Bolthole Index

Montgomery County, Illinois

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

61Index Score / 100
#52 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Montgomery County, Illinois does not issue a building-code permit, but construction and improvements require a Structural Improvement notification for assessment purposes1. Rural Montgomery County has no county zoning ordinance; inside a city or village, ask its clerk about municipal building permits and zoning2. IDPH regulates private sewage systems statewide, while the Montgomery County Health Department handles the local septic permit, inspection and final approval3.

At a glance

Building permit
No county building-code permit; file the Structural Improvement notification for construction or improvements1
Zoning
No county zoning ordinance in rural areas; city or village zoning may apply inside municipalities4
Septic permit
County review, a local permit, inspection and final approval are required before the system is covered35
RV living
No county-zoning restriction in rural unincorporated areas; septic, health and other rules still apply6
Tiny home
No rural county-zoning restriction on tiny-home occupancy or minimum dwelling size, but building-code, septic and other rules still apply78
Owner-builder
Owner-occupants may do plumbing in their own single-family home; no broader county construction exemption was confirmed9
Private well
A permit is required for a private well, with plan review and inspection by IDPH or a local health department10

Who to call

Building permits

Montgomery County Supervisor of Assessments

Structural Improvement notifications for construction and improvements, used for county assessment purposes

(217) 532-9595

assessor@montgomerycountyil.gov

1 Courthouse Square Room 201, Hillsboro, IL 62049

Zoning

Montgomery County Coordinator

County-level questions about the absence of rural zoning; municipal zoning questions go to the applicable village or city clerk

(217) 532-9577

cbadmins@montgomerycountyil.gov

#1 Courthouse Square Room 202, Hillsboro, IL 62049

Septic permits

Montgomery County Health Department

Private sewage-disposal applications, installation inspections and final approval

217-532-2001

11191 IL. Rte. 185, Hillsboro, IL 62049

Also useful

Montgomery County 911 Addressing

Assigns addresses to improved or new rural properties outside city and village limits after county review

(217) 532-9560

danh@montgomerycountyil.gov

120 North Main St., Hillsboro, IL 62049

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, Illinois?

Unincorporated Montgomery County does not issue a building-code permit, but construction and improvements require a Structural Improvement notification for assessment purposes1. File the notification before construction; failure to file can bring a fine of up to $500 per day11. The completed worksheet satisfies the county notification process but does not replace city, township, subdivision or state requirements12. Illinois has imposed statewide baseline building-code requirements since 2025, including a framework for jurisdictions that have not adopted a local building code13. We could not confirm Montgomery County's countywide building-code adoption or ordinary building-inspection program, so ask the Supervisor of Assessments what your project must submit and which authority will inspect it14.

Who handles building permits in Montgomery County, and how do you reach them?

Start with the Montgomery County Supervisor of Assessments at (217) 532-9595 or assessor@montgomerycountyil.gov, at 1 Courthouse Square Room 201, Hillsboro, IL 6204914. That office receives the Structural Improvement notification; Montgomery County describes the filing as an assessment notice, not a building-code permit14. When a rural project needs a 911 address, obtain the building-address permit first; the assessment office verifies the parcel and routes the application through highway, health and 911 review15. Inside a city or village, ask its clerk which municipal building permits and zoning approvals apply2. The Montgomery County Health Department still handles the local septic permit, inspection and final approval under statewide IDPH regulation3.

Does Montgomery County have zoning?

Rural, unincorporated Montgomery County has no county zoning ordinance or rural county zoning districts1617. County zoning therefore sets no minimum dwelling size, general minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit there1819202122. Subdivision plats are different: preliminary plats generally require lots of at least 6,000 square feet and 50 feet wide at the building line, subject to the ordinance's stated exception23. County zoning also does not restrict a tiny home, manufactured home or accessory dwelling in rural unincorporated areas, but septic, subdivision and other rules remain72425. Inside a municipality, ask its clerk about local zoning2.

How do septic permits work in Montgomery County?

IDPH regulates private sewage disposal statewide, while the Montgomery County Health Department administers the local septic permit, inspection and final-approval process3. Obtain the county septic permit before installation; it lasts one year, and the application states a $50 fee26. Request inspection two working days before installation begins and obtain final Health Department approval before covering any part of the system5. For a subdivision using private sewage systems, the preliminary plat must include a licensed soil classifier's report and identify the proposed system for each lot27. Conventional septic feasibility deserves early attention because only about 4.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field28. Approved alternative toilets do not eliminate the need to handle other domestic wastewater through a conventional private sewage system29.

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

Rural, unincorporated Montgomery County has no county-zoning restriction on RV occupancy or temporary camping6. That answer is limited to county zoning: septic, health, building, access and other requirements can still determine whether a particular setup is lawful or workable4. A tiny home likewise faces no county-zoning restriction on occupancy or minimum dwelling size there718. A manufactured home faces no rural county-zoning restriction, while Illinois installation and licensing requirements still apply2430. Before placing an RV, ask the Health Department how wastewater will be handled31. Inside a city or village, obtain the municipality's own zoning answer rather than relying on the rural county rule2.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is rural unincorporated land or inside a city or village; ask the municipal clerk about city or village building permits and zoning approvals2.
  2. Contact the Supervisor of Assessments at (217) 532-9595 and file the Structural Improvement notification before construction141.
  3. Ask the assessment office to confirm the applicable Illinois baseline-code path and any inspection or occupancy requirements, because county adoption, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy details remain unconfirmed1314.
  4. Obtain the Montgomery County Health Department septic permit, request inspection two working days before installation and secure final approval before covering the system35.
  5. Obtain the required private-well permit and confirm plan review and inspection with IDPH or the local health department32.
  6. If a rural 911 address is needed, obtain the building-address permit so assessment can route the review through highway, health and 911 offices15.
  7. Confirm subdivision approval when dividing land, and get an IDOT permit before work in a state-maintained road right-of-way2733.

What should you check before buying land in Montgomery County?

Verify the parcel's municipal status first because rural land has no county zoning ordinance, while a city or village may impose its own zoning requirements2. Test septic feasibility early: only about 4.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and a county permit and final approval are required282634. If the property is being subdivided, confirm the preliminary-plat standards and sewage documentation before relying on the general absence of a county zoning lot minimum2327. Confirm the private-well permit path before drilling10. A rural electric connection may require a verified 911 address, but we could not confirm a countywide water or sewer connection rule35. Property taxes average about 1.7% effectively, with a median annual bill near $1,758, while reported farmland value is about $8,961 per acre363738.

Watch-outs

  • Do not mistake the Structural Improvement filing for building-code approval; Montgomery County describes it as an assessment notification, and other city, township, subdivision and state rules still apply1112.
  • A rural Montgomery County parcel has no county zoning ordinance, but subdivision plat standards can still apply and land inside a city or village can be subject to municipal zoning272.
  • Only about 4.9% of Montgomery County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain the county septic permit before committing to a house location2826.
  • The absence of rural county zoning removes a county-zoning restriction on RV occupancy and temporary camping, but it does not waive septic, health, building, access or municipal requirements639.

Sources

  1. Supervisor of Assessments – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  2. montgomerycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  3. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  4. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  5. Application For Sewage Disposal Permit, quoted and re-checked
  6. Illinois law on county zoning and building authority
  7. montgomerycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. montgomerycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (2026 county census)
  10. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  11. Montgomery County Structural Improvement Permit Assessment Office Work sheet, quoted and re-checked
  12. Supervisor of Assessments – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  13. Illinois Codes (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Montgomery County Supervisor of Assessments (montgomerycountyil.gov)
  15. 911 Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  16. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  17. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  18. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  19. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  20. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  21. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  22. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  23. Montgomery County Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. montgomerycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  25. montgomerycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. Application For Sewage Disposal Permit, quoted and re-checked
  27. Montgomery County Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Montgomery County Health Department (montgomerycountyil.gov)
  32. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  33. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Application For Sewage Disposal Permit, quoted and re-checked
  35. 911 Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  36. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  39. County Coordinator – Montgomery County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Montgomery County has no countywide zoning.

RuleMontgomery CountyChristian CountyBond CountyMacoupin CountyFayette CountySangamon CountyShelby County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredLimitedLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningNoYesYesNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Public Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Dept. of Public HealthShelby County

County locator

Montgomery County in Illinois

61
County map
Montgomery County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Montgomery County scores

Seclusion42100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.
Admin Boringness6168% ev.
Durability57100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost57100% 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 →

$129kTypical home
1.7%Property tax
$8,961Land / acre
41"Annual rain
1.1% of yrsSevere drought
10.7 / yr (+9.6)Mid-century 100°F days
15.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.88" (+5.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,537Home insurance / yr
3.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.98%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
25,310People within 30 min
3,928,672People within 2 hr
26,195Radius comparison (15 mi)
39.3People / sq mi
0%Federal land
95.3%Land at 15% slope or less
4.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
21,545 acWorkable land screen
15.1%Wooded land
41.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Montgomery 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: Audubon Township · Bois D'Arc Township · Village of Butler · Butler Grove Township · Village of Coalton · Coffeen · Village of Donnellson · East Fork Township · Village of Farmersville · Village of Fillmore · Fillmore Consolidated Township · Grisham Township · Harvel Township · Village of Harvel · Hillsboro · Hillsboro Township · Irving Township · Village of Irving · Nokomis · Nokomis Township · North Litchfield Township · Village of Ohlman · Village of Panama · Pitman Township · Raymond Township · Village of Raymond · Rountree Township · Village of Schram City · South Litchfield Township · Village of Taylor Springs · Village of Waggoner · Walshville Township · Village of Walshville · Village of Wenonah · Witt · Witt Township · Zanesville Township

Answers from the rulebook for Montgomery County

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

Montgomery County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Building construction or improvements to real property in Montgomery County.

    • A Notification of Building Construction/Improvement is required before construction.
    • Failure to file may be fined up to $500 for each day work proceeds and each day following completion.
    • The county characterizes the Structural Improvement Permit as an assessment-notification process, not a building permit.
    • Other city, township, subdivision, and state ordinances must be followed.

    maximum daily fine: <= 500 USD (Failure to file notification before construction; each day of work and each day after completion is a separate offense.)

    “The county does not issue “building permits.” The county has Structural Improvement Permits. This is to notify the county that construction is taking place.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Building construction and improvements in Montgomery County, particularly county notification requirements in unincorporated areas.
      “The county does not issue “building permits.” The county has Structural Improvement Permits. This is to notify the county that construction is taking place. This is for assessment purposes only.”
    • Limited — Construction and improvements in unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “The county does not issue “building permits.” The county has Structural Improvement Permits. This is to notify the county that construction is taking place. This is for assessment purposes only.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning in rural and unincorporated areas of Montgomery County.

    • Municipal zoning requirements may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Septic, subdivision, floodplain, and other state or local rules may still apply.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate county result: rural unincorporated areas lack a county zoning ordinance, while municipalities may impose their own zoning requirements.

    • The county does not administer each municipal ordinance.
    • Municipal zoning requirements must be obtained from the relevant Village or City Clerk.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    County zoning districts and county zoning ordinance in the rural, unincorporated areas of Montgomery County.

    • The county statement is limited to rural areas of the county.
    • For zoning requirements in a municipality, the county directs applicants to contact the village or city clerk.
    • Municipal zoning rules may apply within incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum dwelling size in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • No county zoning ordinance applies in the rural areas; other building, health, septic, subdivision, or state rules may apply.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning minimum-dwelling-size rules in rural and unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
    • None — County zoning minimum dwelling-size requirements in rural unincorporated areas.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Preliminary plats governed by the Montgomery County Subdivision Ordinance.

    • The provision is for preliminary plats.
    • Section 5.05 is an express exception.
    • Where private sewage disposal systems are required, the preliminary plat must include a Licensed Soil Classifier's soils report and state the type of proposed private sewage disposal system for each lot.

    minimum lot area: >= 6000 square feet (Except as provided in Section 5.05.) · minimum lot width at building line: >= 50 feet (Except as provided in Section 5.05.)

    “not less than six thousand (6,000) square feet”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning minimum lot size in rural and unincorporated areas.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
    • None — County zoning minimum-lot-size rules in rural and unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
    • None — County zoning minimum lot-size requirements in rural unincorporated areas.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setbacks in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • No county zoning ordinance applies in the rural areas; other applicable state, health, septic, subdivision, or access rules may apply.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning setback rules in rural and unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
    • None — County zoning setbacks in rural unincorporated areas.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage limits in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • No county zoning ordinance applies in the rural areas; other applicable regulations may apply.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning lot-coverage rules in rural and unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
    • None — County zoning lot-coverage limits in rural unincorporated areas.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height limits in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • No county zoning ordinance applies in the rural areas; other applicable state, safety, or municipal rules may apply.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning building-height rules in rural and unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
    • None — County zoning building-height limits in rural unincorporated areas.
      “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Montgomery County: no county rule sets this, because Montgomery County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning requirements may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Septic, subdivision, floodplain, and other state or local rules may still apply.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Montgomery County: no county rule sets this, because Montgomery County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Municipal zoning requirements may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Septic, subdivision, floodplain, and other state or local rules may still apply.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    County land-use zoning restrictions on tiny-home occupancy in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; building, health, septic, subdivision, and state requirements may still apply.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
  • Manufactured homesUnrestricted

    County land-use zoning restrictions on manufactured-home occupancy in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; building, health, septic, subdivision, and state requirements may still apply.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
  • Accessory dwellingsUnrestricted

    County land-use zoning restrictions on accessory dwellings in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • This conclusion concerns county zoning only; building, health, septic, subdivision, and state requirements may still apply.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “There is NO Zoning Ordinance in the Rural areas of the County. For Zoning requirements in a Municipality, please contact the Village or City Clerk.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal in Montgomery County.

    • IDPH regulates private sewage disposal statewide.
    • Local health agencies review plans under local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.
    • Montgomery County Health Department administers the county permit and inspection process evidenced by its official application.
    “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
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage treatment and disposal systems served by the Montgomery County Health Department.
      “It is understood that the applicant assumes resposibility in obtaining the inspection and final approval of the Montgomery County Health Department on all portions of this sewage disposal installation prior to covering any portion of the system.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Private sewage treatment or disposal systems served by the Montgomery County Health Department, including residential and business installations shown on the county application.

    • The county form documents a Montgomery County Health Department permit and requires the applicant to obtain inspection and final approval before covering any portion of the installation.
    • Inspection must be requested two working days before beginning installation.
    • The permit expires one year from the date of issue.
    • The form states that the installation must conform to the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code and the Montgomery County Sewage Treatment and Disposal Ordinance.
    • The Illinois Department of Public Health regulates private sewage disposal systems statewide and local health agencies review construction plans either under local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.

    inspection notice: >= 2 working days · permit duration: 1 year from date of issue

    “It is understood that the applicant assumes resposibility in obtaining the inspection and final approval of the Montgomery County Health Department on all portions of this sewage disposal installation prior to covering any portion of the system. A Montgomery County Health Department Permit for the Sewage Treatment or Disposal System to Serve the Property Mentioned above is Hereby Granted. Permit expires ONE YEAR from date of issue.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Sewage treatment or disposal systems in Montgomery County.
      “Application For Sewage Disposal Permit [...] A Montgomery County Health Department Permit for the Sewage Treatment or Disposal System to Serve the Property Mentioned above is Hereby Granted. Permit expires ONE YEAR from date of issue.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    All portions of a Montgomery County sewage disposal installation before covering any portion of the system.

    • Call the Montgomery County Health Department at 217-532-2001 two working days before beginning installation.
    • Final inspection and approval/disapproval are required before covering the system.
    “To request an inspection call 217-532-2001 two working days prior to beginning of installation. [...] It is understood that the applicant assumes resposibility in obtaining the inspection and final approval of the Montgomery County Health Department on all portions of this sewage disposal installation prior to covering any portion of the system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Electric delivery to an address site in rural Montgomery County outside city or corporate limits.

    • The applicant must obtain or complete a building address permit first when a 911 address is required.
    • The condition is verification of the 911 address; this source does not establish water or sewer connection requirements.
    • Inside city or corporate limits, addresses are assigned by the city or village.
    “The electric company will not deliver power [...] until a 911 address is verified.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Preliminary plats under the Montgomery County Subdivision Ordinance.

    • Private-sewage preliminary plats must include the listed soils report and sewage-system statement.
    • The County Engineer reviews submitted preliminary plats and associated documents within 45 calendar days of receipt.

    County Engineer preliminary-plat review period: <= 45 calendar days (From receipt of the submitted Preliminary Plat and associated documents.)

    “The County Engineer shall review [...] within forty-five (45) calendar days of receipt.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    The official county solar and wind construction-permit workflow for proposed development within or near approximate FEMA floodplain boundaries.

    • The developer must obtain a Development Permit from the Montgomery County Highway Engineer before starting construction if the proposed development is within or near the approximate floodplain shown on FEMA Flood Hazard Boundary Maps.
    • The located source is a project-specific solar/wind workflow; it does not establish a general countywide floodplain ordinance for every development type.
    “Is the proposed development within or near the approximate floodplain as shown on FEMA Flood Hazard Boundary Maps? [...] If yes, the developer must obtain a Development Permit from the Montgomery County Highway Engineer prior to starting any construction.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County structural-improvement notifications, sewage permits, subdivision approvals, and limited floodplain development permits.

    • Structural notifications are filed with the Supervisor of Assessments.
    • Sewage applications are submitted to the Montgomery County Health Department; inspection must be requested two working days before installation and final approval is required before covering the system.
    • Subdivision and municipal/state requirements may also apply.
    “Return completed worksheet to: Supervisor of Assessments [...] This acknowledgement satisfies the Montgomery County Notification Process. [...] All other city, township, subdivision and state ordinances must be followed!”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Rural 911-address assignment and related building-address permit process outside city or corporate limits.
      “All applicants requiring a 911 address must first obtain/complete a building address permit”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner occupants or lessee occupants of single-family residences, and owners of single-family residences under construction for their own occupancy, performing plumbing planning, installation, alteration, or repair in Illinois.

    • The exemption is limited to plumbing work on the specified single-family residence; the cited statute does not establish a general owner-builder exemption for all construction trades or a statewide exemption from building permits.
    • The plumbing must comply with the minimum standards in the Illinois State Plumbing Code.
    • The plumbing is subject to inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health or by the local governmental unit if it retains a licensed plumber as inspector.
    • The owner, owner occupant, or lessee occupant may not employ anyone other than a plumber licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law to assist.
    • An occupant must have taken possession of and be living in the premises as their bona fide sole and exclusive residence, or, for a residence under construction, expect to take possession and live there as that residence, with current intent to live there for at least 6 months after completion of the plumbing work or, for a residence under construction, at least 6 months after completion of construction.
    • Failure to possess and live in the premises as a sole and exclusive residence for 6 months or more creates a rebuttable presumption that the required intent was lacking.

    minimum occupancy period: >= 6 months (After completion of plumbing work; for a residence under construction, after completion of construction.)

    “Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the owner occupant or lessee occupant of a single family residence, or the owner of a single family residence under construction for his or her occupancy, from planning, installing, altering or repairing the plumbing system of such residence”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Privately funded construction in Illinois, including projects performed by an owner-builder, as to state-issued building permits, state plan review, state building-code inspections, and state occupancy permits.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    • Conditional — Statewide treatment of local plumbing permits and inspections for qualifying owner occupants performing plumbing work on a single-family residence.
      “Nothing contained in this Act shall prohibit any city, town, village, township or county from providing for a Plumbing Inspector or from requiring permits for the installation and repair of plumbing and collecting a fee therefor, but a city, town, village, township, or county that requires a permit for installation and repair of plumbing may not issue that permit without verification that the applicant has a valid plumbing license or that the applicant is the owner occupant of a single family residence that is the subject of the permit.”
  • Building 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©.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Private water wells in Montgomery County, excluding community water wells.
      “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.”
    • Required — Private water wells in Montgomery County, excluding community water wells.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemption from county land-use or permit controls.

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 Montgomery County, Illinois

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

Montgomery County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: about 25,310 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Montgomery County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Montgomery County Health Department (Environmental Health), as agent under IDPH. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Montgomery County is allowed: Unincorporated Montgomery County: no county rule sets this, because Montgomery County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Municipal zoning requirements may apply inside incorporated municipalities. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Montgomery County, Illinois?

Land in Montgomery County runs about $8,961 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Montgomery County?

Montgomery County gets about 41" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.1% of years.

How remote is Montgomery County?

A representative private-land location has about 25,310 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,928,672 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 Montgomery compares in Illinois

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