Bolthole Index

Moultrie County, Illinois

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

49Index Score / 100
#72 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Moultrie County, Illinois requires permits before most residential construction, including new homes, additions and detached buildings1. The county uses the 2018 IRC and 2024 IBC, inspects permitted construction, and zones unincorporated land by district234. New septic systems, septic modifications and private-well work require separate permits through the Moultrie County Health Department56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before most residential construction in unincorporated Moultrie County7
Zoning
County zoning applies to unincorporated land4
Septic permit
Required for new systems and modifications through the county health department58
Private well permit
Required for new wells, repairs, reconstruction and sealing through the county health department6
Agricultural uses
Some uses may be zoning-exempt, but setbacks still apply9
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the parcel and proposed use10
Owner-builder exemption
A narrow self-performed plumbing exemption applies; it is not a general building-permit exemption11

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Moultrie County Planning & Zoning Office

Construction, zoning, flood-hazard and subdivision regulations in unincorporated Moultrie County

(217) 728-7922

marykristine.hart@moultriecountyil.gov

Moultrie County Courthouse 10 South Main Street, Suite 1 Sullivan, IL 61951

Septic permits

Moultrie County Health Department

Permits and inspections for new septic systems and modifications to existing systems

217-728-4114

202 S Main St. Sullivan, IL 61951

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

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Do you need a building permit in Moultrie County, IL?

Yes. Unincorporated Moultrie County requires permits before most construction on residentially used land, including a new home, an addition, a deck or porch, a detached building, a small storage building, or an in-ground swimming pool7. Roof replacement, siding, windows, and interior remodeling without major structural changes do not require a county permit7. Moultrie County adopted the 2018 International Residential Code and 2024 International Building Code for work under its permit program2. Inspections occur during permitted construction, and the county building inspector performs only permit-based inspections3. Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded projects; the applicable local government handles them12. Ask the relevant municipality about land inside a city or village because county zoning applies specifically to unincorporated territory4.

Who handles Moultrie County building permits and zoning?

The Moultrie County Planning & Zoning Office regulates construction in unincorporated Moultrie County and administers zoning, flood-hazard and subdivision regulations13. Call the office at (217) 728-7922 or visit the Moultrie County Courthouse, 10 South Main Street, Suite 1, Sullivan, Illinois13. Start there before ordering plans or site work: confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and zoning district, then ask which approvals apply. County building permits must generally be obtained before covered construction begins, and inspections follow during construction1. Illinois has a narrow exemption allowing a qualifying owner or lessee occupant to perform plumbing on a single-family residence, but it is not a general exemption from building permits or other construction-trade requirements11. Local government may still require a plumbing permit and inspection14.

Does Moultrie County have zoning?

Moultrie County divides its unincorporated area into zoning districts, and the zoning ordinance lists the uses allowed in each district415. That county rule does not establish zoning inside incorporated municipalities, so ask the relevant city or village about land within its limits4. Setbacks and building heights are district-specific rather than governed by one statewide measurement1617. We could not confirm the numeric setback, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage or building-height rule for a particular parcel, so ask Planning & Zoning for the current district schedule before designing the site13. Certain agricultural uses may be exempt from local zoning requirements, but the exemption does not remove setbacks9. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm that a proposed agricultural use qualifies before relying on that exception13.

How do septic and well permits work in Moultrie County?

The Moultrie County Health Department permits and routinely inspects new septic installations and modifications to existing systems in Moultrie County18519. State rules require plan approval from the health department or other applicable authority before construction begins, and the installer must notify that authority at least 48 hours before starting work20. Site feasibility deserves early attention: none of the county's mapped soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so plan for a site evaluation and the possibility of a more involved system design21. Call the Health Department at 217-728-4114 or visit 202 S Main St. in Sullivan22. The Health Department's well program requires permits for new water wells, repairs or reconstruction of existing wells, and sealing abandoned or unusable wells6.

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

We could not confirm a Moultrie County rule that allows long-term RV living, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on an ordinary private parcel. Because unincorporated Moultrie County has zoning and requires permits before most residential construction, ask Planning & Zoning whether the proposed dwelling type and use are allowed in the parcel's district before buying or moving anything onto the land4713. Illinois's campground law covers licensed campgrounds and does not answer whether someone may occupy an RV on a private parcel23. State manufactured-home rules make occupancy subject to installation requirements and allow local zoning, building, floodplain and utility requirements to apply24. Ask Planning & Zoning about use, size, setbacks and building permits, and ask the Health Department about septic requirements1322.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Moultrie County, identify its zoning district, and verify that a home is an allowed use1513.
  2. Prepare the project for the county's 2018 residential code and 2024 building code2.
  3. Obtain the county building permit before construction begins, then arrange permit-based inspections during construction13.
  4. Apply to the Moultrie County Health Department for septic plan approval before septic construction, then give at least 48 hours' notice before that work starts520.
  5. Apply through the Health Department before constructing a new water well, repairing or reconstructing an existing well, or sealing an abandoned or unusable well6.
  6. If work touches an Interstate, U.S. route, Illinois route or state-maintained road right-of-way, secure the IDOT permit before starting25.
  7. Ask Planning & Zoning about subdivision review before splitting land; the county regulates division of land in unincorporated Moultrie County2613.
  8. Check floodplain status; construction in qualifying rural floodways needs an Illinois Division of Water Resource Management permit before work begins27.

What should you check before buying land in Moultrie County?

Check zoning first: the parcel's district controls allowed uses, while its exact setbacks, height limits and dimensional standards need confirmation from Planning & Zoning151617. Check soils early because none of Moultrie County's mapped soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field21. If the purchase depends on splitting a tract, ask Planning & Zoning about subdivision review before closing because Moultrie County regulates division of land in its unincorporated area2613. Check flood exposure: qualifying construction in a rural stream floodway needs a state water-resources permit before construction27. Check legal road access, and remember that work in a state-road right-of-way needs an IDOT permit25. New water wells, repairs or reconstruction, and sealing abandoned or unusable wells require a Health Department permit6. For carrying costs, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,3162829.

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume an agricultural building is free from every local rule: qualifying agricultural uses may receive a zoning exemption, but county setbacks still apply9.
  • Moultrie County's mapped soils all carry severe limitations for conventional septic drain fields, so obtain a site evaluation before treating a buildable-looking parcel as septic-ready21.
  • RV living, temporary camping, tiny homes and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the exact parcel and proposal1013.
  • Illinois's owner-performed plumbing exemption is narrow and does not waive Moultrie County building permits or every local plumbing permit and inspection1114.

Sources

  1. moultriecountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning - Moultrie County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning - Moultrie County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  4. Zoning - Moultrie County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Program, quoted and re-checked
  6. Water Protection Program, quoted and re-checked
  7. moultriecountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Septic Program, quoted and re-checked
  9. Zoning - Moultrie County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  10. Zoning | Moultrie County, Illinois (2026 county census)
  11. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Moultrie County Planning & Zoning Office (moultriecountyil.gov)
  14. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Zoning - Moultrie County, IL, quoted and re-checked
  16. ilga.gov (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Septic Program, quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Program, quoted and re-checked
  20. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. Moultrie County Health Department (moultriehealth.org)
  23. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Subdivision, quoted and re-checked
  27. Permit Programs, quoted and re-checked
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

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

RuleMoultrie CountyShelby CountyColes CountyDouglas CountyPiatt CountyMacon CountyCumberland County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesNoNot publishedYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.Shelby CountyCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Moultrie County in Illinois

49
County map
Moultrie County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Moultrie County scores

Seclusion49100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency31100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability62100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost49100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$189kTypical home
1.9%Property tax
$11,597Land / acre
39.9"Annual rain
2.7% of yrsSevere drought
9.3 / yr (+8.6)Mid-century 100°F days
13.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.82" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.8×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,470Home insurance / yr
4.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.25%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
33,651People within 30 min
1,398,645People within 2 hr
42,617Radius comparison (15 mi)
42.7People / sq mi
2.5%Federal land
97.7%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
98 acWorkable land screen
7.7%Wooded land
60.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Moultrie 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.

Village of Allenville · Village of Bethany · Village of Dalton City · Dora Township · East Nelson Township · Village of Gays · Jonathan Creek Township · Lovington Township · Village of Lovington · Lowe Township · Marrowbone Township · Sullivan · Sullivan Township · Whitley Township

Answers from the rulebook for Moultrie County

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

Moultrie County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Most construction projects on residentially used land, including new homes, additions, decks, porches, detached buildings, small storage buildings, and in-ground swimming pools.

    • Permits are required before construction starts for most construction projects.
    • No permit is required for roof replacements, siding, windows, or internal remodels that do not include major structural changes.
    “IF CONSTRUCTION IS STARTED WITHOUT A PERMIT BEING OBTAINED, ABOVE FEES WILL DOUBLE”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Most construction projects on residentially used land, including new homes, additions, detached buildings, and in-ground swimming pools.
      “required before that construction starts”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building work subject to Moultrie County building-permit administration.

    • The county adopted the 2018 IRC and the 2024 IBC.
    • The page says the county expects contractors doing business in Moultrie County to follow those codes.

    IRC edition: 2018 IRC · IBC edition: 2024 IBC

    “The county adopted the 2018 IRC and the 2024 IBC, and expects that contractors doing business in Moultrie County will follow those codes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County building-code enforcement for construction in Moultrie County, particularly county-permitted work.
      “Additionally, the Moultrie County Building Inspector only does permit based inspections. The county adopted the 2018 IRC and the 2024 IBC, and expects that contractors doing business in Moultrie County will follow those codes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    County-permitted construction in Moultrie County.

    • Inspections are made during the course of construction.
    • The Moultrie County Building Inspector only does permit-based inspections.
    “When a permit is granted for building, the inspector needs to be contacted when the build is ready for that particular inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction subject to Moultrie County permits.
      “Inspections are made during the course of construction. Moultrie County does not require a permit for roof replacements, siding, windows, or internal remodels that do not include major structural changes. Additionally, the Moultrie County Building Inspector only does permit based inspections.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations governing land uses and the location of improvements in the unincorporated area of Moultrie County, Illinois.

    • The County Board adopted zoning regulations in 1977.
    • The unincorporated area is divided into zoning districts or zones, and allowed uses vary by district under the zoning ordinance.
    • Certain agricultural uses are exempt from local zoning regulations except for setbacks, according to state law.
    • The county page advises residents to verify a possible agricultural exemption with the department and confirm the information with legal counsel.
    • The cited page does not establish that county zoning applies inside incorporated municipalities.

    adoption year: 1977

    “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones." Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these districts. The zoning ordinance lists those uses.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County zoning in the unincorporated area of Moultrie County.
      “The unincorporated area of the county is divided”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Local zoning in the unincorporated area of Moultrie County, where the county divides land into zoning districts and regulates allowed uses and the location of improvements.

    • Allowed uses depend on the applicable zoning district.
    • Certain agricultural uses are exempt from local zoning regulations except for setbacks, according to state law.
    • The page does not establish the zoning rules administered by incorporated municipalities within Moultrie County.
    “Certain agricultural uses are exempt from meeting local zoning regulations, except for setbacks, according to state law.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts in the unincorporated area of Moultrie County.

    • The county states that the zoning ordinance lists uses allowed in each district.
    • The county ordinance index identifies Current Zoning Ordinance 77-1.
    “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones." Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these districts. The zoning ordinance lists those uses.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Zoning districts in the unincorporated area of Moultrie County.
      “The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones." Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these districts. The zoning ordinance lists those uses.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Moultrie County Health Department administration of septic permitting and inspections within Moultrie County.

    • The program is operated in compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.
    “The Moultrie County Health Department provides”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Moultrie County Health Department administration of septic permitting and inspections.
      “The Moultrie County Health Department provides routine inspections and permits for all new septic system installations, as well as modifications to existing systems, to ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New septic system installations and modifications to existing septic systems in Moultrie County.

    • Permitting is to ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.
    “permits for all new septic system installations”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New septic system installations and modifications to existing septic systems in the Moultrie County Health Department service area.
      “permits for all new septic system installations”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New septic system installations and modifications to existing septic systems in Moultrie County.

    • Inspections are routine inspections provided by the Moultrie County Health Department.
    • The program is intended to ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.
    “The Moultrie County Health Department provides routine inspections and permits for all new septic system installations, as well as modifications to existing systems, to ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New septic system installations and modifications to existing septic systems in the Moultrie County Health Department service area.
      “The Moultrie County Health Department provides routine inspections and permits for all new septic system installations, as well as modifications to existing systems, to ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New water wells, repairs or reconstruction of existing wells, and sealing abandoned or unusable wells in Moultrie County.

    • The program operates in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.
    • The permit process includes plan review and inspection as appropriate.
    “provides permits to all persons installing a new water well, repairing or re-constructing an existing well, or sealing an abandoned or unusable well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Water and geothermal well installations, revisions, and closures in the Moultrie County Health Department service area.
      “The MCHD issues permits and conducts inspections of all water and geothermal well installations, revisions, and closures”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Certain agricultural uses subject to Moultrie County zoning.

    • Certain agricultural uses are exempt from local zoning regulations.
    • The exemption does not apply to setbacks.
    • The page attributes the exemption to state law and recommends verifying eligibility with the department and legal counsel.
    “exempt from meeting local zoning regulations, except for setbacks”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Certain agricultural uses under Moultrie County zoning.
      “Certain agricultural uses are exempt from meeting local zoning regulations, except for setbacks, according to state law. If a citizen believes their proposed use may be exempt, it is suggested that they verify that possibility with the department and then confirm the information provided with their legal counsel.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land in unincorporated Moultrie County and tracts outside any city, town, or village.

    • A tract split into two or more parts may be subject to subdivision requirements.
    • If the split is not a subdivision, a plat prepared by a licensed surveyor must be submitted for county approval.
    • Some preliminary plans require staff review, a Regional Planning Commission public hearing, and County Board approval.
    • A final plat must be approved and recorded with the Moultrie County Recorder before newly created lots may be conveyed by lot description.
    “regulating the division of land in the unincorporated areas of Moultrie County”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit process for most construction projects.

    • Permits must be obtained before construction starts for most covered projects.
    • Inspections occur during construction.
    • Roof replacements, siding, windows, and internal remodels without major structural changes do not require a permit according to the county page.
    • The county building inspector performs permit-based inspections only.
    “Permits for most construction projects are required before that construction starts. On residentially used land, for example, permits are generally required for most construction including new homes; additions to homes, including decks, porches; detached buildings, including small storage buildings and in-ground swimming pools. Inspections are made during the course of construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County building permits for most construction projects.
      “Permits for most construction projects are required before that construction starts. On residentially used land, for example, permits are generally required for most construction including new homes; additions to homes, including decks, porches; detached buildings, including small storage buildings and in-ground swimming pools.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

    Occupancy permits or certificates for privately funded construction in Illinois.

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

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

    • The actual setback distances are established by applicable county zoning districts or other local ordinances.
    • Agricultural buildings may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    “to establish building or setback lines”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning districts outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The applicable county zoning ordinance determines the actual height limit by district or use.
    • No single statewide height measurement was identified.
    “including height of buildings and structures”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes as dwellings, including occupancy in manufactured home communities regulated by IDPH.

    • Manufactured home communities with 5 or more sites must be licensed by IDPH, except communities located in home rule units.
    • IDPH annually inspects licensed communities for renewal, including water, sewage disposal, electrical systems, lighting, roads, spacing of homes, and garbage disposal.
    • Manufactured homes moved since January 1, 1980 must be secured using equipment meeting IDPH standards.
    • Effective December 31, 2001, manufactured homes must be installed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner and installed according to manufacturer instructions; if unavailable, the IDPH Manufactured Home Installation Code applies.
    • Local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility requirements may also apply.

    manufactured home community license threshold: >= 5 sites (Communities located in home rule units are excepted from this IDPH licensing statement.) · moved-home tiedown requirement effective date: >= 1980-01-01 · installation requirement effective date: >= 2001-12-31

    “designed and situated so as to permit its occupancy as a dwelling place for one or more persons”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

    “Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction in Illinois floodways and, where a floodway has not been delineated, generally work anywhere in the floodplain; relevant to Moultrie County rural areas.
      “All construction activities in the floodways of streams (the channel and the adjacent portion of the floodplain that is needed to safely convey and store flood waters) in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more or in rural areas where the stream drainage area is ten square miles or more must be permitted by the Division prior to construction.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in Illinois where at least one room is rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days and accommodations are reserved in advance, when the hosting platform meets the statutory definition of a re-renter.

    • Beginning July 1, 2025, qualifying hosting platforms are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.
    • The source establishes tax and registration obligations, not statewide land-use permission; local zoning and licensing may separately apply.

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

    “Beginning July 1, 2025, hosting platforms for short-term rentals that meet the definition of “re-renter” are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

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

    • The Department reviews applications and written inquiries free of charge to determine whether authorization is required when sufficient information is provided.
    • A permit application fee may apply under the Department's permit fee schedule.
    “January 15, 2014, a new Permit Application Fee went into effect. All applications and written inquiries received will be reviewed free of charge to determine whether the Public Water, dam and/or floodway work proposed requires authorization by the Department, so long as sufficient information is provided for the Department to make that determination.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.

    • IDPH annually inspects and licenses campgrounds in Illinois.
    • The state campground definition includes camping and temporary parking of recreational vehicles.
    • Campgrounds within home rule units of government are exempt from the state campground licensing requirement.
    • Recreational areas without overnight camping, such as highway rest stops and picnicking areas, are subject to the rules but are not licensed or routinely inspected.

    minimum persons for statutory campground threshold: >= 10 persons · minimum camping duration for statutory campground threshold: >= 6 camping days per calendar year

    ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  • county building authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Moultrie County zoning districts
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements applicable in Moultrie County zoning districts
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in county zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land in Moultrie County
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on land subject to county zoning.
3 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup

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 Moultrie County, Illinois

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

Moultrie County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: elevated current hazard exposure. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (39.9″/yr rainfall).

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

Moultrie County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Moultrie County Health Department - Environmental Health. 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 Moultrie County, Illinois?

Land in Moultrie County runs about $11,597 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Moultrie County?

Moultrie County gets about 39.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.7% of years.

How remote is Moultrie County?

A representative private-land location has about 33,651 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,398,645 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 Moultrie compares in Illinois

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