Bolthole Index

Stark County, Illinois

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

45Index Score / 100
#83 of 102 in Illinois

Stark County, Illinois requires a construction permit before work starts, and the county directs applicants to apply and pay online12. County zoning regulates land uses and improvement locations3. Private septic work needs separate approval from the local health authority, while public sewer controls where service is available within the ordinance's distance test456.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction starts1
Apply for a permit
Apply and pay online through the county portal27
New-home permit fee
$0.10 per square foot of living area, with a $150 minimum8
Zoning
County zoning regulates land use and improvement locations3
Septic
A health-authority permit is required for new systems and specified alterations45
Private wells
A permit is required before constructing, modifying or sealing a well9
RV or tiny-home living
County occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask Building & Zoning7
Owner-builder
Homeowners may install a manufactured home, but no general building-permit exemption is confirmed10

Who to call

Building permits

Stark County Building & Zoning

County zoning administration, construction permits, zoning applications and code questions

(309) 286-7172

Assessor@starkco.illinois.gov

130 W. Main St. P.O. Box 386 Toulon, IL 61483

Online permits →

Health department

Henry & Stark County Health Department, Toulon Office

Private sewage disposal permits and repairs for Stark County; the department also administers the local water-well program

309-852-3115

120 E. Court St. Toulon, IL 61483

Roads & driveways

Stark County Highway Department

County-highway questions and the department's public-information and permitting portal

(309) 286-5031

highway@starkco.illinois.gov

16501 State Route 40, Bradford Il 61421

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 4, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

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

Yes. Stark County requires a construction permit before construction begins, and starting first can result in a fine and a permit-fee increase of 50 percent18. The published fee for a single-family or multiple-family dwelling is $0.10 per square foot of living area with a $150 minimum; an addition or alteration uses the same rate with a $75 minimum8. An accessory building costs $0.05 per square foot with a $50 minimum8. Building permits come from the Zoning Administrator, and the county directs applicants to its online application and payment portal27. Illinois has statewide baseline building-code requirements effective in 2025, but Stark County's adopted local code and edition could not be confirmed; ask the local code official which standards apply to the project11.

Who is the Stark County building department, and how do you reach it?

Stark County Building & Zoning handles county construction permits, zoning applications and code questions from its office at 130 W. Main St. in Toulon7. Applicants can call (309) 286-7172 or use the county's online building-permit portal7. The county page says the Zoning and Planning Department regulates construction activities and tells property owners planning any type of structure to contact the department before the project begins7. Illinois does not issue building permits or perform inspections for privately funded construction; those requirements belong with the applicable local government1213. Stark County's inspection sequence and certificate-of-occupancy rule could not be confirmed, so ask Building & Zoning which reviews and inspections apply before scheduling contractors7.

Does Stark County have zoning?

Yes. Stark County zoning regulates allowed land uses and the location of improvements, and some proposals may need special-use approval, a variance or rezoning3. The county publishes a zoning ordinance, but the district list and district-specific rules could not be confirmed from the available material14. The published charge is $250 for a variance, special-use or map-amendment application, text amendment, or appeal8. Official minutes identify a 25-foot county-zoning setback for one county-highway building, but that decision does not establish the setback for every parcel, district or use15. Ask Building & Zoning for the parcel's classification, setbacks, height limit, minimum dwelling size and general lot-size rules7. Separate septic standards set a 1-acre minimum for private-water lots and a 15,000-square-foot minimum for lots with public or semi-private water16.

How do septic permits work in Stark County?

The Henry & Stark County Health Department administers Stark County's local sewage ordinance alongside Illinois requirements, and the department says all new installations and repairs are permitted through its office417. A valid construction permit is required before constructing, altering, repairing, extending or enlarging a private system—and before obtaining a county or municipal building permit for the property5. The health authority has 7 working days to act on a complete application, and the permit expires after 6 months if construction has not begun5. Public sewer controls where service is available within 200 feet of the property line6. A homeowner-installed system cannot be covered or used until approved, and backfilling requires at least 48 hours' notice18. Only 38.3 percent of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency19.

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

Stark County's long-term RV-occupancy, private-camping and tiny-home occupancy rules could not be confirmed, so do not treat rural acreage as automatic permission to live in either one7. Ask Stark County Building & Zoning whether the parcel's district allows the proposed dwelling, whether temporary occupancy during construction is allowed, and what setbacks or special-use approval apply37. Every occupied building or site needs adequate sanitary disposal, and private sewage remains subject to health permits and inspections; private disposal is unavailable where public sewer meets the ordinance's 200-foot test20. Illinois allows specified privies, portable toilets, recirculating toilets, incinerator toilets and qualifying compost toilets for human waste, but other domestic wastewater still needs a conventional private sewage system21. A homeowner may install a manufactured home under state rules, but that narrow allowance does not waive Stark County permits or zoning10.

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

  1. Ask Building & Zoning for the parcel's zoning district, allowed residential use and applicable setbacks before finalizing a site plan37.
  1. If the property will use a private well, obtain the required state or approved-local-health-department permit before construction, modification or sealing begins9.
  1. Apply to the Health Department for septic approval before seeking the building permit, and keep a homeowner-installed system uncovered until it is inspected and approved518.
  1. Apply and pay online for the Stark County construction permit before breaking ground2.
  1. If access meets a state-maintained road, obtain the IDOT right-of-way permit before work starts; for a county-road access question, contact the Stark County Highway Department2223.
  1. If the site is in a regulated floodway, coordinate the state permit and ask Building & Zoning which local floodplain approval also applies247.

What should you check before buying land in Stark County?

Start with zoning and septic feasibility: county zoning controls use and improvement locations, while only 38.3 percent of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field319. Confirm whether public sewer is within the ordinance's 200-foot availability test before budgeting for a private system6. For a land division, every proposed lot must be suitable for an approved private sewage system, and private-water subdivisions require a 1-acre minimum25. Public or semi-private water lots have a separate 15,000-square-foot septic standard16. New and replacement septic systems in designated flood-hazard areas must minimize flood damage and infiltration, while other floodplain development may also need state and local review2624. The county is mostly gentle terrain, with 97.1 percent of land at a slope of 15 percent or less27. Typical effective property tax is about 1.6 percent and the median annual bill is about $1,7002829.

Watch-outs

  • Starting construction before Stark County issues the permit can bring a fine and raises the permit fee by 50 percent18.
  • Private sewage disposal is unavailable where public sewer meets the ordinance's 200-foot availability test6.
  • Stark County's building-inspection sequence, certificate-of-occupancy rule, general owner-builder exemption and long-term RV rule could not be confirmed; ask Building & Zoning before committing to a construction or occupancy plan7.

Sources

  1. Department of Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  2. Department of Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Department of Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Stark County Building & Zoning (starkco.illinois.gov)
  8. Department of Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Codes and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  12. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Department of Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  15. May 12th 2026 Stark County Board Meeting Minutes, quoted and re-checked
  16. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Henry & Stark County Health Department, Toulon Office (henrystarkhealth.com)
  18. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. 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
  20. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.130 Human Waste Disposal (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Stark County Highway Department (starkco.illinois.gov)
  24. Permit Program, quoted and re-checked
  25. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 4, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Stark County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleStark CountyPeoria CountyMarshall CountyKnox CountyPutnam CountyHenry CountyBureau County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsHenry & Stark County Health Dept.Peoria City/County Health Dept.BureauCounty Health Dept.BureauCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Stark County in Illinois

45
County map
Stark County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Stark County scores

Seclusion47100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency24100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost54100% 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 →

$138kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$9,973Land / acre
38"Annual rain
3.3% of yrsSevere drought
5.2 / yr (+5)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.81" (+8.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.77×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,539Home insurance / yr
4% / yrInsurance growth
1.26%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
20,830People within 30 min
1,953,874People within 2 hr
26,550Radius comparison (15 mi)
18.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
97.1%Land at 15% slope or less
38.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
70,392 acWorkable land screen
3.8%Wooded land
19.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.4°FAvg temp

Scout Stark County

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

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

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

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

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

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

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

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

Working estimate

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

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

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

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

Cities and towns in Stark County

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

Village of Bradford · Elmira Township · Essex Township · Goshen Township · Village of La Fayette · Osceola Township · Penn Township · Toulon · Toulon Township · Valley Township · West Jersey Township · Wyoming

Answers from the rulebook for Stark County

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

Stark County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of structures in Stark County under the county building-and-zoning program.

    • The county page states permits are required before construction starts.
    • Starting construction before issuance may result in a fine.
    • Building permits must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator.
    “Construction Permits are required before any construction starts. If a structure is started prior to getting a building permit there could be a fine.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction in Stark County subject to county building and zoning administration.
      “Construction Permits are required before any construction starts.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations governing land uses and the location of improvements throughout Stark County.

    • The county page states that the County Board adopted zoning regulations in 1969.
    • Specific uses may require special-use approval, variances, rezoning, or appeals through the Zoning Board of Appeals.

    adoption year: 1969 year

    “The County Board of Supervisors adopted zoning regulations in 1969 for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare, conserving the values of property throughout the county. Zoning regulates the uses allowed on land and the location of improvements on the land.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations and land-use controls in Stark County.
      “The County Board of Supervisors adopted zoning regulations in 1969 [...] conserving the values of property throughout the county.”
    • Present — County zoning regulations and land-use controls in Stark County.
      “The County Board of Supervisors adopted zoning regulations in 1969 for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare, conserving the values of property throughout the county. Zoning regulates the uses allowed on land and the location of improvements on the land.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Stark County zoning regulations and the county's published zoning ordinance resource

    • The official county page states that the County Board adopted zoning regulations in 1969 and that zoning regulates land uses and the location of improvements.
    • The page provides a downloadable resource labeled ZONING ORDINANCE 2024.docx.
    • This claim establishes publication of a zoning ordinance resource, not the contents or applicability of any particular zoning district.
    “The County Board of Supervisors adopted zoning regulations in 1969 for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare, conserving the values of property throughout the county. Zoning regulates the uses allowed on land and the location of improvements on the land. [...] ZONING ORDINANCE 2024.docx”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — The county's published zoning ordinance resource.
      “Downloadable Resources Zoning Ordinance ZONING ORDINANCE 2024.docx”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Subdivisions or parcels subject to the Stark County private sewage ordinance.

    • R-1 applies to subdivisions or parcels using private sewage disposal and private water supplies.
    • R-2 applies to properties using public or semi-private water supplies.
    • These are septic/subdivision standards, not a complete statement of all county zoning district lot sizes.

    R-1 minimum lot size: >= 1 acre (Private sewage disposal and private water supply.) · R-2 minimum lot size: >= 15000 sq ft (Public or semi-private water supply.)

    “Subdivisions or other parcels utilizing both private sewage disposal systems and private water supplies shall be zoned (R-1); 1 acre (43,560 Square feet) minimum lot size.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    The county zoning setback requirement referenced for the Stark County highway building discussed in the May 12, 2026 County Board minutes.

    • The source concerns a specific county highway building and does not identify the ordinance article or section.
    • A variance application was denied by the zoning board.
    • The source does not establish that 25 feet is the setback for every zoning district or every residential use.

    setback: 25 feet (Variance application was denied in the referenced matter.)

    “The building does not meet the county zoning ordinance of a 25-foot setback. The application for a variance was denied by the zoning board, and Mr. St. John would like a timeline for when this building will be relocated.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — At least one county-zoning application involving a county highway building; the cited official minutes identify a 25-foot county zoning setback requirement.
      “The building does not meet the county zoning ordinance of a 25-foot setback. The application for a variance was denied by the zoning board, and Mr. St. John would like a timeline for when this building will be relocated.”
    • Specified — A county highway building near a neighboring property, as described in the May 12, 2026 Stark County Board minutes.
      “The building does not meet the county zoning ordinance of a 25-foot setback. The application for a variance was denied by the zoning board, and Mr. St. John would like a timeline for when this building will be relocated.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems in Stark County.

    • The ordinance defines the Health Authority as the administrator, health officer, or designee of the certified local health department under contract with the Stark County Board of Health.
    • The ordinance also incorporates Illinois private sewage statutes and administrative codes.
    “Health Authority means the Administrator or Health Officer, or his designee, of the certified local health department under contract with the Stark County Board of Health to operate public health programs in Stark County and enforce the provisions of this ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Stark County administered by the Henry and Stark County Health Department and Stark County Board of Health.
      “Health Authority means the Administrator or Health Officer, or his designee, of the certified local health department under contract with the Stark County Board of Health to operate public health programs in Stark County and enforce the provisions of this ordinance.”
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems within Stark County.
      “Health Authority means the Administrator or Health Officer, or his designee, of the certified local health department under contract with the Stark County Board of Health to operate public health programs in Stark County and enforce the provisions of this ordinance.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or capacity enlargement of private sewage disposal systems in Stark County.

    • A valid construction permit from the Health Authority is required before the covered work or obtaining a county or municipal building permit.
    • Applications must be submitted in writing to the Stark County Health Department with required signatures and fees.
    • Surface-discharge systems may require a USEPA general permit before a Stark County septic construction permit.
    • The construction permit is valid for six months from issuance and authorizes only the specific work, location, persons, manner, and use described in the application.

    application decision time: 7 working days · construction permit validity: 6 months (If construction has not started within this period, the permit is void.)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter, repair, extend, and enlarge the capacity of any private sewage disposal system or to obtain a building permit from the county or a municipality for the property located within Stark County, Illinois, unless he holds a valid construction permit issued by the Health Authority”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or capacity enlargement of private sewage disposal systems in Stark County.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter, repair, extend, and enlarge the capacity of any private sewage disposal system [...] unless he holds a valid construction permit issued by the Health Authority”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems in Stark County, including owner-installed systems.

    • An owner-installed system may not be covered or placed in operation until inspected and approved.
    • The Health Authority may inspect during construction.
    • Aerobic treatment units require semi-annual inspections and maintenance under an active service policy.
    • Surface-discharging systems must be sampled at least annually when effluent leaves or may leave the property.

    aerobic treatment unit inspection frequency: semi-annual (while the unit is in operation) · surface-discharging system sampling frequency: annual (where effluent leaves or may leave the property)

    “An individual sewage disposal system which has been installed by a property owner for his personal residence shall not be covered or placed in operation until the said installation shall have been inspected and approved by the Health Authority.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems in Stark County, including owner-installed systems.
      “An individual sewage disposal system which has been installed by a property owner for his personal residence shall not be covered or placed in operation until the said installation shall have been inspected and approved by the Health Authority.”
    • Limited — Individual private sewage disposal systems, including systems installed by a property owner for a personal residence.
      “An individual sewage disposal system which has been installed by a property owner for his personal residence shall not be covered or placed in operation until the said installation shall have been inspected and approved by the Health Authority.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage disposal and other non-public sanitary disposal in Stark County.

    • Private systems are subject to Health Authority permitting and inspection requirements.
    • Private sewage disposal is unavailable where a public sewage system is available within 200 feet of the property line.
    • Adequate sanitary facilities are required for human occupancy, use, or assembly.

    public sewer availability distance: <= 200 feet from property line

    “No building, structure, area or premise shall be constructed or maintained for human occupancy, use or assembly, without adequate facilities for the sanitary and safe disposal of human excreta together with all liquid and solid wastes that could hazard the public health or create objectionable nuisance conditions.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Private or off-grid sanitary disposal where public sewer is unavailable.
      “No building, structure, area or premise shall be constructed or maintained for human occupancy, use or assembly, without adequate facilities for the sanitary and safe disposal of human excreta together with all liquid and solid wastes that could hazard the public health or create objectionable nuisance conditions.”
    • Limited — Private sewage disposal where public sewer is unavailable.
      “No building, structure, area or premise shall be constructed or maintained for human occupancy, use or assembly, without adequate facilities for the sanitary and safe disposal of human excreta together with all liquid and solid wastes that could hazard the public health or create objectionable nuisance conditions.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Sanitary sewer connection versus private sewage disposal in Stark County.

    • Where a publicly operated sanitary sewage system is available within 200 feet of the property line, public sewer is considered the only safe and sanitary means.
    • No privy, septic tank, or private sewage disposal may be maintained on property having an available sanitary sewage system.
    • Public-system connections and discharges must follow the ordinance and the municipality's rules.

    public sewer availability distance: <= 200 ft (The ordinance states availability within two-hundred (200) feet of the property line.)

    “Where a publicly operated system for collection and disposal of sanitary wastes is available within two-hundred (200) feet of the property line, the utilization of such public sewage systems shall be considered the only safe and sanitary means of sewage and excreta disposal.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Sanitary sewage disposal for properties in Stark County.
      “Where a publicly operated system for collection and disposal of sanitary wastes is available within two-hundred (200) feet of the property line, the utilization of such public sewage systems shall be considered the only safe and sanitary means of sewage and excreta disposal. No privy, septic tank or private means of sewage disposal shall be maintained on property having a sanitary sewage system available”
    • Conditional — Sanitary-sewer connection and private sewage use in Stark County.
      “Where a publicly operated system for collection and disposal of sanitary wastes is available within two-hundred (200) feet of the property line, the utilization of such public sewage systems shall be considered the only safe and sanitary means of sewage and excreta disposal.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions and re-divisions using private sewage disposal systems in Stark County.

    • The Health Authority must review proposals to ensure each proposed lot can contain an approved private sewage system.
    • No plat or subdivision may be approved and recorded unless every proposed lot is suitable.
    • Private-water subdivisions require R-1 zoning and a one-acre minimum lot size; public or semi-private water requires R-2 zoning and a 15,000-square-foot minimum lot size.
    • Additional designated replacement-system areas and soil-absorption information are required.

    private water minimum lot size: 1 acre (R-1 lots) · public or semi-private water minimum lot size: 15000 square feet (R-2 lots)

    “When private sewage disposal systems are in use or will be used for any subdivision or re-division of any subdivision, tract, parcel, or lot of land, the Health Authority shall conduct a review of such proposal to ensure that each proposed lot shall be able to contain a private sewage disposal system approved under the provisions of this ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions and re-divisions using private sewage disposal systems in Stark County.
      “No plat, subdivision, or any changes in lot boundaries shall be approved and recorded unless every proposed lot is considered suitable for an approved private sewage disposal system.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision, re-division, platting, or lot-boundary changes involving private sewage disposal systems.
      “No plat, subdivision, or any changes in lot boundaries shall be approved and recorded unless every proposed lot is considered suitable for an approved private sewage disposal system.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    New and replacement private sewage disposal systems in duly designated flood-hazard areas in Stark County.

    • The flood-hazard provisions apply only in FEMA National Flood Insurance Program one-hundred-year flood-elevation-map areas.
    • Systems must be designed, located, and constructed to minimize impairment and infiltration of flood waters.
    • The requirements of 77 Ill. Admin. Code 905.20(j)(1) must be met.
    • Mechanical or electrical components subject to inundation damage must be at least one foot above the estimated one-percent-annual-probability flood elevation.

    component elevation above one-percent annual probability flood: >= 1 foot (Mechanical or electrical components subject to inundation damage.)

    “All new and replacement private sewage disposal systems shall be designed, located and constructed to minimize impairment and infiltration of flood waters.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building, zoning, and related hearing permits.

    • Variance, special-use/map-amendment, text-amendment, and appeal fees are listed at $250.
    • Building permit fees vary by structure type and area.
    • Starting construction before permit issuance increases the fee by 50 percent.
    • Publication costs before a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing are reimbursable by the applicant.

    variance fee: 250 USD · special use permit or map amendment fee: 250 USD · text amendment fee: 250 USD · appeal fee: 250 USD · single or multiple family dwelling: 0.1 USD per square foot (minimum $150) · dwelling addition or alteration: 0.1 USD per square foot (minimum $75) · commercial or industrial structure: 0.1 USD per square foot (minimum $250) · accessory building: 0.05 USD per square foot (minimum $50) · communication tower: 25 USD per foot (measured from top of tower to top of foundation) · tower addition or alteration: 1200 USD (equipment added to existing tower) · pre-permit construction fee increase: 50 percent (if construction starts before permit issuance)

    “BUILDING PERMIT FEES SHALL APPLY AS FOLLOWS: Single family/or multiple family dwelling (Living Area)[...] .$0.10/sq.ft, Minimum of $150.00 Single Family/or multiple family addition/alteration (Living Area) $0.10/sq.ft., Minimum of $75.00 Commercial/Industrial (Including addition/alteration/accessory structure) $0.10/sq.ft, Minimum of $250.00”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning and building permit fees published on the Building & Zoning page.
      “BUILDING PERMIT FEES SHALL APPLY AS FOLLOWS:”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building permits and zoning applications.
      “BUILDING PERMIT FEES SHALL APPLY AS FOLLOWS:”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building-permit process in Stark County.

    • Building permits must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator.
    • The county instructs applicants to contact the Zoning and Planning Department before a project begins.
    • The page states that online application and payment began in January 2025.
    • Construction permits are required before construction starts.
    “STARTING JANUARY 2025: APPLY FOR BUILDING PERMITS ONLINE & PAY ONLINE- CLICK LINK BELOW”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit application process.
      “STARTING JANUARY 2025: APPLY FOR BUILDING PERMITS ONLINE & PAY ONLINE- CLICK LINK BELOW”

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”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Installation of manufactured homes in Illinois, including Stark County.
      “Effective December 31, 2001, the Manufactured Home Quality Assurance Act requires all manufactured homes to be installed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner. These homes must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If instructions are not available, the homes must be installed in accordance with the Department's Manufactured Home Installation Code.”
    • 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©.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code baseline applicable to construction in Stark County; the precise local code adoption status and local amendments remain unresolved.
      “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. The best and most accurate answers to building code questions must be answered by your city, village, or county code official.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide baseline building-code requirements applicable to new residential construction in unincorporated Stark County beginning January 1, 2025, subject to the applicable local-jurisdiction and statutory conditions.
      “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 (with conditions) — Statewide Illinois building-code requirements applicable to construction in Stark County, including county and municipal jurisdictions.
      “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

    Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.

    • The Illinois Capital Development Board does not perform building-code inspections for privately funded construction.
    • If inspections are required, they are addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    • A local municipality or county may be a non-building-code jurisdiction, in which case applicable state baseline requirements and inspection-certification provisions may apply.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Building-code-compliance inspections performed by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy permits or certificates for privately funded construction in Illinois.

    • The State does not issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction.
    • If an occupancy permit is required, it is addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Issuance of occupancy permits or certificates by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • 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”
  • 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
    • Limited — Private water wells in Stark County, Illinois, under the Illinois Department of Public Health statewide private-water program
      “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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway, including access-driveway requests to State highways.

    • A permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • Requirements may vary by IDOT district; the applicant must contact the district office for specific requirements.
    • IDOT's access-driveway handbook guides what is allowable for highway access requests.
    “Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Local municipal, village, or township zoning within Stark County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Stark County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — County zoning lot-coverage requirements.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in Stark County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Stark County.
3 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Stark County, Illinois

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

Stark County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: elevated current hazard exposure. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (38″/yr rainfall).

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

Stark County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Henry & Stark County Health Department (Stark County Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance). 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 Stark County, Illinois?

Land in Stark County runs about $9,973 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stark County?

Stark County gets about 38" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.3% of years.

How remote is Stark County?

A representative private-land location has about 20,830 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,953,874 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 Stark compares in Illinois

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