Bolthole Index

Massac County, Illinois

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

69Index Score / 100
#26 of 102 in Illinois

Massac County, Illinois does not have a confirmed residential building-permit rule for unincorporated land, so ask the County Clerk before construction.1 Inside Metropolis, a building permit is required for work costing more than $100 or involving specified wall or roof work.2 Illinois has applied a statewide building-code baseline since 2025, and Southern Seven Health Department handles local septic applications and permits.34

At a glance

Building permit
Unincorporated rule unconfirmed; Metropolis requires one for specified work12
Building code
Illinois statewide baseline applies3
Zoning
Local rules vary; unincorporated general zoning remains unconfirmed56
Septic
Permit and plan approval required through Southern Seven Health Department478
Private well
Permit required before new construction98
RV or tiny home
Long-term occupancy rules are unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk610
State-highway driveway
IDOT permit required before right-of-way work11

Who to call

Also useful

Massac County Clerk and Recorder

County licenses, ordinances, board records and initial routing for local permit questions

(618)524-5213

sjohnson@massaccountyil.gov

Septic permits

Southern Seven Health Department Environmental Health

Private sewage disposal applications, septic permits and inspections, plus private well permits and inspections

(618) 634-2297 ext: 973114

madams@s7hd.org

37 Rustic Campus Dr. Building C, Ullin, IL 62992

Roads & driveways

Massac County Highway Department

County-road access questions, driveway culverts and county right-of-way utility permits

618-524-5227

bwatson@massaccountyil.gov

2736 North Avenue, Metropolis, IL 62960

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Massac 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 Massac County, Illinois?

Massac County’s residential building-permit requirement for unincorporated property could not be confirmed, so do not begin work on the assumption that no permit is needed.1 Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded construction; any required permit comes from the local government with jurisdiction.12

Inside the City of Metropolis, a permit must be secured before construction or alteration costing more than $100, or before specified rebuilding or relocation of bearing walls or a roof.2 Illinois has required a statewide building-code baseline since 2025, including rules for jurisdictions that have not adopted a local code.3 For unincorporated land, start with the Massac County Clerk and Recorder for current county requirements.10

Who handles Massac County building permits and inspections?

No dedicated Massac County building department or published residential permit process for unincorporated land could be confirmed.1 Start with the Massac County Clerk and Recorder for an unincorporated site and ask who currently handles building permits, plan review, inspections and any certificate of occupancy.10 Illinois does not perform those functions for privately funded construction; when required, they belong to the local government with jurisdiction.1314

For property inside Metropolis, contact the city’s Building & Zoning department because the city has its own building-permit rule.52 Building approval does not replace other approvals: Southern Seven handles local septic and private-well work, while the Massac County Highway Department handles county-road access questions and right-of-way matters.815

Does Massac County, Illinois have zoning?

Land-use rules vary across Massac County: the county has at least a special-use process for commercial solar facilities in unincorporated areas, and Metropolis maintains its own Building & Zoning department.5 A general zoning ordinance for all unincorporated land could not be confirmed, so ask the County Clerk for the current ordinance and map, if any, before treating rural land as unrestricted.610

City rules must not be applied to rural parcels. In Metropolis’s “A” district, agricultural or residential units need a lot of at least one acre and 50 feet wide; the district itself must cover at least five acres.16 The same district requires at least 25 feet at the front, or the greater setback established by existing structures, 25 feet at either side and 50 feet at the rear.17 Setbacks, lot size, minimum dwelling size and tiny-home rules remain unconfirmed for unincorporated parcels.6

How do septic and well permits work in Massac County?

IDPH regulates covered private sewage-disposal installations statewide, while local health agencies may review plans under a local ordinance or as an IDPH agent.7 In Massac County, Southern Seven Health Department reviews private sewage applications, issues septic permits and inspects new systems.48 Obtain plan approval before constructing a new system or making a covered major alteration.18

Only about 4.2% of Massac County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency.19 Southern Seven also directs applicants to contact Environmental Health for a private water-well permit and inspects completed wells.8 Illinois requires the well permit before a new well is built, an existing well is modified or an abandoned well is sealed.20

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

Long-term RV occupancy and tiny-home occupancy on private land in Massac County could not be confirmed, and the county’s zoning status is also unresolved.6 Ask the County Clerk about land use, setbacks, minimum size and temporary occupancy for the exact parcel before buying or moving a unit onto the site.10

Illinois campground rules do not answer whether someone may live in an RV on an individual private parcel.21 Manufactured homes are recognized as dwellings under Illinois rules, but that statewide treatment does not replace local siting or zoning approval.22 Off-grid sanitation options include approved toilet types under state rules, while other domestic wastewater must still go to a conventional private sewage disposal system.23 Southern Seven should review the wastewater plan before occupancy.8

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

  1. For unincorporated land, ask the Massac County Clerk who has jurisdiction and request current building, inspection, zoning and occupancy requirements.10 For a Metropolis parcel, contact the city’s Building & Zoning department and secure the city building permit when the stated work threshold applies.52
  2. Have Southern Seven evaluate the sewage proposal and obtain septic plan approval before construction; discuss a private-well permit at the same time if the parcel will not use public water.188
  3. Confirm access with the Massac County Highway Department when the entrance is on a county-maintained road; the department installs driveway culverts at the cost of materials.15
  4. Obtain an IDOT permit before work within a state-highway right-of-way.11
  5. Check the floodway before grading or building because regulated Illinois floodway construction requires state authorization.24
  6. Keep each approval and arrange any locally required inspections before occupancy.1314

What should you check before buying land in Massac County?

Put septic feasibility, legal access, flood exposure and local land-use confirmation into the purchase investigation. Only about 4.2% of Massac County soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, while about 94.9% of the land has a slope of 15% or less; gentle terrain alone does not establish septic suitability.1925

Ask Southern Seven about sewage and well approvals before choosing a house site.8 Ask the Highway Department about a county-road entrance and culvert, or IDOT before work in a state-road right-of-way.1511 Regulated floodway work may need IDNR authorization, and projects involving waterways, floodplains or wetlands can involve a joint state and federal application.2426 Massac County’s effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,769.2728

Watch-outs

  • Metropolis has a confirmed building-permit rule, but the unincorporated Massac County requirement remains unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk before work begins outside a municipality.2110
  • Conventional septic conditions are severely limited on most mapped soils, with only about 4.2% rated without severe limits.19
  • A driveway or other work in a state-highway right-of-way needs an IDOT permit before work starts.11

Sources

  1. Illinois Codes FAQ (2026 county census)
  2. § 150.01 Permit Required, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Southern Seven Health Department, Private Sewage Disposal Program (2026 county census)
  5. Notice of Public Hearing — Commercial Solar Energy Facility Siting, quoted and re-checked
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  8. Southern Seven Health Department Environmental Health (southern7.org)
  9. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  10. Massac County Clerk and Recorder (massaccountyil.gov)
  11. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Massac County Highway Department (massaccountyil.gov)
  16. § 156.191 Lot and Building Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  17. § 156.191 Lot and Building Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  18. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 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
  20. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Permit Application and Instructions (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Massac County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleMassac CountyPope CountyJohnson CountyPulaski CountyHardin CountyUnion CountyAlexander County
Building permitLimitedLimitedLimitedNot requiredLimitedRequiredLimited
County zoningNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNoNot publishedNot publishedNot published
Septic permitsSouthern Seven Health Dept.Southern Seven Health Dept.Southern 7 Health Dept.Southern Seven Health Dept.Southern Seven Health Dept.Southern Seven Health Dept.Southern Seven Health Dept.

County locator

Massac County in Illinois

69
County map
Massac County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Massac County scores

Seclusion53100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness7468% ev.
Durability49100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$113kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$4,582Land / acre
50"Annual rain
4.7% of yrsSevere drought
12.9 / yr (+11.9)Mid-century 100°F days
16.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.42" (+4.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.7×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,798Home insurance / yr
4% / yrInsurance growth
0.88%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
51,087People within 30 min
1,338,421People within 2 hr
60,390Radius comparison (15 mi)
57.6People / sq mi
2%Federal land
94.9%Land at 15% slope or less
4.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,218 acWorkable land screen
34.1%Wooded land
51.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Massac 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: Village of Joppa

Answers from the rulebook for Massac County

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

Massac County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Massac County, including county rules for unincorporated areas and municipal zoning within incorporated communities.

    • The county has at least one land-use ordinance requiring a special use permit for commercial solar facility siting in an unincorporated area.
    • The City of Metropolis maintains a Building & Zoning department and provides a Code of Ordinances link; the Illinois official code directory separately lists a Metropolis zoning ordinance.
    • This aggregate claim does not determine the zoning status or dimensional standards of every parcel, municipality, or unincorporated area.
    “DEPARTMENTS [...] Building & Zoning [...] GOVERNMENT [...] Code of Ordinances”

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
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code baseline applicable to construction in Massac County after the stated effective date.
      “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.”
    • 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”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Installation of private sewage disposal systems in Illinois, including septic tanks and seepage fields and systems discharging treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface.

    • IDPH regulates covered private sewage disposal system installations statewide.
    • IDPH staff review and approve private sewage disposal system and alternative-system plans before construction.
    • Local health agencies may also review sewage disposal system construction plans under a local ordinance or as an agent of IDPH.
    • The source does not identify which local agency administers the program specifically in Massac County.

    treated effluent discharge threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (systems discharging treated effluent above this threshold are not covered by the quoted scope)

    “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge (such as septic tanks and seepage fields) as well as those that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment systems).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Installation and plan approval for private sewage disposal systems statewide in Illinois.
      “There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of a new water well, modification of an existing water well, or sealing of an abandoned water well in Illinois.

    • A permit must be obtained from the Illinois Department of Public Health or an approved local health department before work begins.
    • The application must use Department or approved local health department forms and include a plan and drawing of the proposed construction.
    • The plan must include the lot size, slope, property lines, distances to septic tanks, abandoned wells, property lines, seepage fields, sewers, and other contamination sources; driller license number and name; estimated daily pumping capacity if greater than 100,000 gallons per day; well location; owner name and address; well type; estimated depth; well-use type; and proposed aquifer.
    • The permit is void if construction has not commenced within one year after issuance.
    • The permit fee for constructing, deepening, modifying, or sealing a water well may not exceed $100.
    • The Department will deny a permit request when available information indicates groundwater contamination exceeds Class I groundwater standards, subject to the treatment approval provision in subsection (f)(2).
    • The permittee must notify the Department, approved local health department, or approved unit of local government by telephone or in writing at least two days before work begins.

    maximum water well permit fee: <= 100 USD · permit commencement deadline: 1 year after issuance (Permit is void if construction has not commenced within that period.) · pre-work notification: >= 2 days (Notification may be by telephone or in writing.)

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New private water-well construction in Massac County under Illinois statewide requirements.
      “To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction projects in Illinois waterways, floodplains, and wetlands seeking State and Federal authorizations through the joint permit application process.

    • The joint application seeks authorizations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
    • The joint application form replaced the former Protecting Illinois Waters application package.
    “Construction projects in Illinois' waterways, floodplains and wetlands often require both State and Federal authorization. This joint application is designed to simplify the approval process for the applicant seeking project authorizations from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Office of Water Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.”
  • 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).”

Inside cities and towns in Massac County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or alteration of buildings and structures within the City of Metropolis, Massac County

    • A permit is required when construction or alteration costs exceed $100.
    • A permit is required when bearing walls or the roof of a building or structure is rebuilt or relocated.
    • The permit must be secured before the construction or alteration begins.

    construction or alteration cost threshold: > 100 USD

    “It shall be unlawful to construct or alter any building or structure in the city where the cost of such construction or alteration exceeds $100, or where the bearing walls of any building, structure, or the roof thereof is rebuilt or relocated without first securing a permit therefor.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Agricultural or residential units erected in the City of Metropolis “A” district

    • The rule applies to every agricultural or residential unit erected in the “A” district.
    • Minimum district area is five acres.
    • Minimum lot area is one acre.
    • Minimum lot width is 50 feet.

    minimum district area: >= 5 acres · minimum lot area: >= 1 acre · minimum lot width: >= 50 feet

    “Every agricultural or residential unit erected in the “A” district shall conform to the following requirements: (A) Minimum district area: five acres; (B) Minimum lot area: one acre; (C) Minimum lot width: 50 feet;”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Agricultural or residential units erected in the City of Metropolis “A” district

    • The rule applies to every agricultural or residential unit erected in the “A” district.
    • Front setback is 25 feet or the setback of existing structures, whichever is greater.
    • Side setback is 25 feet.
    • Rear setback is 50 feet.

    front setback: >= 25 feet (Existing-structure setback controls when greater) · side setback: >= 25 feet · rear setback: >= 50 feet

    “Minimum setbacks: (1) From front lot line: 25 feet or conform to the setback of existing structures, whichever is greater; (2) From any side lot line: 25 feet; (3) From rear lot line: 50 feet;”

Still unanswered

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

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning authority in Massac County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Massac County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Massac County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Massac County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or permanent occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land in unincorporated Massac County.
6 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land

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

Living off-grid in Massac County, Illinois

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

Massac County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and strong self-sufficiency basics: 50″/yr rainfall with little drought.

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

Massac County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones). Onsite septic is permitted by Southern Seven Health Department (multi-county health department, agent of IDPH under 77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 905). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Massac County, Illinois?

Land in Massac County runs about $4,582 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Massac County?

Massac County gets about 50" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.7% of years.

How remote is Massac County?

A representative private-land location has about 51,087 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,338,421 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 Massac compares in Illinois

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