Bolthole Index

Jo Daviess County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Jo Daviess County, Illinois

63Index Score / 100
#46 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Jo Daviess County, Illinois requires a building permit before construction or excavation, including houses, decks, structural work, wiring and plumbing1. County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities; Galena, East Dubuque and Scales Mound issue their own building permits2345. The Jo Daviess County Health Department handles private septic permits countywide, and its septic permit or sign-off must precede a county building permit67.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction or excavation8
Zoning
County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities2
Septic permit
Required for new and replacement systems; county Health Department approval comes before the building permit97
Small accessory structure
Under 120 sq ft needs no building permit if it has no electrical or plumbing, but zoning setbacks still apply1
RV or tiny-home living
An RV or tiny home treated as a stored RV may be used for living or sleeping no more than 30 days per calendar year on residential premises; permanent dwellings follow separate rules1011
Owner-builder
A homeowner may install a septic system, but it still needs a permit, inspection and code compliance; no general county building-permit exemption was confirmed121
Private well
A state permit is required before construction, modification or sealing; ask the Health Department where to file locally13
Permit review
Approximately 15–20 working days after a complete application packet is received14

Who to call

Building permits

Jo Daviess County Planning & Development

Building permits and zoning approvals for unincorporated Jo Daviess County, plus plan review, construction inspections, occupancy certificates, addresses and floodplain administration support; septic permits are issued separately by the county Health Department

815-591-3810

plan@jodaviesscountyil.gov

1 Commercial Drive, Highway Dept Building, Suite 1, Hanover, IL 61041

Septic permits

Jo Daviess County Health Department

Septic permits and sign-offs required before issuance of a county building permit

(815) 777-0283

9483 Route 20 West, Galena, IL 61036

Roads & driveways

Jo Daviess County Highway Department

County highways and county-road right-of-way work; ask whether the proposed access is under county, township or state jurisdiction

815-591-2337

highway@jodaviesscountyil.gov

1 Commercial Drive, Highway Dept Building, Suite 3, Hanover, IL 61041

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 Jo Daviess County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Do you need a building permit in Jo Daviess County, Illinois?

Unincorporated Jo Daviess County requires a permit before construction or excavation, covering a new house, accessory building, deck, structural alteration or repair, electrical wiring, plumbing, and work governed by life-safety codes1. An accessory structure under 120 square feet is exempt only when it has no electrical or plumbing; zoning setbacks still apply1. The county has adopted technical codes covering residential, building, mechanical, fuel-gas, plumbing, energy, accessibility and electrical codes15. Agricultural buildings may be exempt from building-permit fees, but that rule does not waive zoning, septic, floodplain or access requirements16. Inspections are required for permitted work, and the owner or contractor must arrange them with Planning & Development as construction progresses17. Inside Galena, East Dubuque and the Village of Scales Mound, the municipality issues building permits345. Private septic permitting stays with the Jo Daviess County Health Department6. Scales Mound also requires verification of a county residence-construction permit number, so ask the village board about both approvals5.

Who issues Jo Daviess County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Jo Daviess County Planning & Development administers the county building code and zoning ordinance, reviews plans, issues building and zoning approvals, and inspects work under construction18. Reach the office at 815-591-3810 or plan@jodaviesscountyil.gov, or visit the Highway Department Building at 1 Commercial Drive, Suite 1, Hanover, Illinois 6104118. Planning & Development also assists the Floodplain Officer with administering the floodplain ordinance18. The published fee schedule lists a $75 base application fee plus $4 per $1,000 of construction value, with $50 for an additional inspection; confirm the current amount before paying because the county materials carry differing revision labels19.

Does Jo Daviess County have zoning?

Jo Daviess County zoning applies to every parcel outside an incorporated municipality, including unincorporated Stockton Township220. Galena and the Village of Scales Mound have their own zoning rules inside municipal limits; private septic permitting remains with the Jo Daviess County Health Department21226. For unincorporated land, ask Planning & Development to confirm the zoning district and permitted uses; the county publishes zoning maps and a district-specific use table23. Road setbacks depend on the road authority, while Agricultural and R-1 districts have 20-foot side and 40-foot rear setbacks24. A detached accessory dwelling unit must be 400 to 900 square feet on a zoning lot of at least 5 acres; those thresholds do not establish minimums for every principal home or lot2526. Impermeable lot-coverage limits also vary by district27.

How do septic permits work in Jo Daviess County?

The Jo Daviess County Health Department reviews plans, issues permits and inspects new and replacement private septic systems6. A homeowner may install a septic system instead of hiring a licensed contractor, but the system still needs a permit, inspection, and compliance with state code and the county ordinance1228. Obtain the septic permit or sign-off before the building permit can be issued7. Only 20.3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the soil investigation an early feasibility item rather than assuming a standard system will fit29. Galena Territory and Apple Canyon Lake may require architectural-review materials before the septic permit, so ask the Health Department about the submission order for those developments7.

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

In unincorporated Jo Daviess County, a recreational vehicle stored on residential premises may be used for living or sleeping for no more than 30 days in a calendar year, and recreational vehicle parks are regulated separately10. The same limit applies to a tiny home treated as a stored recreational vehicle in unincorporated Jo Daviess County11. After a fire or natural disaster, a temporary emergency shelter permit can allow a mobile home or RV for up to 12 months, with a possible extension of up to 6 months; the application requires Environmental Health sign-off on septic and well matters30. A permanent detached accessory dwelling unit must contain 400 to 900 square feet and sit on a zoning lot of at least 5 acres2526. A manufactured home used for that purpose must be no older than 15 years when placed, be accessory to a principal residence, and receive the required special-use approval31. These accessory-dwelling standards do not establish a minimum size for every principal home; ask Planning & Development how the parcel's district treats a proposed tiny home252.

What are the steps to build a home in Jo Daviess County?

  1. Determine whether the parcel is outside an incorporated municipality; for unincorporated land, ask Planning & Development for its zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and lot-coverage limit22427.
  1. Confirm safe road access and the correct road authority; county materials direct applicants to the County Highway Department, township road commissioner or Illinois Department of Transportation as appropriate32.
  1. Complete septic review first, because a county septic permit or sign-off must precede the building permit7.
  1. Submit the complete building packet, including the application, plan-review checklist, scaled plans, survey or site plan, and septic approval14.
  1. Allow approximately 15–20 working days after the complete packet arrives, pay the fee, and wait for permit issuance before excavation141.
  1. Call Planning & Development for required inspections before work is covered17. Obtain the certificate of occupancy after final inspection and approval; occupancy or use is prohibited until the certificate is issued33.

What should you check before buying land in Jo Daviess County?

Verify whether the land is outside an incorporated municipality; Planning & Development handles county zoning there, while the relevant city or village should answer zoning questions for land inside its limits2. For unincorporated land, have Planning & Development confirm the proposed home, setbacks, lot coverage and any subdivision issue342427. Tell the office if the property will be a short-term rental: a county zoning certificate is required for guest accommodations, and a guest-accommodation license may also be required35. Investigate septic early because only 20.3% of county soils are rated without severe conventional-drain-field limitations29. Check road ownership and access approval before choosing a driveway location32. Ask Planning & Development about floodplain development approval before committing to a floodplain site; the department assists the Floodplain Officer36. For a private well, Illinois requires a permit before construction, modification or sealing13.

Watch-outs

  • A county septic permit or sign-off must be issued before Planning & Development can issue the building permit1.
  • Scales Mound issues village building permits but also requires verification of a county residence-construction permit number; ask the village board which approvals your project needs5.
  • An RV, or a tiny home treated as a stored RV, may be used for living or sleeping for no more than 30 days per calendar year in unincorporated Jo Daviess County1011.
  • A manufactured home used as a detached accessory dwelling must meet the county's age, lot, size and special-use conditions31.
  • Occupancy or use of a building subject to county building-code administration must wait until the certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection and approval33.

Sources

  1. Building Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  3. Galena: § 150.04 Permit Required (Jo Daviess County), quoted and re-checked
  4. East Dubuque: 15-12-4: Permits and Certificates (Jo Daviess County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Village of Scales Mound: 8-6-2: Permit Requirements (Jo Daviess County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  7. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Permit Requirements (2026 county census)
  9. Private Sewage Disposal (2026 county census)
  10. 8-5B-1: Accessory Uses, quoted and re-checked
  11. Jo Daviess County Code, 8-5B-1 Accessory Uses, quoted and re-checked
  12. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  13. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  15. 7-1-3: Adoption of Codes, quoted and re-checked
  16. 7-1-6: Fees, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  18. Jo Daviess County Planning & Development (jodaviesscountyil.gov)
  19. Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  20. Stockton Township: Planning & Development Department (Jo Daviess County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Galena: Zoning (Jo Daviess County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Village of Scales Mound: Scales Mound, IL Code of Ordinances (Jo Daviess County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  24. Building Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  25. 8-5B-52: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit; Manufactured Homes, quoted and re-checked
  26. 8-5B-52: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit and Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit; Manufactured Homes, quoted and re-checked
  27. Setbacks and Lot Coverage, quoted and re-checked
  28. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  29. 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
  30. 8-5B-1: Accessory Uses, quoted and re-checked
  31. 8-5B-52: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit; Manufactured Homes, quoted and re-checked
  32. Building Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  33. 7-1-5: Inspections; Certificate Of Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  34. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  35. 8-5B-46: Guest Accommodations and Guest Houses/Homes, quoted and re-checked
  36. Planning & Development, 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Jo Daviess County has countywide zoning.

RuleJo Daviess CountyCarroll CountyStephenson CountyWhiteside CountyOgle CountyWinnebago CountyRock Island County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Jo Daviess County in Illinois

63
County map
Jo Daviess County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Jo Daviess County scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability58100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost58100% 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 →

$255kTypical home
1.7%Property tax
$7,940Land / acre
38.7"Annual rain
4.8% of yrsSevere drought
2.2 / yr (+2.2)Mid-century 100°F days
14.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.01" (+10.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.75×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,543Home insurance / yr
3.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.63%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
22,403People within 30 min
2,343,898People within 2 hr
21,947Radius comparison (15 mi)
36.2People / sq mi
4.6%Federal land
75.3%Land at 15% slope or less
20.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
75,386 acWorkable land screen
27.7%Wooded land
51.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
48.1°FAvg temp

Scout Jo Daviess County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Jo Daviess County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Jo Daviess 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: Apple River Township · Village of Apple River · Berreman Township · Council Hill Township · Derinda Township · Dunleith Township · East Galena Township · Elizabeth Township · Village of Elizabeth · Guilford Township · Hanover Township · Menominee Township · Village of Menominee · Nora Township · Village of Nora · Pleasant Valley Township · Rawlins Township · Rice Township · Rush Township · Scales Mound Township · Village of Stockton · Thompson Township · Vinegar Hill Township · Wards Grove Township · Warren Township · Village of Warren · West Galena Township · Woodbine Township

Answers from the rulebook for Jo Daviess County

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

Jo Daviess County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, excavation, new houses, accessory buildings, decks, structural changes or repairs, and work involving electrical, plumbing, or life-safety codes.

    • Accessory structures under 120 square feet with no electrical or plumbing do not require a building permit but must comply with zoning setbacks.
    • Agricultural buildings may have fee exemptions, but the permit requirement remains unless another exemption applies.

    accessory structure permit threshold: < 120 square feet (No electrical or plumbing)

    “A permit must be obtained prior to beginning any construction or excavation. This include: New Houses, Accessory Buildings, Decks, Structural Changes or Repair, any work that involves electrical wiring, plumbing, and/or life safety codes.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner installation of private septic systems.

    • A homeowner may install a septic system, but the system must still be permitted and inspected and must comply with state code and local ordinance.
    “installed by a licensed contractor or homeowner”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    County building code requirements administered by Planning and Development.

    • Technical codes include 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, and 2021 IECC.
    “The following technical codes are hereby adopted”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings requiring county building permits.

    • Required stages include footing forms, framing before siding, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical before insulation, final inspection before occupancy; the county PDF also requires advance scheduling.
    “Inspections are required. Call the Planning & Development Department at (815) 591-3810 before the work is ready. Allow as much time for scheduling as practical.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings subject to county building-code administration after final inspection.

    • Certificate follows approval by the building and zoning administrator after final inspection; occupancy or use before issuance is a separate offense.
    “Occupancy and use shall not be allowed until the certificate is issued.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning ordinance in unincorporated Jo Daviess County.

    • The code establishes zoning districts and district regulations; incorporated municipalities may administer their own local rules.
    “All property outside of a Municipality is subject to County zoning.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Property outside incorporated municipalities in Jo Daviess County.

    • The county FAQ states that all property outside of a municipality is subject to County zoning.
    • The County Planning and Development Department administers and enforces the County zoning ordinance and issues zoning certificates and occupancy certificates.
    • The cited county sources do not establish which zoning requirements, if any, apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “Where Zoning Applies. All property outside of a Municipality is subject to County zoning.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and use table.

    • The Planning and Development page publishes county zoning maps; the code use table identifies AG, R-1, R-2, RP, CON, C, M, and I districts and district-specific permitted or special uses.
    “Zoning Map 11" x 17" Zoning Map(Low Resolution) (PDF) 24" x 40" Zoning Map(High Resolution) (PDF)”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Detached accessory dwelling units under Title 8 section 8-5B-52.

    • This numeric minimum applies to detached accessory dwelling units, not necessarily every principal dwelling.
    • The gross floor area must be at least 400 square feet and no greater than 900 square feet.

    minimum gross floor area: >= 400 square feet (detached accessory dwelling unit) · maximum gross floor area: <= 900 square feet (detached accessory dwelling unit)

    “no less than four hundred (400) square feet”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Detached accessory dwelling units under Title 8 section 8-5B-52.

    • The five-acre minimum is specific to detached accessory dwelling units; other lot-size rules may vary by zoning district, subdivision, and septic requirements.

    minimum zoning-lot size: >= 5 acres (detached accessory dwelling unit)

    “A detached accessory dwelling unit shall only be allowed on a zoning lot of five (5) acres in size or more.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    County zoning and building-site review.

    • Building-permit materials list front setbacks of 75 feet from state-highway property lines, 60 feet from county-road property lines, and 50 feet from township-road property lines; in AG and R-1, side setback is 20 feet and rear setback is 40 feet. District and use-specific rules may also apply.

    state highway front setback: >= 75 feet from property line (125 feet from roadway centerline also listed) · county road front setback: >= 60 feet from property line (110 feet from roadway centerline also listed) · township road front setback: >= 50 feet from property line (80 feet from roadway centerline also listed) · AG/R-1 side setback: 20 feet · AG/R-1 rear setback: 40 feet

    “Side setback is 20’, & Rear setback is 40’”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lot coverage in County zoning districts.

    • The source states that County limits apply to non-permeable surface coverage.
    • The numeric limit depends on the zoning district and was not reproduced in the reviewed passage.
    “Jo Daviess County does have limits on how much of your land can be covered in non-permeable surface.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures governed by Title 8 section 8-3H-8.

    • Unless a special-use permit grants otherwise, structures may not exceed 35 feet.
    • The reviewed section is district-specific and should not be generalized to every municipality or township.

    maximum structure height: <= 35 feet (unless otherwise granted under a special-use permit)

    “all structures shall not exceed thirty five feet (35') in height.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational-vehicle living or sleeping use while stored on residential premises.

    • Use may not exceed 30 days in a calendar year while the recreational vehicle is stored on the premises; recreational vehicle parks are separately regulated.

    maximum occupancy while stored: <= 30 days per calendar year (Recreational vehicle parks are separately regulated)

    “exceeding thirty (30) days in a calendar year”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping or temporary RV/mobile-home occupancy on private property.

    • Stored recreational vehicles may be used for living or sleeping no more than 30 days in a calendar year.
    • Temporary emergency shelter after fire or natural disaster requires a permit, is limited to 12 months, and may receive an extension of up to six months.
    • The temporary shelter must meet stated setback and septic/well sign-off requirements.

    temporary emergency shelter initial term: 12 months (Zoning Board of Appeals extension up to 6 months)

    “issue a temporary emergency shelter permit for the use of a mobile home or recreational vehicle”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny home that is treated as a recreational vehicle and stored on property in unincorporated Jo Daviess County.

    • The county zoning code limits recreational-vehicle living or sleeping to no more than thirty (30) days in a calendar year while the vehicle is stored on the premises.
    • The zoning code separately regulates permanent detached accessory dwellings; building, zoning, septic, and other applicable approvals may also apply.
    • The cited zoning code is countywide in authorship but applies to property outside incorporated municipalities.

    maximum RV living or sleeping while stored: <= 30 days per calendar year

    “No recreational vehicle shall be used for living or sleeping purposes for a period exceeding thirty (30) days in a calendar year while stored on the premises.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes used as detached accessory dwelling units.

    • Only one detached accessory dwelling unit per parcel; it must be accessory to a principal residence; manufactured homes used in that role may not be older than 15 years at placement; a special-use permit expires after three years unless extended; the zoning lot must be at least five acres; floor area must be 400–900 square feet.

    minimum zoning lot: >= 5 acres · manufactured-home age at placement: <= 15 years · accessory dwelling floor area: 400-900 square feet

    “shall not be older than fifteen (15) years”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Jo Daviess County.

    • The county Environmental Health program administers local permitting and inspection while applying state code and local ordinance.
    “The department staff reviews plans, issues permits, and inspects”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New and replacement private septic systems.

    • A septic permit or sign-off must be issued before a county building permit; Galena Territory and Apple Canyon Lake may require architectural-review materials before the septic permit.
    “Once the staff reviews the application, a permit will be issued. A copy of the permit will be sent to the contractor, Galena Territory, or Apple Canyon Lake (if applicable), and Building and Zoning. Once Building and Zoning receives the septic permit, a building permit can be obtained.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of new and replacement private septic systems.

    • Inspection checks location, sizing, state-code compliance, and county-ordinance compliance; an inspection report and detailed site map are retained.
    “Once the septic installation contractor has completed the septic installation, an inspection takes place to check if the system was installed in the correct location, is sized properly, and meets applicable state code and county ordinance.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural buildings under county building-permit fee rules.

    • Agricultural buildings may be exempt from building-permit fees; the cited rule does not establish a blanket exemption from permits or other zoning, septic, floodplain, or access requirements.
    “Any application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a fee as set by the county board. Fees shall apply to all new construction of any building or structure regulated by this chapter. Agricultural buildings may be exempt.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision activity under Jo Daviess County subdivision regulations.

    • The Planning and Development Department administers and enforces subdivision regulations; detailed plat and survey exemptions depend on Title 9.
    “administering and enforcing the County's [...] Subdivision Regulations”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Access approval associated with new County addresses and driveway permitting.

    • Before an address is issued, the Road Authority must sign off that the location has safe access.
    • Driveway permits and culvert requirements are obtained from the appropriate agency, which may be the County Highway Department, a township road commissioner, or IDOT.
    “Prior to an address being issued, the Road Authority will need to sign off that the location has a safe access.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in county floodplain areas.

    • The Planning and Development Department assists the Floodplain Officer with administering and enforcing the Floodplain Ordinance; flood-area development permit fees are listed separately in the county fee schedule.

    flood area development permit fee: 100 USD

    “The Planning and Development Department also assists the Floodplain Officer with administering the Floodplain Ordinance, works with the Health Department and the Sheriff's Office in the administration and enforcement of the Nuisance Ordinance, and issues all addresses in the unincorporated area of Jo Daviess County.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Guest accommodations and guest houses/homes used as short-term rentals.

    • A zoning certificate is required; county standards include parking, ingress/egress, access sight distance, setbacks, screening, and septic or central sewer requirements; a guest-accommodation license may also be required.

    zoning certificate validity: <= 12 months (Unless a guest accommodation license is procured)

    “Application for a zoning certificate shall be filed”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Planning and Development building, zoning, subdivision, special-use, and related permit fees.

    • The county fee schedule is labeled as of 12-12-2024 on the Planning and Development page; the PDF itself states a last revision in 2022, so fee currency should be confirmed before reliance.

    building application base fee: 75 USD · building permit fee: per 4 USD per thousand-dollar cost value · additional inspection: 50 USD per inspection

    “Application fee (Base Fee) ------------------------------------- $ 75.00 Building Permit fee Schedule $4.00 per thousand-dollar cost value Additional Inspection Per inspection $ 50.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit process.

    • Completed application packet, plan-review checklist, two sets of scaled plans, two survey/site-plan copies, and septic permit are required submittals; permit work must start within six months and maintain consistent inspections.

    approximate review time: 15-20 working days (After receipt of completed application packet) · permit work start deadline: <= 6 months (After permit issuance)

    “Review time is approximately 15 - 20 working days after we have received a completed application packet. Solar permits might take longer and will require interconnect sign off from the energy company prior to approval. After the review is complete the office will contact you and let you know what the permit fee is and how you can pay.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements.

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 Jo Daviess County, Illinois

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

Jo Daviess County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics (38.7″/yr rainfall) and mixed durability signals.

Do you need a building permit in Jo Daviess County, Illinois?

Jo Daviess County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Jo Daviess County Health Department, Environmental Health (Private Sewage Disposal, under IDPH Part 905). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Jo Daviess County is limited to specific cases: Recreational-vehicle living or sleeping use while stored on residential premises. Use may not exceed 30 days in a calendar year while the recreational vehicle is stored on the premises; recreational vehicle parks are separately regulated. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Jo Daviess County, Illinois?

Land in Jo Daviess County runs about $7,940 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Jo Daviess County?

Jo Daviess County gets about 38.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.8% of years.

How remote is Jo Daviess County?

A representative private-land location has about 22,403 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,343,898 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 Jo Daviess compares in Illinois

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