Bolthole Index

McHenry County, Illinois

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Village of Lakemoor, Illinois

The Village of Lakemoor, Illinois adopts its own zoning (Chapter 22)1 and requires a village building permit for residential structures, fences, sheds, garages and driveways2. Septic permits are not a village function: in McHenry County they come from the county health department3. Part of Lakemoor lies in Lake County, so confirm which county serves your parcel.

At a glance

Building permit
Required from the village for residential structures, sheds, garages, fences and driveways2
Zoning
Village's own zoning, R-1 to R-4 residential districts4
Minimum home size
1,200 sq ft of habitable floor area for a single-family dwelling5
R-1 minimum lot
30,000 sq ft per dwelling unit6
Septic
County health department permit in McHenry County; Lake County parcels not confirmed3
RV living
RV parks are a conditional use; living in an RV on a private lot not confirmed7
Certificate of occupancy
Required before occupying a structure8

Who to call

Building permits

Village of Lakemoor Building Department

Building permits, plan review and inspections inside the Village of Lakemoor

815-385-1117

building@lakemoor.net

28581 Illinois Route 120, Lakemoor, IL 60051

Septic permits

McHenry County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division

Septic system permits for parcels in McHenry County

(815) 334-4000

2200 North Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Does Lakemoor, Illinois have zoning, and what does it mean for lots, homes and RVs?

Yes. The Village of Lakemoor adopts and administers its own zoning chapter, with R-1 through R-4 residential districts and C-1 through C-3 commercial districts14.

A single-family dwelling in Lakemoor's residential districts must have at least 1,200 square feet of habitable floor area, not counting basement or garage5. In the R-1 one-family district the minimum lot area is 30,000 square feet per dwelling unit6, the front yard setback is 30 feet and the rear yard setback is 40 feet9, lot coverage is capped at 35 percent10, and building height is limited to 35 feet11. Other districts have different lot, setback and height standards, so check your parcel's district before you plan a house12.

The code's use table makes a recreational vehicle park a conditional use in the residential districts7. We could not confirm a rule for living in an RV, or in a tiny home, on a single private lot; ask the Village Building Department. Vacation and Airbnb-type rentals also need a conditional use permit13.

Do you need a building permit in Lakemoor, and who issues it?

Yes. The Village of Lakemoor Building Department requires permits for residential and commercial buildings, free-standing structures such as fences, sheds, garages and pools, and major changes to a home's living area2. Driveway work needs a village building permit as well14. The village adopts the International Building Code and related codes by reference15, and its building page lists somewhat different editions, so confirm the current ones with the department.

This is the village's own office, not the county's. The McHenry County Building Division serves unincorporated land and is the wrong counter for a lot inside Lakemoor16.

After approval the village calls you to pick up the permit at village hall from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and all fees are due at pickup2. Most permits run six months and must be renewed if no certificate of occupancy has issued2; the code sets one year for new homes15. Inspections are required in every phase of construction17.

How do septic permits work in Lakemoor?

Septic is not handled by the Village Building Department. In McHenry County, a septic permit is required from the McHenry County Department of Health before a septic system is installed, repaired, extended, replaced or abandoned318. That requirement covers incorporated and unincorporated areas of McHenry County3.

Lakemoor sits in both McHenry and Lake counties, so the health department that serves a parcel depends on which county the parcel is in. We could not confirm the Lake County process or whether a given Lakemoor lot is served by public sewer, so ask the village at 815-385-1117 whether sewer is available before you plan a septic system2. McHenry County's soils are a reason to ask early: only about 2.5 percent of McHenry County soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system19. Well permits inside the village were not confirmed; Illinois requires a state permit to construct a new water well20.

Building a home in Lakemoor: the steps, in order

  1. Find your parcel's zoning district and county (McHenry or Lake) with the Village Building Department, 815-385-11172.
  2. Check the district's lot size, setbacks and the 1,200-square-foot minimum home size5.
  3. If the parcel is in a flood zone or near a wetland, get the county stormwater management permit, or written confirmation you do not need one, before the village will issue a building permit21.
  4. Settle sewer or septic: sewer availability from the village, or a septic permit from the county health department3.
  5. Apply for the building permit, pass plan review and pay fees at pickup22.
  6. Complete every required inspection and close out the permit17.
  7. Obtain a certificate of occupancy before moving in; a temporary certificate for up to six months may issue while work is finished8.

What stays with McHenry County, and what to check before you buy in Lakemoor

The county's rules for unincorporated land, including the McHenry County building code and zoning, do not apply inside Lakemoor village limits23. For land outside the village, see the McHenry County page. Septic permits stay with the county health department3, and a county highway driveway connection needs a McHenry County permit24. A driveway onto a state route needs a state permit25.

Before buying, confirm the parcel's district, county, sewer access and flood status. McHenry County's effective property tax rate is 2.5 percent26. The county's typical home value is $371,68127.

Watch-outs

  • Lakemoor lies in both McHenry and Lake counties, so the county health and stormwater offices depend on the parcel21.
  • The village's building page lists different code editions than the adopted code text, so confirm the current editions with the Building Department15.
  • We could not confirm an owner-builder exemption inside the village; ask the Building Department before doing your own work, since the village requires permits for residential structures and major changes2.
  • Lot-size and setback figures here are for R-1; other districts differ, and the zoning code's other tables were not fully reviewed4.

Sources

  1. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  2. Village of Lakemoor Building Department (lakemoor.net)
  3. So You Are Applying for a Septic Permit, quoted and re-checked
  4. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  5. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  6. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  7. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  8. Lakemoor Code § 22.300 Permits and certificates (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  9. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  10. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  11. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  12. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  13. Lakemoor Code Chapter 22 Zoning - § 22.066 residential zoning districts, Tables 4-6 (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  14. Village of Lakemoor Building Department (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  15. Lakemoor Code Chapter 24 Building Code (§ 24.01 adoption, § 24.02 amendments) (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  16. codelibrary.amlegal.com, quoted and re-checked
  17. Village of Lakemoor Building Department (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  18. McHenry County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division (mchenrycountyil.gov)
  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. Village of Lakemoor Building Department (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  22. Village of Lakemoor Building Department (Village of Lakemoor), quoted and re-checked
  23. codelibrary.amlegal.com, quoted and re-checked
  24. Highway Access Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  25. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 23, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Lakemoor

Village of Lakemoor’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside Lakemoor village limits

    • Code text adopts the 2009 International Building Code, 2009 International Commercial Building Code, 2008 Illinois Plumbing Code and 2011 National Electrical Code and subsequent amendments (§ 24.01).
    • Village building department web page lists different editions (2009 residential codes, 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code, 2024 IECC), so the adopted editions should be confirmed with the village.
    • § 24.02 amends the building code, including permit expiration: new homes one year; garages, remodeling, additions, fences, sidewalks and patios six months (180 days).
    “the village hereby adopts and incorporates by reference the 2009 international building code, 2009 international commercial building code, 2008 illinois plumbing code and the 2011 national electrical code and subsequent amendments as the building codes of the village for the regulation of building construction in the village.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Lakemoor village limits

    • A list of required inspections is given when the permit is issued; the owner or agent must complete all inspections and close out the permit after final inspection.
    • Inspections of existing structures are also required per the village page.
    • Inspections are scheduled through the village hall at (815) 385-1117 per the village page.
    “inspections are required in every phase of construction to ensure proper installation of material as directed on your architectural plans.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupying or changing the use of any structure, land or premises inside Lakemoor village limits

    • Exempt: land used for agricultural cultivation; and residential buildings where a change of occupancy does not involve a change to a different permitted or conditional use.
    • A temporary certificate of occupancy for up to six months may issue for occupancy or partial occupancy pending completion of construction or alterations.
    • The building inspector must issue or deny within 20 days of application; denial reasons go to the applicant in writing.
    “it shall be unlawful to occupy or use any structure, land, water, or premises in the village, or change the occupancy or use thereof, in whole or in part, without obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the village.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Lakemoor village limits: the village adopts and administers its own zoning chapter (Chapter 22 Zoning) with residential and commercial district standards

    • Zoning district standards for the R-1 through R-4 residential districts are set in Table 4 of Chapter 22 and uses in Table 5.
    “§ 22.066 residential zoning districts. (a) one-family dwelling district (r-1, r-2, and r-3).”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts of the Village of Lakemoor (R-1 to R-4 residential; C-1 to C-3 commercial; industrial and other districts listed in Chapter 22)

    • The residential district table lists R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4; commercial district table lists C-1, C-2 and C-3.
    • Full district map and any agricultural-mining district not opened within budget.
    “§ 22.066 residential zoning districts. (a) one-family dwelling district (r-1, r-2, and r-3).”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwelling units in Lakemoor's residential zoning districts (§ 22.066 residential standards, before the R-4 subsection)

    • Area excludes basement area and garage space.
    • Applies to single-family dwellings; multi-family rules are in the R-4 subsection and Table 4.

    minimum total habitable floor area: >= 1200 sq ft (exclusive of basement area and garage space)

    “(9) dwelling standards: single-family dwelling units shall have a total habitable floor area of not less than 1,200 square feet, exclusive of basement area and garage space.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-1 one-family dwelling district inside Lakemoor village (single-family detached)

    • Table 4 gives minimum lot area per dwelling unit; the flattened table places R-1 first among the four district columns.
    • Lot width and yard requirements also apply under Table 4.

    minimum lot area per dwelling unit (R-1): 30000 sq ft (applies to all unit sizes in Table 4 for R-1)

    “minimum lot area/dwelling unit efficiency unit 30,000 7,500 5,000 1,500 1-bedroom unit 30,000 7,500 5,000 2,000”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    R-1 one-family dwelling district inside Lakemoor village

    • Setbacks are from Table 4; side yard value is taken from the first column of the flattened side-yard row, and R-2/R-3 side-yard values are ambiguous in the text.
    • Where building height is over 35 feet, each required yard increases by two feet per additional foot of height (§ 22.066 note).
    • § 22.066 cross-references apply.

    front yard setback: >= 30 ft · corner side yard setback: >= 20 ft · side yard setback: >= 15 ft (first-column value in flattened table) · rear yard setback: >= 40 ft

    “minimum front yard setback (also see § 22.066) 30 25 25 25 minimum corner side yard setback (also see § 22.066) 20 20 20 20 minimum side yard setback (also see § 22.066) 15 6 feet or 10% of lot width, whichever is greater minimum rear yard setback (also see § 22.066) 40 25 25 25”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    R-1 one-family dwelling district inside Lakemoor village

    • Table 4 also lists impervious surface coverage limits for the residential districts; not extracted here.
    • Stormwater detention and floodplain rules apply under § 22.044.

    lot coverage: 35 percent

    “lot coverage 35% 35% 45% 45% floor area ratio 0.3 0.5 0.5 1.5 building height 35 35 35 45”
  • Building heightSpecified

    R-1 one-family dwelling district inside Lakemoor village

    • Where building height is over 35 feet, yards increase by two feet per additional foot (§ 22.066 note).

    maximum building height: <= 35 ft (yards increase above 35 ft)

    “lot coverage 35% 35% 45% 45% floor area ratio 0.3 0.5 0.5 1.5 building height 35 35 35 45”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicle parks inside Lakemoor village residential districts (not occupancy of an RV on a private lot)

    • Recreational vehicle park is a conditional use (c) in the residential district use table, meaning a conditional use permit is required.
    • The code's use table does not state an occupancy rule for an RV on a private residential lot; not established.
    “recreational vehicle park c religious institutions, subject to minimum lot area requirement in table 4”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions inside Lakemoor village limits

    • Lakemoor Code includes Chapter 23 Subdivisions; its requirements were not opened within budget.
    “chapter 21: planning chapter 22: zoning chapter 23: subdivisions chapter 24: building code”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Constructing or replacing a driveway on residential property inside Lakemoor village

    • Driveway work requires a building permit; the § 24.05 schedule lists driveway permit fees per approach.
    • Access standards (curb cut, sight distance, width) were not opened within budget.
    “constructing or replacing a driveway building or replacing a fence replacing an air conditioning and/or heating unit or water heater”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Projects in a flood zone or near a wetland inside Lakemoor village

    • County stormwater management department (Lake or McHenry County, by parcel) must issue a permit or authorization before the village can issue a permit.
    • Floodplain chapter 46 and § 22.044 stormwater detention and floodplain development requirements apply per the code (not opened).
    “a permit cannot be issued without their permit first, or authorization stating you do not need a permit.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Vacation rentals, including short-term and Airbnb-type rentals, inside Lakemoor village

    • A conditional use permit is required to operate a vacation rental; no permit may issue where the applicant is in default to the village on water and sewer charges or other fees (§ 22.066 vacation-rental provisions).
    • Owners must provide an insurance certificate (§ 22.066(d)(5)).
    “(1) conditional use required for vacation rental. a conditional use permit is required to operate a vacation rental, as defined in § 22.011.”
  • Permit processPublished

    Building permit process at the Village of Lakemoor for projects inside village limits

    • Application is reviewed by the building department, then plan review, permit issuance, and follow-up and final inspections.
    • Most permits are valid for six months and must be renewed if a certificate of occupancy has not been issued.
    • Pickup is at village hall, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; all permit fees are paid at pickup.
    • Projects in flood zones or near wetlands need county stormwater approval first.
    “once the permit is approved, the applicant will be called and told it is ready to be picked up. the permit can be picked up from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the village hall, at that time all permit fees must be paid.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Lakemoor or McHenry County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption for permits inside Lakemoor village
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Lakemoor village
  • Tiny homes — Tiny home occupancy inside Lakemoor village
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Lakemoor village
  • Who permits septic — Onsite sewage (septic) authority for land inside Lakemoor village
6 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • 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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of Lakemoor publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. McHenry County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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