Bolthole Index

Henry County, Illinois

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

41Index Score / 100
#91 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Henry County, Illinois requires a building permit before construction, alterations or other listed building work1. Henry County Zoning & Building handles building permits and zoning outside incorporated areas; Annawan handles its own building permits and zoning234. Private septic systems remain under the Henry & Stark County Health Department locally and Illinois Department of Public Health statewide, while the county Health Department regulates private wells56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction and other listed building work in unincorporated areas7
Zoning
Yes, on land outside incorporated areas; a limited agricultural exemption applies8
Septic / well
Local Health Department septic permits under statewide IDPH regulation; Health Department well permits56
Owner-builder
An owner may act as contractor, but permits, codes and inspections still apply9
Minimum home size
Minimum ground-floor area is 600 or 825 square feet, depending on zoning district10
RV occupancy
In the CO-1 Conservation District, travel-trailer occupancy is a special use capped at 30 days per calendar year11
Driveway access
Driveway-access permit from the highway authority with jurisdiction; entrance installed before construction12

Who to call

Building permits

Henry County Zoning & Building Department

Zoning, planning, subdividing, building permits, agricultural areas and floodplain management for unincorporated Henry County

309-937-3419

307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238

Codes & inspections

Henry County Building Permit Instructions (Zoning & Building Department)

The county's published building-permit process, fees, inspections and exemptions under the International Building Code

Septic permits

Henry County Health Department (Environmental Health)

Private sewage disposal (septic) and water-supply (well) permits for Henry County

309-852-0197

4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee, IL

Roads & driveways

Henry County Highway Department

Driveway access permits onto county roads in unincorporated Henry County

309-937-3346

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Henry 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 Henry County, Illinois?

Unincorporated Henry County requires a building permit before an owner or authorized agent constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes or changes the occupancy of a building or structure1. Starting work without a building permit can bring a stop-work order and fines or penalties up to $5001. Henry County’s published instructions identify the International Building Code 2000 Edition; ask Zoning & Building which codes govern your project under Illinois’s statewide baseline effective in 202513142. An owner may act as contractor, but building-permit, zoning, code and inspection requirements still apply9. Qualifying agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from building-code regulations, while road setbacks and floodplain rules remain15. Inside Annawan, the town handles building permits for home alterations and other listed structures; private septic systems remain with the local Health Department under IDPH regulation35.

Who is the Henry County building department, and how do you reach them?

Henry County Zoning & Building is at 307 West Center Street in Cambridge and can be reached at 309-937-34192. The office handles building, zoning, subdivision, agricultural-area and floodplain programs in unincorporated Henry County2. The building-permit application needs owner and contractor details, a work and legal description, proposed occupancy and construction documents; new structures and additions also need a plot plan showing setback compliance16. Health Department plot-plan approval is required before the building permit can be issued, and the fee payable to Henry County Treasurer must accompany the application and construction documents1617. Permitted work requires inspections, including setbacks, footing or foundation and framing; give the building official at least 24 hours’ notice and wait for approval before proceeding past an inspection point18. Obtain a certificate of occupancy from the Zoning Enforcing Officer before occupying the completed building or addition19.

Does Henry County have zoning?

Henry County zoning applies to unincorporated land; incorporated municipalities are outside the county ordinance8. Annawan has its own zoning, while private septic systems remain under the local Health Department and IDPH45. Minimum lot size is 43,560 square feet in AG-1/R-1/M-1, 15,000 in AG-2/R-2/B-1, 12,000 in CO-1/HI-1/R-3/R-5 and 3,600 in R-4, subject to applicable exemptions20. Minimum ground-floor dwelling area is 825 square feet in AG-1/R-1/M-1/AG-2/R-2/B-1 and 600 in CO-1/HI-1/R-3/R-5/R-4, subject to applicable exemptions10. District yard requirements also apply; road setbacks generally measure 40 feet from the common right-of-way/property-line boundary on township/private roads and 50 feet on county, state or federal highways21. The application also lists road-centerline distances of 73 feet for township roads and 100 feet for county, state or federal roads22. Accessory buildings cannot exceed 20 feet from floor to roof peak; lot-coverage limits vary by district2324. Ask Zoning & Building to identify the parcel’s district and applicable yard and road setbacks before drawing the site plan221.

How do septic and well permits work in Henry County?

The Henry & Stark County Health Department regulates local private septic systems and permits repairs and new installations; IDPH regulates installation statewide5. Contact Environmental Health at 309-852-0197 during preliminary planning for private septic and well permits25266. Health Department plot-plan approval is needed before the county building permit is issued, and required well and septic permits must be obtained before starting the project16. A new private sewage system needs IDPH or applicable local-authority plan approval before construction, with at least 48 hours’ notice before work begins27. About 39.1% of Henry County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field; that countywide rating does not establish parcel feasibility, so request a site evaluation early2825. We could not confirm the local septic-inspection sequence, public-system connection requirements or approval of alternative off-grid sanitation; ask Environmental Health before designing the system25.

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

In Henry County's CO-1 Conservation District, travel- or camping-trailer occupancy is a special use limited to 30 days in a calendar year, and mobile homes are excluded from that provision11. Seasonal camps and campgrounds in CO-1 carry the same 30-day occupancy limit, while permanent seasonal cabins must meet R-3 District requirements29. Those CO-1 rules do not establish the treatment of an RV in every other zoning district, so ask Zoning & Building about the specific parcel before relying on an RV during construction112. We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule; ask Zoning & Building how a proposed tiny home fits the parcel’s district and dwelling requirements2. District minimum ground-floor dwelling areas are 600 or 825 square feet, subject to applicable exemptions10.

What steps come before occupying a new home in Henry County?

Confirm the zoning district, lot size, setbacks and floodplain status with Zoning & Building before preparing the application2202130. Obtain Health Department plot-plan approval and required well or septic permits, and arrange the driveway-access permit with the highway authority that has jurisdiction; the entrance must be installed before construction starts1612. Submit the signed building-permit application, construction documents and fee before starting building work31171. Give at least 24 hours’ notice for required building inspections and wait for approval at each inspection point, then obtain the certificate of occupancy before occupying the building1819.

What should you check before buying land in Henry County?

Ask Henry County Zoning & Building whether the proposed home and any lot split comply with the parcel’s district and subdivision requirements22032. Agricultural land uses and buildings remain subject to floodplain regulations for development, depositing and excavation; ask the department which approvals the parcel needs33302. The typical home value is about $173,514, with a median property-tax bill near $2,877 a year and an effective rate around 2%343536.

Watch-outs

  • Serving as your own contractor in Henry County does not waive the building permit, code, zoning or inspection requirements9.
  • The 30-day travel-trailer limit applies to the CO-1 Conservation District special use; ask Zoning & Building how the parcel's actual district treats an RV before relying on one during a build112.
  • A qualifying agricultural exemption does not remove road-right-of-way setbacks or floodplain restrictions15.

Sources

  1. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  2. Henry County Zoning & Building Department (henrycty.com)
  3. Town of Annawan: Annawan Illinois - Community Information (Henry County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Annawan: Annawan Illinois - Community Information (Henry County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Private Sewage Disposal Program, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  7. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  8. Zoning Ordinance For The Unincorporated Areas of Henry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  9. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  10. Zoning Ordinance For the Unincorporated Areas of Henry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  11. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  13. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Codes and Regulations (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Zoning Ordinance For The Unincorporated Areas of Henry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  16. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  17. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  18. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning Ordinance For The Unincorporated Areas of Henry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning Ordinance For the Unincorporated Areas of Henry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  21. Building Permit Instructions Section 7, quoted and re-checked
  22. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  23. Zoning Ordinance For, quoted and re-checked
  24. Zoning Ordinance For the Unincorporated Areas of Henry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  25. Henry County Health Department (Environmental Health) (henrycty.com)
  26. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  27. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. henrycty.com, quoted and re-checked
  30. Application for Agricultural Structure/Building Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  31. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  32. Henry County Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Zoning Ordinance For The Unincorporated Areas of Henry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  34. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  35. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Henry County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleHenry CountyRock Island CountyWhiteside CountyStark CountyBureau CountyMercer CountyKnox County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Henry & Stark County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Henry County in Illinois

41
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion27100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency28100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost54100% 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 →

$174kTypical home
2%Property tax
$10,039Land / acre
38.2"Annual rain
3.7% of yrsSevere drought
5.4 / yr (+5.2)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.9" (+8.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.78×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,502Home insurance / yr
4.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.7%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
92,124People within 30 min
3,577,384People within 2 hr
32,574Radius comparison (15 mi)
58.9People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
96.6%Land at 15% slope or less
39.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
203,917 acWorkable land screen
7.4%Wooded land
41.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Henry 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: Alba Township · Village of Alpha · Andover Township · Village of Andover · Annawan Township · Town of Atkinson · Atkinson Township · Village of Bishop Hill · Burns Township · Cambridge Township · Village of Cambridge · Village of Cleveland · Clover Township · Colona · Cornwall Township · Edford Township · Galva · Galva Township · Geneseo Township · Hanna Township · Village of Hooppole · Kewanee · Loraine Township · Lynn Township · Munson Township · Village of Orion · Osco Township · Oxford Township · Phenix Township · Weller Township · Western Township · Wethersfield Township · Village of Woodhull · Yorktown Township

Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

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

Henry County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy of buildings and structures in unincorporated Henry County.

    • An owner or authorized agent must obtain the permit before work begins.
    • Failure to obtain the permit before starting work may result in a stop-work order and fines or penalties up to $500.
    • Agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from building-code regulations, but the source separately states agricultural zoning and road-setback exceptions.

    maximum stated fine or penalty: <= 500 USD (The source says fines and penalties may be up to $500)

    “Any owner or authorized agent (contractor)who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change occupancy of a building/structure shall first obtain required building permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or occupancy-change work on buildings or structures in unincorporated Henry County.
      “Any owner or authorized agent (contractor)who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change occupancy of a building/structure shall first obtain required building permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner-builder projects requiring a Henry County building permit.

    • An owner may identify themself as the contractor or roofing contractor on the application.
    • The owner-builder option does not remove the building-permit requirement.
    • Required applications, inspections, zoning, building-code, and other applicable requirements still apply.
    “To obtain required building permit, applicant shall provide the following information on the application: 1. Property owner name, address, telephone number. 2. Contractor name, address, telephone number. If property owner will be the contractor, write owner in space provided. 3. Roofing contractor name, address, telephone number and roofing license number. Illinois law requires roofing contractors be licensed, number must be included on the application (217-782-0458). If property owner will be doing the work, write OWNER in space provided.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    International Building Code requirements for buildings and structures in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The instructions state that agricultural buildings/structures are exempt from building-code regulations under the agricultural exemption.

    code edition: International Building Code 2000 Edition · adoption date: 2001-04-17

    “Henry County adopted the Uniform Building Code 1976 Edition on May 8, 1979; replaced the code with Uniform Building Code 1988 Edition on December 12, 1989 and replaced the code with International Building Code 2000 Edition on April 17, 2001.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code requirements for buildings and structures in unincorporated Henry County.
      “Henry County adopted the Uniform Building Code 1976 Edition on May 8, 1979; replaced the code with Uniform Building Code 1988 Edition on December 12, 1989 and replaced the code with International Building Code 2000 Edition on April 17, 2001.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or work for which a county building permit is required.

    • The person doing permitted work must notify the building official at least 24 hours before inspection.
    • Work may not proceed beyond the indicated point without building-official approval.
    • Failure to request required inspections or proceeding without approval is an ordinance violation subject to a stop-work order and potentially fines and penalties up to $500.
    • The instructions list building/structure setback, footing/foundation, and frame inspections.

    minimum inspection notice: >= 24 hours · maximum stated fine or penalty: <= 500 USD (The source says fines and penalties may be up to $500)

    “All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of buildings or additions constructed after the effective date of the county zoning ordinance, and changes in land or building use in unincorporated Henry County.

    • A change from one permitted use to another permitted use is excepted from the change-of-use requirement.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued for no more than six months during completion or partial occupancy.
    • For a new use where no building permit is required, the application is made directly to the Zoning Enforcing Officer.
    • Construction must be completed and the premises inspected and certified before issuance.

    temporary certificate maximum duration: <= 6 months (During completion of an addition or partial occupancy)

    “No building or addition thereto, constructed after the effective date of this Ordinance shall be occupied, and no land vacant on the effective date of this ordinance shall be used for any purpose until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Zoning Enforcing Officer.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The county zoning ordinance applies to unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may administer separate local zoning rules.
    • Agricultural structures may be exempt under the county agricultural exemption, subject to stated floodplain and setback requirements.
    “An Ordinance establishing comprehensive zoning regulations for the unincorporated area of Henry County”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in the unincorporated areas of Henry County.
      “An Ordinance establishing comprehensive zoning regulations for the unincorporated area of Henry County, and providing for the administration, enforcement and amendment process thereof, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 34, Illinois Revised Statutes.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation administered by Henry County for land in the unincorporated areas of Henry County.

    • The cited county zoning ordinance applies to the unincorporated areas; incorporated areas are outside the stated scope.
    • Agricultural land, farm dwellings, and farm structures used for agricultural purposes are exempt from the ordinance while so used, subject to stated floodplain-related federal, state, and local regulations.
    “An Ordinance establishing comprehensive zoning regulations for the unincorporated area of Henry County, and providing for the administration, enforcement and amendment process thereof”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Ground-floor living area per dwelling for new buildings in the listed Henry County unincorporated zoning districts.

    • All new buildings must conform to the regulations for their district.
    • Existing buildings may not be enlarged, reconstructed, structurally altered, converted, or relocated in conflict with or to further conflict with the bulk regulations.
    • The table is part of the county ordinance for unincorporated areas.
    • Agricultural exemptions and other ordinance exceptions may apply.

    AG-1, R-1 ground floor area per dwelling: 825 square feet · M-1 ground floor area per dwelling: 825 square feet (The table places M-1 on the continuation line of the AG-1, R-1 row.) · AG-2, B-1 ground floor area per dwelling: 825 square feet · R-2 ground floor area per dwelling: 825 square feet (The table places R-2 on the continuation line of the AG-2, B-1 row.) · CO-1, HI-1 ground floor area per dwelling: 600 square feet · R-3, R-5 ground floor area per dwelling: 600 square feet (The table places R-3, R-5 on the continuation line of the CO-1, HI-1 row.) · R-4 ground floor area per dwelling: 600 square feet

    “Minimum bulk requirements in feet for lot size and width; front, side and rear yard set back; ground floor living area per dwelling; and maximum lot coverage area as follows:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Minimum ground-floor dwelling area by zoning district in unincorporated Henry County.
      “Ground Floor Area/Dwelling [...] R-1/M-1 43,560 150 40 10 40/10 825 20% [...] R-3/R-5 12,000 80 30 7 30/10 600 30%”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot size in the listed Henry County unincorporated zoning districts.

    • All new buildings must conform to the regulations for their district.
    • The table also states minimum lot width and yard setbacks, which are separate requirements.
    • Agricultural exemptions and other ordinance exceptions may apply.

    AG-1, R-1 minimum lot size: 43560 square feet · M-1 minimum lot size: 43560 square feet (The table places M-1 on the continuation line of the AG-1, R-1 row.) · AG-2, B-1 minimum lot size: 15000 square feet · R-2 minimum lot size: 15000 square feet (The table places R-2 on the continuation line of the AG-2, B-1 row.) · CO-1, HI-1 minimum lot size: 12000 square feet · R-3, R-5 minimum lot size: 12000 square feet (The table places R-3, R-5 on the continuation line of the CO-1, HI-1 row.) · R-4 minimum lot size: 3600 square feet

    “AG-1, R-1 43,560 150 40 10 40 825 20% M-1 80%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Minimum lot size by zoning district grouping in unincorporated Henry County.
      “Lot Size Lot Width Front Yard Side Yard Rear Yard Ground Floor Area/Dwelling Lot Coverage”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Zoning setbacks and road-right-of-way setbacks for development in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The zoning table lists district setbacks; the permit application separately states road-right-of-way and road-centerline distances.
    • Driveway access permits are required from the highway authority with jurisdiction and must be installed before construction starts.

    minimum setback from township road right-of-way: >= 40 feet · minimum setback from county, state, or federal road right-of-way: >= 50 feet · minimum distance from county, state, or federal road centerline: >= 100 feet · minimum distance from township road centerline: >= 73 feet

    “Minimum 40 feet back from township and 50 feet back county, state and federal road right-of-way. Minimum 100 feet back from county, state, federal/73 feet from township ROAD CENTERLINES.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Building setbacks and yard requirements in county zoning districts and from public or private roads.
      “TOWNSHIP/PRIVATE ROADS – 40 FEET BACK FROM COMMON RIGHT-OF-WAY/PROPERTY LINE BOUNDARY”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum lot coverage in the listed Henry County unincorporated zoning districts.

    • All new buildings must conform to the regulations for their district.
    • The ordinance describes these as maximum lot coverage percentages.
    • Agricultural exemptions and other ordinance exceptions may apply.

    AG-1, R-1 maximum lot coverage: 20 percent · M-1 maximum lot coverage: 80 percent (The table places M-1 on the continuation line after the AG-1, R-1 row.) · AG-2, B-1 maximum lot coverage: 80 percent · R-2 maximum lot coverage: 30 percent (The table places R-2 on the continuation line after the AG-2, B-1 row.) · CO-1, HI-1 maximum lot coverage: 30 percent · R-3, R-5 maximum lot coverage: 30 percent (The table places R-3, R-5 on the continuation line after the CO-1, HI-1 row.) · R-4 maximum lot coverage: 30 percent

    “CO-1, HI-1 12,000 80 30 7 30 600 30% R-3, R-5”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Accessory buildings and structures in county zoning districts.

    • Accessory buildings must also conform to district bulk regulations.
    • The cited rule measures height from the floor of the building to the roof peak.

    accessory building maximum height: <= 20 feet (measured from floor to roof peak)

    “Accessory buildings shall not exceed 20 feet in height, measured from floor of building to roof peak of building.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Accessory buildings in unincorporated Henry County.
      “Accessory buildings shall not exceed 20 feet in height”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Travel-trailer occupancy in the county CO-1 Conservation District.

    • The use is listed as a special use.
    • The trailer must be a travel trailer or camping trailer as defined in the ordinance.
    • Occupancy may not exceed 30 days in any calendar year.
    • Mobile homes are excluded from this special use.

    maximum occupancy: <= 30 days per calendar year

    “The tracts may have located on them structures of a seasonal, temporary or movable nature, such as a tent, travel trailer [...] camping trailer [...] but not mobile homes.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Seasonal camps or campgrounds in the county CO-1 Conservation District.

    • The use is a special use and is limited to seasonal, temporary, or movable structures.
    • Occupancy over 30 days in a calendar year violates the special use.
    • Permanent seasonal cabins must comply with R-3 District requirements.

    maximum occupancy: <= 30 days per calendar year

    “Camps or campground used for seasonal recreation and other similar living purposes.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Henry County.

    • The Henry & Stark County Health Department regulates local private sewage systems and permits repairs and new installations.
    • The Illinois Department of Public Health regulates installation statewide and local health agencies may review plans by local ordinance or as IDPH agents.
    “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage-disposal systems for projects in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The building permit application directs applicants to obtain the Health Department well/septic permit.
    • Agricultural exemption does not exempt private sewage-disposal or water-supply permits and site approval when required.
    “obtain Health Department well/septic permit”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private water well work associated with building projects in Henry County.

    • The building permit application directs applicants to obtain necessary private water-well permits from the Henry County Health Department before starting the project.
    • State plumbing inspections are also required where applicable.
    “It is the responsibility of the property owner/contractor to: [...] obtain Health Department well/septic permit”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Land, farm dwellings, farm structures, and agricultural buildings or structures used for agricultural purposes in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The exemption applies while the land, farm dwelling, or farm structure is used for agricultural purposes.
    • Agricultural buildings and land uses remain subject to federal, state, or local regulations concerning development, depositing, or excavating in the designated Henry County floodplain.
    • Agricultural buildings and structures remain subject to minimum road-right-of-way setback requirements.
    • The building instructions state agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from building-code regulations.
    “no regulations or restrictions under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be construed to apply to land, farm dwellings and farm structures which are used for agricultural purposes, while so used.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and development of land within the unincorporated limits of Henry County.

    • The ordinance cites the Illinois Plats Act and 55 ILCS 5/5-1041.
    • Highway access permits are required where applicable.
    • The ordinance includes platting, improvements, bonds, fees, and recording requirements.
    “This ordinance shall be applicable within the unincorporated limits of the County of Henry.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway or entrance access for building projects in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The access permit must be obtained from the highway authority with jurisdiction.
    • The driveway or entrance must be installed before starting the construction project.
    “Driveway access permits are required from highway authority with jurisdiction and must be installed prior to starting construction project.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development, depositing, or excavating in the designated Henry County floodplain, including agricultural land uses and buildings.

    • Agricultural buildings and land uses are not exempt from federal, state, or local floodplain regulations.
    • The reviewed source does not establish all floodplain permit procedures or dimensional standards.
    “Agricultural buildings and land uses are not exempt from complying with any Federal, State or Local regulations concerning developing, depositing or excavating in or on the designated Henry County floodplain.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit fees and application materials for unincorporated Henry County.

    • The building permit instructions state that the fee amount is prescribed by the County Board and must accompany the application and construction documents.
    • The county Forms & Applications page publishes a Building Permit Fees PDF link.
    “A building permit fee made payable to Henry County Treasurer in amount as prescribed by the County Board shall be submitted with the permit application and construction documents.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit application process in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Applicants must provide owner, contractor, work description, legal description, occupancy description, plot plan where required, and construction documents.
    • A plot plan is required for new structures or additions to show setback compliance.
    • The Health Department must approve the plot plan before the building permit can be issued.
    • Private well and sewage-disposal permits must be obtained before starting the project.
    • Required inspections and state plumbing inspections must be requested.
    “To obtain required building permit, applicant shall provide the following information on the application:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems covered by Illinois EPA general NPDES Permit ILG62.

    • Coverage under the general permit is limited to eligible dischargers.
    • Systems not eligible for general-permit coverage may require an individual NPDES permit.
    • Periodic inspection, monitoring, and reporting are required under the permit.
    “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Henry County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Henry County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Whether connection to public water or sewer is required for development in unincorporated Henry County.

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

Living off-grid in Henry County, Illinois

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

Henry County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 92,124 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics (38.2″/yr rainfall).

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

Henry County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Henry County Health Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Henry County, Illinois?

Land in Henry County runs about $10,039 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 38.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.7% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 92,124 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,577,384 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 Henry compares in Illinois

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