Bolthole Index

Logan County, Illinois

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

43Index Score / 100
#86 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Logan County, Illinois requires a building permit for new construction, additions, remodeling, accessory structures and portable structures, while routine maintenance and repair are exempt.1 Logan County has not adopted a local building code, but state baseline requirements still apply.2 The Logan County Zoning Office issues county building permits, while the Logan County Department of Public Health handles private onsite sewage permits and inspections.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for excavation, construction, moving or alteration in the county zoning jurisdiction, with listed exemptions1
Building code
No county-adopted code; Illinois baseline requirements still apply25
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated areas and villages without their own ordinance6
Septic
LCDPH permit, professional soil analysis and inspection before backfilling required78
RV living
Temporary use allowed during permitted dwelling work, subject to county conditions9
Tiny home
County rules cover permanent-foundation tiny homes within conditionally approved tiny-home parks10
Agricultural building
No zoning-permit fee when used solely for agriculture; the permit itself is not waived11

Who to call

Zoning

Logan County Zoning Office

County zoning administration, building-permit review and issuance, variances, conditional uses, special uses and rezoning

(217) 732-4773

zoning@logancountyil.gov

529 S McLean St Lincoln, IL 62656

Septic permits

Logan County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health

Private onsite sewage permitting, plan review, installation inspection and septic-system map requests

217-735-2317

info@lcdph.org

109 Third Street, P.O. Box 508 Lincoln IL 62656-0508

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 5, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. In unincorporated Logan County, new construction, additions, remodeling, accessory structures and portable structures require a county building permit; routine maintenance and repair, such as painting or re-roofing, do not.1 Agricultural-only structures receive a fee exemption rather than a stated permit exemption.11 Residential construction costs $4 per $1,000 of construction cost with a $25 minimum, while additions and alterations cost $2 per $1,000 with the same minimum.12

Logan County has not adopted a local building code, but Illinois has imposed statewide baseline building-code requirements since 2025.25 For a single-family dwelling or an addition larger than 750 square feet, the owner hires an Illinois-licensed home inspector, and the Zoning Officer cannot issue a certificate of occupancy until construction is complete and the required inspection report is submitted.1314

Who issues building permits in Logan County, Illinois?

The Logan County Zoning Office reviews and issues building permits and also handles variances, conditional uses, special uses and rezoning in the county's jurisdiction.3 The office is at 529 S McLean St in Lincoln and can be reached at (217) 732-4773 or zoning@logancountyil.gov.3 Applications use county forms and, where applicable, include the parties involved, site description, survey, and approved water and sewage plans.15

Jurisdiction comes first: Logan County zoning covers unincorporated areas, while incorporated municipalities make their own zoning determinations.616 For rural land, give the Zoning Office the parcel number and project description and ask which forms, inspections, floodplain review and occupancy approval apply.3

Does Logan County, Illinois have zoning?

Yes. Logan County zoning applies to unincorporated land, while incorporated jurisdictions make their own zoning determinations.616 The county publishes Agricultural, Residential, Business and Manufacturing districts, and setbacks vary by district.1718 Residential districts R-1 through R-3 use a 25-foot front setback, 30-foot rear setback and side setback equal to 10% of lot width.18 Request an official district determination because published maps may not reflect later rezonings.17

Only one dwelling is allowed on an existing country property; another dwelling must occupy its own parcel and meet that district's minimum lot size.19 Subdivision is regulated, although the county's published summary does not provide the full procedure or dimensional standard.20 Floodplain-related subdivisions face added elevation, boundary, drainage and damage-prevention requirements.21

How do septic permits work in Logan County, Illinois?

The Logan County Department of Public Health administers private onsite sewage permits and inspections, while the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulates public sewers.4 LCDPH's jurisdiction covers structures without accessible public sewer service or more than 300 feet from a public sewer connection.22 Where municipal sewer is unavailable, the building-permit materials require a sewage-disposal plan approved in writing by the County Health Department.23

Before installing a private system, submit a soil analysis from an Illinois Certified Professional Soil Classifier and obtain the $200 LCDPH permit.7 Only a licensed private-sewage installer or an owner installing the owner's own system may apply and perform the construction.7 LCDPH inspects the installation before backfilling.8 Because only about 12.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, make the soil evaluation a purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will work.24

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Logan County, Illinois?

Logan County allows temporary RV use during permitted dwelling construction, rehabilitation or reconstruction when the request is included with the building-permit application.9 The RV must be at least 10 feet from the dwelling, satisfy applicable side and rear setbacks, and have health-department water and sewage approvals before the RV permit is issued.9 Occupancy must end when the dwelling work is complete; the stated limit is one year unless the Planning and Zoning Committee grants an extension.9 A broader private-land camping rule could not be confirmed, so ask the Zoning Office before planning any other RV stay.3

The county separately regulates tiny homes in tiny-home parks as permanent-foundation dwellings between 200 and 800 square feet.1025 A park begins at three occupied tiny homes, needs at least five acres and proceeds as a conditional use.1026 Park water must connect to an available public supply within 500 feet, and all sewage must enter a common sewage system.2728 Road-facing park boundaries carry road-specific setbacks.29 These park rules do not establish permission for a stand-alone tiny home elsewhere.

Building a home in Logan County, Illinois: what are the steps?

For a project in unincorporated Logan County, use this order:

  1. Ask the Logan County Zoning Office to confirm the district, allowed residential use, setbacks and whether floodplain or subdivision review applies.318
  2. If municipal water or sewer is unavailable, obtain County Health Department approval for the water-supply and sewage-disposal plans.23
  3. Submit the county building-permit application with the applicable site, survey and project documents before starting work.151
  4. Obtain the LCDPH septic permit and leave the installed system uncovered for inspection.78
  5. For a new private well, obtain the state or approved local-health-department permit before work begins.30
  6. Arrange the required owner-hired inspection and obtain the Zoning Officer's certificate of occupancy before occupying a covered home.1314

What should you check before buying land in Logan County?

Start with an official zoning determination and confirm the intended dwelling, district setbacks, legal lot status and any need to subdivide.171820 Treat septic feasibility as a purchase condition because about 12.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and the permit requires a professional soil analysis.247

Ask whether the parcel lies in a floodplain: floodplain development needs a permit from the Zoning Officer before work begins unless exempted by law, and other required approvals must precede issuance.31 Verify legal road access as well.32 A residential driveway opening may not exceed 24 feet at the street line or 30 feet at the roadway, while controlled-access roads require additional agency and county permissions.32 Work in a state-road right-of-way also needs an IDOT permit before it begins.33

Watch-outs

  • Logan County has no locally adopted building code, but state baseline requirements and the county's permit, inspection and occupancy rules still apply.2514
  • An agricultural-only building receives a zoning-permit fee exemption, not a confirmed exemption from the permit itself.11
  • Tiny-home park standards do not answer whether a stand-alone tiny home is allowed on a particular parcel; ask the Zoning Office for a district-specific determination.103

Sources

  1. logancountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  2. logancountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  3. Logan County Zoning Office (logancountyil.gov)
  4. Sewage Disposal - Logan County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. Illinois Codes (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Logan County Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  7. Sewage Disposal - Logan County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  8. Sewage Disposal - Logan County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  9. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 12 - Permits, quoted and re-checked
  10. Appendix B — Tiny Home Park Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 12 - Permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. Logan County, Illinois - Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  13. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 12 - Permits, quoted and re-checked
  14. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 12 - Permits, quoted and re-checked
  15. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 12 - Permits, quoted and re-checked
  16. Logan County Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  17. Logan County, Illinois - Zoning Maps, quoted and re-checked
  18. Logan County, Illinois - Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  19. logancountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  20. Logan County Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  21. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 6 - Floodplain Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Sewage Disposal - Logan County Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  23. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 12 - Permits, quoted and re-checked
  24. 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
  25. Appendix B — Tiny Home Park Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. Appendix B — Tiny Home Park Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. Appendix B — Tiny Home Park Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Appendix B — Tiny Home Park Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  29. Appendix B — Tiny Home Park Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  30. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 6 - Floodplain Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  32. Logan County Zoning Ordinance Section 4 - Parking, Loading, Traffic, Access, quoted and re-checked
  33. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 5, 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, Logan County has countywide zoning.

RuleLogan CountyMenard CountyDe Witt CountyMacon CountyMason CountySangamon CountyTazewell County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Dept. of Public HealthCounty Health Dept.DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Dept. of Public HealthCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Logan County in Illinois

43
County map
Logan County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Logan County scores

Seclusion35100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency28100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability59100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost51100% 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 →

$145kTypical home
1.8%Property tax
$11,349Land / acre
38.6"Annual rain
5.5% of yrsSevere drought
9.1 / yr (+8.4)Mid-century 100°F days
13.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.84" (+12%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.79×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,561Home insurance / yr
4% / yrInsurance growth
0.73%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
74,919People within 30 min
1,866,516People within 2 hr
30,470Radius comparison (15 mi)
44.6People / sq mi
0%Federal land
99.4%Land at 15% slope or less
12.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
47,855 acWorkable land screen
4.2%Wooded land
45.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Logan 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: Aetna Township · Atlanta · Broadwell Township · Village of Broadwell · Chester Township · Corwin Township · East Lincoln Township · Elkhart Township · Village of Elkhart · Village of Emden · Eminence Township · Village of Hartsburg · Hurlbut Township · Laenna Township · Lake Fork Township · Village of Latham · Village of Middletown · Mount Pulaski · Mount Pulaski Township · Village of New Holland · Oran Township · Orvil Township · Prairie Creek Township · Sheridan Township · West Lincoln Township

Answers from the rulebook for Logan County

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

Logan County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Excavation, construction, moving, or alteration of buildings, including accessory buildings, in the county zoning jurisdiction.

    • Routine maintenance or repair is exempt.
    • Alterations with replacement value below $300 are exempt.
    • Utility service connections are exempt.
    • Highways, roads, and similar transportation structures are exempt, but buildings are not.
    • Agricultural-only buildings or structures have no zoning permit fee, but the ordinance does not state that they are permit-exempt.
    • Work not substantially started within 90 days requires a new permit.
    “has issued a building permit for such work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New construction, additions, remodeling, accessory structures, and portable structures in the county zoning office's jurisdiction.
      “A: All new construction, additions, remodeling, and accessory structures require a building permit. Examples would include: new structures, grain bins, sheds, storage buildings, decks and sunrooms. Portable structures also require permits. Permits are not required for routine maintenance or repair (such as painting or re-roofing). The building permit application form is posted on the website.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    County building-code adoption.

    “The County has not adopted a building code.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Single-family dwellings, additions over 750 square feet, and specified manufactured or modular home components.

    • No certificate of occupancy may issue until construction is complete and inspected by an Illinois State licensed home inspector.
    • The property owner hires the inspector.
    • Manufactured and modular homes are exempt from structural-construction inspection when bearing the appropriate manufacturer seal, but specified site components remain subject to inspection.
    • Manufactured homes older than three years moved to a new location require inspections under ASHI/InterNACHI standards.

    addition threshold: > 750 square feet (single-family dwelling addition)

    “inspected by an Illinois State licensed home inspector.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Single-family dwellings and additions greater than 750 square feet to single-family dwellings.

    • The certificate must be issued by the Zoning Officer before occupancy.
    • Construction must be completed and inspected by an Illinois State licensed home inspector.
    • The inspector must submit reports stating compliance with ASHI Standards/InterNACHI.
    • Manufactured and modular homes have the stated structural inspection exemption, but specified components still require inspection.

    addition size threshold: > 750 square feet (single-family dwelling addition)

    “until a certificate of occupancy has been issued”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    The Logan County Zoning Ordinance applies in unincorporated areas and in villages without their own zoning ordinance.

    • Incorporated municipalities with their own zoning ordinances are outside this county ordinance's stated scope.
    • The ordinance regulates zoning districts, minimum lot sizes, setbacks, flood plain regulations, signs, and variances.
    “applies to the unincorporated areas of the county”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Unincorporated Logan County and villages that do not have their own zoning ordinance.
      “The zoning ordinance applies to the unincorporated areas of the county”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land use in unincorporated Logan County and villages without their own zoning ordinance.
      “applies to the unincorporated areas of the county”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Zoning across Logan County.

    • County zoning applies in unincorporated areas and villages without their own zoning ordinance.
    • For zoning within incorporated areas, the county directs users to the individual jurisdiction.
    “For zoning within incorporated areas of the County, please contact the individual jurisdiction for zoning determinations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of zoning coverage: the county administers zoning in unincorporated areas and villages without their own ordinance, while incorporated jurisdictions may administer their own zoning.
      “For zoning within incorporated areas of the County, please contact the individual jurisdiction for zoning determinations.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of local zoning: Logan County zoning applies to unincorporated areas and villages without their own zoning ordinance, while incorporated municipalities may administer separate zoning.
      “villages that do not have a zoning ordinance”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and district-specific development controls.

    • The county zoning ordinance lists Agricultural, Residential R-1 through R-4, Business B-1 through B-3, and Manufacturing M-1 and M-2 districts.
    • District boundaries are published through county zoning maps/GIS.
    • The county ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and villages without their own zoning ordinance.
    “The applicable setbacks for all the zoning districts are as follows:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published Logan County zoning districts and maps for unincorporated areas.
      “A Agriculture CH Country Homes SD Special District R-1 Single-Family Residential”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    A tiny home within a Logan County tiny home park.

    • The dwelling must be intended for permanent occupancy and placed on a permanent foundation.

    dwelling floor area: 200–800 square feet (Tiny-home definition only.)

    “Tiny Home A dwelling that is between 200 and 800 square feet that is intended for permanent occupancy and is placed on a permanent foundation.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    New-lot creation and subdivision in county zoning districts.

    • A district-specific minimum applies.
    • Agricultural zoning generally requires five acres, except an existing farmstead may be allowed on one acre.
    • R-1 requires 10,000 square feet; R-2 7,500 square feet; R-3 6,000 square feet; R-4 requires 12,000 square feet for two-family and 15 dwelling units per acre/30 bedrooms per acre for multi-family, with proportional interpolation below one acre.
    • M-1 and M-2 require one acre.

    A agricultural minimum: 5 acres (existing farmstead may be allowed on 1 acre) · R-1 minimum: 10000 square feet · R-2 minimum: 7500 square feet · R-3 minimum: 6000 square feet · M-1/M-2 minimum: 1 acre

    “A - Agricultural | Five (5) acres, except an existing farmstead may be allowed on a minimum of one (1) acre (See Zoning Ordinance Section 3.41-6) R-1 Single Family | 10,000 square feet R-2 Single Family | 7,500 square feet R-3 Single Family | 6,000 square feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Creation of new lots in Logan County zoning districts.
      “A - Agricultural | Five (5) acres, except an existing farmstead may be allowed on a minimum of one (1) acre (See Zoning Ordinance Section 3.41-6) R-1 Single Family | 10,000 square feet R-2 Single Family | 7,500 square feet R-3 Single Family | 6,000 square feet”
    • Specified — Land proposed for a Logan County tiny home park.
      “The tract of land involved shall be an area of not less than five acres.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Development subject to Logan County zoning districts.

    • A agricultural setbacks are 100 feet from a federal highway right-of-way, 50 feet from a state highway right-of-way, and 35 feet from a county or township right-of-way.
    • R-1 through R-3 require front 25 feet, rear 30 feet, and side 10% of lot width.
    • R-4 requires 20 feet for principal buildings and 5 feet for accessory buildings.
    • B-1 has no setbacks; B-2 has no required front setback but has a 20-foot rear setback and a residential-district side-yard exception; B-3 has front 25 feet, rear 20 feet, and side 10 feet.
    • M-1 and M-2 require 50 feet front and 20 feet from other lot lines.
    “Setbacks are determined by the zoning district”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Setbacks for Logan County zoning districts in the county zoning office's jurisdiction.
      “Setbacks are determined by the zoning district”
    • Specified — Tiny homes in a Logan County tiny home park.
      “All tiny homes shall be located as follows from any park boundary line abutting upon a public street or highway. 100 foot setback on Federal Highways. 50 foot setback on State Highways. 35 foot setback on all County, Township, or Municipal roads”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Temporary recreational-vehicle use on property during dwelling construction, rehabilitation, or reconstruction.

    • The request must be included with the dwelling building-permit application.
    • The RV permit is issued without charge during construction.
    • The RV must be at least 10 feet from the dwelling and meet applicable side and rear setbacks.
    • Health-department water-supply and sewage-disposal permits are required before issuance.
    • Permanent habitation must cease when the dwelling work is complete.
    • Maximum use is one year, extendable by the Planning & Zoning Committee if continued need is demonstrated.

    minimum RV separation: >= 10 feet (from dwelling unit) · maximum duration: 1 year (may be extended by Planning & Zoning Committee)

    “temporary use of a recreational vehicle on the property”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes in a Logan County tiny home park.

    • A tiny home is intended for permanent occupancy and placed on a permanent foundation.
    • A tiny home park has three or more occupied tiny homes.
    • The Appendix is a conditional-use ordinance.
    • New construction or park additions require County Zoning Officer approval application.

    tiny home floor area: 200–800 square feet (Must be intended for permanent occupancy and placed on a permanent foundation.) · tiny home park threshold: >= 3 occupied tiny homes (Applies whether harbored free of charge or for revenue purposes.)

    “permanent occupancy [...] three or more occupied tiny homes”
  • Accessory dwellingsProhibited

    A second dwelling unit on an existing country property for family members.

    • Another dwelling unit must be on its own parcel.
    • The separate parcel must meet the applicable minimum lot-size requirement for its zoning district.
    “only one (1) dwelling is allowed on the property.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — A second dwelling unit on a country property for family members.
      “only one (1) dwelling is allowed on the property.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private onsite sewage systems in Logan County.

    • LCDPH enforces the Logan County Private Sewage Ordinance under the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Act and Code.
    • Public sewers are regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
    • The LCDPH jurisdiction covers structures not accessible to or greater than 300 feet from a public sewer connection.

    public sewer distance: > 300 feet (or not accessible to a public sewer connection)

    “enforced under the authority of the LCDPH”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Private onsite sewage systems in Logan County and public sewer service.
      “Public sewers serving building structures in Logan County are regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of a private onsite sewage disposal system in Logan County.

    • A valid LCDPH permit is required.
    • The application must include a soil analysis report from an Illinois Certified Professional Soil Classifier.
    • The application fee is $200.
    • Only Illinois-licensed private sewage disposal installation contractors or property owners installing their own systems may apply and perform construction.
    • Surface-discharging systems also require an EPA NPDES General Permit before LCDPH plan-review approval.

    sewage permit application fee: 200 USD

    “without a valid permit issued by the LCDPH.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private onsite sewage system installation in Logan County.

    • LCDPH Division of Environmental Health conducts a regulatory compliance inspection before backfilling.
    • Routine maintenance and separate real-estate transaction inspections are distinct programs.
    “At the time of septic system installation, a regulatory compliance inspection will be conducted by the LCDPH Division of Environmental Health prior to backfilling the system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private onsite sewage system installation in Logan County.
      “At the time of septic system installation, a regulatory compliance inspection will be conducted by the LCDPH Division of Environmental Health prior to backfilling the system.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private onsite sewage disposal where municipal sewer is unavailable or the structure is not accessible to or is more than 300 feet from a public sewer connection.

    • LCDPH permit, soil analysis, $200 application fee, and pre-backfill compliance inspection are required.
    • Applicable Illinois state sewage rules and any EPA NPDES permit requirements also apply.

    public sewer distance: > 300 feet (or not accessible to a public sewer connection)

    “greater than 300 feet from a public sewer connection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Sanitation in Logan County tiny home parks.
      “All sewage and other water-carried waste shall be disposed of into a common sewage system. All provided sewage systems shall be constructed in conformity with all laws of the State of Illinois, regulation of any department, division or board of the State of Illinois, and any ordinance of the County of Logan, Illinois, relative thereto.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewage service planning for buildings in the county zoning jurisdiction.

    • If municipal sewer is unavailable, a sewage disposal plan approved in writing by the County Health Department is required.
    • If municipal water is unavailable, a water supply plan approved by the County Health Department is required.
    • A construction service connection to a utility system itself does not require a zoning permit.
    “if municipal sewerage service is not available.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Water supply for Logan County tiny home parks.
      “Where a public water supply system is available, the park water supply system shall be connected thereto. A public water supply system shall be deemed available when such system is within 500 feet of the park measured along a street or other public easement, and a connection may be made lawfully thereto.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Zoning-permit fees for buildings or structures used solely for agricultural purposes.

    • The structure must be used or intended to be used solely for agricultural purposes as defined in the ordinance.
    • This is a fee exemption; the reviewed text does not state that agricultural construction is exempt from the underlying permit requirement.
    “No fee shall be charged for zoning permit for building or structures used or to be used solely for agricultural purposes, as defined in this ordinance.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    New subdivisions, manufactured-home parks, annexation agreements, planned-unit developments, and additions to manufactured-home parks and subdivisions in floodplain-related development.

    • Proposals must meet Sections 6.6 and 6.7 damage-prevention and building-protection standards.
    • Proposals must include base-flood-elevation and floodplain-boundary data, floodway boundary where applicable, and a licensed professional engineer's signed drainage statement.
    “shall meet the damage prevention and building protections standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of property subject to county zoning in unincorporated Logan County.
      “minimum lot size required for subdividing property”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveways and direct private access in the county zoning jurisdiction.

    • Residential driveway openings may not exceed 24 feet at the street line or 30 feet at the roadway.
    • Direct private access to expressways or controlled-access arterial streets requires permission from the controlling highway agency, Planning Commission, and County Board.
    • Additional separation rules apply to specified commercial and public-assembly uses.

    residential driveway opening at street line: <= 24 feet · residential driveway opening at roadway: <= 30 feet

    “shall not exceed twenty-four (24) feet at the street line”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Logan County floodplains.

    • A development permit from the Zoning Officer is required before commencing floodplain development unless exempted by law.
    • The application must include scaled site drawings, grade elevations, building locations and dimensions, lowest-floor elevation where applicable, and estimated project cost.
    • All other required federal, state, and local permits must be obtained before issuance.
    • Floodway and floodplain damage-prevention standards apply.
    “without first obtaining a development permit from the Zoning Officer.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning-office project permits and related applications.

    • Residential construction is charged $4 per $1,000 of construction cost with a $25 minimum.
    • Residential additions or alterations are charged $2 per $1,000 with a $25 minimum.
    • Aboveground pools cost $25; inground pools cost $50.
    • Commercial construction is charged $8 per $1,000 with a $500 minimum.
    • Commercial additions or alterations are charged $4 per $1,000 with a $250 minimum.
    • The page also lists a $25 general application fee.

    residential construction fee: per 4 USD per $1,000 construction cost ($25 minimum) · residential addition or alteration fee: per 2 USD per $1,000 construction cost ($25 minimum) · commercial construction fee: per 8 USD per $1,000 construction cost ($500 minimum) · commercial addition or alteration fee: per 4 USD per $1,000 construction cost ($250 minimum) · general application fee: 25 USD

    “Residential Construction | $4.00 per $1,000.00 Construction Cost with $25 minimum”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning/building permit application process.

    • Applications are made in triplicate on county forms.
    • Where applicable, applications include applicant/owner/designer/contractor information, site description, survey, sewage-disposal plan if municipal sewer is unavailable, and water-supply plan if municipal water is unavailable.
    • A building permit packet and property-owner inspection acknowledgement are published on the county forms page.
    “Applications for a permit shall be made in triplicate”

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”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in Illinois where at least one room is rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days and accommodations are reserved in advance, when the hosting platform meets the statutory definition of a re-renter.

    • Beginning July 1, 2025, qualifying hosting platforms are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.
    • The source establishes tax and registration obligations, not statewide land-use permission; local zoning and licensing may separately apply.

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

    “Beginning July 1, 2025, hosting platforms for short-term rentals that meet the definition of “re-renter” are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.

    • IDPH annually inspects and licenses campgrounds in Illinois.
    • The state campground definition includes camping and temporary parking of recreational vehicles.
    • Campgrounds within home rule units of government are exempt from the state campground licensing requirement.
    • Recreational areas without overnight camping, such as highway rest stops and picnicking areas, are subject to the rules but are not licensed or routinely inspected.

    minimum persons for statutory campground threshold: >= 10 persons · minimum camping duration for statutory campground threshold: >= 6 camping days per calendar year

    ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County building-construction and building-code regulation, including residential structures, in counties meeting the statutory population and metropolitan-area conditions.

    • The county must have a population not in excess of 1,000,000.
    • The county must be located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.
    • Rules are subject to rules or regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal under the cited gasoline and volatile-oils statute.
    • The county must exempt municipalities located wholly or partly within the county when the municipal building code is equal to the county regulation and local authorities are enforcing that municipal code.
    • The rules apply throughout the county, but municipalities may establish higher standards.
    • The rules do not apply to construction or alteration of buildings or structures used or to be used for agricultural purposes on a tract zoned and used for agricultural purposes.
    • The county board must follow the publication and posting requirements in 55 ILCS 5/5-1063.
    • Beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly, a county adopting a new building code or amending an existing building code must provide the building-code identification to the Capital Development Board under Section 10.18 at least 30 days before adoption.
    • Violations are petty offenses, and enforcement is by an officer designated by county-board resolution.
    • The provision expressly authorizes county building-construction and building-code rules, but the opened text does not expressly use the phrase residential building permit requirement.

    population threshold: <= 1000000 persons (The county must be located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.) · pre-adoption identification period: >= 30 days (Applies to a new building code or amendment under the stated amendatory-Act provision.)

    “The county board in any county with a population not in excess of 1,000,000 located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission may prescribe by resolution or ordinance reasonable rules and regulations (a) governing the construction and alteration of all buildings and structures and parts and appurtenances thereof and governing the maintenance thereof in a condition reasonably safe from the hazards of fire, explosion, collapse, contagion and the spread of infectious disease”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Illinois counties adopting and enforcing building codes and issuing building permits for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the statewide baseline framework.
      “A municipality or county is not required to adopt building codes. If they do NOT adopt a building code then they are considered a non-building code jurisdiction and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105) applies. If they do adopt a building code(s) then it must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105).”

Still unanswered

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

  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Logan County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.

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

Living off-grid in Logan County, Illinois

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

Logan County scores 43/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: elevated current hazard exposure. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (38.6″/yr rainfall) and about 74,919 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Logan County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Logan County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health (under IDPH). 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 Logan County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Logan County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Temporary recreational-vehicle use on property during dwelling construction, rehabilitation, or reconstruction. The request must be included with the dwelling building-permit application. The RV permit is issued without charge during construction. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Logan County, Illinois?

Land in Logan County runs about $11,349 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Logan County?

Logan County gets about 38.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.5% of years.

How remote is Logan County?

A representative private-land location has about 74,919 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,866,516 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 Logan compares in Illinois

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