Bolthole Index

Saline County, Illinois

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

70Index Score / 100
#23 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Saline County, Illinois appears not to require a county residential building permit, but we could not confirm that from an explicit county rule, so ask the Saline County Board1. A 2012 state hazard-mitigation plan says the county reviews new development for compliance with a local zoning ordinance, so do not assume a rural parcel is unzoned2. Septic permits for every address, city or not, go through the Egyptian Health Department, and new private wells need a permit as well34.

At a glance

Residential building permit
Appears not required in unincorporated areas; confirm with the County Board1
Zoning
Unconfirmed: a 2012 state plan says the county reviews development under a local zoning ordinance; ask the County Board2
Septic permit
Required through the multi-county Egyptian Health Department35
Private well
State or approved local-health permit required before construction, modification or sealing6
Off-grid toilets (privies, composting)
Approved statewide for human waste; other domestic wastewater still needs a private sewage system7
Commercial inspection
Required in a non-building-code jurisdiction; Saline County's local code status needs confirmation8
Floodway work
IDNR permit may be required before construction9
Land division
A county subdivision control ordinance is listed (adopted 1981); its current text is unconfirmed10
New home inspection
The state inspection-certification requirement does not apply to a new single-family home11

Who to call

Septic permits

Egyptian Health Department (serving Gallatin, Saline and White counties)

Private sewage (septic) system permits and inspections for Saline County under the county's private sewage ordinance

(618) 273-3326

1412 U.S. 45 North, Eldorado, IL 62930

Roads & driveways

Saline County Highway Engineer

Saline County has no separate building or zoning department; the Highway Engineer's office is the county contact for road and driveway questions on county roads

618-253-4027

Saline County Courthouse, 10 E Poplar St., Harrisburg, IL 62946

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Saline 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 Saline County, Illinois?

Saline County appears not to require a county residential building permit in unincorporated areas, but no explicit current county permit ordinance or no-permit statement could be confirmed1. The State of Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded projects; any permit requirement is handled by the city, village or county with jurisdiction12. Illinois has nevertheless required a statewide building-code framework since 2025, including different rules for places with and without locally adopted codes13. Before relying on a no-permit assumption, ask the Saline County Board whether the parcel is unincorporated and whether the county has adopted a code, permit, inspection or occupancy process. A municipality can have separate requirements even when the surrounding rural county does not. Illinois's own certification-of-inspection requirement does not apply to original construction of a single-family home, though other local or state inspections such as plumbing may still apply11.

Who issues building permits and septic permits in Saline County, Illinois?

For septic work, contact the Egyptian Health Department at 1412 U.S. 45 North, Eldorado, IL 62930, or (618) 273-3326; the department permits new and renovated private sewage systems under the county ordinance14. For county-road access questions, contact the Saline County Highway Engineer at the Saline County Courthouse, 10 E Poplar St., Harrisburg, IL 62946, or 618-253-402715. IDOT requires a permit before work begins within a state-maintained highway right-of-way16. Illinois does not issue private-project building permits, so ask the County Board or the relevant municipality to confirm any local building permit, inspection or occupancy requirement1217.

Does Saline County have zoning?

Whether unincorporated Saline County is zoned is unconfirmed. A 2012 Illinois hazard-mitigation plan states that Saline County reviews new development for compliance with a local zoning ordinance, but we could not find the current ordinance, its districts or the office that administers it2. No county planning or zoning department appears among Saline County's offices, which hints at no county zoning in unincorporated areas18, so treat the question as open and ask the Saline County Board before buying. The same plan lists a county subdivision control ordinance last adopted in 1981, which matters if you plan to divide a tract10. Illinois allows actual setbacks and building-height limits to come from an applicable local zoning district, so those dimensions cannot be supplied countywide without identifying the parcel's jurisdiction and district1920. If the property lies inside a city or village, ask that municipality as well. Minimum lot size, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and short-term rentals remain unconfirmed for unincorporated Saline County.

How do septic permits work in Saline County?

Every new private sewage system in Saline County needs plan approval before construction through the Egyptian Health Department, which permits homeowner-installed as well as contractor-installed systems145. Replacing a septic tank, changing a major component, or changing at least 25% of an absorption field is treated as a new system, and the local authority must receive at least 48 hours' notice before work begins5. Only about 2.6% of Saline County soils have no severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency21. Illinois allows specified off-grid toilets for human waste, but other domestic wastewater still requires a conventional private sewage system7. A new private water well also needs a permit from the state or a local health department before construction proceeds4.

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

We could not confirm a Saline County rule allowing or prohibiting a single RV or tiny home as a residence on private land. Illinois's documented RV-residence rule applies to manufactured home communities, not to a lone rural parcel; it conditionally allows certain non-motorized RVs in those communities and bars motorized RVs as residences there22. Illinois recognizes manufactured homes as dwellings subject to installation standards, but local zoning, floodplain and utility rules may still apply23. Before buying, ask the County Board and any municipality with jurisdiction about occupancy, duration, utility connections and address requirements. Ask the Egyptian Health Department how wastewater must be handled, because approved off-grid toilets do not eliminate the requirement for a sewage system for other domestic wastewater7.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and ask the County Board or municipality about building permits, code adoption, zoning and occupancy approval118.
  2. Check flood maps and ask IDNR whether the project needs floodway authorization; rural floodway work can require a state permit where the stream drains at least 10 square miles24.
  3. Apply to the Egyptian Health Department for septic approval before construction145.
  4. Obtain a state or approved local-health permit before constructing, modifying or sealing a private well6.
  5. Get IDOT approval before driveway work in a state-highway right-of-way, or ask the Highway Engineer about county-road access1615.
  6. Build under the applicable Illinois statewide framework and any confirmed local code13.

What to check before you buy land in Saline County

Check septic feasibility first: only about 2.6% of Saline County soils have no severe limits for a conventional drain field21. Check floodplain and floodway status before choosing a house, driveway or crossing location, because IDNR generally requires authorization for regulated floodway construction and may require it anywhere in the floodplain when no floodway has been delineated9. IDNR will make an initial permit-required determination without charge; when full review is required, the current fee schedule varies by activity and caps combined review fees at $5,00025. Verify legal road access, well and septic locations, survey boundaries, and whether the tract lies inside a municipality. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%, with a median annual bill around $1,4452627. The nearest city of at least 100,000 people is about 58 miles from the county center28.

Watch-outs

  • Only about 2.6% of Saline County soils have no severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency21.
  • Saline County's current residential building permit, code-adoption and zoning status could not be confirmed from an explicit county rule; ask the County Board before relying on the apparent no-permit answer, and note that a 2012 state plan says the county reviews development under a zoning ordinance12.
  • Commercial buildings in an Illinois non-building-code jurisdiction require inspection by a qualified inspector, but the available state rule does not establish whether Saline County currently has that status8.
  • Floodway work may need IDNR approval before construction, and an undelineated floodway can extend the review to work anywhere in the floodplain9.

Sources

  1. Saline County IL - Official Website (2026 county census)
  2. Saline County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  3. Egyptian Health Department - Private Sewage (2026 county census)
  4. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  5. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval, quoted and re-checked
  6. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Permit Program, quoted and re-checked
  10. Saline County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  11. Public Act 103-0510, quoted and re-checked
  12. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Egyptian Health Department (serving Gallatin, Saline and White counties) (egyptian.org)
  15. Saline County Highway Engineer (salinecounty.illinois.gov)
  16. Highway Permits, quoted and re-checked
  17. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Saline County IL - Official Website (2026 county census)
  19. ilga.gov (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Manufactured Home Community Code, quoted and re-checked
  23. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Permit Program, quoted and re-checked
  25. Fiscal Year 2027 Fee Notice, quoted and re-checked
  26. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Saline County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleSaline CountyGallatin CountyHamilton CountyWilliamson CountyHardin CountyJohnson CountyFranklin County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredLimitedLimitedRequired
County zoningNoNoNoNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot published
Septic permitsEgyptian Health Dept.Egyptian Health Dept.County Health Dept.Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.Southern Seven Health Dept.Southern 7 Health Dept.Franklin-Williamson Bicounty Health Dept.

County locator

Saline County in Illinois

70
County map
Saline County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Saline County scores

Seclusion53100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness8090% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% 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 →

$88kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$4,910Land / acre
48.4"Annual rain
2.8% of yrsSevere drought
16.4 / yr (+14.6)Mid-century 100°F days
15.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.07" (+10.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.8×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,816Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
31,404People within 30 min
1,522,284People within 2 hr
26,337Radius comparison (15 mi)
60.2People / sq mi
6.3%Federal land
90.7%Land at 15% slope or less
2.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,151 acWorkable land screen
31.7%Wooded land
35.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Saline 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.

Brushy Township · Carrier Mills Township · Village of Carrier Mills · Cottage Township · East Eldorado Township · Eldorado · Galatia Township · Village of Galatia · Harrisburg · Harrisburg Township · Independence Township · Long Branch Township · Mountain Township · Village of Muddy · Raleigh Township · Village of Raleigh · Rector Township · Stonefort Township · Village of Stonefort · Tate Township

Answers from the rulebook for Saline County

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

Saline County rules

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Saline County's stated review of new development for compliance with a local zoning ordinance.

    • The cited official plan is dated August 8, 2012; the current ordinance and current administering office were not located.
    • The source does not provide district boundaries, dimensional standards, or specific occupancy rules.
    “Currently, Saline County reviews new development for compliance with the local zoning ordinance. Newly planned construction should be reviewed with the historical mining maps to minimize potential subsidence structural damage.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision control identified for Saline County in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security mitigation plan.

    • The cited state plan identifies the ordinance and its most recent adoption date but does not provide the ordinance text, standards, application process, administrator, or fee schedule.
    • The plan was published in 2012, so current provisions should be confirmed against the operative county ordinance.

    most recent adoption date stated in source: 1981-03-05

    “Table 5-3: List of Jurisdiction Ordinances and Their Most Recent Adoption Date Community Name Zoning Stormwater Mgmt Subdivision Control Burning Seismic Erosion Mgmt Land Use Plan Building Codes Saline County N/A N/A 3-5-1981 3-21-1996 N/A N/NA N/A N/A”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department or ordinance is listed; land use in unincorporated areas is not county-zoned.

    Saline County IL - Official Website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Privately funded construction in Illinois; the State does not itself issue building permits, while any required permit is addressed by the applicable local government.

    • Permit requirements may be imposed and administered by the municipality, village, city, or county having jurisdiction.
    • The Illinois Capital Development Board states that statewide building codes became effective 1/1/2025, while local code officials remain the best source for project-specific answers.

    statewide building-code effective date: 2025-01-01

    “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 building permits 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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

    Building-code requirements statewide in Illinois, including residential and commercial construction subject to the Capital Development Board Act baseline requirements.

    • Effective 2025-01-01, Illinois requires statewide baseline building-code requirements.
    • Local governments may adopt building codes, but they are not required to adopt codes; jurisdictions that do not adopt a code are treated as non-building-code jurisdictions and must follow the applicable state-law baseline requirements.
    • For jurisdictions with adopted codes, local codes must regulate structural design at least as stringently as the applicable IRC, IBC, or IEBC baseline.
    • Commercial buildings in non-building-code jurisdictions and state-funded buildings are subject to the state-listed codes and qualified-inspection requirements.
    • Residential requirements differ depending on whether the jurisdiction has adopted a compliant building code and whether the home purchaser and builder agree to an alternative code.

    statewide baseline effective date: 2025-01-01 · local code structural minimum for residential buildings: IRC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for commercial new buildings: IBC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for existing commercial buildings: IEBC minimum structural requirements

    “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. [...] Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IBC© for new buildings or IEBC© for existing buildings. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code where agreed to by the home purchaser and home builder. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have adopted a building code. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IRC©.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code framework applicable in Saline County, including jurisdictions with and without locally adopted building codes.
      “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. Until then, units of local government such as cities and counties can adopt codes of their choice.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code framework applicable to local jurisdictions, including Saline County, subject to the distinctions and exceptions described by the Illinois Capital Development Board.
      “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025.”
    • Adopted — Statewide baseline building-code requirements for residential construction in Illinois, including jurisdictions with and without locally adopted building codes.
      “Please be advised that the State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide baseline building codes effective 1/1/2025. Locally adopted building codes must comply with the requirements of the Act.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Newly constructed or substantially improved commercial buildings in Illinois non-building-code jurisdictions, including any such property under Saline County jurisdiction if the county is a non-building-code jurisdiction.

    • The property owner or owner's agent must first contract for inspection by a qualified inspector.
    • The qualified inspector must file a certification of inspection with the municipality or county having jurisdiction.
    • The rule applies to newly constructed commercial buildings and substantially improved commercial buildings in a non-building-code jurisdiction.
    • A substantially improved commercial building is generally one where work commenced on or after January 1, 2025 and the cost equals or exceeds 50% of the structure's pre-improvement market value.
    • The statutory definition excludes single-family homes, dwellings containing 2 or fewer apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and qualifying farm buildings.
    • The changes made by Public Act 103-0510 apply beginning January 1, 2025.

    substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of pre-improvement structure market value (Does not include specified health, sanitary, or safety-code corrections or qualifying historic-structure alterations.)

    “No person may occupy a newly constructed commercial building or a substantially improved commercial building in a non-building code jurisdiction until:”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — The certification-of-inspection requirement under 20 ILCS 3105/10.09-1 for original construction of a single-family home or a dwelling containing 2 or fewer apartments, condominiums, or townhouses.
      “Except as provided in Section 15 of the Illinois Residential Building Code Act, new residential construction is exempt from this Section and is defined as any original construction of a single-family home or a dwelling containing 2 or fewer apartments, condominiums, or townhouses.”
    • Required — Commercial buildings in Illinois jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code, and state-funded buildings.
      “Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Non-state buildings must be inspected by a qualified inspector stating the building complies with the above codes.”
    • 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.”
    • Limited — Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.
      “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.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

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

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

    County zoning districts outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

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

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

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

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

    “designed and situated so as to permit its occupancy as a dwelling place for one or more persons”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Saline County, including systems in unincorporated areas unless a more specific local rule applies.

    • IDPH regulates installation statewide.
    • Local health agencies may review and approve construction plans under a local ordinance or as agents of IDPH.
    • The cited statewide page does not identify the specific local agency administering the program in Saline County.
    “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). Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems and alternative private sewage disposal systems before construction. There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans, either by authority of a local ordinance or as an "agent" of the Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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 in Saline County, including qualifying septic replacement, major-component changes, or absorption-field changes.

    • Plan approval must be obtained from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction.
    • A new system includes replacement of a septic tank, removal or addition of a major component, or an absorption-field increase of 25% or more or replacement of 25% or more of the existing field.
    • Applications must use Department or local-authority forms.
    • Persons constructing, installing, repairing, or modifying a system must notify IDPH or the local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.
    • The cited rule states plan approval rather than naming a separate permit in every case.

    absorption-field change threshold: >= 25 percent (Applies to an increase or removal and replacement of the existing absorption field as described in Section 905.190(a)(2).) · pre-work notice: >= 48 hours (Notification to the Department or local authority before commencement of work.)

    “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 — 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 shall be obtained from the Department or local authority prior to beginning any construction of a new private sewage disposal system.”
  • 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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage disposal of human wastes and associated domestic wastes in Saline County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated areas subject to the statewide Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code.

    • Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets, and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.
    • Other domestic wastes must be disposed of in a conventional system under Section 905.30.
    • The size of all components designed under Appendix A, Illustration A may be reduced by 25 percent, except septic tanks may not be smaller than 750 gallons.
    • Compost toilets may also be used to dispose of other organic domestic wastes.
    • Privy pits must have a minimum capacity of 50 cubic feet per seat.
    • When a privy is filled to within 18 inches of the bottom of the riser, it must be pumped by a private sewage disposal system pumping contractor.
    • Watertight, non-metal vaults are required where groundwater or limestone formations are within 4 feet of the bottom of the pit.
    • Re-circulating toilets must comply with NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 and bear the NSF International or approved certification agency seal.
    • Incinerator toilets must provide complete incineration without odors and comply with NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 and bear the NSF International or approved certification agency seal.
    • Compost toilets must be designed according to manufacturer recommendations, maintained, and operated in compliance with Section 905.170 and NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 certification requirements.
    • The cited code section states: Source: Amended at 37 Ill. Reg. 14994, effective August 28, 2013.

    septic tank minimum size: >= 750 gallons (Even where the 25 percent component-size reduction is used.) · privy pit minimum capacity: >= 50 cubic feet per seat · privy pumping trigger: <= 18 inches from bottom of riser (When filled to within 18 inches of the bottom of the riser.) · groundwater or limestone depth requiring vault: <= 4 feet from bottom of pit (Watertight, non-metal vault required.)

    “Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Off-grid disposal of human wastes through privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets, and compost toilets statewide in Illinois.
      “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New private water-well construction in Saline County, including unincorporated areas; community water wells are excluded from the IDPH private-water program described on the source page.
      “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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural land and agricultural buildings or structures subject to county zoning powers in Illinois, including Saline County where county zoning powers otherwise apply

    • Agricultural purposes must constitute the principal activity on the land.
    • The statutory agricultural-purpose protection covers growing farm crops, truck garden crops, animal and poultry husbandry, apiculture, aquaculture, dairying, floriculture, horticulture, nurseries, tree farms, sod farms, pasturage, viticulture, and wholesale greenhouses.
    • The protection excludes parcels of less than 5 acres from which $1,000 or less of agricultural products were sold in a calendar year in counties with populations between 300,000 and 400,000 or counties contiguous to such a county.
    • The protection excludes parcels of less than 5 acres in counties with populations over 400,000.
    • Agricultural buildings or structures may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    • Counties may establish a minimum lot size for residences on land used for agricultural purposes.
    • The cited statute states that permits for erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, remodeling, or extension of agricultural buildings or structures shall be issued free of charge.
    • Agricultural purposes do not include extraction of sand, gravel, or limestone; those activities may be regulated by county zoning ordinance even when related to agriculture.
    • The statutory protection does not displace municipal powers within municipal corporate limits or municipal zoning ordinances that supersede a county zoning plan within those limits.

    small-parcel acreage threshold: < 5 acres (The cited population-based exclusions apply only in counties with populations between 300,000 and 400,000, counties contiguous to such counties, or counties over 400,000.) · agricultural product sales threshold: <= 1000 USD per calendar year (Applies in the cited population-based small-parcel exclusion.) · agricultural building permit fee: 0 USD (For permits concerning erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, remodeling, or extension of agricultural buildings or structures.)

    “nor shall they be exercised so as to [...] require permits with respect to land used for agricultural purposes”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or revised access driveways within the right-of-way along Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadways in Saline County.

    • The permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • A copy of the approved permit must remain at the worksite.
    • District-specific requirements may vary.
    • The application process may require a request letter, location map, detailed drawings, traffic studies, traffic control plan, and other information.
    • IDOT may require a bond after review.
    “IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway, including access-driveway requests to State highways.
      “Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

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

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

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

    “All construction activities in the floodways of streams (the channel and the adjacent portion of the floodplain that is needed to safely convey and store flood waters) in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more or in rural areas where the stream drainage area is ten square miles or more must be permitted by the Division prior to construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction and other activities in floodways in Saline County, including rural streams meeting the state drainage-area threshold.
      “All construction activities in the floodways of streams (the channel and the adjacent portion of the floodplain that is needed to safely convey and store flood waters) in urban areas where the stream drainage area is one square mile or more or in rural areas where the stream drainage area is ten square miles or more must be permitted by the Division prior to construction.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

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

    IDNR Office of Water Resources permit application review fees for applicable floodway or public-water activities in Saline County.

    • The FY2027 fee schedule is effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
    • Permit-required determinations are reviewed free of charge when sufficient information is provided.
    • If a permit is required and no Statewide Permit authorization applies, a non-refundable review fee is required.
    • Applications are deemed withdrawn if the review fee is not received within 90 days after notification.
    • Fees vary by activity and review level; multiple applicable authorizations can add fees, subject to a $5,000 total cap.

    permit-required determination fee: 0 USD (Initial determination only) · review fee: 290-5000 USD (Amounts vary by activity; total review fee capped at $5,000)

    “July 1, 2026 thru June 30, 2027 [...] 1) PERMIT REQUIRED DETERMINATION: $0 [...] 2) REVIEW FEE: $ varies [...] $290 for Department documentation of construction activities that occur within the floodway boundaries of an approved delegated community. [...] The total review fee shall continue to be capped at $5,000.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.
      “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.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    IDNR Office of Water Resources permitting for floodway construction and related regulated activities in Saline County.

    • In rural areas, the state floodway permit threshold is a stream drainage area of ten square miles or more.
    • If the floodway has not been delineated, IDNR generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain.
    • Minor activities may be automatically authorized by Statewide Permits, subject to their terms and conditions.

    rural stream drainage area threshold: >= 10 square miles (Floodway construction activities)

    “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. [...] If a floodway has not been previously delineated, the Division generally requires permits for work anywhere in the floodplain. A number of common minor construction activities regulated under the Part 3700 rules are automatically authorized by statewide permits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Construction projects in Illinois waterways, floodplains, and wetlands seeking State and Federal authorizations through the joint permit application process.
      “Construction projects in Illinois' waterways, floodplains and wetlands often require both State and Federal authorization. This joint application is designed to simplify the approval process for the applicant seeking project authorizations from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Office of Water Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Residential occupancy by a non-motorized recreational vehicle in an Illinois manufactured home community, including any such community in Saline County.

    • The manufactured home community owner must approve the vehicle.
    • The vehicle must contain toilet and bathing facilities.
    • The vehicle must be connected to the required utilities in a permanent fashion as prescribed in the Manufactured Home Community Code.
    • The vehicle must be intended to be occupied by the same person or persons for at least two consecutive months at one location.
    • If larger than 8 feet by 32 feet, the vehicle must be secured as specified in the Mobile Home Tiedown Code.
    • Motorized recreational vehicles shall not be located in a manufactured home community as a residence.
    • This rule addresses manufactured home communities and does not establish a general countywide authorization for RV occupancy on private land.

    minimum continuous occupancy at one location: >= 2 months · vehicle size threshold: > 8 feet by 32 feet (If larger, tiedown requirements apply)

    “If approved by the manufactured home community owner, a non-motorized recreational vehicle that meets the following criteria may be located in a manufactured home community”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.
      ““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.

  • Zoning districts — Whether Saline County publishes zoning districts or a zoning-district map for unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Saline County, Illinois
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Saline County, Illinois
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Saline County, Illinois
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Saline County, including unincorporated areas.
3 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Saline County, Illinois

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

Saline County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Saline County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Egyptian Health Department (serving Gallatin, Saline, and White counties). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Saline County, Illinois?

Land in Saline County runs about $4,910 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Saline County?

Saline County gets about 48.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.8% of years.

How remote is Saline County?

A representative private-land location has about 31,404 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,522,284 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 Saline compares in Illinois

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