Bolthole Index

Lee County, Illinois

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

42Index Score / 100
#87 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Lee County, Illinois requires county building permits for structures other than fences and pools, which have separate applications.1 The Lee County Building and Zoning Office applies zoning by district outside incorporated places with their own zoning.23 The Lee County Health Department issues septic permits and inspects installations under county and Illinois private-sewage codes.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures in unincorporated Lee County; use the county portal56
Zoning
Yes; allowed uses depend on the parcel's county zoning district27
Septic
Lee County Health Department permit and inspection required89
Private well
Lee County Health Department permit required for a new well10
RV living
Not confirmed; ask Building and Zoning about the parcel and proposed occupancy11
Tiny home
Manufactured housing is district-dependent; no specific tiny-home rule was confirmed1213
Owner-builder exemption
Limited state exemption for plumbing in an owner-occupied single-family home; no general county exemption confirmed1415
Floodplain work
Development is restricted and may require county and state review1617

Who to call

Building permits

Lee County Building and Zoning Office

Building permits and permit questions for construction in unincorporated Lee County; the broader office also administers zoning, subdivision and floodplain inquiries

815-288-3109

jbay@countyoflee.org

Online permits →

Septic permits

Lee County Health Department, Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal permits and inspections, new-well permits, and sanitary evaluations in Lee County

815-284-3371

contactus@lchd.com

309 S. Galena Ave., Ste. 100, Dixon, IL

Roads & driveways

Lee County Highway Department

Driveway-access, culvert and drainage questions for roads under county jurisdiction

815-857-4141

1629 Lee Center Road, Amboy, IL 61310

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Lee 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 Lee County, Illinois?

Yes. Structures in unincorporated Lee County go through the county building-permit process, with separate application paths for fences, pools, commercial work and other projects.1 The general application requires an application, site plan and architectural plans, plus the parcel number and zoning.18 Apply online, but wait for both the approved placard and approval letter before starting work.19

Lee County has no county building code, but its plan review uses the listed state and model building, energy, accessibility, plumbing, fire and electrical standards.20 Lee County requires a qualified inspector's certificate for structures built after July 1, 2011 in R-4, commercial and industrial districts, and for structures built after that date and later converted to commercial use.21 Commercial buildings must be inspected and approved, and may not be occupied until the Zoning Office issues a Letter of Occupancy.22

Who issues building permits in Lee County, Illinois?

The Lee County Building and Zoning Office is the first stop for a project outside a city, village or town that administers its own zoning, and the county directs applicants to its online permit portal.311 Call the Building Official at 815-288-3109 or email jbay@countyoflee.org if the project category is unclear.11 The ordinary application requires a site plan and architectural plans; after submission, the county says it will contact the applicant within 1–3 business days.19

County building-permit fees vary by project type and floor area, and the county's fee schedule sets a $50 minimum building-permit fee.2324 The Building Official sets a reasonable fee when the schedule does not list one.24 Confirm the current application category and fee before budgeting because fences, pools, commercial work and other structures follow distinct paths.5

Does Lee County, Illinois have zoning?

Unincorporated Lee County has zoning districts that determine allowed uses and the location of improvements.2 Cities, villages and towns with their own zoning apply those rules inside their limits; the Lee County Health Department still handles septic and new-well permits throughout Lee County.3810

Residential lot minimums in unincorporated Lee County are 2 acres in AG-1 and R-1; AG-1 also carries a restricted-use notation.25 The residential minimum is 1 acre in R-2, R-3 and R-4, and 8,000 square feet in TN.2627 Ask Building and Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed dwelling use and applicable setbacks before treating a lot as buildable.28 Certain agricultural uses qualify for a state-law exemption from local zoning requirements; the Zoning Department determines eligibility.29

How do septic and well permits work in Lee County?

Illinois Department of Public Health regulates private sewage disposal statewide; the Lee County Health Department issues local septic permits and inspects installations under Lee County and Illinois codes.30489 Illinois requires plan approval from the department or approved local authority before construction of a new private sewage system begins.31 Contact Environmental Health at 815-284-3371 or contactus@lchd.com.32

Only about 16% of Lee County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so investigate the specific site early.33 New wells, well deepening, upgrades and well sealing also require permits before work begins, and the published well-permit fees are $175 for a potable well, $150 for a non-potable well and $100 for an upgrade or seal.10 Well permit applications and fees go in before the building permit from the Zoning Office.10 Ask Environmental Health whether a proposed alternative sanitation system satisfies county and state requirements.32

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

We could not confirm a countywide rule for living in an RV on private land, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or accessory-dwelling occupancy. Ask the Building and Zoning Office about the parcel's district and exact proposed use before buying or moving a unit onto the land.11 Uses vary by zoning district in unincorporated Lee County.13

Manufactured housing is addressed in Lee County's use table and is limited by district designations, bulk regulations and applicable building codes.12 A tiny home remains subject to the applicable building-permit path, but we could not confirm a rule specifically authorizing tiny-home occupancy.511 Illinois allows a qualifying owner-occupant to perform plumbing on a single-family home, but that limited exemption does not waive county building permits or every local plumbing permit and inspection.1415

Building a home in Lee County: what are the steps?

For a home on unincorporated land, use this order:

  1. Confirm the parcel number, zoning district, allowed residential use and parcel-specific setbacks with the Building and Zoning Office.1828
  2. If land will be divided, confirm subdivision approval requirements with Building and Zoning before relying on a buildable lot.3435
  3. Obtain preliminary septic and well review from the Lee County Health Department, then secure the required permits and inspections.810
  4. Prepare the building application, site plan and architectural plans, and submit them through the county portal.18
  5. For a commercial project, obtain the driveway-access, address-sign and drainage permits required from the Lee County Highway Engineer after the Zoning Office issues the address.36
  6. If the site is in a regulatory floodplain, complete the county floodplain permit process and any applicable state review.3738
  7. Wait for the approved placard and approval letter before starting work.19

What should you check before buying land in Lee County?

Start with jurisdiction: confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Lee County rather than an incorporated place with separate zoning.3 Then verify the zoning district, residential lot minimum, allowed dwelling type, setbacks and whether a land division needs subdivision approval.1325262734

Check septic feasibility and the water source early because most mapped soils carry severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and well work requires a permit.3310 Confirm driveway access with the authority responsible for the road; commercial applicants need county access, address-sign and drainage permits after receiving an address.36 Review flood maps because development in a regulatory floodplain requires a county permit and may also require state approval.3738 The typical farmland value is about $10,639 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 1.9%; use parcel records and a current assessment for a specific tract.3940

Watch-outs

  • An online submission and permit number do not authorize construction; wait for the approved placard and approval letter.19
  • We could not confirm a countywide rule for private-land RV or tiny-home occupancy; ask Building and Zoning about the parcel and intended use.11
  • Development in a regulatory floodplain requires a Lee County floodplain permit, and state approval may also apply.3738
  • Commercial applicants need county driveway-access, address-sign and drainage permits after the Zoning Office issues an address; state-road access requires an IDOT permit.3641

Sources

  1. Building Permits | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  3. leecountyil.com, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health | Lee County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permits | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permits | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  7. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  8. Environmental Health | Lee County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  9. Environmental Health | Lee County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  10. Lee County Health Department Well Permit Application Packet, quoted and re-checked
  11. Lee County Building and Zoning Office (leecountyil.com)
  12. 10-9-1: Principal, Special, Temporary, Restricted Uses, quoted and re-checked
  13. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  14. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Floodplain Information and Regulations | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  17. Permit Application and Instructions (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Permits | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  19. Building Permits | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  20. BUILDING PERMIT FEES & REGULATIONS, quoted and re-checked
  21. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, quoted and re-checked
  22. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, quoted and re-checked
  23. BUILDING PERMIT FEES & REGULATIONS, quoted and re-checked
  24. Lee County Building Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  28. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  29. Zoning | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  30. Private Sewage Disposal | Illinois Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  31. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Lee County Health Department, Environmental Health (lchd.com)
  33. 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
  34. Subdivision Regulations | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  35. Lee County Building Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  36. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, quoted and re-checked
  37. Floodplain Information and Regulations | Lee County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  38. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  39. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  40. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleLee CountyOgle CountyBureau CountyDeKalb CountyWhiteside CountyPutnam CountyCarroll County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.BureauCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Lee County in Illinois

42
County map
Lee County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Lee County scores

Seclusion32100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency27100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability64100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% 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 →

$191kTypical home
1.9%Property tax
$10,639Land / acre
38.2"Annual rain
4.1% of yrsSevere drought
3.7 / yr (+3.6)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.87" (+8.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.76×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,549Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
48,386People within 30 min
9,262,742People within 2 hr
36,896Radius comparison (15 mi)
46.4People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
99.4%Land at 15% slope or less
15.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
71,370 acWorkable land screen
5.5%Wooded land
34.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
49.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Lee 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: Alto Township · Amboy Township · Ashton Township · Bradford Township · Brooklyn Township · Village of Compton · Dixon · East Grove Township · Franklin Grove Township · Hamilton Township · Harmon Township · Village of Harmon · Village of Lee · Lee Center Township · Marion Township · May Township · Nachusa Township · Nelson Township · Village of Nelson · Palmyra Township · Reynolds Township · South Dixon Township · Village of Steward · Sublette Township · Village of Sublette · Viola Township · Village of West Brooklyn · Willow Creek Township · Wyoming Township

Answers from the rulebook for Lee County

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

Lee County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of structures under the Lee County Building and Zoning Office permit process.

    • The official application is for any structure other than a fence or pool.
    • A submitted application and assigned permit number do not authorize work to begin; only a placard and an approval letter authorize commencement.
    • Site plan, architectural plans, parcel number, and zoning information are required for the listed building permit application.
    “Building Permit Application (ANY STRUCTURE other than a Fence or Pool. Those two applications are below.)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Structures in Lee County subject to the county building-permit process.
      “Building Permit Application (ANY STRUCTURE other than a Fence or Pool. Those two applications are below.”
    • Required — Construction requiring a Lee County building permit, including structures other than fences and pools.
      “ONLY A PLACARD AND A LETTER STATING "APPROVED" ALLOWS FOR A PROJECT TO BEGIN.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Plan review for Lee County building permits.

    • The county application states that, in the absence of a Lee County Building Code, specified current state and model codes are used for plan review.
    • The listed codes include IBC, IEBC, Illinois Energy Efficient or Stretch Energy Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, Illinois Plumbing Code, applicable Fire Investigation Act rules, and NEC.
    “In the absence of a Lee County Building Code, the most current International Building Code (IBC) or International Existing Building Code (IEBC); the Energy Efficient Building Code or the Illinois Stretch Energy Code; the Illinois Accessibility Code, the Illinois Plumbing Code, rules adopted in accordance with Section 9 of the Fire Investigation Act; and the most current National Electric Code (NEC) shall be used for the review of plans.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Structures built after July 1, 2011 in listed Lee County commercial or industrial zoning districts, and structures later converted to commercial use.

    • Applies to R-4, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, and I-3 zones.
    • A certificate of inspection must be signed by a qualified inspector under Public Act 096-0704.
    • Commercial-building fire inspections are obtained from the local fire department.

    construction date threshold: >= 2011-07-01 (Structures built after this date are covered.)

    “Any structure built after July 1, 2011, in an R-4, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, or I-3 zone, or a structure built after July 1, 2011, and subsequently converted to a commercial use, will be required to obtain a certificate of inspection signed by an inspector who is qualified under the terms of Public Act 096-0704.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Commercial buildings in Lee County.

    • All commercial buildings must be inspected and approved before a Letter of Occupancy is granted.
    • The building may not be occupied until the Letter of Occupancy is issued by the Lee County Zoning Office.
    “All commercial buildings must be inspected and approved before a Letter of Occupancy is granted. NO BUILDING SHALL BE OCCUPIED UNTIL THE LETTER OF OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE LEE COUNTY ZONING OFFICE.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations in unincorporated Lee County.

    • Lee County adopted zoning regulations in 1961.
    • Zoning regulates allowed land uses and the location of improvements.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own local rules.
    “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones". Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these zones.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulations and official zoning maps for Lee County's unincorporated and rural areas.
      “Lee County adopted zoning regulations in 1961 in order to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the county.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Lee County, including county zoning for unincorporated areas and potentially separate municipal zoning within incorporated places.

    • The county code expressly regulates unincorporated and rural areas; this aggregate claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to the county.
    “If you plan to build outside any city, village or town that has its own zoning regulations, contact this department before the project begins, to be certain all local regulations are met.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation of land uses and the location of improvements in Lee County's unincorporated area.
      “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones". Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these zones.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and applicable county zoning regulations in unincorporated Lee County.

    • The county states that the unincorporated area is divided into districts or zones.
    • The county publishes a link to Lee County Code, Title 10 Zoning Regulations.
    • District-specific permitted uses are listed in the ordinance.
    “LEE COUNTY CODE, Title 10 Zoning Regulations”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Lee County zoning districts in the unincorporated area.
      “LEE COUNTY CODE, Title 10 Zoning Regulations”
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts in Lee County's unincorporated area.
      “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones". Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these zones. The ordinance lists those uses.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential lots in the Lee County AG-1 and R-1 zoning districts in the unincorporated area.

    • The county zoning page states that the unincorporated area is divided into zoning districts and that allowed uses depend on the applicable zone.
    • The bulk table marks AG-1 residential minimum lot size as 2 acres with an R notation and R-1 residential minimum lot size as 2 acres.
    • The table legend states: Special use: S; Restricted use: R.
    • The cited code is current through Ordinance 2026-01-004, passed January 22, 2026.

    minimum residential lot size in AG-1: 2 acres (R notation applies in the table.) · minimum residential lot size in R-1: 2 acres

    “AG-1 | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | R-4 | C-1 | C-2 | C-3 | I-1 | I-2 | I-3 | AG- 2 | AG- 3 | TN | PUD | DPA | AR | WS Minimum lot size, residential | 2 acres, R | 2 acres | 1 acre | 1 acre | 1 acre | | | | | | | | | 8,000 s/f | | | |”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential lots in the Lee County R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts in the unincorporated area.
      “AG-1 | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | R-4 | C-1 | C-2 | C-3 | I-1 | I-2 | I-3 | AG- 2 | AG- 3 | TN | PUD | DPA | AR | WS Minimum lot size, residential | 2 acres, R | 2 acres | 1 acre | 1 acre | 1 acre | | | | | | | | | 8,000 s/f | | | |”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential lots in the Lee County TN zoning district in the unincorporated area.
      “AG-1 | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | R-4 | C-1 | C-2 | C-3 | I-1 | I-2 | I-3 | AG- 2 | AG- 3 | TN | PUD | DPA | AR | WS Minimum lot size, residential | 2 acres, R | 2 acres | 1 acre | 1 acre | 1 acre | | | | | | | | | 8,000 s/f | | | |”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Commercial and industrial zoning in unincorporated Lee County.

    • Commercial zoning requires 15 feet from side and rear lot lines and 25 feet from the front property line.
    • Industrial zoning requires 15 feet from side and rear lot lines and 65 feet from the front property line.
    • The cited figures do not establish setbacks for every zoning district or use.

    commercial side setback: 15 ft · commercial rear setback: 15 ft · commercial front setback: 25 ft · industrial side setback: 15 ft · industrial rear setback: 15 ft · industrial front setback: 65 ft

    “Commercial Zoning 15’ from side & rear lot lines - 25’ from front property line set back Industrial Zoning 15’ from side & rear lot lines - 65’ from front property line set back”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured housing in the county zoning districts shown in the use table.

    • The use table lists manufactured housing with R and P designations in several districts.
    • The manufactured home must be oriented with its long axis parallel to the street unless an allowed alternative applies.
    • The zoning administrator may require acoustical shielding.
    “All manufactured housing shall otherwise be constructed in compliance with all bulk regulations and be in accordance with all building codes in effect from time to time.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.

    • Lee County Health Department administers local permits and inspections.
    • Illinois State Private Sewage Codes also apply.
    • IDPH regulates private sewage disposal systems and local health agencies may review plans by local ordinance or as an IDPH agent.
    “Permits are issued and inspections are conducted of private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County. All systems must be installed in accordance with specific Lee County and Illinois State Private Sewage Codes..”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Lee County.
      “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).”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems installed in the Lee County Health Department service area.
      “All systems must be installed in accordance with specific Lee County and Illinois State Private Sewage Codes..”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.

    • Lee County Health Department issues permits.
    • Systems must comply with Lee County and Illinois State Private Sewage Codes.
    • Permit fees are required.
    “Permits are issued and inspections are conducted of private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County. All systems must be installed in accordance with specific Lee County and Illinois State Private Sewage Codes.. Fees are required for permits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.
      “Permits are issued and inspections are conducted of private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County. All systems must be installed in accordance with specific Lee County and Illinois State Private Sewage Codes.. Fees are required for permits.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.

    • The Lee County Health Department conducts inspections of private sewage disposal systems.
    • The page also describes sanitary evaluations for home sales as request-for-service evaluations, which are distinct from installation inspections.
    “Permits are issued and inspections are conducted of private sewage disposal systems installed in Lee County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Well permitRequired

    New wells, deepening of existing wells, well upgrades, and well sealing in Lee County.

    • A completed site plan is required.
    • Applications and fees must be submitted before obtaining a building permit from the Lee County Zoning Office.
    • Application approval is stated as taking 3 to 5 working days.
    • Construction reports must be submitted within 30 days; late reports incur a $10 per day late fee.

    potable well permit: 175 USD (includes inspection and water sampling fee) · non-potable well permit: 150 USD (includes inspection fee) · well upgrade or well seal permit: 100 USD · returned-check service charge: 25 USD · construction-report deadline: 30 days (late fee of $10 per day if report is not received)

    “A permit is necessary for new installations, deepening of existing well, all well upgrades, and well sealing.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New private wells installed in Lee County.
      “Permits are issued on all new wells which are installed in Lee County. All systems must be installed in accordance with specific Lee County Codes and Rules and Regulations. Fees are required for permits.”
    • Required — New wells, deepening of existing wells, well upgrades, and well sealing in Lee County.
      “A permit is necessary for new installations, deepening of existing well, all well upgrades, and well sealing.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Certain agricultural uses subject to Lee County zoning requirements.

    • Eligibility is determined by the Zoning Department.
    • The county page attributes the exemption to state law.
    “Certain agricultural uses are exempt from meeting local zoning requirements according to state law. Contact the Zoning Department to determine if you qualify for this exemption.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Certain agricultural uses under Lee County zoning requirements.
      “Certain agricultural uses are exempt from meeting local zoning requirements according to state law. Contact the Zoning Department to determine if you qualify for this exemption.”
    • Conditional — Certain agricultural uses seeking exemption from local zoning requirements in Lee County.
      “Certain agricultural uses are exempt from meeting local zoning requirements according to state law. Contact the Zoning Department to determine if you qualify for this exemption.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    County subdivision petitions and plats.

    • The fee schedule identifies preliminary and final plat petitions and charges fees based on lots.
    • Additional petition requirements were not established from the opened source.

    preliminary plat fee: 750 USD (up to the first 10 lots, then $25 per lot thereafter) · final plat fee: 500 USD (up to the first 10 lots, then $25 per lot thereafter)

    “Subdivision Petition Preliminary Plat $ 750.00 ______________ ($750 up to the first 10 lots then $25.00 per lot thereafter) Final Plat $ 500.00 ______________ ($500 up to the first 10 lots then $25.00 per lot thereafter)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Division of land and subdivision platting in unincorporated Lee County.
      “The Zoning Department is responsible for regulating the division of land in the unincorporated areas of Lee County.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision approval and subdivision petitions under Lee County regulations.
      “Subdivision Petition Preliminary Plat $ 750.00”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Commercial-building permit applicants after the Building and Zoning Office has issued an address.

    • The applicant must receive a driveway access permit, a 9-1-1 sign permit, and a drainage permit from the Lee County Highway Engineer.
    • Before installing culverts, mailboxes, or performing work within the road right-of-way, the permittee must contact and obtain approval from the highway authority with jurisdiction over the road.
    “After the Zoning Office has issued an address, the individual requesting the permit must receive a driveway access permit, a 9-1-1 sign permit and drainage permit from the Lee County Highway Engineer”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development and building in designated flood-hazard areas in Lee County.

    • Floodplain development requires additional steps.
    • If property status is uncertain, the applicant must provide certified elevation information relative to the 100-year floodplain boundaries.
    • A Lee County floodplain permit and, where allowable, a building permit may be required.
    • The page states that federal requirements restrict development in mapped special flood hazard areas and that only limited development may occur without a variance.
    “Building/Developing in a Floodplain requires additional steps. Most require the minimum of the following: (Select The Underlined Titles)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Building or development in Lee County floodplains or designated flood-hazard areas.
      “These are fairly restrictive and allow only limited development activities without variation of the regulations.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Lee County building, development, zoning, subdivision, and related permit fees.

    • Fees are non-refundable.
    • If a fee is not specifically provided, the Building Official sets a reasonable fee.
    • No fee is required for a structure or use by a municipality, school, state, or federal government agency, but those agencies must submit an application.
    • The fee schedule identifies Ordinance No. 2026-04-003 and Resolution No. 2025-03-005.

    development permit: 50 USD · temporary permit: 50 USD · minimum building permit fee: 50 USD (any fee less than $50) · zoning petition: 750 USD (up to the first 10 acres, then $25 per acre thereafter) · subdivision preliminary plat: 750 USD (up to the first 10 lots, then $25 per lot thereafter) · subdivision final plat: 500 USD (up to the first 10 lots, then $25 per lot thereafter)

    “Development permit $ 50.00 ______________ Temporary permit $ 50.00 ______________ Minimum building permit fee (any fee less than $50.00) $ 50.00 ______________”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Lee County building permits and related permit categories.
      “Floor area above ground (Living area) $ .20/sq. ft. Floor area below ground (Basement) $ .20/sq. ft. Garages/Accessory buildings $ .15/sq. ft.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit application and payment process.

    • Permits must be applied for through the online portal.
    • Attachments may be mailed or picked up at the Building Department.
    • Applicants are contacted within 1-3 business days and, if approved, may pay by credit card, cash, or check.
    • A kiosk is available at the Building Department by advance call.

    approval/payment contact timeframe: 1-3 business days (if approved)

    “You will be contacted within 1-3 business days and, if approved, you will be able to pay by credit card, cash, or check.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Lee County building-permit applications.
      “This permit needs 3 forms, the Application, Site Plan and Architectural Plans.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit application and approval process.
      “Permits Must Be Applied For Using This Portal”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner occupants or lessee occupants of single-family residences, and owners of single-family residences under construction for their own occupancy, performing plumbing planning, installation, alteration, or repair in Illinois.

    • The exemption is limited to plumbing work on the specified single-family residence; the cited statute does not establish a general owner-builder exemption for all construction trades or a statewide exemption from building permits.
    • The plumbing must comply with the minimum standards in the Illinois State Plumbing Code.
    • The plumbing is subject to inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health or by the local governmental unit if it retains a licensed plumber as inspector.
    • The owner, owner occupant, or lessee occupant may not employ anyone other than a plumber licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law to assist.
    • An occupant must have taken possession of and be living in the premises as their bona fide sole and exclusive residence, or, for a residence under construction, expect to take possession and live there as that residence, with current intent to live there for at least 6 months after completion of the plumbing work or, for a residence under construction, at least 6 months after completion of construction.
    • Failure to possess and live in the premises as a sole and exclusive residence for 6 months or more creates a rebuttable presumption that the required intent was lacking.

    minimum occupancy period: >= 6 months (After completion of plumbing work; for a residence under construction, after completion of construction.)

    “Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the owner occupant or lessee occupant of a single family residence, or the owner of a single family residence under construction for his or her occupancy, from planning, installing, altering or repairing the plumbing system of such residence”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Privately funded construction in Illinois, including projects performed by an owner-builder, as to state-issued building permits, state plan review, state building-code inspections, and state occupancy permits.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    • Conditional — Statewide treatment of local plumbing permits and inspections for qualifying owner occupants performing plumbing work on a single-family residence.
      “Nothing contained in this Act shall prohibit any city, town, village, township or county from providing for a Plumbing Inspector or from requiring permits for the installation and repair of plumbing and collecting a fee therefor, but a city, town, village, township, or county that requires a permit for installation and repair of plumbing may not issue that permit without verification that the applicant has a valid plumbing license or that the applicant is the owner occupant of a single family residence that is the subject of the permit.”
  • Building 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”
  • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area or minimum dwelling size for residential dwellings in unincorporated Lee County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Lee County.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Lee County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Lee County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of structures described as tiny homes in unincorporated Lee County.
2 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup

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 Lee County, Illinois

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

Lee County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (38.2″/yr rainfall) and about 48,386 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

How much does land cost in Lee County, Illinois?

Land in Lee County runs about $10,639 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lee County?

Lee County gets about 38.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.1% of years.

How remote is Lee County?

A representative private-land location has about 48,386 people within a 30-minute drive and 9,262,742 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 Lee compares in Illinois

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