Bolthole Index

Marshall County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Marshall County, Illinois

54Index Score / 100
#64 of 102 in Illinois

Marshall County Zoning publishes a building-permit application for unincorporated Marshall County, Illinois; ask the office which projects require one1. Marshall County has county zoning and publishes township maps to identify parcel districts234. The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department issues private septic permits and permits for private-well construction or modification56.

At a glance

Building permit
Application published; confirm whether the proposed work requires one1
Zoning
Yes — township maps and the county GIS identify parcel districts24
Septic permits
Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department5
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask County Zoning about the parcel and proposed use78
Owner-builder exemption
A limited plumbing exemption applies; no general construction exemption confirmed910
Setbacks and height
Depend on the applicable zoning district1112
Private well
Health department permit required before construction or modification6

Who to call

Building permits

Marshall County Zoning

Building-permit applications, county zoning administration, variances, special uses and amendments

309-246-6401

rgiacometti@marshallcountyillinois.gov

552 State Route 26, Lacon, Illinois 61540

Septic permits

Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department — Sewage Program

Private sewage disposal plan review, permits, pre-use inspections and complaints

Roads & driveways

Marshall County Highway Department

Permits for entrances and other work in county right-of-way

(309) 246-6401

ejunker@marshallcountyillinois.gov

552 State Route 26, Lacon, Illinois 61540

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Marshall County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Marshall County Zoning publishes a building-permit application for unincorporated Marshall County, but the published application information does not state which projects require the permit; ask the office about the proposed work before construction1. Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded construction; local government handles any permit requirement13. Illinois has required statewide baseline building codes since January 1, 2025, and locally adopted codes must comply with that framework14. Marshall County's specific code adoption, required plan documents, inspection stages and certificate-of-occupancy rules could not be confirmed, so ask County Zoning for the checklist that applies to the proposed project15.

Who issues Marshall County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

Marshall County Zoning is the first stop for building-permit and land-use questions in unincorporated Marshall County, and the county publishes applications for building permits, amendments, special uses and variances16. The office is at 552 State Route 26 in Lacon, and it can be reached at 309-246-6401 or rgiacometti@marshallcountyillinois.gov7. Matters that cannot be processed administratively go to the Zoning Board of Appeals, so applicants should ask staff about the next meeting and its filing deadline1. We could not confirm county building-permit fees or inspection and occupancy requirements; ask County Zoning for the current project checklist7. Inside Wenona, the city building inspector handles building permits before construction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition17. Wenona also requires a city septic permit; state and county health requirements still apply18.

Does Marshall County have zoning?

Marshall County administers county zoning and publishes its zoning ordinance; the county guidance here concerns unincorporated land2319. County township maps and the GIS parcel details identify zoning districts, but maps may omit recent updates, so confirm the district with Marshall County Zoning420. Setbacks and height limits depend on the district; ask County Zoning for lot-size, dwelling-size and lot-coverage requirements11127. Toluca and Wenona administer their own zoning2122. Private septic systems remain subject to the regional health department's program, and Wenona also requires a city septic permit518. Washburn, mainly in Woodford County but extending into Marshall County, has village zoning; IDPH regulates private septic systems, and the local health agency serving a Washburn parcel should be confirmed with IDPH2324.

How do septic permits work in Marshall County?

The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department administers Marshall County's private sewage-disposal program under Illinois requirements and the county sewage ordinance5. The health department reviews plans and issues the septic permit before construction25. It also offers consultations before construction and inspects the system before use26. Only 14.6 percent of Marshall County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency27. Ask the health department what site information and plans it needs and when to schedule the pre-use inspection28.

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

We could not confirm a rule allowing long-term residential RV or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel in unincorporated Marshall County; ask Marshall County Zoning about the proposed use7. County zoning still applies, so give Marshall County Zoning the parcel number and describe the proposed dwelling and duration before buying or moving a unit onto the land87. Illinois requires annual state inspection and licensing for qualifying campgrounds, including facilities meeting the state threshold for shelters, capacity and camping days; that campground rule does not grant permission to occupy an RV as a residence on a private lot29. Manufactured homes have a separate statewide framework: installation may be performed by an Illinois-licensed installer or the homeowner and must follow the manufacturer's instructions or the state installation code, while local zoning, building and floodplain requirements may still apply30.

What are the steps to build a home in Marshall County?

  1. Use the township maps and county GIS to identify the parcel's zoning district, then ask Marshall County Zoning to confirm the current district and applicable use, setback and height rules411.
  2. If the project divides land, ask County Zoning how the subdivision ordinance applies because its thresholds and exemptions could not be confirmed31.
  3. If the site needs septic, obtain plan approval and a permit from the Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department before system construction525.
  4. For private-well construction or modification, obtain the regional health department’s permit and use an Illinois-licensed well contractor6.
  5. Ask Marshall County Zoning whether the proposed work requires a building permit and which plans, fees and inspections apply; the office publishes the application1.
  6. Ask County Zoning whether the proposal needs administrative approval or Zoning Board of Appeals review, and confirm the filing deadline1.
  7. For an entrance on a county highway, submit the location to the Highway Department for approval; the county installs an approved entrance and bills the landowner for materials32.
  8. Arrange the health department's required septic inspection before using the system2826.

What should you check before buying land in Marshall County?

Before buying unincorporated Marshall County land, confirm the zoning district with County Zoning and ask how any planned land division falls under the subdivision ordinance; its thresholds and exemptions could not be confirmed431. Only 14.6 percent of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site-specific septic evaluation early27. The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department requires a permit before private-well construction or modification and inspects new or renovated wells; separate permits cover abandoned-well sealing and closed-loop geothermal wells6. The Highway Department inspects proposed county-highway entrances, installs approved entrances and bills landowners for materials; state-road access follows the IDOT driveway-permit process3233. We could not confirm county floodplain-development requirements or agricultural construction exemptions; ask Marshall County Zoning before treating a flood-prone parcel or farm building as exempt7.

Watch-outs

  • Long-term RV living and tiny-home occupancy were not confirmed; ask Marshall County Zoning about the specific parcel and proposed use before purchase87.
  • A proposed county-highway entrance is subject to Highway Department inspection and approval, while a state-road entrance follows a separate IDOT permit process3233.
  • Only 14.6 percent of Marshall County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site-specific evaluation early27.

Sources

  1. Zoning - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  4. Mapping - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  5. Sewage Program - Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  6. Water Program - Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Marshall County Zoning (marshallcountyillinois.gov)
  8. Zoning - Marshall County Government (2026 county census)
  9. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. ilga.gov (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Codes and Regulations (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  17. Wenona: 3-2A-1: Zoning Permits (Marshall County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Wenona: 8-5-3: Private Sewage Disposal (Marshall County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  20. Mapping - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  21. Toluca: Title 9 Zoning Regulations (Marshall County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Wenona: 3-3-1: Districts Established (Marshall County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Village of Washburn: official source (Marshall County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Village of Washburn: Private Sewage Disposal (Marshall County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Sewage Program, quoted and re-checked
  26. Bureau, Putnam & Marshall Health Department — Sewage Program (bpmhd.org)
  27. 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
  28. Sewage Program, quoted and re-checked
  29. Youth Camps and Campgrounds, quoted and re-checked
  30. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Zoning - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  32. Policies - Marshall County Government, quoted and re-checked
  33. 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 all 6 of its neighbors, Marshall County has countywide zoning.

RuleMarshall CountyPutnam CountyWoodford CountyStark CountyLaSalle CountyBureau CountyPeoria County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsBureauBureauCounty Health Dept.Henry & Stark County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Peoria City/County Health Dept.

County locator

Marshall County in Illinois

54
County map
Marshall County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Marshall County scores

Seclusion35100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability58100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost53100% 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 →

$143kTypical home
2%Property tax
$10,448Land / acre
37.5"Annual rain
2.8% of yrsSevere drought
6.6 / yr (+6.2)Mid-century 100°F days
13.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.72" (+6.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.77×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,473Home insurance / yr
3.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.97%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
24,983People within 30 min
6,728,075People within 2 hr
19,679Radius comparison (15 mi)
30.2People / sq mi
0.7%Federal land
93%Land at 15% slope or less
14.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
35,062 acWorkable land screen
15.2%Wooded land
68.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Marshall 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: Bell Plain Township · Bennington Township · Evans Township · Henry · Henry Township · Hopewell Township · Village of Hopewell · La Prairie Township · Village of La Rose · Lacon · Lacon Township · Richland Township · Roberts Township · Saratoga Township · Village of Sparland · Steuben Township · Village of Varna · Whitefield Township

Answers from the rulebook for Marshall County

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

Marshall County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Marshall County zoning administration and county zoning ordinance materials.

    • The county page identifies zoning ordinances and guidance but does not establish that the county ordinance applies inside every incorporated municipality.
    “Zoning Ordinances and Guidance: Zoning Ordinance Text [PDF] Marshall Co Floodplain Ordinance [PDF] Subdivision Ordinance [PDF] Commercial Building Code [PDF] Mobile Home Fact Sheet [PDF] RV Fact Sheet [PDF]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning administration and the county zoning ordinance.
      “Zoning Ordinances and Guidance: Zoning Ordinance Text [PDF]”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Marshall County's locally administered zoning program and zoning approvals.

    • The county page identifies a Zoning Administrator and Deputy Zoning Administrator.
    • The county page identifies a Zoning Board of Appeals and states that items not administratively processed are reviewed by the ZBA.
    • The page does not establish whether county zoning applies inside incorporated municipalities or only in unincorporated areas.
    “Zoning Ordinances and Guidance: Zoning Ordinance Text [PDF]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-level local zoning in Marshall County; the county page identifies a county zoning program and zoning materials.
      “Use the link below to view Zoning Maps for each County Township. These maps may not include the most recent updates.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Marshall County zoning districts and parcel-level zoning identification.

    • The county states that zoning maps are available for each county township.
    • The county warns that the maps may not include the most recent updates and directs users to contact Marshall County Zoning for current information.
    • The county instructs users to select the Zoning layer and identify a parcel to view its zoning district.
    “To identify the zoning district for a parcel, click on the parcel and then view additional details.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts and parcel-level zoning identification in Marshall County townships.
      “Use the link below to view Zoning Maps for each County Township. [...] To identify the zoning district for a parcel, click on the parcel and then view additional details.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Marshall County administered through the Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Departments under state and county rules.

    • IDPH regulates private sewage disposal statewide.
    • Local health agencies review plans under local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.
    • Marshall County has a listed county sewage ordinance.
    “The health department reviews plans and issues permits of private sewage disposal systems. The health department is available for consultations prior to system construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Marshall County administered through the Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Departments.
      “The health department reviews plans and issues permits of private sewage disposal systems. [...] Marshall County Sewage Ordinance”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage disposal system installation in Marshall County.

    • The health department reviews plans and issues permits before construction.
    • IDPH and applicable county sewage rules also apply.
    “The health department reviews plans and issues permits of private sewage disposal systems.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems in Marshall County before use.

    • The health department conducts inspections prior to use.
    • Applicable state and county sewage rules also apply.
    “The health department conducts inspections of private sewage disposal systems prior to use.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction or modification of private water wells in Marshall County.

    • An Illinois Department of Public Health licensed well contractor is required.
    • The health department inspects newly constructed or renovated private wells.
    • Separate permits apply to abandoned-well sealing and closed-loop geothermal wells.
    “Before construction or modifications can take place, the health department must issue a private water well construction permit. We conduct inspections of newly constructed and/or renovated private wells in Bureau, Putnam and Marshall Counties.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision regulation in Marshall County.

    • The county page identifies a Subdivision Ordinance; substantive thresholds and exemptions were not verified.
    “Zoning Ordinances and Guidance: Zoning Ordinance Text [PDF] Marshall Co Floodplain Ordinance [PDF] Subdivision Ordinance [PDF] Commercial Building Code [PDF]”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway and culvert entrances connecting to Marshall County highways.

    • The applicant must complete an application.
    • The applicant must provide the culvert location and agree to the terms of the agreement.
    • The site is inspected for approval or disapproval.
    • The county installs the entrance and invoices the landowner for materials.
    “The applicant must complete an application and provide location of culvert and agree to terms of the agreement. The site will be inspected by the Marshall County Highway Department for approval or disapproval of said entrance. The entrance will be installed by the county and the landowner will be invoiced for materials.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning and permit-process materials in Marshall County.

    • The page states that items that cannot be administratively processed are reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
    • The page directs applicants to contact staff to confirm meeting dates and filing deadlines.
    “Applications and Forms: Application for Amendment [PDF] Application-for-Building-Permit [PDF] Application for Special Use Permit [PDF] Application for Variance [PDF]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning and permit application process in unincorporated Marshall County.
      “Applications and Forms: Application for Amendment [PDF] Application-for-Building-Permit [PDF] Application for Special Use Permit [PDF] Application for Variance [PDF] [...] For items that cannot be administratively processed, the ZBA meets monthly to review these cases. Contact staff to confirm dates of the next ZBA meeting and associated filing deadlines.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Privately funded construction in Illinois; the State does not itself issue building permits, while any required permit is addressed by the applicable local government.

    • Permit requirements may be imposed and administered by the municipality, village, city, or county having jurisdiction.
    • The Illinois Capital Development Board states that statewide building codes became effective 1/1/2025, while local code officials remain the best source for project-specific answers.

    statewide building-code effective date: 2025-01-01

    “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 building permits 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.”
  • 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 code adoptedPartial

    Building-code requirements statewide in Illinois, including residential and commercial construction subject to the Capital Development Board Act baseline requirements.

    • Effective 2025-01-01, Illinois requires statewide baseline building-code requirements.
    • Local governments may adopt building codes, but they are not required to adopt codes; jurisdictions that do not adopt a code are treated as non-building-code jurisdictions and must follow the applicable state-law baseline requirements.
    • For jurisdictions with adopted codes, local codes must regulate structural design at least as stringently as the applicable IRC, IBC, or IEBC baseline.
    • Commercial buildings in non-building-code jurisdictions and state-funded buildings are subject to the state-listed codes and qualified-inspection requirements.
    • Residential requirements differ depending on whether the jurisdiction has adopted a compliant building code and whether the home purchaser and builder agree to an alternative code.

    statewide baseline effective date: 2025-01-01 · local code structural minimum for residential buildings: IRC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for commercial new buildings: IBC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for existing commercial buildings: IEBC minimum structural requirements

    “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. [...] Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IBC© for new buildings or IEBC© for existing buildings. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code where agreed to by the home purchaser and home builder. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have adopted a building code. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IRC©.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Building-code requirements applicable in Marshall County under Illinois statewide construction-code legislation and applicable local codes.
      “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. Until then, units of local government such as cities and counties can adopt codes of their choice.”
    • Adopted — Statewide baseline building-code requirements for residential construction in Illinois, including jurisdictions with and without locally adopted building codes.
      “Please be advised that the State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide baseline building codes effective 1/1/2025. Locally adopted building codes must comply with the requirements of the Act.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.

    • The Illinois Capital Development Board does not perform building-code inspections for privately funded construction.
    • If inspections are required, they are addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    • A local municipality or county may be a non-building-code jurisdiction, in which case applicable state baseline requirements and inspection-certification provisions may apply.
    “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 — Building-code-compliance inspections performed 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.”
  • 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.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations for building or setback lines outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The actual setback distances are established by applicable county zoning districts or other local ordinances.
    • Agricultural buildings may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    “to establish building or setback lines”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction activities in regulated Illinois floodways and, where a floodway has not been delineated, generally work anywhere in the floodplain.

    • For downstate streams, IDNR Division permitting applies to floodways of streams draining at least one square mile in urban areas or ten square miles in rural areas.
    • In northeastern Illinois, Part 3708 applies to identified floodways in Cook County excluding Chicago, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
    • Some minor activities are automatically authorized by statewide or regional permits if their terms and conditions are met.
    • For State-owned property, Part 3710 requires a permit for all development activity in FEMA-mapped floodplains.

    urban stream drainage area threshold: >= 1 square mile (regulated floodways under Part 3700) · rural stream drainage area threshold: >= 10 square miles (regulated floodways under Part 3700)

    “All construction activities in the floodways of streams (the channel and the adjacent portion of the floodplain that is needed to safely convey and store flood waters) in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more or in rural areas where the stream drainage area is ten square miles or more must be permitted by the Division prior to construction.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.

    • The Department reviews applications and written inquiries free of charge to determine whether authorization is required when sufficient information is provided.
    • A permit application fee may apply under the Department's permit fee schedule.
    “January 15, 2014, a new Permit Application Fee went into effect. All applications and written inquiries received will be reviewed free of charge to determine whether the Public Water, dam and/or floodway work proposed requires authorization by the Department, so long as sufficient information is provided for the Department to make that determination.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Campgrounds and temporary overnight camping facilities in Illinois, including facilities in Marshall County that meet the statutory campground definition.
      “State law requires the IDPH to annually inspect and license campgrounds in Illinois.”
  • county building authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in unincorporated Marshall County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in unincorporated Marshall County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Marshall County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Marshall County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Marshall County.
3 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Marshall County, Illinois

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

Marshall County scores 54/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics (37.5″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure. Watch-outs: sparse surroundings — about 24,983 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

How much does land cost in Marshall County, Illinois?

Land in Marshall County runs about $10,448 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Marshall County?

Marshall County gets about 37.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.8% of years.

How remote is Marshall County?

A representative private-land location has about 24,983 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,728,075 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 Marshall compares in Illinois

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