Bolthole Index

Perry County, Illinois

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

61Index Score / 100
#51 of 102 in Illinois

Perry County, Illinois requires a building permit before most structures are erected, enlarged, altered or moved in unincorporated areas; a structure under 100 square feet does not need one.1 Perry County zoning applies outside municipalities that have adopted their own zoning, and those municipalities run their own zoning administration.2 Private-sewage permits for every address, city or not, come from the Perry County Health Department.3

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most structures; not required under 100 square feet1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated areas4
Septic
Health Department permit and inspection required35
Home size
Modular homes: 1,200 sq. ft.; mobile homes: 900 sq. ft.67
Tiny homes
Tiny-home occupancy unconfirmed; ask the county Zoning Administrator67
Owner-builder
No county permit exemption confirmed; limited plumbing exception89
Private well
Permit required before construction, modification or sealing10

Who to call

Building permits

Perry County Supervisor of Assessments

Perry County building-permit applications

(618) 357-2209

3764 State Route 13-127, Pickneyville, Illinois 62274

Health department

Perry County Health Department

Private sewage disposal permits and environmental health questions

618-357-5371

907 S MAIN ST - PINCKNEYVILLE IL 62274

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Perry 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 Perry County, Illinois?

Perry County requires a building permit before a structure is erected, enlarged, extended, altered or relocated, or a mobile home is placed or relocated.1 The county webpage exempts structures under 100 square feet; the fee exemption covers structures or additions of 100 square feet or less, so confirm permit requirements at the boundary with the Supervisor of Assessments.111 Residential building permits cost $5 plus $0.02 per square foot; farm structures cost $5.11 Detached single-family homes in the R-1 and R-2 districts must follow the current International Residential Code.12

Who issues building permits in Perry County, Illinois?

The Perry County Supervisor of Assessments accepts building-permit applications from an owner or authorized agent; call (618) 357-2209.813 Obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance first, then submit the legal description, building size and type, and estimated cost.8 For unincorporated Perry County, the county lists the Zoning Administrator at 618-357-3267.14 Private-sewage permits stay with the Perry County Health Department throughout the county, including inside city limits.3

Does Perry County, Illinois have zoning?

County zoning applies in unincorporated Perry County, outside municipalities with adopted local zoning ordinances.4 Pinckneyville applies its own zoning inside city limits; private-sewage permits there still come from the Perry County Health Department.1516 County districts include agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, floodplain-overlay and planned-unit-development districts.17 In R-1 and R-2, minimum setbacks are 35 feet front, 10 feet side and 25 feet rear, and the listed height limit is 25 feet.1819 In A and I, minimum setbacks are 50 feet front and 25 feet side and rear.18 Agricultural-purpose structures retain district setback requirements despite their zoning exemption.20 Using an accessory structure as a dwelling is prohibited under county zoning.21

How do septic permits work in Perry County, Illinois?

Off-grid sewage disposal in Perry County still requires a Health Department permit and inspection; going without public sewer does not remove those requirements.22 Call the Perry County Health Department at 618-357-5371.23 The application fee is $125, and a home using private sewage generally needs at least 1 acre excluding easements, with special consideration for certain preexisting smaller lots.24 Give at least 48 hours’ notice before work, and leave the system uncovered and unused until inspection and written approval.5 The Health Department may refuse a private-sewage permit when public or community sewer is available, including within 300 feet of a single-family home.25

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Perry County, Illinois?

Perry County defines a travel trailer as designed for temporary occupancy; travel trailer parks require a special-use permit in the Commercial District.2627 We could not confirm full-time occupancy of an individual RV or permission to occupy a tiny home; ask the county Zoning Administrator about the proposed dwelling. Temporary campgrounds may operate up to 5 camping nights annually, with no night limit when allowing only up to 2 RVs or tents; that campground provision does not establish residential approval.28 In unincorporated Perry County, modular homes need at least 1,200 square feet and a full-perimeter permanent foundation below frost depth, with wheels and towing devices removed.6 Mobile homes need at least 900 square feet and a special-use permit.7

Building a home in Perry County, Illinois: steps in order

  1. Identify the zoning authority and district for the parcel.2
  2. Confirm permitted use, lot size, setbacks, height and permanent street access.1729181930
  3. Obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance before applying for the building permit.8
  4. Apply through the Supervisor of Assessments with the required project details.8
  5. Secure the Health Department's private-sewage permit if needed.3
  6. Obtain a permit before constructing or deepening a private well.10
  7. Arrange any required state-highway access permit.31

What should you check before buying land in Perry County?

Verify jurisdiction, zoning district, residential use, lot area and the buildable envelope.22918 Confirm County Board approval before buying a newly created parcel that falls within the subdivision rules.32 Only about 3.2% of county soils are mapped without severe limitations for conventional drain fields, so make sewage feasibility a purchase contingency.33 Check permanent street access, floodplain constraints and private-well permitting before placing improvements.303410

Watch-outs

  • Zoning compliance comes before the building-permit application.8
  • A private sewage system cannot be covered or used before inspection and written approval.5
  • An owner may apply for a permit, but we could not confirm a general owner-builder exemption from Perry County's rules; Illinois provides only a limited plumbing exception for qualifying owner-occupants.89

Sources

  1. Building Permits - Perry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  2. Perry County Zoning Code, Chapter 40, quoted and re-checked
  3. Chapter 16 Health Codes, quoted and re-checked
  4. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  5. perrycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning Code Chapter 40, quoted and re-checked
  7. Zoning Code Chapter 40, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Permits - Perry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  9. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells - Illinois Department of Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Permits - Perry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  12. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  13. Perry County Supervisor of Assessments (ptab.illinois.gov)
  14. Building Permits - Perry County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  15. Pinckneyville: § 154.002 Jurisdiction (Perry County), quoted and re-checked
  16. Pinckneyville: § 154.091 Sewers; septic tanks (Perry County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  18. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, Section 40-4-31, quoted and re-checked
  19. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  20. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  21. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  22. Chapter 16 Health Codes, quoted and re-checked
  23. Perry County Health Department (perryhealth.net)
  24. perrycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  25. perrycountyil.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. Perry County Zoning Code, Chapter 40, quoted and re-checked
  27. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  28. Revised Code, Chapter 6 Buildings, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter 40 Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  30. Perry County Zoning Code, Chapter 40, quoted and re-checked
  31. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Chapter 34 Subdivision Code, quoted and re-checked
  33. 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
  34. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Perry County requires a building permit for a home.

RulePerry CountyWashington CountyJackson CountyFranklin CountyRandolph CountyJefferson CountyWilliamson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoNot publishedYesYesNot published
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.

County locator

Perry County in Illinois

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

How Perry County scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost65100% 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 →

$111kTypical home
1.7%Property tax
$6,023Land / acre
45"Annual rain
2.4% of yrsSevere drought
13 / yr (+11.7)Mid-century 100°F days
15.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.14" (+6.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.89×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,575Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.88%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
18,264People within 30 min
2,982,735People within 2 hr
30,710Radius comparison (15 mi)
46.4People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
89.3%Land at 15% slope or less
3.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
8,733 acWorkable land screen
27.1%Wooded land
51.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Perry County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Village of Cutler · Du Quoin · Village of St. Johns · Village of Tamaroa · Village of Willisville

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

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

Perry County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures and mobile homes in Perry County subject to the County building-permit ordinance.

    • A permit is required before erection, enlargement, extension, alteration, relocation, or location/relocation of a mobile home.
    • Structures or additions of 100 square feet or less have no building-permit fee under Section 6-1-2(C), and the public webpage states a permit is not necessary if the structure is less than 100 square feet.
    • Applications are made by the property owner or authorized agent and require a legal description, size, type, and estimated cost.
    • Violation is a petty offense.

    farm-property fee: 5 USD · residential fee: 5 plus 0.02 per square foot USD · commercial fee: 5 plus 0.03 per square foot USD · industrial fee: 5 plus 0.06 per square foot USD

    “A Building Permit must be obtained when any structure is erected, enlarged, extended, altered, or relocated, or mobile home located or relocated within Perry County. It is not necessary to obtain a Building Permit if the structure is less than 100 square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Structures erected, enlarged, extended, altered, relocated, or mobile homes located or relocated in Perry County.
      “Per Perry County Resolution: A Building Permit must be obtained when any structure is erected, enlarged, extended, altered, or relocated, or mobile home located or relocated within Perry County. It is not necessary to obtain a Building Permit if the structure is less than 100 square feet.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Residential construction regulated by Perry County zoning and building-permit rules.

    • The zoning code requires detached single-family dwellings in R-1 and R-2 districts to adhere to the current International Residential Code.
    • The reviewed building chapter does not establish a comprehensive countywide building-code adoption for all construction types.
    “Detached single-family dwellings adhering to the current International Residential Code.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Perry County zoning outside the corporate limits of municipalities that have adopted local zoning ordinances.

    • The County Code applies throughout Perry County except within municipalities that have adopted local zoning ordinances.
    • More stringent lawfully adopted requirements prevail.
    “This Code shall be applicable throughout Perry County, except within the corporate limits of municipalities which have adopted local zoning ordinances.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulation in unincorporated Perry County.
      “all the territory of Perry County other than territory within the corporate limits of municipalities which have adopted local zoning ordinances is hereby divided into the following zoning districts:”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate conclusion for zoning across Perry County, including county-administered unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.

    • The county page identifies separate zoning contacts for Pinckneyville, Du Quoin, Willisville, Tamaroa, and unincorporated locations.
    • This claim aggregates different local administrators and does not assert that Perry County administers each municipal ordinance.
    “Please contact the appropriate Zoning Administrator for your building location: City of Pinckneyville – Economic Development Coordinator: Carrie Gilliam 618-357-8775 City of Du Quoin – City Hall/Clerks Office: 618-542-3841 Unincorporated locations in Perry County – Zoning Administrator: Becky Tracy 618-357-3267 Village of Willisville – Village Hall Office: 618-497-2287 Village of Tamaroa – Village Hall Office: 618-496-3209”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of county zoning and incorporated municipal zoning.
      “This Code shall be applicable throughout Perry County, except within the corporate limits of municipalities which have adopted local zoning ordinances.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and district-specific dimensional standards.

    • The code identifies A Agricultural, R-1 and R-2 Residential, C Commercial, I Industrial, O-FP Flood Plain Overlay, and PUD districts.
    • Municipalities with adopted local zoning ordinances are excluded from the County Code's jurisdiction.
    “Agricultural A 40 acres Rural Single Family Residential R-1 5 acres Community Residential R-2 5 acres Commercial C 2 acres Industrial I 5 acres Flood Plain Overlay O-FP None Planned Unit Development PUD 20 acres”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and district-specific regulations.
      “Agricultural A 40 acres Rural Single Family Residential R-1 5 acres Community Residential R-2 5 acres Commercial C 2 acres Industrial I 5 acres Flood Plain Overlay O-FP None Planned Unit Development PUD 20 acres”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Mobile or manufactured homes placed on individual lots in unincorporated Perry County.

    • The structure must meet the zoning code definition of a mobile (manufactured) home.
    • All mobile homes require a special use permit.
    • The mobile home may not be more than ten years old at the time of application for the special use permit.
    • The minimum is stated as a condition for identifying a structure as a mobile home and does not establish a universal minimum size for every dwelling type.

    minimum floor area: >= 900 square feet (identified on the Certificate of Title of a Vehicle)

    “not less than nine hundred (900) square feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Modular homes under the Perry County Zoning Code.
      “As with all residences, a modular home must have a minimum 3/12 pitch roof with residential style siding and roofing, six (6) inch minimum eave overhang, and shall have a minimum living area of not less than twelve hundred (1,200) square feet.”
    • Specified — Modular homes used as residences in unincorporated Perry County.
      “not less than twelve hundred (1,200) square feet”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots and principal structures in Perry County zoning districts A, R-1, R-2, C, and I.

    • The applicable minimum depends on zoning district and public-sewer status.
    • Minimum lot areas must conform to the Subdivision Code.
    • Private-sewage lots are subject to the county health-code minimum and exceptions.

    minimum lot area: 30 acres in A; 10,000 sq ft in R-1; 12,000 sq ft in R-2; 6,000 sq ft per dwelling unit if connected to public sewer or 3,000 sq ft per dwelling unit, whichever is greater, in C; 2 acres if connected to public sewer or 1 acre elsewhere in I (District-specific standards and footnotes apply.)

    “Every lot or the principal structure thereon (as the case may be) shall comply with the minimum lot size, minimum setbacks, and maximum height restrictions for the particular district in which said lot/principal structure is located.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Front, side, and rear setbacks in Perry County zoning districts A, R-1, R-2, C, and I.

    • The table's footnote directs users to the Perry County Subdivision Code for lots and setbacks.
    • Agricultural structures remain subject to applicable district setbacks under the agricultural exemption.

    front setback: 50 ft in A; 35 ft in R-1, R-2, and C; 50 ft in I · side setback: 25 ft in A; 10 ft in R-1, R-2, and C; 25 ft in I · rear setback: 25 ft in A, R-1, and R-2; 10 ft in C; 25 ft in I

    “Minimum Setbacks^: (1) From front lot line: 50 ft 35 ft 35 ft 35 ft 50 ft (2) From side lot line: 25 ft 10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 25 ft (3) From rear lot line: 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft 10 ft 25 ft”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Minimum front, side, and rear setbacks by County zoning district.
      “(e) Minimum Setbacks^: (1) From front lot line: 50 ft 35 ft 35 ft 35 ft 50 ft (2) From side lot line: 25 ft 10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 25 ft (3) From rear lot line: 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft 10 ft 25 ft”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Maximum structure height in Perry County zoning districts A, R-1, R-2, C, and I.

    • R-1 height may increase to 35 feet with reciprocal front and rear yard setbacks of 25 feet each.
    • C-district height may increase upon documented approval of the local fire-protection authority.
    • The agricultural and industrial districts listed in the table have no maximum structure height in the table.

    maximum structure height: None in A; 25 ft in R-1; 25 ft in R-2; 35 ft in C; None in I (Footnotes permit specified increases in R-1 and C.)

    “Maximum Structure Height: None 25 ft**** 25 ft**** 35 ft***** None”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Travel trailer parks, including facilities accommodating temporarily occupied travel trailers, campgrounds, recreational camps, and private or leased lots used for weekend homes, mobile homes, campers, and RVs, in the unincorporated portion of Perry County's Commercial (C) District.

    • The county zoning code applies throughout Perry County except within the corporate limits of municipalities that have adopted local zoning ordinances.
    • Travel trailer parks are permitted in the C District only upon issuance of a special use permit under Article IX, Division II.
    • Special-use applications require submission to the Administrator, filing with the County Soil and Water Conservation District, and filing with the municipal clerk if the land is within one and one-half miles of a municipality.
    • A public hearing is required, and the County Board acts on the request by ordinance after the Board of Appeals advisory report; the ordinance may specify the permit term and conditions.

    zoning district: C Commercial District · special use permit: true (Required before the travel trailer park use is permitted)

    “The following uses shall be permitted in the “C” District only upon the issuance of a special use permit [...] Travel trailer parks.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational vehicles treated by the County Zoning Code as travel trailers and travel-trailer-park uses in unincorporated Perry County.
      “Travel Trailer: A structure designed for temporary occupancy which is designed to be moved by a motor vehicle (i.e., recreational vehicles). Travel Trailer Park: A lot developed with facilities for accommodating temporarily occupied travel trailers, including campgrounds, recreational camps and private/leased lots used for weekend homes, mobile homes, campers and RV (recreational vehicles).”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary campgrounds in unincorporated Perry County.

    • The code defines the County as the unincorporated areas of Perry County.
    • A temporary campground may operate up to five camping nights per year unless it allows only up to two RVs or tents, in which case there is no limit on camping nights.
    • For monetary gain, registration with the Perry County Solid Waste office and a $20 fee are required.
    • No registration is required when no monetary gain is received.
    • The annual registration year runs April 1 through March of the following year, is not prorated, and registration should occur at least one month before accepting campers.
    • Publicly owned recreational park facilities receive a registration-fee waiver.
    • State-licensed campgrounds under the Illinois Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act are exempt.

    annual registration fee: 20 USD (Waived for publicly owned recreational park facilities.) · camping-night limit: 5 nights per year (No limit if the campground allows only up to two RVs or tents.)

    “A Temporary Campground may operate up to five (5) camping nights per year, unless they only allow up to two (2) RVs or tents, in which case there is no limit per number of camping nights.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes on individual lots in Perry County zoning districts.

    • A special-use permit is required for every mobile home on an individual lot.
    • The permit may not exceed ten years from its effective date.
    • The mobile home may not be older than ten years at application.
    • The Zoning Board of Appeals may deny a home deemed unsafe or unsuitable for human occupancy.
    • District minimum lot-size and setback requirements must be met.
    • Only one mobile home is allowed per individual lot, subject to the specified agricultural-district exception and conditions.
    • Anchoring and fire-resistant skirting requirements apply.

    special-use permit maximum term: <= 10 years (Measured from the effective date of the permit.) · maximum mobile-home age at application: <= 10 years (The code states the mobile home shall not be older than ten years.) · minimum spacing for second agricultural-district mobile home: >= 20 feet (Applies only under the listed agricultural-district exception.)

    “All mobile homes require a Special Use Permit pursuant to Article IX Division II. Special Use Permits for mobile homes shall not be issued for a period exceeding ten (10) years from the effective date of the permit. No mobile home shall be older than ten (10) years of age at the time of application for a Special Use Permit.”
  • Accessory dwellingsProhibited

    Use of an accessory structure as a dwelling in Perry County zoning districts.

    • The prohibition is in the county zoning code; separate municipal rules may apply within incorporated municipalities.
    “Use of any accessory structure as a dwelling is strictly prohibited in every zoning district.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Perry County.

    • The county code adopts Illinois private-sewage rules by reference and also references applicable IEPA and county or local codes.
    • The Perry County Health Department issues the private sewage permits.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter or extend a private sewage disposal system within Perry County unless he holds a valid permit issued by the Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Perry County.
      “unless he holds a valid permit issued by the Health Department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or extension of private sewage disposal systems in Perry County.

    • A permit is issued by the Perry County Health Department.
    • The Board of Health may refuse a permit where public or community sewer is available; for a single-family residence, sewer is deemed reasonably available at a distance not greater than 300 feet.
    • The permit is valid for one year, subject to possible written-request extension for unusual or extenuating circumstances.
    • The minimum lot size for a home requiring private sewage disposal is one acre excluding easements, with special consideration for certain preexisting smaller lots.
    • The current health-department webpage states a $125 fee for the permit application.

    permit fee: 125 USD (As stated on the Perry County Health Department sewage webpage.) · single-family sewer distance: <= 300 feet (The code deems a public sewer reasonably available at not greater than 300 feet for a single-family residence.) · permit validity: 1 year (The Administrator may authorize an extension after written request for unusual or extenuating circumstances.) · minimum lot size: >= 1 acre (Excluding easements; preexisting smaller lots receive special consideration.)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter or extend a private sewage disposal system within Perry County unless he holds a valid permit issued by the Health Department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems in Perry County.

    • A system may not be covered or placed in operation until it has been inspected and written approval issued by the Health Department.
    • The responsible party must notify the Health Department at least 48 hours before installation, construction, alteration, or extension begins.

    advance notice: >= 48 hours (Notice is required before scheduled installation, construction, alteration, or extension.)

    “A private sewage disposal system which has been installed by a homeowner for his own personal single-family residence; or by a contractor, occupant, agent, servant or representative of any such person shall not be covered or placed in operation unless specifically authorized by the Health Department until the said installation shall have been inspected and written approval of the said system shall have been issued by the Health Department.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage disposal for properties not connected to public sewer.

    • Private sewage disposal requires a Health Department permit and inspection.
    • The Health Department may refuse a permit where public or community sewer is reasonably available.
    • Private systems must comply with county, state, and applicable IEPA requirements.
    “Anyone building a home/shed that will not be on city sewer. Anyone that needs to replace/add to their existing system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Private sewage disposal versus public or community sewer service in Perry County.

    • The Health Department may refuse a private sewage permit where public or community sewage is available.
    • A sewer is deemed available when it adjoins or abuts the premises or is within a reasonable distance: not greater than 300 feet for a single-family residence or 1,000 feet for a commercial establishment or multifamily dwelling.
    • The reviewed sources do not establish a universal County water-connection requirement.

    single-family sewer distance: <= 300 feet · commercial or multifamily sewer distance: <= 1000 feet

    “The Board of Health or its Authorized Representative may refuse to grant a permit for the construction of a private sewage disposal system where public or community sewage systems are available.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Land and structures used solely for agricultural purposes under the Perry County Zoning Code.

    • The exemption applies to agricultural land and agricultural-purpose structures.
    • Agricultural structures must still meet applicable district setback requirements.
    • If the land or structure ceases to be used solely for agricultural purposes, the other zoning-code provisions apply.
    “said structures are required to meet building setback requirements applicable in the district in which the structure is to be built. Should said land or structure cease to be used solely for agricultural purposes then, and only then, shall the other provisions of this Code”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within Perry County, especially unincorporated subdivisions.

    • A subdivision generally includes division into two or more parcels where any parcel is less than five acres, subject to stated exceptions.
    • No plat may be recorded until County Board approval.
    • Unincorporated subdivision construction, including grading, requires conditional approval of the preliminary plat.
    • The code contains exemptions for certain five-acre divisions, adjoining-owner exchanges, public rights-of-way, corrections, and other listed situations.

    subdivision threshold: < 5 acres (Subject to statutory and ordinance exemptions.) · preliminary plat review: <= 60 days (Measured from application or filing of the last required supporting data, whichever is later.) · plat review fee: $100 plus $10 per lot, minimum $110 USD (For preliminary plat checking and verification.)

    “No plat or replat of a subdivision of land located within the Jurisdictional Area shall be recorded until it shall have been approved by the County Board, and a certified copy of the order of approval shall have been attached to the plat by the County Clerk.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access for structures on lots governed by the County Zoning Code.

    • A lot must abut or have permanent access to a public street or a private street conforming to Perry County Subdivision Code standards.
    • Municipalities with their own zoning ordinances may apply separate rules.
    “No structure shall be erected on any lot unless such lot abuts or has permanent access to a public street or a private street that conforms to the standards set forth in the Perry County Subdivision Code.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Perry County building permits and private sewage permits.

    • Building-permit fees vary by structure type.
    • Residential building permits cost $5 plus $0.02 per square foot.
    • The health-department sewage webpage states a $125 permit fee.
    • The zoning code states that zoning filing fees are established and may be amended by County Board resolution.

    farm structure fee: 5 USD · residential building permit fee: $5 plus $0.02 per square foot USD · commercial building permit fee: $5 plus $0.03 per square foot USD · industrial building permit fee: $5 plus $0.06 per square foot USD · private sewage permit fee: 125 USD (As stated on the Health Department webpage.)

    “Residential Property is a $5.00 fee plus $0.02 per square foot Commercial Property is a $5.00 fee plus $0.03 per square foot Industrial Property is a $5.00 fee plus $0.06 per square foot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit fees.
      “Farm Structure is a $5.00 fee Residential Property is a $5.00 fee plus $0.02 per square foot Commercial Property is a $5.00 fee plus $0.03 per square foot Industrial Property is a $5.00 fee plus $0.06 per square foot.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit application process.

    • A zoning compliance form or certificate must be obtained before filing the building permit.
    • The application is made by the owner or authorized agent.
    • The application requires size, type, and estimated cost.
    • Applications and assistance are available through the Supervisor of Assessments Office.
    “Applications for permits must be made by the owner of the property or an authorized agent.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit application process.
      “You must obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance prior to applying for your Building 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitRequired

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

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

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

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

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

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

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

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

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

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

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

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

  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in unincorporated Perry County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home as a dwelling in unincorporated Perry County.

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 Perry County, Illinois

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

Perry County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: strong self-sufficiency basics: 45″/yr rainfall with little drought and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Perry County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Perry County Health Department, Environmental Health (Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code / 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 Perry County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Perry County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Recreational vehicles treated by the County Zoning Code as travel trailers and travel-trailer-park uses in unincorporated Perry County. The Code defines a travel trailer as designed for temporary occupancy. A travel trailer park is described as accommodating temporarily occupied travel trailers. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Perry County, Illinois?

Land in Perry County runs about $6,023 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Perry County?

Perry County gets about 45" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years.

How remote is Perry County?

A representative private-land location has about 18,264 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,982,735 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 Perry compares in Illinois

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