Bolthole Index

Madison County, Illinois

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

50Index Score / 100
#69 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Madison County, Illinois requires a building permit before construction begins: submit plans, wait for permit issuance and expect inspections at selected milestones12. County zoning regulates land use through designated districts, with a 620-square-foot minimum dwelling size in the Conservation and R-1 to R-3 districts34. Septic permits are reviewed and approved by Madison County Planning & Development, separately from building and zoning approval5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before covered construction begins in unincorporated Madison County1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated Madison County6
Septic approval
Required before construction; Planning & Development permits and inspects installations758
Water well permit
Health Department permit required before construction or deepening; non-refundable $100 fee9
RV or tiny-home living
Campers must be unoccupied in residential and agricultural districts; tiny homes need a permit and a 620 sq ft minimum applies in some districts104
Owner-builder exemption
No general exemption confirmed; a limited owner-occupant exemption applies to plumbing work1112
Conventional septic soils
Only 9.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations13
Minimum home size
620 sq ft per dwelling in Conservation and R-1 to R-3 districts4

Who to call

Building permits

Madison County Building & Zoning Department — Building Permits & Inspections

Building permit applications, plan review and construction inspections in unincorporated Madison County

(618) 296-6200

jmwalker@madisoncountyil.gov

157 N. Main Street, Suite 254, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Zoning

Madison County Zoning Administration

Zoning administration, map amendments, special-use permits and variances

(618) 296-4985

djjackson@co.madison.il.us

157 N. Main Street, Suite 254, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Septic permits

Madison County Planning & Development — Private Sewage Permits & Inspections

Private sewage permits, installation inspections and installer licensing

(618)296-4663

tlhawkins@co.madison.il.us

157 N. Main Street, Suite 254, Edwardsville, IL 62025

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

Off-grid gear

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

Construction in unincorporated Madison County requires a building permit before work starts1. Submit project plans, wait for review and permit issuance, then arrange inspections at selected milestones142. Madison County administers the adopted International building, residential, mechanical, property-maintenance, energy and fire codes, National Electrical Code, Illinois Plumbing Code and Illinois Private Sewage Code15. Ask Building & Zoning for project exceptions, application documents and current building-permit fees.

Municipal building permits are handled locally in Edwardsville16, Glen Carbon17, Wood River18, Highland19, Roxana20; South Roxana requires a village building permit for carports21. Private-sewage review stays with Madison County Planning & Development5.

Who is the Madison County building department, and how do you reach it?

Madison County Building & Zoning handles building-permit applications, plan review and construction inspections in unincorporated Madison County22. The office is at 157 N. Main Street, Suite 254, Edwardsville, IL 62025, and its main number is (618) 296-620022. Email the building-permit office at jmwalker@madisoncountyil.gov22. Illinois allows a qualifying owner occupant to do plumbing on a single-family residence, but that narrow rule is not a general exemption from Madison County building permits or other trade requirements1112. Ask Building & Zoning what an owner may perform and which permits and inspections still apply.

Does Madison County have zoning?

Madison County zoning assigns permitted and special uses to districts in unincorporated areas; ask Zoning Administration for the parcel’s district and dimensional schedule623. Single-family dwellings in Conservation and R-1, R-2 and R-3 require at least 620 square feet per unit4. Accessory structures need 5 feet of separation from other buildings; lot-line setbacks are 5 feet side and 7.5 feet rear in residential districts, or 15 feet side and rear in Conservation and Agricultural districts, plus 25 feet from private roadway easements24. Qualifying agricultural structures on A Agricultural land receive free permits and must meet primary-structure setbacks25.

Municipal zoning applies inside Granite City26, Edwardsville27, Alton28, Godfrey29, Glen Carbon30, Wood River31, Highland32, Maryville33, South Roxana34, Roxana35. Private-sewage review stays with Madison County Planning & Development5.

How do septic permits work in Madison County?

Private-sewage plans require approval before construction under Illinois rules; Madison County Planning & Development reviews county systems and permits and inspects installations758. Private sewage is allowed only where public sewer is unavailable and cannot be extended to the property line, and the site must have acceptable soil conditions8. Planning staff review the proposed system before issuing a permit, inspect the installation and conduct a follow-up inspection after completion8. Only 9.2% of Madison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make soil suitability an early purchase contingency13. Ask the private-sewage office what application materials and system design the site requires; sewage approval and zoning are separate reviews366.

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

In unincorporated Madison County’s residential and agricultural districts, stored campers and camping trailers must be unoccupied; a maximum of 4 boats, campers and trailers may be kept in the rear or side yard10. Parcels of 2 acres or more may keep an additional unit in the front driveway, at least 30 feet from the front property line, and anything stored in a side yard must be at least 20 feet from the side property line10. Residential-district recreational equipment must use a paved or graveled all-weather surface; temporary driveway, street or adjacent-right-of-way loading and unloading is limited to 48 consecutive hours per week37. Ask Zoning Administration whether any temporary occupancy approval applies; we could not confirm a general temporary-camping or tiny-home occupancy rule.

A tiny home does not bypass building review: covered construction in unincorporated Madison County requires a permit, adopted building codes apply, and Madison County reviews private sewage systems1155. A permanent dwelling in the Conservation and R-1 to R-3 districts must also meet the 620-square-foot minimum4.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is unincorporated, then ask Zoning Administration for its district, allowed use and dimensional requirements623.
  1. If the parcel will be divided, ask about plat review before relying on a proposed lot line38.
  1. Check whether the site is in a floodplain and whether an elevation certificate, grading permit or other approval is required39.
  1. Submit the private-sewage proposal to Planning & Development and obtain approval before construction58.
  1. Before constructing or deepening a Madison County water well, obtain a Health Department permit; the non-refundable fee is $1009. Notify the Health Department at least 48 hours before covered work begins and arrange inspection access40.
  1. Submit project plans and the building-permit application, then wait for issuance before starting14.
  1. Coordinate building inspections at selected milestones2. Ask Building & Zoning what final occupancy approval applies because we could not confirm a certificate-of-occupancy requirement.

What should you check before buying land in Madison County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning because county rules apply to unincorporated land6. If a seller proposes a split, confirm subdivision review and the applicable minimum lot specifications before treating it as buildable3841. Check sewage feasibility early because only 9.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and Madison County reviews and approves private systems135. Construction or deepening of a private well requires a Health Department permit9. For floodplain parcels, new structures face elevation-document requirements, larger land development needs a grading permit, and floodway development needs state and federal approval39. County driveway-access requirements could not be confirmed, so identify the road authority before closing.

Watch-outs

  • Illinois has a limited owner-occupant exemption for plumbing work, not a general exemption from Madison County permits or other construction requirements1112.
  • Private sewage is permitted only where public sewer cannot reach the property line and the site has acceptable soil conditions8.
  • A Madison County building permit will not be issued for a new structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area without the required elevation documentation or approved map change39.
  • A driveway onto an Illinois state-maintained roadway requires IDOT approval before right-of-way work begins42.

Sources

  1. Building Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning Administration, quoted and re-checked
  4. Madison County zoning ordinance agenda packet, quoted and re-checked
  5. Private Sewage - Permits, Inspections & Complaints, quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning Administration, quoted and re-checked
  7. Division of Environmental Health's Environmental Engineering Section, quoted and re-checked
  8. Madison County Planning & Development — Private Sewage Permits & Inspections (madisoncountyil.gov)
  9. Madison County water well ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Madison County Code § 93.097, Trailers and Recreational Vehicles, quoted and re-checked
  11. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. 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
  14. Building Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  16. Edwardsville: Building Permit Applications and Adopted Codes (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Village of Glen Carbon: 9-1-3: Fees (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Wood River: § 150.017 Fees (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Highland: official source (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Village of Roxana: 9-3-2: PERMIT REQUIRED (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Village of South Roxana: official source (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Madison County Building & Zoning Department — Building Permits & Inspections (madisoncountyil.gov)
  23. Zoning Administration, quoted and re-checked
  24. Madison County Board Agenda Packet containing zoning ordinance text, quoted and re-checked
  25. § 93.004 Agricultural Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  26. Granite City: City of Granite City Zoning Ordinance No. 3818 (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Edwardsville: Planning & Zoning (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  28. Alton: Chapter 5 District Regulations (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  29. Village of Godfrey: Godfrey Code, § 60.500 Residential districts (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Village of Glen Carbon: Glen Carbon, IL Code of Ordinances (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  31. Wood River: § 155.01 Adoption by reference (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  32. Highland: Sec. 90-125. Lot and building requirements (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  33. Village of Maryville: § 156.023 Schedule; Area and Bulk Regulations (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  34. Village of South Roxana: official source (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  35. Village of Roxana: official source (Madison County), quoted and re-checked
  36. Building and Zoning Code Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  37. § 93.097 Trailers and Recreational Vehicles, quoted and re-checked
  38. Subdivision Platting, quoted and re-checked
  39. Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  40. Madison County water well ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  41. Zoning Administration, quoted and re-checked
  42. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Madison County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMadison CountyMacoupin CountyBond CountySt. Clair CountyClinton CountyJersey CountyMontgomery County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesNoYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Planning & Development Dept.County Public Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Madison County in Illinois

50
County map
Madison County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Madison County scores

Seclusion23100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost62100% 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 →

$202kTypical home
1.9%Property tax
$6,940Land / acre
42.3"Annual rain
1.7% of yrsSevere drought
9.8 / yr (+8.6)Mid-century 100°F days
15.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.91" (+8.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.85×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,699Home insurance / yr
4% / yrInsurance growth
0.5%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
85,285People within 30 min
3,771,028People within 2 hr
176,626Radius comparison (15 mi)
367.2People / sq mi
0%Federal land
89.5%Land at 15% slope or less
9.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
38,841 acWorkable land screen
29.8%Wooded land
58.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Madison 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: Alhambra Township · Village of Alhambra · Alton Township · Village of Bethalto · Chouteau Township · Collinsville Township · Village of East Alton · Edwardsville Township · Fort Russell Township · Foster Township · Granite City Township · Village of Grantfork · Village of Hamel · Village of Hartford · Helvetia Township · Jarvis Township · Leef Township · Madison · Marine Township · Village of Marine · Moro Township · Nameoki Township · New Douglas Township · Village of New Douglas · Olive Township · Omphghent Township · Pin Oak Township · Saline Township · St. Jacob Township · Village of St. Jacob · Troy · Venice · Venice Township · Village of Williamson · Wood River Township · Village of Worden

Answers from the rulebook for Madison County

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

Madison County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction in unincorporated Madison County.

    • A contractor must apply before commencing construction.
    • Plans of the proposed project must be submitted.
    • Construction may start only after plan review and permit issuance.
    “Prior to commencing construction, a contractor is required to apply for a building permit and submit plans of the proposed project. Once the plans have been reviewed and a permit has been issued, the contractor may start construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction requiring county building-permit review in unincorporated Madison County.
      “Prior to commencing construction, a contractor is required to apply for a building permit and submit plans of the proposed project. Once the plans have been reviewed and a permit has been issued, the contractor may start construction.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code adoption and administration for construction in unincorporated Madison County

    • The page lists the 2024 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Property Maintenance, Energy Conservation, and Fire Codes; the 2023 National Electrical Code; Illinois Plumbing Code; and Illinois Private Sewage Code.
    “The Building & Zoning Department administers the International Building Code for construction in the unincorporated areas of Madison County. The following codes have been adopted:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction in the unincorporated areas of Madison County.
      “The Building & Zoning Department administers the International Building Code for construction in the unincorporated areas of Madison County. The following codes have been adopted: 2024 International Building Code 2024 International Residential Code 2024 International Mechanical Code 2024 International Property Maintenance Code 2024 International Energy Conservation Code 2023 National Electrical Code 2024 International Fire Code Illinois Plumbing Code Illinois Private Sewage Code”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction in unincorporated Madison County.

    • A building inspector checks progress at selected milestones.
    • Inspection is to ensure that applicable codes are adequately met.
    “A building inspector will check progress at selected milestones”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building construction subject to county inspection in unincorporated Madison County.
      “A building inspector will check progress at selected milestones to ensure that all codes are adequately met.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land use and development in unincorporated Madison County.

    • The county zoning ordinance regulates permitted and special land uses within designated districts.
    • Zoning map amendments, special use permits, and variances may change land use or vary bulk regulations.
    “The Planning & Development Department is responsible for property-related code enforcement in unincorporated Madison County. [...] enforcing several ordinances, including zoning”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land use and development in unincorporated Madison County.
      “The Zoning Ordinance is used to regulate land use and development”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Madison County zoning districts and district-based land-use controls.

    • The county zoning page states that permitted and special uses are regulated within designated districts.
    • The ordinance page publicly lists the Zoning Ordinance as an official county development document.
    “Developmental Regulations and Requirements [...] Zoning Ordinance”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County zoning districts in unincorporated Madison County.
      “permitted and special land uses permitted within designated districts”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family dwelling units in the Madison County C Conservation and R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zoning districts in unincorporated areas.

    • The cited minimum is district-specific and applies to each dwelling unit.
    • Area is measured from the outside walls.
    • Utility rooms are included.
    • Areas not used for living or sleeping purposes are excluded.

    minimum total floor area: >= 620 square feet per dwelling unit (Measured from outside walls; utility rooms included and other non-living/non-sleeping areas excluded.)

    “Single-family residences dwellings shall have a total floor area of not less than 620 square feet for each dwelling unit, measured from the outside walls, including utility rooms but excluding all other areas not used for living or sleeping purposes.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Minimum lot-size requirements under Madison County zoning and subdivision regulations

    • The official pages establish lot specifications but do not state the numeric limits.
    “The ordinance also requires minimum lots specifications and road improvements, and through the review process, ensures adequate access to utilities and services.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Accessory structures in agricultural, conservation, residential, manufacturing, and business zoning districts governed by Madison County's unincorporated-area zoning code.

    • Attached accessory buildings or structures are treated as part of the principal building.
    • In residential districts, accessory structures must be at least five feet from the side lot line and 7.5 feet from the rear lot line.
    • In Conservation and Agricultural Districts, accessory structures must be at least 15 feet from side and rear lot lines.
    • In any zoning district, accessory structures must be at least 25 feet from private roadway easements.
    • Accessory structures are generally prohibited in the front yard, except on an Agricultural-zoned tract of at least two acres; in an A Agriculture District, accessory structures must be 50 feet from the front property line.
    • On corner lots, side-yard accessory buildings adjoining a street must meet the applicable primary-structure front-yard setbacks and remain behind the front line of the primary structure.
    • Accessory structures may not exceed 30% coverage of the rear yard.
    • Manufacturing and business district accessory structures must meet the applicable district conditions in §§ 93.020 through 93.039 and may not be in a required front yard.

    minimum distance from another building: >= 5 feet · residential side-lot-line setback: >= 5 feet · residential rear-lot-line setback: >= 7.5 feet · conservation/agricultural side-lot-line setback: >= 15 feet · conservation/agricultural rear-lot-line setback: >= 15 feet · private roadway easement setback: >= 25 feet · agricultural front property line setback: >= 50 feet · maximum rear-yard coverage: <= 30 percent

    “In Conservation and Agricultural Districts, a minimum of 15 feet from the side and rear lot lines.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Accessory structures in Madison County agricultural, conservation, and residential zoning districts in unincorporated areas.
      “In residential districts, a minimum distance of five feet from the side lot line and seven and one-half feet from the rear lot line. In Conservation and Agricultural Districts, a minimum of fifteen feet from the side and rear lot lines. In any zoning district, accessory structures must be at least 25 feet from private roadway easements.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles, campers/camping trailers, and related trailers on land governed by Madison County zoning in unincorporated areas.

    • In Agricultural Districts, a maximum of four boats, campers/camping trailers, and trailers may be stored in the rear or side yard; an additional unit may be placed in the front driveway on properties of at least two acres, at least 30 feet from the front property line.
    • Boats and campers/camping trailers must be unoccupied and parked in an orderly and organized fashion.
    • A maximum of four large transport trailers is allowed only on lots larger than 10 acres, at least 100 feet from the front, side, and rear yard setback.
    • Commercial trailers are prohibited except those used exclusively for agricultural purposes, including livestock, grain, fertilizer, and other agriculture-related cargo.
    • Recreational vehicles or trailers may not be parked on a public street or right-of-way, except while actively loading or unloading for no more than 48 consecutive hours in any one-week period and provided normal traffic flow is not interrupted.
    • Trailers may not be used for advertising purposes.
    • Agricultural-purpose activities may be exempt from the section with approval by the Zoning Administrator at the direction of the Building and Zoning Committee.
    • In Residential Districts, boats, campers/camping trailers, and trailers are subject to the same four-unit rear-or-side-yard limit, two-acre front-driveway exception, 30-foot front setback, 20-foot side setback, and unoccupied requirement.
    • In Residential Districts, recreational equipment or trailers must be parked on a paved or graveled all-weather surface; driveway, street, and adjacent-right-of-way parking is limited to active loading or unloading for no more than 48 consecutive hours in any one-week period; advertising use is prohibited; residential trailers may not impede safe house entry, exit, or emergency access; and large transport trailers are prohibited.

    maximum stored boats/campers/camping trailers/trailers: 4 units (Additional unit allowed in front driveway on properties of at least 2 acres, at least 30 feet from front property line.) · minimum lot size for large transport trailers: > 10 acres (Maximum of four; each must be at least 100 feet from front, side, and rear yard setbacks.) · large transport trailer maximum: 4 trailers (Only on lots larger than 10 acres.) · loading/unloading public right-of-way duration: <= 48 consecutive hours per one-week period (Normal traffic flow must not be interrupted.)

    “All boats and campers/camping trailers must be unoccupied, and parked in an orderly and organized fashion.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Boats, campers/camping trailers, and trailers, including recreational vehicles, stored in residential zoning districts in unincorporated Madison County.
      “All boats and campers/camping trailers must be unoccupied, and parked in an orderly and organized fashion.”
    • Limited — Recreational vehicles, campers/camping trailers, and trailers on residential or agricultural property in unincorporated Madison County.
      “Boats, campers/camping trailers, and trailers. A maximum of four boats, campers/camping trailers, and trailers are permitted in the rear or side yard. On properties two acres or greater in size, an additional boat, camper/camping trailer, or trailer shall be permitted in the front driveway at least 30 feet back from the front property line. Any boat, camper/camping trailer, or trailer stored in the side yard shall be a minimum of 20 feet from the side property line. All boats and campers/camping trailers must be unoccupied, and parked in an orderly and organized fashion.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private sewage systems in Madison County.

    • The Building & Zoning Department also performs private sewage code enforcement.
    • The page describes complaint intake, site visits, violation notices, and administrative adjudication.
    “The Building & Zoning Department is responsible for reviewing and approving all private sewage systems in Madison County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage code enforcement in unincorporated Madison County.
      “The Building & Zoning Department is responsible for reviewing and approving all private sewage systems in Madison County.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction or deepening of water wells in Madison County.

    • A permit must be obtained from the Health Department before construction or deepening.
    • The ordinance also requires permits for closed-loop well construction, modification, or sealing.
    • A non-community water system requires an Illinois Department of Public Health permit.
    • The water-well permit fee is non-refundable and $100.

    water well permit fee: 100 USD (non-refundable)

    “unless a permit has first been obtained from the Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Inspection-related notice and access for permitted water wells and closed-loop wells in Madison County.
      “The Health Department shall be notified at least 48 hours”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting in Madison County.

    • The ordinance requires minimum lot specifications and road improvements.
    • The review process addresses adequate access to utilities and services.
    • The Illinois Plat Act is an alternative way to subdivide if the property is eligible.
    • Properties subdivided via the Plat Act must comply with lot specifications in the Madison County Zoning Ordinance.
    “The ordinance also requires minimum lots specifications and road improvements, and through the review process, ensures adequate access to utilities and services.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New structures and land development within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas and Madison County floodplain/floodway areas.

    • A new-structure building permit application in the SFHA must include an Elevation Certificate showing the lowest finished floor is 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation, or an approved FEMA Letter of Map Change.
    • If those items are not provided or unattainable, the building permit will not be issued.
    • Land development greater than 10,000 square feet must receive a county grading permit.
    • Land disturbance in the floodplain is permitted only with required erosion-control measures.
    • Grading designated wetlands is prohibited.
    • Development within the floodway is prohibited unless IDNR issues a permit and FEMA provides approval.
    • Residents are responsible for approval expenses.

    minimum lowest finished-floor elevation above BFE: >= 2 feet · land development threshold for grading permit: > 10000 square feet

    “Any land development greater than 10,000 square feet must receive a grading permit from the B&Z Department.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Permits for qualifying agricultural buildings, structures, or other purposes under Madison County Zoning Code § 93.004 on lots zoned A Agricultural in unincorporated Madison County.

    • The structure must be strictly used for agricultural purposes.
    • The lot must be zoned A Agricultural District.
    • Agricultural equipment or materials stored in the structure must be intended for use on the property where the structure is located.
    • The applicant's principal use of the land must be agricultural.
    • If part of the tract ceases to be used primarily for agricultural purposes, all provisions of the zoning code apply to that part.
    • The buildings or structures must conform to primary structure setback requirements.

    qualifying agricultural permit fee: 0 USD (Only for permits and structures meeting § 93.004 agricultural-exemption conditions.)

    “Permits issued for the erection or extension of buildings, structures or other purposes described in this section shall be issued free of charge.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permits for construction in unincorporated Madison County.

    • The contractor applies before construction begins.
    • Plans must be submitted for review.
    • Construction begins only after the permit is issued.
    • Building inspections occur at selected milestones.
    “Prior to commencing construction, a contractor is required to apply for a building permit and submit plans of the proposed project. Once the plans have been reviewed and a permit has been issued, the contractor may start construction. A building inspector will check progress at selected milestones to ensure that all codes are adequately met.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit process in unincorporated Madison County.
      “Prior to commencing construction, a contractor is required to apply for a building permit and submit plans of the proposed project. Once the plans have been reviewed and a permit has been issued, the contractor may start construction. A building inspector will check progress at selected milestones to ensure that all codes are adequately met.”

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.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy permits or certificates for privately funded construction in Illinois.

    • The State does not issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction.
    • If an occupancy permit is required, it is addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Issuance of occupancy permits or certificates by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • 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”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a new private sewage disposal system statewide, including systems where a septic tank is replaced, a major component is added or removed, or the absorption field changes by at least 25 percent.

    • Plan approval must be obtained from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction begins.
    • Persons constructing, installing, repairing, or modifying the system must notify the Department or local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.
    • The rule requires submission of plans, site and system information, bedroom count or design volume, soil or percolation information, owner information, and applicant signature.

    notice before commencement: >= 48 hours · absorption-field change threshold: >= 25 percent (The rule treats increasing the field by 25% or more, or removing and replacing 25% or more, as a new system.)

    “Plan approval shall be obtained from the Department or local authority prior to beginning any construction of a new private sewage disposal system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems regulated under Illinois private-sewage rules, including systems with no surface discharge and systems discharging up to 1,500 gallons per day to ground surface or streams.
      “The division regulates all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface or to streams (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems). Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems before construction.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway, including access-driveway requests to State highways.

    • A permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • Requirements may vary by IDOT district; the applicant must contact the district office for specific requirements.
    • IDOT's access-driveway handbook guides what is allowable for highway access requests.
    “Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Municipal or other local zoning within Madison County beyond the county's unincorporated-area zoning jurisdiction.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Madison County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Madison County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Madison County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Madison County.
2 more unanswered
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Madison County, Illinois

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

Madison County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics (42.3″/yr rainfall) and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 85,285 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Madison County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Madison County Planning & Development Department, Code Enforcement (Solid Waste/Private Sewage Inspector). 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 Madison County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Madison County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles, campers/camping trailers, and related trailers on land governed by Madison County zoning in unincorporated areas. In Agricultural Districts, a maximum of four boats, campers/camping trailers, and trailers may be stored in the rear or side yard; an additional unit may be placed in the front driveway on properties of at least two acres, at least 30 feet from the front property line. Boats and campers/camping trailers must be unoccupied and parked in an orderly and organized fashion. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Madison County, Illinois?

Land in Madison County runs about $6,940 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Madison County?

Madison County gets about 42.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years.

How remote is Madison County?

A representative private-land location has about 85,285 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,771,028 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 Madison compares in Illinois

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