Bolthole Index

Richland County, Illinois

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

74Index Score / 100
#8 of 102 in Illinois

Richland County, Illinois has no confirmed general building-permit rule for ordinary homes in its unincorporated area; ask the County Clerk before starting work. Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded construction, but statewide baseline building-code requirements apply.12 Richland County requires permits for mobile-home parks and for proposed development that must be screened for floodplain location.34

At a glance

Building permit
General home rule unconfirmed; mobile-home parks require a county permit31
County zoning
No zoning ordinance or published county zoning districts in unincorporated Richland County56
Septic
State regulation with possible local health-agency review; plans need approval before construction78
Tiny homes
No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas; other rules still apply910
RV living
RV occupancy and temporary camping face no county zoning restriction; other rules still apply1112
Private well
Permit required before new construction, modification or sealing13

Who to call

Roads & driveways

Richland County Highway Department

County-highway entrances and culverts; the County Engineer also serves as County Floodplain Administrator

(618) 392-3141

dcolwell@richlandcounty.illinois.gov

4334 N. Meridian Road, Olney, IL 62450

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

A general residential building-permit requirement for ordinary homes in unincorporated Richland County could not be confirmed, so ask the Richland County Clerk whether the planned work needs local approval before construction. Illinois itself does not issue building permits, review plans or perform inspections for privately funded projects; those functions, when required, belong to the applicable local government.114

The clear county exception is a mobile-home park: construction or alteration requires a permit, and County Engineer approval must come before issuance.3 The county uses Illinois Department of Public Health mobile-home-park rules as minimum standards unless a higher standard applies.15 Completed parks are inspected before licensing and remain subject to recurring county inspection.16 Illinois has also imposed statewide baseline building-code requirements since 2025, including a framework for places that have not adopted their own code.2

Who handles building permits in Richland County?

Richland County's published materials do not identify a general residential building department or zoning official for unincorporated land. The state does not issue private-project building permits or occupancy certificates; any such requirement is handled by the municipality or county with jurisdiction.117 Start with the Richland County Clerk for an ordinary home, addition or outbuilding, and ask who will confirm the applicable state baseline and any project-specific county ordinance.

Specialized work has clearer destinations. For a mobile-home park, County Engineer approval precedes the building permit; after construction, the engineer inspects the completed park before the County Clerk issues its license.18 The Richland County Highway Department handles entrances on county-maintained roads, and the County Engineer is also the County Floodplain Administrator.19 A project inside or near an incorporated municipality may face municipal requirements even though unincorporated Richland County has no county zoning ordinance.20

Does Richland County have zoning?

Richland County has no zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the county, and county zoning districts are not published because the county does not have county zoning there.56 No county zoning rule sets minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage or building height there.21222324 County zoning also does not restrict accessory-dwelling occupancy, but building, septic, floodplain, highway, subdivision and setback rules can still apply.25

Richland County does regulate more than zoning. The county has a setback-line ordinance, although the available county material does not give its distances, and it regulates subdivisions in unincorporated areas.2627 Municipal zoning may also apply in or near an incorporated municipality.5 Before choosing a house site, ask the County Engineer about the setback line and floodplain, and ask the relevant municipal clerk whether municipal rules reach the parcel.

How do septic permits work in Richland County?

Private sewage disposal plans in Richland County must be reviewed and approved before construction under the Illinois program. IDPH regulates covered systems statewide, while a local health agency may review plans under a local ordinance or as an IDPH agent; the responsible local reviewer for Richland County could not be confirmed.78 New and replacement surface-discharging systems covered by the Illinois EPA general permit have inspection, monitoring and reporting requirements, but that does not establish the same inspection rule for every conventional no-discharge system.28

Site suitability deserves attention early: only about 3.5% of Richland County soils avoid a “very limited” rating for conventional septic drain fields.29 That countywide soil rating does not decide whether a parcel will pass, but it makes plan approval and site-specific soil work an early due-diligence item. Illinois permits specified off-grid sanitation options, including qualifying privies and composting, incinerating and recirculating toilets, while requiring other domestic wastewater to go to a conventional private sewage system.30 Confirm the application path with IDPH before paying for design work.

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

A tiny home on unincorporated Richland County land faces no county land-use zoning restriction on occupancy and no county zoning minimum dwelling size, but building, septic, floodplain, subdivision, setback and municipal rules may still control placement.91022 Temporary camping and RV occupancy likewise face no county zoning restriction in the unincorporated area, but sanitation, floodplain, highway and other rules still apply.1211

The absence of a county zoning restriction does not confirm that every long-term residential RV arrangement is allowed, so ask the County Clerk about the intended use. Illinois campground licensing applies when an operation meets the state campground definition, but that rule does not decide one owner's private-parcel use.31 Manufactured-home occupancy is specifically regulated in county-regulated mobile-home parks; those park rules do not establish a countywide restriction on every manufactured home outside a park.32 A mobile-home park must also connect to qualifying nearby public water and sewer unless the county and state approve the specified independent systems.33

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside a municipality, because the county's no-zoning conclusion applies only to unincorporated Richland County.5
  2. Ask the County Clerk whether the proposed home, accessory building or site work needs a local building permit or occupancy approval; Illinois does not issue those approvals for privately funded construction.117
  3. Take the site plan to the responsible septic reviewer for approval before constructing the private sewage system; confirm with IDPH whether a local health agency will handle the review.78
  4. Obtain a permit through IDPH or the participating local health department before constructing a new private well.34
  5. Ask the County Engineer about the setback line, floodplain permit screening and any entrance on a county-maintained road.26419
  6. If access meets a state-maintained road, obtain the required IDOT right-of-way permit before work begins.35

What should you check before buying land in Richland County?

Put septic feasibility near the top of the offer contingency because only about 3.5% of county soils avoid a severe limitation rating for a conventional drain field.29 A permit is required for new private-well construction, with IDPH and participating local health departments reviewing plans and inspecting wells.36

Check floodplain status with the County Engineer before placing a home or driveway; the engineer is Richland County's Floodplain Administrator.19 Richland County must require a permit for proposed construction or other development so it can determine whether the activity lies within the floodplain, and the application review must account for required federal and state approvals.4 Construction in regulated Illinois floodways can require state authorization as well.37 Confirm road ownership because county-road entrances go through the Highway Department while state-highway access needs an IDOT permit.3835

Watch-outs

  • Do not treat Richland County's lack of county zoning as a waiver of its setback-line, subdivision, floodplain or trailer-park ordinances.52627
  • A general owner-builder exemption and a general residential occupancy-certificate rule could not be confirmed; ask the Richland County Clerk before committing to a construction schedule.3917
  • County-road entrance approval and state-highway access approval are separate paths, so identify the road authority before designing the driveway.3835

Sources

  1. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Codes and Regulations (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  3. Richland County Code Book – Title XV: Land Usage, quoted and re-checked
  4. Richland County Code Book — Title XV: Land Usage, quoted and re-checked
  5. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  6. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  7. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  8. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  9. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  10. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  11. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  12. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  13. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Richland County Code Book – Title XV: Land Usage, quoted and re-checked
  16. Richland County Code Book – Title XV: Land Usage, quoted and re-checked
  17. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Richland County Code Book – Title XV: Land Usage, quoted and re-checked
  19. Richland County Highway Department (richlandcounty.illinois.gov)
  20. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  21. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  22. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  23. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  24. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  25. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  26. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  27. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  28. Illinois Surface Discharge Permit (ILG62), quoted and re-checked
  29. 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
  30. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Youth Camps and Campgrounds, quoted and re-checked
  32. Status of Zoning in Unincorporated Portions of Richland County, Illinois, quoted and re-checked
  33. Richland County Code Book – Title XV: Land Usage, quoted and re-checked
  34. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  35. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  36. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  37. Permit Program (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  39. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (2026 county census)

Written October 7, 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Richland County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleRichland CountyEdwards CountyLawrence CountyClay CountyWabash CountyJasper CountyWayne County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoYesNoNot publishedNoNo
Septic permitsIL Dept. of Public HealthCounty Health Dept.IDPHCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Richland County in Illinois

74
County map
Richland County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Richland County scores

Seclusion65100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.
Admin Boringness7168% ev.
Durability60100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost63100% ev.

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

$141kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$6,859Land / acre
46.6"Annual rain
2.3% of yrsSevere drought
10.1 / yr (+9.2)Mid-century 100°F days
15 daysMid-century dry spell
1.87" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,492Home insurance / yr
2.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.61%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
18,813People within 30 min
1,098,913People within 2 hr
22,214Radius comparison (15 mi)
43People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
97.3%Land at 15% slope or less
3.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
8,006 acWorkable land screen
18.8%Wooded land
52.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.1°FAvg temp

Scout Richland County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Richland County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Richland 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: Bonpas Township · Village of Calhoun · Claremont Township · Village of Claremont · Decker Township · Denver Township · German Township · Noble Township · Village of Noble · Olney · Olney Township · Village of Parkersburg · Preston Township

Answers from the rulebook for Richland County

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

Richland County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or alteration of a mobile-home park in unincorporated Richland County.

    • County Engineer approval is required before the building permit is issued.
    • The application must include applicant information, legal description, sewage/garbage/waste-disposal and water facilities, lighting method, plans and specifications, and an affidavit.
    • The application fee is $25 and is nonrefundable.

    application fee: 25 USD (Nonrefundable)

    “No building permit to construct a mobile home park shall be issued unless the application has been approved by the County Engineer.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Mobile-home parks in unincorporated Richland County.

    • The county code adopts Illinois Department of Public Health mobile-home-park rules as minimum standards, except where a higher standard applies.
    “The mobile home park rules and regulations, adopted by the State Department of Public Health, as amended from time to time and as are in effect, shall be the minimum standard and/or requirement acceptable to the County Board; excepting, however, when a higher standard and/or requirement shall be met.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Completed mobile-home parks in unincorporated Richland County.

    • After completion, the applicant must notify the County Engineer.
    • The County Engineer or representative inspects for compliance before the license is issued.
    • Each licensed mobile-home park must be inspected at least twice each year.

    minimum routine inspections: >= 2 per year (Each licensed mobile-home park)

    “The County Engineer shall inspect, at least two times each year, each mobile home park licensed under the provisions of this code to determine the compliance thereto and shall note, and shall act upon each violation.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Unincorporated portions of Richland County.

    • The memorandum separately identifies county floodplain, setback-line, subdivision, solar-farm, and trailer-park ordinances.
    • Municipal zoning may apply in and near incorporated municipalities.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    County zoning in the unincorporated portions of Richland County.

    • Richland County has separate solar farm development, floodplain construction, setback line, subdivision, and trailer park operation ordinances.
    • The five incorporated municipalities identified by the county may extend zoning 1.5 miles outside their corporate limits; municipal rules may therefore apply in or near those areas.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published (with conditions)

    County zoning districts in the unincorporated portions of Richland County.

    • The county memorandum states that separate non-zoning ordinances exist for solar farms, floodplain construction, setbacks, subdivisions, and trailer parks.
    • Municipal zoning may apply within incorporated municipalities and potentially within 1.5 miles outside their corporate limits.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum-dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Richland County.

    • This is an absence of county zoning dimensional regulation only; building, health, septic, floodplain, subdivision, setback, and other rules may still apply.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum-lot-size controls in unincorporated Richland County.

    • Subdivision, septic, floodplain, and municipal rules may impose separate requirements.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setback-line regulation in unincorporated Richland County.

    • The memorandum confirms that a setback line ordinance exists but does not provide its measurements or exceptions.
    “Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Richland County.

    • This conclusion is limited to county zoning; other ordinances and state or local health rules may apply.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height requirements in unincorporated Richland County.

    • This conclusion is limited to county zoning; other ordinances and state or local health rules may apply.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    RV occupancy as a county zoning matter in unincorporated Richland County.

    • The county has no zoning ordinance for unincorporated portions, but other county ordinances and state health, sanitation, floodplain, highway, and municipal rules may still apply.
    • The conclusion does not address incorporated municipalities or municipal extraterritorial zoning.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Camping on your landUnrestricted

    Temporary camping as a county zoning matter in unincorporated Richland County.

    • No zoning-based restriction was identified; separate floodplain, health, sanitation, highway, trailer-park, and municipal rules may apply.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    County land-use zoning restrictions on tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Richland County.

    • This conclusion is limited to the absence of county zoning; building, septic, floodplain, subdivision, setback, health, and other applicable rules may still apply.
    • Municipal zoning may apply in or near incorporated municipalities.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Unrestricted — County zoning restrictions on tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Richland County.
      “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County.”
    • Unrestricted — Tiny-home occupancy as a county zoning matter in unincorporated Richland County.
      “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy in county-regulated mobile-home parks.

    • The county code index identifies mobile-home-park permits, licenses, annual inspection fees, registration, sewage disposal, water supply, and site requirements.
    • The indexed rules concern mobile-home parks and do not establish a countywide restriction on every manufactured home outside a park.
    “Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home parks and manufactured-home occupancy in unincorporated Richland County.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, operate, maintain or permit to be established operated or maintained upon any property owned or controlled by him or her, any mobile home park within the unincorporated areas of the county, without first having secured a permit and/or license therefor, in compliance with provisions of this code.”
  • Accessory dwellingsUnrestricted

    County land-use zoning restrictions on accessory dwellings in unincorporated Richland County.

    • This conclusion is limited to the absence of county zoning; building, septic, floodplain, subdivision, setback, health, and other applicable rules may still apply.
    • Municipal zoning may apply in or near incorporated municipalities.
    “Richland County, Illinois does not have a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the County. Richland County does not have a zoning official. Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Mobile-home parks in unincorporated Richland County.

    • If an approved public water supply is within 500 feet, connection is mandatory unless the stated exception is met.
    • If a public sewage collection system is within 500 feet, connection is mandatory unless the stated exception is met.
    • An independent system requires denial of connection, written Road and Bridge Committee approval, and State Department of Public Health plan approval.

    public water/sewer distance: <= 500 feet (Independent supply or sewage system may be permitted only after the stated denial, written approval, and state plan-approval conditions.)

    “Where an approved public supply of water is within a 500 feet of the proposed mobile home court, connection shall be made thereto and its supply shall be used exclusively.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision in unincorporated Richland County.

    • The county memorandum identifies a subdivision ordinance but does not provide its procedural requirements or exceptions.
    “Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or modified entrances and driveway culverts along Richland County-maintained highways where a ditch is present.

    • Consent of highway authorities is required.
    • The applicant must construct, at the applicant’s expense, a good and sufficient culvert or convenient crossing of the type and size specified by highway authorities.
    • The county charges the property owner the exact cost of a newly established entrance culvert; labor, equipment, and overhead are not charged.
    • Rock requested for a new entrance is charged at county cost; lengthening an existing culvert is at the property owner’s expense.
    • Specialty equipment or materials may require a written agreement before installation.
    “may be made with the consent of the highway authorities”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All proposed construction or other development in Richland County where the county must determine whether the activity is within the floodplain.

    • The county must require permits for all proposed construction or other development to determine whether it is proposed within the floodplain.
    • Proposed development must be reviewed to assure all permits required by federal and state law have been received.
    • Permit applications must be reviewed and maintained to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding.
    • Development activities must be consistent with 44 C.F.R. 60.3 of the National Flood Insurance Program Regulations.
    • The County Engineer is vested with responsibility and authority for the floodplain program and must maintain specified flood-elevation and floodproofing information for public inspection and upon request.
    • The ordinance was adopted by resolution passed July 9, 2009.
    “Require permits for all proposed construction on other development in the community so that it may determine whether such construction or other development is proposed within the floodplain;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in Richland County flood-hazard zones.
      “Richland County does have a solar farm development ordinance, a floodplain construction ordinance, a setback line ordinance, a sub-division ordinance, and a trailer park operation ordinance. The extent of the flood hazard zones in Richland County can be viewed on the web-based Richland County GIS system. Go to https://richlandil.wthgis.com/ and turn the floodplain layer on.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Mobile-home-park permit and licensing process in unincorporated Richland County.

    • County Engineer approval precedes issuance of the building permit.
    • The application requires the listed site, utility, plans, specifications, and affidavit materials.
    • After completion, the County Engineer inspects before the County Clerk issues the license.
    “If a permit to construct a mobile home park has been issued, the applicant upon completion thereof shall notify the County Engineer.”

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.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private-sewage systems in Richland County under Illinois regulation and any applicable local health-agency review.

    • IDPH regulates the covered private sewage systems statewide.
    • Local health agencies may review construction plans under a local ordinance or as an IDPH agent.
    • The opened IDPH page does not identify which local health agency, if any, serves Richland County.

    surface-discharge treated effluent threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (Ground-surface discharge systems described by IDPH)

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

    Construction of a new private sewage disposal system statewide, including systems where a septic tank is replaced, a major component is added or removed, or the absorption field changes by at least 25 percent.

    • Plan approval must be obtained from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction begins.
    • Persons constructing, installing, repairing, or modifying the system must notify the Department or local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.
    • The rule requires submission of plans, site and system information, bedroom count or design volume, soil or percolation information, owner information, and applicant signature.

    notice before commencement: >= 48 hours · absorption-field change threshold: >= 25 percent (The rule treats increasing the field by 25% or more, or removing and replacing 25% or more, as a new system.)

    “Plan approval shall be obtained from the Department or local authority prior to beginning any construction of a new private sewage disposal system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal system construction in Richland County under the Illinois program.
      “Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems covered by Illinois EPA general NPDES Permit ILG62.

    • Coverage under the general permit is limited to eligible dischargers.
    • Systems not eligible for general-permit coverage may require an individual NPDES permit.
    • Periodic inspection, monitoring, and reporting are required under the permit.
    “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems eligible for Illinois EPA General NPDES Permit ILG62.
      “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

    “Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
  • Well permitRequired

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

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

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

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New private water-well construction in Richland County.
      “To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
    • Required — New private water-well construction in Richland County.
      “In the private water and closed loop systems program, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) administers the licensing of water well and pump installation contractors and regulates the construction, modification and sealing of all water wells, with the exception of community water wells. In addition, the program administers the registration of closed loop well contractors and regulates the construction, modification, and sealing of all closed loop wells. This program is conducted through agreements with 90 local health departments. A major consideration in constructing these wells is to prevent contamination from the ground surface or shallow ground water, sewage disposal systems and other hazardous sources, from entering the well. To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Campgrounds and temporary RV/tent camping operations in Richland County meeting the Illinois campground definition.
      “State law requires the IDPH to annually inspect and license campgrounds in Illinois.”
  • county building authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions in unincorporated Richland 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 Richland County, Illinois

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

Richland County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and strong self-sufficiency basics: 46.6″/yr rainfall with little drought.

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

Richland County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Illinois Department of Public Health (Private Sewage Disposal Program). 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 Richland County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Richland County is allowed: RV occupancy as a county zoning matter in unincorporated Richland County. The county has no zoning ordinance for unincorporated portions, but other county ordinances and state health, sanitation, floodplain, highway, and municipal rules may still apply. The conclusion does not address incorporated municipalities or municipal extraterritorial zoning. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Richland County, Illinois?

Land in Richland County runs about $6,859 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Richland County?

Richland County gets about 46.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.3% of years.

How remote is Richland County?

A representative private-land location has about 18,813 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,098,913 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 Richland compares in Illinois

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