homes must be built after June 15, 1976 and bear the HUD Seal of Approval; must have skirting, certified anchors, satisfactory water, sewer, and electrical connections; wheels, axles, hitches, brakes, and running lights must be removed; district width and living-area rules apply; mobile homes may not be used as accessory buildings.
    • The regulations do not apply to mobile-home parks unless required by the individual park owner.

    AC minimum living area: >= 500 square feet (mobile homes in AC district) · R-1 minimum manufactured width: >= 24 feet (mobile homes) · R-2 minimum manufactured width: >= 14 feet (mobile homes) · B minimum manufactured width: >= 14 feet (mobile homes)

    “Homes must be built after June 15, 1976 and bear the HUD Seal of Approval.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Fulton County.

    • The county ordinance adopts Illinois Department of Public Health sewage-disposal statutes and codes by reference.
    • The Fulton County Health Department issues the permits.
    “this Ordinance hereby adopts, by reference, the provisions set forth in the State of Illinois, Department of Public Health, Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code; Private Sewage Mound Code, and related Codes and any subsequent amendments of revisions thereto”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, renovation, alteration, or extension of private sewage disposal systems.

    • Permit must be issued by the Fulton County Health Department.
    • Application must use the health department form and include required fees, plans, drawings, and system information.
    • Permit is location-specific and nontransferable.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, renovate, alter, or extend a private sewage disposal system within the county unless he/she holds a valid permit issued by the Fulton County Health Department”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal system sites and installations.

    • The Health Officer or designee inspects the proposed site and final installation for compliance with the county ordinance, state codes, and Board of Health rules.
    “Any private sewage disposal system that has been installed shall not be covered or placed in operation until the installation has been inspected and approved in writing by the Health Officer.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction, modification, or deepening of individual or semi-private water supplies.

    • The property owner must obtain the permit before work begins.
    • Permit is issued by the Health Officer and is nontransferable and location-specific.
    • The ordinance adopts Illinois water-well construction and pump-installation codes by reference.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, modify, or deepen any individual or semi-private water supply within the boundaries of Fulton County, Illinois unless he holds a valid permit issued by the Health Officer.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New entrances or driveways connecting to a county road.

    • A permit must be submitted to the Fulton County Department of Public Works & Highways.
    • The County Engineer advises on pipe size and surface type for county rights-of-way.
    • Different requirements apply for township, state, federal or municipal roads.
    • A public-water connection may require a water-company or district permit to run a line in public right-of-way.
    “you will need to fill out a permit and submit it to the Fulton County Department of Public Works & Highways”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Entrance or driveway access from a Fulton County road.
      “If you will be putting in an entrance/driveway off of a county road, you will need to fill out a permit and submit it to the Fulton County Department of Public Works & Highways.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Building in a special flood hazard area.

    • Development is prohibited unless the applicant and landowner meet the strict construction rules governing special flood hazard areas.
    • The county Zoning Enforcement Officer acts as Floodplain Administrator.
    • A floodplain development permit application is published.
    “Building in a special flood hazard area is prohibited, unless the applicant & land owner can meet the strict rules governing the construction of buildings & structures in a special flood hazard area.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning permit fees and selected application fees.

    • Fees vary by district, structure type, project value, square footage, and energy capacity.
    • The schedule is dated 9/1/2024; no separate effective-date statement was located.

    dwelling/manufactured-home base fee: 125 USD (plus $0.25 per square foot) · mobile-home fee: 500 USD · accessory structure 100 square feet or less: 0 USD · conditional use or variance petition fee: 600 USD (other than specifically stated types) · plat review base fee: 100 USD (plus $50 per parcel)

    “Dwellings & Manufactured Homes Base Cost: $125 Plus: .25¢ per Square Foot Mobile Homes $500”
  • Permit processPartial

    County zoning permit application process.

    • Applicants provide owner and applicant names, parcel index number, proposed use, applicable well and septic permits, 911 address, detailed sketch, proposed structure location, and other form information.
    • After construction, the applicant must notify the Zoning Officer for inspection and issuance or refusal of a zoning compliance certificate.
    • The permit may become void if substantial construction has not started within one year.

    permit expiration without substantial start: 1 year (if no work has begun or substantial start has not occurred)

    “Property Owner Name and Applicant Name (if different from Owner) Parcel Index Number Proposed Use of Building Well and Septic Permit Numbers & Copies of permits (if applicable)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning/building-permit review for construction and related work.
      “When a building permit application is received, proposed plans are reviewed for compliance with the zoning regulations. The reviewer - usually the Zoning Enforcement Officer - will compare the proposal to the zoning ordinance, which may include requirements for use, setback, height, parking, proposed land coverage and the use of signs.”

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 construction in Fulton County beginning January 1, 2025, subject to the distinctions between jurisdictions that have and have not adopted local 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.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code requirements applicable to construction in Fulton 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.”
  • 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.

  • Lot coverage — County zoning lot-coverage limits by district.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside an approved recreational-vehicle or camper park.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Fulton County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Fulton County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — General water and sewer connection requirements for buildings.
2 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land

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 Fulton County, Illinois

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

Fulton County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 10,496 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics (39″/yr rainfall).

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

Fulton County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Fulton County Health Department, Environmental Health Division. 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 Fulton County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Fulton County is limited to specific cases: Recreational-vehicle parks, camper parks and off-highway vehicle parks in the AC Agriculture/Conservation District. The use is a conditional use. A scaled site plan must show drainage, topography, wells, sewage systems, facilities, traffic patterns, entrances and exits. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Fulton County, Illinois?

Land in Fulton County runs about $6,836 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Fulton County?

Fulton County gets about 39" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.2% of years.

How remote is Fulton County?

A representative private-land location has about 10,496 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,173,831 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 Fulton compares in Illinois

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