Bolthole Index

Shelby County, Illinois

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

61Index Score / 100
#53 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Shelby County, Illinois requires an Improvement Location Permit, also called a building permit, through the Shelby County Zoning Office, which also enforces county zoning12. County zoning stops at incorporated municipal boundaries3. Septic permits come from the Shelby County Public Health Department, and the sewer permit for a new system must be received before the building permit45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures and improvements in the county zoning jurisdiction61
Zoning
County zoning applies outside villages, cities and incorporated towns78
Septic permits
Shelby County Public Health Department administers the private sewage program4910
RV living
Not allowed as a dwelling except at a location lawfully established for that use11
Tiny home
A residence must have at least 900 sq ft on the ground floor; a hardship variance may be available1213
Owner-builder
Owner-occupants may do plumbing on their own single-family home, but that is not a general building-permit exemption1415
Private well
A permit is required before construction, modification or sealing1617
County-road driveway
An entrance and culvert permit is required, with an aerial map1819

Who to call

Building permits

Shelby County Zoning Office

Improvement Location Permits, zoning enforcement, zoning questions, variances and parcel zoning information for unincorporated Shelby County

217-774-5797

shelbyzoning@shelbycounty-il.gov

315 1/2 E Main Street Shelbyville, Illinois 62565

Septic permits

Shelby County Public Health Department

Private sewage disposal and potable-water programs in Shelby County

217-774-2355

Roads & driveways

Shelby County Highway Department

County-highway entrance, culvert, right-of-way and oversize permits

217-774-2721

shelbycohwyadmin@shelbycounty-il.gov

1590 STATE HIGHWAY 16 Shelbyville, Illinois 62565

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

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

Unincorporated Shelby County requires an Improvement Location Permit, commonly called a building permit, before a structure is placed, erected, altered, changed or located within the county's jurisdiction, including an unincorporated village20. Aluminum carports and boat docks are traditionally exempt20. A new-residence permit costs $175, while a residential addition or accessory-building permit costs $12521. The county typically issues a permit within 15 business days, and construction must begin within 1 year or the permit expires22. After completion, the Zoning Administrator inspects the improvement for substantial conformity with the site plan and any required certificate of compliance23. All construction must follow the International Building and Residential codes as adopted by Shelby County, and the property owner is responsible for compliance24. We could not confirm which code edition or local amendments the county has adopted, so ask the Zoning Office before ordering plans or materials2. For buildings clearly incidental to agriculture, the ordinance states that permit requirements do not prevail, yet also provides for free agricultural permits; agricultural setbacks still apply, so ask the Zoning Office whether a written application is required for your project25262.

Does Shelby County, Illinois have zoning?

Shelby County zoning applies to unincorporated land, with Agriculture, Residential, Rural Residential, General Business, Industrial and Flood Plain Overlay districts27. Shelbyville and the Village of Moweaqua set their own zoning2829. Pana, mainly in Christian County and extending into Shelby County, also has its own zoning30. Municipal zoning does not replace private-sewage plan approval by IDPH or the applicable local health agency31. For unincorporated parcels, the ordinance gives conflicting Agriculture-district non-farm dwelling lot sizes; get the Zoning Office's determination before buying322. Rural Residential generally requires 5 acres per non-farm dwelling33. Front yards require 40 feet on major streets, 30 feet on collectors and 25 feet on local streets; side and rear yards vary by district34. Maximum lot coverage is 25% in R1 and General Business, with Agriculture and Rural Residential listed as not applicable35. Residential height limits also vary by district36.

How do septic permits work in Shelby County, Illinois?

Illinois regulates private sewage systems statewide, while local health agencies may review plans under local ordinance or as state agents37. In Shelby County, the Public Health Department administers the Private Sewage Disposal Program, and a sewer permit for a new system must be received before the county building permit can be issued41038. Illinois requires plan approval from IDPH or the applicable local authority before construction begins31. Site feasibility deserves early attention because only 2.8% of Shelby County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field39. Call the health department at 217-774-2355 before choosing a house site or system design10. We could not confirm Shelby County's inspection schedule, so ask the health department what inspections and signoffs the proposed system will require10.

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

An RV cannot be used as a dwelling for living, sleeping or housekeeping in unincorporated Shelby County unless the location is lawfully established for that use40. We could not confirm a general rule for occasional temporary camping on private land, so ask the Zoning Office before staying on a building site2. A tiny house used as a residence must meet the county's 900-square-foot minimum ground-floor size, although an applicant may seek a hardship variance4142. Tiny homes still need the applicable building, zoning and septic approvals41. We could not confirm a separate accessory-dwelling-unit rule; ask the Zoning Office whether a proposed second dwelling is allowed in the parcel's district2.

How do you build a home in Shelby County, Illinois, step by step?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside a village, city or incorporated town and ask the Zoning Office for its mapped district432.
  2. Check the district's use, lot, setback and height standards before locating the house and driveway443436.
  3. Call Shelby County Public Health Department at 217-774-2355 for the sewer permit required before the building permit when installing a new system1022.
  4. Obtain a private-well permit before new well construction45.
  5. Submit a site plan showing the building, driveway, setbacks, utilities, septic area and well with the Improvement Location Permit application; typical processing is 15 business days, and work must begin within 1 year22.
  6. Build to the International Building and Residential codes as adopted by Shelby County, arrange the final county inspection, and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy before using the building242346.
  7. For a county-highway entrance, submit the permit form and aerial map at least 2 business days before construction4719.

What should you check before buying land in Shelby County, Illinois?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: county rules govern land outside incorporated municipalities, and the parcel's district controls uses and dimensions848. If dividing land, ask the Zoning Office whether plat review applies: preliminary and final plat applications each cost $500 plus $25 per lot or parcel492. Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency because only 2.8% of Shelby County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field39. Confirm a legal entrance with the road authority; a county-highway entrance needs a permit and aerial map, while work in an Illinois state-highway right-of-way needs an IDOT permit before work starts1850. In the county Flood Plain Overlay District, uses beyond the listed permitted uses require the owner to demonstrate adequate drainage and water-table suitability and obtain Zoning Board approval51. A private well requires advance approval through IDPH or an approved local health department17. Shelby County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $1,9555253.

Watch-outs

  • The county's residential minimum is 900 square feet on the ground floor, so many marketed tiny-home plans will need redesign or a variance4142.
  • An RV is not a legal dwelling on an ordinary unincorporated parcel; dwelling use is limited to locations lawfully established for that purpose11.
  • Only 2.8% of Shelby County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not choose the building site before septic evaluation39.
  • Illinois lets a qualifying owner-occupant perform plumbing on a single-family home, but that does not waive Shelby County's building permit or any local plumbing permit and inspection requirements155420.

Sources

  1. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  2. Shelby County Zoning Office (shelbycounty-il.gov)
  3. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Shelby County IL Public Health Department - Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  5. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. Shelby County - Zoning (2026 county census)
  7. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County (2026 county census)
  8. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  10. Shelby County Public Health Department (sarahbush.org)
  11. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  13. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (2026 county census)
  15. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Private Water & Closed Loop Wells, quoted and re-checked
  17. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Shelby County - Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  19. Shelby County Highway Department (shelbycounty-il.gov)
  20. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  21. Fee Schedule for Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  22. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  23. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  25. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  28. Shelbyville: Shelbyville Code § 9-1-2, General Provisions (Shelby County), quoted and re-checked
  29. Village of Moweaqua: official source (Shelby County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Pana: Pana Code § 25-149, Required lot area and lot widths (Shelby County), quoted and re-checked
  31. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  33. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  36. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  37. Private Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  38. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  39. 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
  40. shelbycounty-il.gov, quoted and re-checked
  41. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  42. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  43. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  44. Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  45. Driven Wells, quoted and re-checked
  46. Master Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  47. Shelby County - Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  48. Shelby County - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  49. Fee Schedule for Shelby County, quoted and re-checked
  50. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  51. Master Zoning Ordinance — Flood Plain Overlay, quoted and re-checked
  52. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  53. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  54. 225 ILCS 320/18 — Local regulation; Department standards (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

RuleShelby CountyMoultrie CountyEffingham CountyCumberland CountyColes CountyChristian CountyMacon County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoNoNoYesYes
Septic permitsShelby CountyCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Shelby County in Illinois

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

How Shelby County scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost59100% 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 →

$171kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$8,890Land / acre
41.6"Annual rain
1.5% of yrsSevere drought
9.2 / yr (+8.3)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.86" (+6.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.81×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,403Home insurance / yr
2.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.59%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
29,744People within 30 min
2,392,949People within 2 hr
24,090Radius comparison (15 mi)
27.1People / sq mi
1.2%Federal land
93.4%Land at 15% slope or less
2.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
13,542 acWorkable land screen
15.6%Wooded land
62.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Shelby 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: Ash Grove Township · Big Spring Township · Clarksburg Township · Cold Spring Township · Village of Cowden · Dry Point Township · Village of Findlay · Flat Branch Township · Village of Herrick · Holland Township · Lakewood Township · Moweaqua Township · Oconee Township · Village of Oconee · Okaw Township · Penn Township · Pickaway Township · Prairie Township · Richland Township · Ridge Township · Rose Township · Rural Township · Shelbyville Township · Town of Sigel · Sigel Township · Village of Stewardson · Village of Strasburg · Todds Point Township · Tower Hill Township · Village of Tower Hill · Windsor · Windsor Township

Answers from the rulebook for Shelby County

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

Shelby County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures, improvements, and uses of land in the county zoning jurisdiction, including unincorporated villages.

    • Aluminum car ports and boat docks are traditionally exempt according to the county webpage.
    • A sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department is required first when applicable.
    • The permit is typically issued within 15 business days and expires if construction has not begun within one year.

    permit issuance time: <= 15 business days (typically) · permit commencement period: 1 year (construction must begin before expiration) · new residence fee: 175 USD · residential addition fee: 125 USD · accessory building fee: 125 USD · new commercial building fee: 500 USD · commercial accessory building fee: 250 USD · commercial addition fee: 250 USD

    “No structure of any kind shall be placed, erected, altered, changed, or located on any land within the jurisdiction of Shelby County, Illinois, including any unincorporated villages, without an Improvement Location Permit (Building Permit).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Structures and improvements in the county zoning jurisdiction, including unincorporated villages.
      “No structure of any kind shall be placed, erected, altered, changed, or located on any land within the jurisdiction of Shelby County, Illinois, including any unincorporated villages, without an Improvement Location Permit (Building Permit).”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction subject to Shelby County's building-permit process in unincorporated areas of Shelby County, Illinois.

    • The Shelby County Zoning Office administers building permits and ordinance enforcement in unincorporated areas.
    • A building permit application is required for the erection, placement, or alteration and use of buildings and premises under the Zoning Ordinance.
    • All construction must adhere to the International Building and Residential codes as adopted by Shelby County, with adherence the responsibility of the property owner.
    • After construction, the applicant agrees to a final inspection by the Zoning Administrator to verify compliance with all provisions of the Shelby County Zoning Ordinance; the inspection may occur at the administrator's choosing, with or without the landowner present.
    • The permit may be revoked without notice for breach of representations or conditions.
    • A permit does not authorize a structure or use prohibited by the Shelby County Zoning Ordinance or other ordinances, codes, or regulations of Shelby County and the State of Illinois.
    • If a new sewer system will be installed, a sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department must be received before any building permit can be issued.

    new residence building permit fee: 175 USD · residential addition building permit fee: 125 USD · accessory building permit fee: 125 USD · new commercial building permit fee: 500 USD · commercial accessory building permit fee: 250 USD · commercial addition building permit fee: 250 USD · communication tower fee: 500 USD (plus $15 per foot over 50 feet)

    “All construction shall adhere to the International Building and Residential codes as adopted by Shelby County and adherence shall be the responsibility of the property owner.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Improvements covered by an Improvement Location Permit.

    • The zoning administrator inspects the premises after completion.
    • Inspection is to determine substantial conformity with the site plan and required certificate of compliance.
    “Upon completion of the Improvement covered by the Improvement Location Permit, the Zoning Administrator shall inspect the premises, and, if his/her inspection shall reveal that the improvement has been completed in substantial conformity with the site plan, and "Certificate of Compliance" when required, submitted pursuant to paragraphs A and B of this §6, and any approved amendments thereto, shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupation or use of land and buildings regulated by the county zoning ordinance.

    • A temporary certificate may be issued for up to 90 days during construction.
    • The Zoning Board may renew a temporary certificate once for up to an additional 90 days if at least 25 percent of the work is complete and responsible progress is shown.
    • No change in use is allowed without a certificate, except agricultural use.
    • Application is coincidental with the Improvement Location Permit application.
    • The certificate is to be issued within 10 days after lawful completion.
    • A fee may be assessed by the County Board.

    temporary certificate maximum: 90 days · temporary certificate renewal maximum: 90 days (one renewal; at least 25 percent of work must be complete)

    “No land shall be occupied or used and no building hereafter erected, reconstructed or structurally altered, shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, for any purpose whatsoever, until a Certificate of Occupancy shall have been issued by the Zoning Administrator stating that the building and use comply with all of the provisions of these regulations applicable to the building or premises or the use in the District in which it is to be located.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations in the unincorporated territory of Shelby County, outside villages, cities, and incorporated towns.

    • The ordinance applies to the county Jurisdictional Area, not incorporated municipalities.
    • Zone maps are township-specific and may be amended.
    “This ordinance shall apply to all of the territory of Shelby County, Illinois, outside of villages, cities and incorporated towns, said area to be known as the Jurisdictional Area for the purposes of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning in unincorporated areas, including unincorporated villages.
      “This ordinance shall apply to all of the territory of Shelby County, Illinois, outside of villages, cities and incorporated towns, said area to be known as the Jurisdictional Area for the purposes of this ordinance.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation in territory outside villages, cities, and incorporated towns.

    • The ordinance applies only to the county's Jurisdictional Area outside villages, cities, and incorporated towns.
    • The county ordinance creates Agriculture, Residential, Rural Residential, General Business, Industrial, and Flood Plain Overlay districts.
    • Incorporated municipalities may have separate land-use authority.
    “This ordinance shall apply to all of the territory of Shelby County, Illinois, outside of villages, cities and incorporated towns, said area to be known as the Jurisdictional Area for the purposes of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Shelby County zoning regulations in territory outside villages, cities, and incorporated towns.
      “This ordinance shall apply to all of the territory of Shelby County, Illinois, outside of villages, cities and incorporated towns, said area to be known as the Jurisdictional Area for the purposes of this ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts and zoning map for unincorporated Shelby County.

    • The county zoning page publishes the zoning ordinance and zoning map.
    • The ordinance's residential table identifies A, R1, RR, and GB categories.
    “Zoning Ordinance For Shelby County (PDF, 933 KB) [...] Zoning Map (PDF, 249 KB)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Published county zoning districts and township zoning maps for the county Jurisdictional Area.
      “Zone Maps for each of the townships, contained in Article IV. of this Ordinance, entitled, “Zoning Map of Shelby County, Illinois; Township Zoning Maps", dated 2005, and as thereafter have been amended from time to time since their original adoption, are declared to be parts of this ordinance”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Residential buildings in the county zoning districts shown in the residential requirements table.

    • The ordinance's Figure 1 lists a 900-square-foot minimum ground-floor building size in the A, R1, RR, and GB categories.
    • Mobile homes have a 900-square-foot minimum ground-floor area.

    minimum ground floor building size: >= 900 square feet

    “Minimum ground floor building size (square feet) 900 900 900 900”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential dwellings in the county zoning districts.
      “Minimum ground floor building size (square feet) 900 900 900 900”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential uses in the county's Agriculture (A), Residential (R1), Rural Residential (RR), and General Business (GB) districts.

    • The residential-use table applies to the listed zoning categories and is subject to the ordinance's other residential provisions.
    • The ordinance separately states that the minimum lot size for non-farm residential dwellings in an Agricultural District is one acre, while Figure 1 lists 435,600 square feet (10 acres) for the A-column non-farm dwelling row; the official ordinance therefore contains an unresolved internal inconsistency for that A-district item.
    • Individual sewage-disposal systems may require additional lot area: 5,000 square feet in R1 and GB, and not required in A and RR, according to Figure 1.

    minimum lot size per non-farm dwelling unit, A district per Figure 1: 435600 square feet (Figure 1 also labels this as 10 acres; §10(A)(4) separately states one acre.) · minimum lot size per non-farm dwelling unit, R1 district: 43560 square feet (1 acre) · minimum lot size per non-farm dwelling unit, RR district: 217800 square feet (5 acres) · minimum lot size per non-farm dwelling unit, GB district: 6000 square feet

    “The following table, Figure 1, shows requirements for residential uses in various zoning categories. For example, if a request is made for residential use in the General Business zone, then the minimum lot size would be 6,000 square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential and agricultural uses governed by Shelby County zoning districts.
      “Agricultural uses, as defined herein, require a minimum lot size of ten (10) acres.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential and agricultural structures in county zoning districts.

    • Front yards vary by street type.
    • Side and rear yards vary by zoning category.
    • Agricultural structures must conform to building setback lines.

    front yard major street: 40 feet · front yard collector street: 30 feet · front yard local street: 25 feet · minimum side yard in residential table: 5-20 feet (one side; district-specific) · minimum rear yard in residential table: 20-40 feet (district-specific)

    “Minimum front yard when lot abuts (feet): Major street 40 40 40 40 Collector street 30 30 30 30 Local street 25 25 25 25”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential development in county zoning districts.
      “Minumum side yard (one) (feet) 15 6 20 5 Minumum side yard (both or two) (feet) 30 12 40 10 Minumum rear yard (feet) 20 20 40 20”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Residential zoning districts in the county residential requirements table.

    • The table lists maximum lot coverage as not applicable in A and RR, and 25 percent in R1 and GB.

    maximum lot coverage in R1 and GB: <= 25 percent (A and RR listed as n/a)

    “Maximum lot coverage as percentage of lot n/a 25 n/a 25”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Residential zoning districts and mobile homes governed by the county ordinance.

    • Residential maximum building height varies by district.
    • Mobile homes have a 25-foot maximum building height.

    maximum residential building height: 35-75 feet (district-specific) · maximum mobile-home building height: <= 25 feet

    “Maximum building height (feet) 35 35 35 75”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of recreational vehicles as dwelling units in county zoning districts.

    • RVs may be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping only in locations lawfully established for such use.
    “Recreational Vehicles (RVs), as defined in §1, shall not be used as dwelling units. They may not be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping, except in locations lawfully established for such use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Use of recreational vehicles as dwelling units in the county Jurisdictional Area.
      “Recreational Vehicles shall not be used as dwelling units except in locations lawfully established for such use, such as parks and campgrounds”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes used as residences in the county Jurisdictional Area.

    • The county zoning page states that the minimum residential requirement is 900 square feet.
    • A variance may be requested during the application process if the rule creates a particular hardship.
    • Other building, zoning, septic, and permit requirements still apply.

    minimum residence size: >= 900 square feet (variance may be requested for particular hardship)

    “Currently, the minimum requirement for a residence is 900 square feet. If this rule, or any rule, is creating a particular hardship, you may apply for a variance during your application process.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Tiny homes used as residences in unincorporated Shelby County.
      “Currently, the minimum requirement for a residence is 900 square feet. If this rule, or any rule, is creating a particular hardship, you may apply for a variance during your application process.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured or mobile homes in the county Jurisdictional Area.

    • Mobile homes are permitted in agricultural districts subject to the residential-use requirements.
    • Minimum lot size is one acre; minimum lot width is 80 feet; maximum height is 25 feet; front-yard, side-yard, rear-yard, frontage, and 900-square-foot requirements apply.
    • All structures, including manufactured homes, require an Improvement Location Permit unless an applicable exception applies.

    minimum lot size: 1 acre · minimum lot width: >= 80 feet · maximum building height: <= 25 feet · minimum ground floor area: >= 900 square feet

    “Mobile Homes – Homes of these types, as defined in §1, shall be permitted in Agricultural Districts subject to the use requirements hereinafter designated in paragraph B5.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal in Shelby County: IDPH statewide regulation with review by local health agencies, including the county health department where applicable.

    • IDPH regulates private sewage systems statewide.
    • Local health agencies may review plans under local ordinance or as IDPH agents.
    • Shelby County's zoning page directs applicants to obtain a sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department when applicable.

    treated effluent threshold: <= 1500 gallons per day (systems discharging to the ground surface)

    “The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates the installation of all private sewage disposal systems that have no surface discharge [...] 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 (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Shelby County under Illinois statewide regulation and review by local health agencies operating under local ordinance or as IDPH agents.
      “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).”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New sewer systems serving construction in unincorporated Shelby County.

    • The sewer permit is obtained from the Shelby County Health Department when applicable.
    • The permit must be received before the building permit can be issued.
    “Once you’ve decided on the size and placement of the structure on your property, and once you’ve obtained a sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department (if applicable), you should apply for a building permit.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Buildings and uses clearly incidental to agricultural operations.

    • The ordinance states permit requirements do not prevail for buildings and uses clearly incidental to agricultural operations.
    • Agricultural buildings and structures must still conform to building setback lines.
    • Agricultural permits are issued free of charge.

    agricultural permit fee: 0 USD (for erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, remodeling, or extension of agricultural buildings or structures)

    “It is hereby declared that the intent of the permit requirements of the ordinance shall not prevail with respect to buildings and uses which are clearly incidental to agricultural operations; however, buildings and structures for agricultural uses shall conform to the building setback line requirements of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available — Permits for buildings or structures used or to be used for agricultural purposes.
      “Permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, remodeling, or extension of buildings or structures used or to be used for agricultural purposes shall be issued free of charge.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats subject to Shelby County zoning and plat-review procedures.

    • The county fee schedule lists preliminary and final plat applications.
    • Each application has a base fee plus $25 for each lot or parcel in the proposed addition or subdivision.

    preliminary plat fee: 500 USD (plus $25 per lot or parcel) · final plat fee: 500 USD (plus $25 per lot or parcel)

    “ARTICLE III. SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS [...] TITLE II SUBDIVISION CONTROL [...] ART. 2 Procedure”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New entrances, culverts, and driveways under the Shelby County Highway Department's jurisdiction.

    • Submit the permit application at least 2 business days before construction.
    • An aerial map is required.
    • The owner installs the entrance at the owner's expense.
    • Extensions also require a permit.

    minimum advance notice: >= 2 business days

    “Please submit these forms a minimum of 2 business days prior to the construction of the entrance. An aerial map shall also be required to be submitted with the permit. Plat book pages which suffice for the aerial map are available at the Shelby County Highway Department at request. Current County Policy is for the owner to install the entrance at his/her expense, then the County Highway Department will maintain the pipe moving forward.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New entrances, culverts, and driveways connecting to county highway rights-of-way.
      “Please submit these forms a minimum of 2 business days prior to the construction of the entrance. An aerial map shall also be required to be submitted with the permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in the Shelby County Flood Plain Overlay District.

    • Permitted uses may not require erection of a structure intended for year-round occupancy.
    • All uses other than listed permitted uses are prohibited unless the owner demonstrates adequate drainage and water-table suitability and obtains a permit from the Zoning Board.
    • Adequate drainage and supporting structures must be installed before use and occupancy when needed.
    “Permitted Uses, include all of the following, so long as the use does not require the erection of a structure intended for year-round occupancy. All uses other than those permitted herein are prohibited.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Published Shelby County zoning and building permit fees.

    • The fee schedule is dated October 20, 2023.
    • Additional fees apply to subdivision plats, appeals, variances, special exceptions, towers, and wind/solar systems.
    • Agricultural building permits are issued free of charge under the zoning ordinance.

    new residence: 175 USD · residential addition: 125 USD · accessory building: 125 USD · new commercial building: 500 USD

    “Building Permit – New Residence $175 Building Permit – Residential Addition $125 Building Permit – Accessory Building $125 Building Permit – New Commercial Building $500”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Shelby County zoning, building, subdivision, variance, and special-exception applications.
      “Building Permit – New Residence $175 Building Permit – Residential Addition $125 Building Permit – Accessory Building $125”
  • Permit processPublished

    Improvement Location Permit applications in unincorporated Shelby County.

    • Apply after determining structure size and placement.
    • Obtain a sewer permit first when applicable.
    • Typical issuance is within 15 business days.
    • Construction must begin within 1 year.

    typical processing time: 15 business days · permit validity to begin construction: 1 year

    “Once you’ve decided on the size and placement of the structure on your property, and once you’ve obtained a sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department (if applicable), you should apply for a building permit. Typically, a permit is issued within 15 business days. You have 1 year to begin construction before the permit expires.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building-permit process administered by the Shelby County Zoning Office.
      “Once you’ve decided on the size and placement of the structure on your property, and once you’ve obtained a sewer permit from the Shelby County Health Department (if applicable), you should apply for a building permit. Typically, a permit is issued within 15 business days. You have 1 year to begin construction before the permit expires.”

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.”
  • 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 sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Private water wells in Shelby County and Illinois, excluding community water wells.
      “To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells.”
    • Required — Construction of private water wells serving property in Shelby County under Illinois statewide rules.
      “In all cases, a water well construction permit must be obtained from the local health department before construction.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Shelby County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Shelby County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements for development in unincorporated Shelby 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 Shelby County, Illinois

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

Shelby County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics (41.6″/yr rainfall) and higher long-term carry cost.

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

Shelby County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Shelby County (IL) Public Health Department. 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 Shelby County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Shelby County is prohibited: Use of recreational vehicles as dwelling units in county zoning districts. RVs may be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping only in locations lawfully established for such use. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Shelby County, Illinois?

Land in Shelby County runs about $8,890 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Shelby County?

Shelby County gets about 41.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.5% of years.

How remote is Shelby County?

A representative private-land location has about 29,744 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,392,949 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 Shelby compares in Illinois

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