Bolthole Index

Greene County, Illinois

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

74Index Score / 100
#11 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Greene County, Illinois appears not to require a county residential building permit; confirm with the County Board before construction1. Illinois' statewide code requirements still apply according to local code adoption and project type, while any occupancy approval for privately funded construction comes from local government23. Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, and Carrollton's zoning reaches beyond city limits45. Greene County Health Department approval is required before septic installation6.

At a glance

Building permit
Appears not required by Greene County for an unincorporated home; confirm with the County Board1
Building code
Illinois statewide baseline applies; Greene County's local code-adoption status is unconfirmed72
Zoning
Countywide status is unconfirmed; Carrollton zoning extends beyond the city limits45
Septic permits
Greene County Health Department; its packet states no permit fee at the time of publication86
Occupancy certificate
Illinois does not issue one for private construction; ask the municipality or county whether local approval applies3
Owner-builder
A resident homeowner may install the home's septic system; hired installers must be licensed9
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask the County Board and Health Department before occupying the site4
Driveway onto a state route
Needs an IDOT permit before work starts10

Who to call

Septic permits

Greene County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal (septic) system permits and installation inspections for Greene County, Illinois

(217) 942-6961

310 Fifth St., Carrollton, IL 62016

Roads & driveways

Greene County Highway Department (County Engineer)

County highways and bridges; for the 13 townships' own roads, the township road commissioner is the contact, not the county

217-942-6941

ahaverfield@greenecountyil.org

377 E State Rt. 108, Carrollton, Illinois 62016

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Greene County appears not to require a county residential building permit; ask the County Board to confirm the parcel's current requirements before construction1. Illinois' statewide building-code requirements took effect in 2025, but Greene County's local code-adoption status remains unconfirmed7. Locally adopted residential codes must meet the state's minimum structural requirements; in jurisdictions without a local building code, the residential framework distinguishes projects where purchaser and builder agree on a code from those where they do not2. Illinois does not issue building permits, perform code-compliance inspections or issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction; any such approvals come from local government113. New or substantially improved commercial buildings in a non-building-code jurisdiction require a qualified inspector's compliance statement12.

Who handles building permit questions in Greene County?

Greene County lists no building, zoning or planning department, so start with the County Board to confirm whether an unincorporated project needs any local building, inspection or occupancy approval1. For zoning in or near Carrollton, ask the city: Carrollton administers its own zoning, and its code reaches outside city limits135. For septic, contact the Greene County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health at its Carrollton office14. The Greene County Highway Department is responsible for county highways and bridges and assists townships and municipalities, while township roads are administered separately15. Ask the Highway Department which road authority controls the frontage before designing an entrance. IDOT requires a permit before driveway or other work begins within a state-maintained road right-of-way10.

Does Greene County have zoning?

Greene County appears not to administer countywide zoning for unincorporated land, but no official county source expressly confirms that no zoning ordinance exists4. Carrollton administers its own zoning, and its code reaches beyond city limits, so nearby unincorporated land may face city zoning135. Septic approval inside Carrollton stays with the Greene County Health Department16. We could not confirm county rules for minimum lot size, setbacks, building height, minimum dwelling size, manufactured homes or accessory dwellings. Illinois limits county zoning of land whose principal activity is agriculture, although agricultural buildings may still have to meet building or setback lines and counties may set a minimum lot size for residences on agricultural land17. A qualifying public agricultural experience conducted as a secondary use on a working farm does not require a conditional-use permit, special-use permit, special exception or variance18.

How do septic permits work in Greene County?

Every private sewage disposal system in Greene County needs a permit from the Greene County Health Department before installation, and the county's application packet states there was no permit fee at the time of publication6. The Health Department must inspect the installation — with at least 48 hours' notice — before it is covered19. A person who owns and occupies a personal single-family residence may perform that home's septic work, but work by anyone else must be done by a licensed contractor; this is not a general exemption from building rules9. If soil is unsuitable for a standard subsurface seepage field, the county packet allows a sandfilter or aeration system as the alternative20. Only about 35% of Greene County's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange a site evaluation early21. Illinois regulates septic through IDPH and local health agencies that review plans22.

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

We could not confirm a Greene County rule that allows, limits or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Ask the County Board about land use and the Greene County Health Department about wastewater before relying on an RV or tiny home as a residence14. Illinois' campground licensing rules address regulated campgrounds, not whether one owner may live in an RV on a private parcel23. State manufactured-home rules likewise address installation and licensed communities, while local zoning, building, floodplain and utility requirements may still apply24. A private sewage system must be approved by the Greene County Health Department before installation, regardless of the dwelling plan6.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and ask the County Board whether local building, inspection or occupancy approval applies13.
  2. Ask about zoning at the parcel: Carrollton's zoning reaches outside the city limits, while Greene County's countywide zoning status is unconfirmed54.
  3. Confirm the applicable residential code with your designer or builder; local code adoption and purchaser-builder agreement affect the Illinois requirements2.
  4. Evaluate soils early because only about 35% of Greene County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field21.
  5. Obtain Greene County Health Department approval before septic installation and arrange the required pre-cover inspection with at least 48 hours' notice14619.
  6. Identify the road authority; IDOT approval is required before work in a state-road right-of-way1510.
  7. Check floodplain status with IDNR before siting improvements; regulated floodway construction needs authorization before work, unless a statewide or regional permit already covers the project25.

What to check before you buy land in Greene County

Before buying unincorporated land, ask the County Board about building permits, code adoption and occupancy approval, and confirm zoning authority near Carrollton1735. Get a soil evaluation before relying on a conventional drain field: only about 35% of county soils lack severe limitations, and unsuitable soil may call for a sandfilter or aeration system2120. Identify the frontage road's authority before planning a driveway; IDOT requires approval for work in a state-road right-of-way1510. IDNR requires authorization before regulated floodway construction and generally for floodplain work where no floodway is delineated; qualifying statewide or regional permits may cover a project without an application25. IDNR's initial determination of whether authorization is required is free with sufficient information; when individual review is required, published standard fees range from $200 to $5,000, are adjusted annually and capped at $5,00026. A new, modified or sealed private well needs advance approval from IDPH or an approved local health department27.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm Greene County rules for RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny homes, minimum lot size, setbacks or building height; ask the County Board and Health Department before buying for one of those uses414.
  • Illinois' statewide code requirements depend on local code adoption and project type; an apparent lack of a county building permit desk does not establish that construction is code-free2.
  • Carrollton zoning extends outside the city limits, so confirm the zoning authority for land near the city before relying on Greene County's apparent lack of countywide zoning54.
  • Agricultural protections are conditional: agriculture must be the land's principal activity, and building lines, setbacks or residential lot-size rules may still apply17.
  • IDNR floodplain authorization does not replace additional local requirements that may apply across the floodplain28.

Sources

  1. Greene County IL Government (2026 county census)
  2. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Illinois Codes FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  4. Greene County IL Government (2026 county census)
  5. § 159.001 Title - Carrollton, Illinois Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  6. Private Sewage Disposal System Permit Application / Information Packet, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Private Sewage Disposal System Permit Application / Information Packet (2026 county census)
  9. Private Sewage Disposal System Permit Application / Information Packet, quoted and re-checked
  10. Highway Permits, quoted and re-checked
  11. Illinois Codes FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  13. Carrollton: official source (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  14. Greene County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health (greenecountyhd.org)
  15. Greene County Highway Department (County Engineer) (greenecountyil.org)
  16. Carrollton: official source (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  17. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Zoning; agricultural-purpose limitations, quoted and re-checked
  18. 505 ILCS 10/ Agricultural Experiences Act, quoted and re-checked
  19. Private Sewage Disposal System Permit Application / Information Packet, quoted and re-checked
  20. Private Sewage Disposal System Permit Application / Information Packet, quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  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. Permit Program, quoted and re-checked
  26. Illinois Permit Application Fees - Water Resources, quoted and re-checked
  27. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. F.A.Q.'s - Water Resources, quoted and re-checked

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Greene County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleGreene CountyJersey CountyCalhoun CountyScott CountyMacoupin CountyMorgan CountyPike County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredRequired
County zoningNoYesYesNoNoYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Public Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Greene County in Illinois

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

How Greene County scores

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.
Admin Boringness8090% ev.
Durability70100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost61100% 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 →

$105kTypical home
1.7%Property tax
$7,667Land / acre
40.3"Annual rain
1.7% of yrsSevere drought
10.5 / yr (+9.4)Mid-century 100°F days
15.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.87" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.82×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,600Home insurance / yr
4.4% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
14,222People within 30 min
3,408,428People within 2 hr
15,245Radius comparison (15 mi)
21.3People / sq mi
0.5%Federal land
88.7%Land at 15% slope or less
35.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
121,332 acWorkable land screen
21.3%Wooded land
48.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
54.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Greene 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: Athensville Township · Bluffdale Township · Carrollton Township · Village of Eldred · Greenfield · Village of Hillview · Kane Township · Village of Kane · Linder Township · Patterson Township · Rockbridge Township · Village of Rockbridge · Roodhouse · Roodhouse Township · Rubicon Township · Walkerville Township · White Hall · White Hall Township · Village of Wilmington · Woodville Township · Wrights Township

Answers from the rulebook for Greene County

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

Greene County rules

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Private sewage disposal system installation in Greene County administered by the Greene County Health Department.

    • The homeowner exception applies only where the person owns and occupies a personal single-family residence.
    • Work performed by someone other than the homeowner must be performed by a licensed contractor.
    • This source concerns private sewage disposal work, not a general building-code owner-builder exemption.
    “Note: Work performed by other than homeowner (must own & occupy personal single-family residence) must be done by a licensed contractor.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Greene County, Illinois.

    • The Greene County Health Department requires its permit application to be completed, submitted, and approved before installation.
    • The packet states there is no permit fee at the time of the packet.
    • Installation inspection by the Greene County Health Department is required before covering, with at least 48 hours' notice.
    • If soil is unsuitable for a subsurface seepage system, a sandfilter or aeration system is an alternative.

    permit fee: 0 USD (At the time stated in the packet.) · inspection notice: >= 48 hours (Notice before inspection of the installation.)

    “GREENE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT – DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of private sewage disposal systems in Greene County, Illinois.

    • The permit application must be completed, submitted, and approved before installation.
    • The packet states there is no permit fee at the time of the packet.
    • Subsurface seepage systems require an approved soil investigation; unsuitable soil may require a sandfilter or aeration system.

    permit fee: 0 USD (At the time stated in the packet.)

    “the permit application is required [...] prior to any installation.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of private sewage disposal systems in Greene County, Illinois.

    • Inspection by the Greene County Health Department is required before the installation is covered.
    • At least 48 hours' notice is required to allow a timely inspection.

    inspection notice: >= 48 hours (Notice before inspection.)

    “An inspection [...] prior to covering is required”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county zoning or planning department exists in Greene County's department listing, indicating no countywide zoning for unincorporated areas.

    Greene County IL Government ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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.”
  • 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©.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — State building-code requirements applicable in Greene County, including the distinction between jurisdictions that have and have not adopted local building codes.
      “changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code requirements applicable to construction in Greene County, including jurisdictions that have not adopted a local building code.
      “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.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois baseline building-code requirements applicable according to whether the local jurisdiction has adopted a compliant building code and whether the project is residential or commercial.
      “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.”
    • Partial — State building-code baseline applicable to construction in Greene County, subject to whether the local jurisdiction has adopted a compliant code and to the project type.
      “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.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Commercial buildings in Illinois jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code, including a possible non-building-code jurisdiction within Greene County.

    • Applies to new or substantially improved commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code.
    • The building must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating that it complies with the listed applicable codes and rules.
    • The cited page identifies the requirements as required by 20 ILCS 3105/10.09-1.
    • This claim does not establish that Greene County is a non-building-code jurisdiction or that the rule applies inside any incorporated municipality.
    “Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Non-state buildings must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating the building complies with the above codes.”
    2 more reviewed findings 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.”
    • Limited — Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    State-issued occupancy permits for privately funded construction in Illinois.

    • If a permit or occupancy approval is required for privately funded construction, the requirement is addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    • This claim does not determine whether Greene County or an incorporated municipality requires a certificate of occupancy.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — State-issued occupancy permits for privately funded construction in Illinois, including projects in Greene County.
      “Does the State perform plan reviews, issue building permits, perform inspections for building code compliance or issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction? No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    • 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.”
    • Limited — Occupancy permits or certificates for privately funded construction in Illinois.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Illinois county zoning powers affecting agricultural land and agricultural buildings, including in Greene County where a county zoning ordinance would otherwise apply.

    • The agricultural purpose must constitute the principal activity on the land.
    • Agricultural purposes include growing farm crops, truck garden crops, animal and poultry husbandry, apiculture, aquaculture, dairying, floriculture, horticulture, nurseries, tree farms, sod farms, pasturage, viticulture, and wholesale greenhouses.
    • The statutory small-parcel exceptions apply to parcels of less than 5 acres in counties with populations between 300,000 and 400,000 or contiguous to such a county when $1,000 or less of agricultural products were sold in a calendar year, and to parcels of less than 5 acres in counties with populations exceeding 400,000.
    • Agricultural buildings may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    • Counties may establish a minimum lot size for residences on land used for agricultural purposes.
    • The statute excludes extraction of sand, gravel, or limestone from agricultural purposes, and those activities may be regulated by county zoning ordinance.
    “nor shall they be exercised [...] to impose regulations, eliminate uses, buildings, or structures, or require permits with respect to land used for agricultural purposes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available — Agricultural experiences conducted as a secondary use in conjunction with agricultural production on a farm in Illinois, including Greene County.
      “(a) In this Section, "agricultural experience" means any agriculture-related activity, as a secondary use in conjunction with agricultural production, on a farm which activity is open to the public with the intended purpose of promoting or educating the public about agriculture, agricultural practices, agricultural activities, or agricultural products. [...] (b) To assist in the promotion of agricultural experiences, a county shall not require a conditional use permit, special use permit, special exception, or variance for agricultural experiences on property of which the primary use is agricultural production.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway or other non-utility work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway in Greene County.

    • The permit must be obtained before work starts.
    • A copy of the approved permit must remain at the worksite.
    • IDOT requirements may vary by district, and the applicant must contact the applicable district office.
    • The application process may require a request letter, location map, detailed drawings, traffic studies, traffic-control plan, and other information; a bond may be required after review.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — 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.
      “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 and other development activities in regulated floodways and, where no floodway has been delineated, generally anywhere in the floodplain in Greene County.

    • IDNR jurisdiction covers urban streams with drainage areas of 1 square mile or more and rural streams with drainage areas of 10 square miles or more.
    • Construction includes placement, construction, or reconstruction of buildings or structures, filling, excavating, channel modification, material storage, levees, bridges, culverts, and roads.
    • Some minor activities may be automatically authorized by statewide permits if all terms and conditions are met.
    • Local floodplain regulations may apply to the entire floodplain in addition to state requirements.

    rural stream drainage-area threshold: >= 10 square miles · urban stream drainage-area threshold: >= 1 square miles

    “If no delineated floodway is shown, the Division generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction activities in regulated Illinois floodways and, where a floodway has not been delineated, generally work anywhere in the floodplain.
      “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 feesPublished (with conditions)

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources permit application review fees for activities in Illinois public waters, floodways, and covered dam-related activities applicable in Greene County.

    • The fee applies when a permit is required and the activity is not already authorized by a Statewide Permit.
    • Applications and written inquiries are reviewed free of charge to determine whether authorization is required when sufficient information is provided.
    • The fee is non-refundable except for overpayments.
    • Standard activity fees range from $200 to $5,000; the fee is adjusted annually on July 1 for inflation and capped at $5,000.
    • The fee is determined after initial review and payment is required for continued review; applications are deemed withdrawn if payment is not received within 90 days after notice.

    standard permit application review fee: $200-$5,000 USD (The fee is adjusted annually and capped at $5,000.) · fee effective date: 2014-01-15

    “A fee structure for standard activities, ranging between $200 and $5,000, has been developed by the IDNR”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.
      “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)

    Illinois Department of Natural Resources floodway and public-water permit process applicable to qualifying projects in Greene County.

    • Construction in regulated floodways must be permitted before construction.
    • The state rule covers streams in rural areas with drainage areas of 10 square miles or more and urban areas with drainage areas of 1 square mile or more.
    • If no floodway has been delineated, IDNR generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain.
    • Projects covered by a statewide or regional permit may not require an application if they meet all terms and conditions.
    • Local governing bodies may impose additional floodplain permit requirements; federal and Illinois EPA approvals may also be required.

    rural stream drainage-area threshold: >= 10 square miles · urban stream drainage-area threshold: >= 1 square miles

    “The Division's jurisdiction includes all streams in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Construction projects in Illinois waterways, floodplains, and wetlands seeking State and Federal authorizations through the joint permit application process.
      “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).”

Inside cities and towns in Greene County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the City of Carrollton and the one-and-one-half-mile area outside the city limits covered by Carrollton's zoning code.

    • The ordinance applies within the corporate limits of the City of Carrollton and one and one-half miles outside the city limits.
    • The code divides the entire city into specified zoning districts, including agricultural, business, industrial, mobile-housing, and residential districts.
    • The published code identifies itself as current through the 2024 S-1 supplement, but the host warns that the official printed municipal copy controls if discrepancies exist.
    “In order to implement the regulatory scheme of this chapter so as to achieve the objectives enumerated in § 159.002 of this chapter, the entire city is hereby divided into the following zoning districts:”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Zoning districts — Countywide zoning districts in Greene County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Greene County, Illinois.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Greene County, Illinois.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Greene County, Illinois.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or permanent recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land in Greene County, Illinois.
5 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • 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 Greene County, Illinois

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

Greene County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and mixed durability signals.

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

Greene County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Greene County Health Department (Environmental 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.

How much does land cost in Greene County, Illinois?

Land in Greene County runs about $7,667 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greene County?

Greene County gets about 40.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years.

How remote is Greene County?

A representative private-land location has about 14,222 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,408,428 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 Greene compares in Illinois

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