Bolthole Index

Tazewell County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Tazewell County, Illinois

49Index Score / 100
#73 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Tazewell County, Illinois requires building permits, and the Community Development Department issues them and administers zoning there12. Septic and well permits come from the Tazewell County Health Department, not Community Development34. A residential application requires plans, a site plan, road-access approval and health approval for a septic system or a sanitary-district hookup letter, as applicable5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new buildings and many alterations in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
County-administered in unincorporated areas; standards vary by district67
Septic permit
Required through the Tazewell County Health Department; published fee is $15038
Well permit
Required before well or pump work; published fee is $1004
RV occupancy
Generally in an RV park; a bona fide guest may stay up to 60 days per year9
Tiny home
Accessory dwelling: 350–800 square feet, subject to conditions; primary dwelling: at least 700 square feet1011
Owner-builder
Owner may apply as SELF, but the building permit is still required12
Certificate of occupancy
Required before a building or structure is occupied or used13

Who to call

Building permits

Tazewell County Community Development Department

Building permits, zoning compliance certificates, construction regulation, subdivision administration and floodplain ordinance enforcement in unincorporated Tazewell County

309-477-2235

McKenzie Building, 11 S. 4th Street, Ste. 400, Pekin, IL 61554

Septic permits

Tazewell County Health Department

Permits for constructing, altering or extending private sewage disposal systems in Tazewell County

309-925-5511

tazcohth@tchd.net

21306 IL Route 9, Tremont, IL 61568-9252

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

Yes. Unincorporated Tazewell County requires a building permit for residential structures, and not every structure requires plan review1. Routine repairs and maintenance are exempt, as are qualifying ornamental or agricultural fences and accessory structures smaller than 25 square feet14. Building-permit fees vary by project and floor area; a dwelling project of 700–1,000 square feet has a published $400 fee, and starting without the required building permit doubles the fee1516. An owner doing residential work may identify the general contractor as SELF, but owner-builder status does not waive the permit or its submittal requirements12. The county code adopts the 2018 International Building Code and applies the currently adopted Illinois Energy Conservation Code17. Ask Community Development to identify the plan review and inspection requirements for the exact project18.

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

The Tazewell County Community Development Department issues building permits and zoning compliance certificates for unincorporated land18. The office is in the McKenzie Building, 11 S. 4th Street, Ste. 400, Pekin, IL 61554; call 309-477-223518. Pekin, Creve Coeur, Marquette Heights, Tremont handle their own building permits.19202122 Private-sewage permits throughout Tazewell County remain with the Tazewell County Health Department3. A residential submission needs a 911 address, septic or Health Department approval or a sanitary-district hookup letter, road-access approval, an energy-code report, scaled plans and a site plan5. The 48-hour review target for new homes and room additions means contact about status or questions, not guaranteed building-permit issuance5.

Does Tazewell County have zoning?

Tazewell County Community Development administers zoning in unincorporated areas and publishes a zoning-districts map; allowed uses depend on the parcel’s district2723. Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Washington, Tremont, North Pekin, South Pekin, Peoria Heights (mainly in Peoria County, extending into Tazewell County) set their own zoning.2425262728293031 Private-sewage permits throughout Tazewell County remain with the Tazewell County Health Department3. County minimum lot size varies by district, public water, sewer availability and soil type32. Primary single- and two-family dwellings need at least 700 square feet per unit11. Setbacks depend on district, road classification and principal versus accessory use33. Community Development also administers the Subdivision Ordinance; ask the department to confirm a proposed land split before treating the resulting lots as buildable3418.

How do septic and well permits work in Tazewell County?

The Tazewell County Health Department issues private-sewage permits countywide; constructing, altering or extending a system requires a permit, with a published $150 fee and 1-year validity38. A soil investigation is required unless the ordinance’s pre-site-inspection waiver applies; routine cleaning, cover, baffle or riser replacement and rodding do not require a septic permit35. The Board of Health may refuse a private-system permit where a practical public-sewer connection is available, including a single-family property within 300 feet under the ordinance’s conditions36. The Health Department inspects new and repaired systems and requires zoning inspections for replatting, added bedrooms or floor area, or rebuilding after loss37. A pre-sale operational inspection is recommended, not generally mandatory, and is valid for 90 days37. Only 20.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for conventional drain fields, making site evaluation a priority before purchase38. Well or pump work requires a $100 Health Department permit; new wells need water analysis and approval before service39.

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

Tazewell County generally limits dwelling occupancy of an RV to an RV park, although a bona fide guest may occupy one for up to 60 days per calendar year9. A temporary-use permit can allow an RV or manufactured home at a dwelling destroyed or made uninhabitable by fire or natural disaster while its replacement is built; approved septic is required, and the initial permit and possible extension are each limited to 6 months40. Seasonal RV use in agricultural and conservation districts requires adequate water and sewage facilities plus Health Department approval9. Tazewell County has no stand-alone tiny-home category that we could confirm; a primary single- or two-family dwelling still faces the 700-square-foot minimum11. A tiny home can work as an accessory dwelling in a residential or agricultural district if the lot’s main use is a single-family dwelling, the accessory dwelling is between 350 and 800 square feet and no more than 50% of the principal dwelling, it shares the principal dwelling’s driveway, and it is not rented to non-family members4110. Only 1 accessory dwelling is allowed per lot, the owner must live in the principal dwelling, and the accessory dwelling needs a 911 address and a building permit first10. Manufactured-home parks require special use in the A-2 or R-2 district and must meet state and county health rules42. We could not confirm the rule for an individual manufactured home outside a park; ask Community Development before purchase18.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is unincorporated and have Community Development identify its zoning district, permitted residential use, minimum lot size and setbacks673233.
  1. Resolve subdivision, floodplain and driveway-access questions before final design344344.
  1. Have the Health Department determine whether the site can use private sewage or must connect to an available sewer, and obtain septic and well permits as needed36354.
  1. Assemble the address, health or sewer approval, road-access approval, energy report, scaled plans and site plan; submit the required full plan sets for a single- or two-family dwelling, addition or residential accessory dwelling545.
  1. Pay the applicable fees and submit the residential package to Community Development; an owner doing the work may mark the contractor field SELF161218.
  1. Arrange the required inspections with Community Development, then obtain a certificate of occupancy before using the structure; a temporary certificate may cover up to 60 days before completion4618.

What should you check before buying land in Tazewell County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning because these county rules apply to unincorporated Tazewell County, while incorporated places may regulate land separately2. Confirm the district, minimum lot size, setbacks, subdivision status and legal road access with Community Development before treating a listing as buildable732334744. Ask whether floodplain permitting or an elevation certificate applies because the county administers a floodplain ordinance but the project-specific triggers remain unconfirmed43. Resolve sewer availability and soil suitability early because a nearby public sewer can prevent approval of a private system, and only 20.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field3638. Work on a driveway within county-highway right-of-way requires a written County Engineer permit, with a $15 entrance-permit fee48. If access enters a state-maintained highway, obtain the state permit before right-of-way work begins49. The effective property-tax rate is about 2.1%, and the median annual bill is about $3,4815051.

Watch-outs

  • Do not occupy or use a structure before Tazewell County issues its certificate of occupancy; a violation may bring a $50-per-day fine46.
  • RV guest occupancy is limited to 60 days per calendar year, and the disaster-reconstruction exception requires a temporary-use permit and approved septic940.
  • New road access for a building project needs approval from the state, county or township road authority with jurisdiction; driveways must stay at least 1 foot from side and rear lot lines unless shared by recorded easement44.
  • Manufactured/mobile-home parks must connect to reasonably available public water and sewage treatment; private treatment otherwise needs Department of Public Health approval before the building permit, so these park rules do not establish an off-grid sanitation option for an individual home5253.

Sources

  1. Residential Permitting Fees and Setbacks, quoted and re-checked
  2. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  3. Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  4. Water Supply, quoted and re-checked
  5. Submittal Requirements for Residential Permits, quoted and re-checked
  6. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  7. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  8. Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  9. District Regulations and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  10. § 157.055 Accessory Dwellings, quoted and re-checked
  11. District Regulations and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  12. Submittal Requirements for Residential Permits, quoted and re-checked
  13. Inspection Checklist - Dwelling and Additions, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  15. Residential Permitting Fees and Setbacks, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building and Property Maintenance Code, quoted and re-checked
  18. Tazewell County Community Development Department (tazewell-il.gov)
  19. Pekin: Community Development Department | Pekin, IL (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Village of Creve Coeur: 4-1-22: Building Permit Fees (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Marquette Heights: 4-1-2: Building Code Amendments (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Village of Tremont: § 153.248 Permits (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Building and Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  24. Pekin: Planning and Zoning | Pekin, IL (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  25. East Peoria: Title 5 - Zoning Regulations (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Village of Morton: Planning & Community Development (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Washington: Sec. 56-78. R-1 One- and Two-Family Residential District (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  28. Village of Tremont: § 153.020 Districts Established (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  29. Village of North Pekin: North Pekin, IL Laws (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Village of South Pekin: South Pekin, Illinois Code of Ordinances (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  31. Village of Peoria Heights: TITLE 10 ZONING REGULATIONS (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  32. Land Use Matrix, quoted and re-checked
  33. Land Use Matrix and Bulk Chart, quoted and re-checked
  34. Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  35. Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  36. Sewage Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  37. Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  38. 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
  39. Water Supply, quoted and re-checked
  40. Temporary Uses, quoted and re-checked
  41. District Regulations and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  42. Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks, quoted and re-checked
  43. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  44. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  45. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  46. Certificate of Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  47. Community Development | Tazewell County, quoted and re-checked
  48. Doing Business - Highway Entrance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  49. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  50. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  51. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  52. Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks, quoted and re-checked
  53. Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks, quoted and re-checked

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Tazewell County has countywide zoning.

RuleTazewell CountyPeoria CountyWoodford CountyMason CountyLogan CountyFulton CountyMcLean County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedLimitedRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.Peoria City/County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Dept. of Public HealthCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Tazewell County in Illinois

49
County map
Tazewell County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Tazewell County scores

Seclusion25100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency54100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% 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 →

$194kTypical home
2.1%Property tax
$10,389Land / acre
38.5"Annual rain
3.9% of yrsSevere drought
7.6 / yr (+7.1)Mid-century 100°F days
14.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.84" (+7.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.75×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,619Home insurance / yr
4.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.84%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
270,056People within 30 min
2,646,440People within 2 hr
97,325Radius comparison (15 mi)
200.4People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
95.1%Land at 15% slope or less
20.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
81,293 acWorkable land screen
15.6%Wooded land
55 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Tazewell County

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

Not yet researched: Village of Armington · Boynton Township · Cincinnati Township · Deer Creek Township · Village of Deer Creek · Delavan · Delavan Township · Dillon Township · Elm Grove Township · Fondulac Township · Village of Green Valley · Groveland Township · Hittle Township · Hopedale Township · Village of Hopedale · Little Mackinaw Township · Mackinaw Township · Village of Mackinaw · Malone Township · Village of Minier · Morton Township · Pekin Township · Sand Prairie Township · Spring Lake Township · Tremont Township · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Tazewell County

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

Tazewell County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, erection, development, relocation, reconstruction, structural alteration, demolition, specified interior alterations, non-exempt fences, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • Required before construction of buildings or structures, including agricultural structures.
    • Required for relocation, expansion or change of nonconforming use, swimming pools, reconstruction or structural alteration, demolition, specified interior alterations, non-exempt fences, electrical, HVAC/mechanical, and plumbing work.
    • Exemptions include routine maintenance or repair, portable pools under 24 inches deep or under 125 square feet, accessory structures under 25 square feet, agricultural fences, and ornamental fences.
    • Applications require applicable fees, site information, ingress/egress approval when needed, health permits for water/sewage facilities, and additional plans for specified commercial, industrial, multifamily, institutional, and residential projects.
    • Permits expire if work does not begin within 180 days, subject to one written 90-day extension; completion periods are two years for a new principal structure, six months for a swimming pool, and one year for other work.
    • Failure to obtain a required permit doubles the fee.

    accessory structure exemption threshold: < 25 square feet (Must still meet district setbacks unless otherwise exempted.) · permit commencement deadline: 180 days (One written 90-day extension may be granted.) · new principal structure completion period: 2 years

    “A building permit shall be obtained from the Community Development Administrator [...] before commencing:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of structures other than commercial and industrial in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED INFORMATION TO HELP AID IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING ALL OF THE PROPER INFORMATION PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT BY THE TAZEWELL COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ALL STRUCTURES OTHER THAN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A property owner performing residential construction work personally in the unincorporated areas of Tazewell County and applying through the County Department of Community Development residential permitting process.

    • The owner must still obtain the required building permit; the county building-permit document states that no building or structure may be constructed, erected, enlarged, structurally altered, extended, converted, or relocated unless a building permit has first been issued.
    • The residential permitting form allows the general contractor field to be marked “SELF” by the owner.
    • For plumbing work, anyone other than the homeowner doing their own work must provide a valid State of Illinois plumbing license; the packet therefore expressly accommodates homeowner-performed plumbing work without that contractor-license submission.
    • Residential permit submittal requirements, including applicable septic or sewer approval, road access approval, energy-code compliance, construction plans, and site-plan information, still apply.
    • The county packet states that construction or soil disturbance before a Building Permit/Erosion Permit may result in fines and a Stop Work Order.
    “GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Email: IF OWNER MARK “SELF””
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    County building-code administration in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • The code adopts the 2018 International Building Code by reference.
    • The code also states that the currently adopted Illinois Energy Conservation Code applies to building energy efficiency.
    “The 2018 International Building Code is hereby adopted by reference.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy or use of structures subject to the county certificate-of-occupancy process.

    • The certificate will not issue until inspection fines are paid.
    • Occupancy or use without a certificate may result in a Notice of Violation and $50-per-day fines.

    daily fine: 50 USD/day (for occupancy or use without a certificate)

    “Failure to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy prior to occupancy or use of structure shall result in the issuance of a Notice of Violation and Notice to Appear to the applicant before the County Adjudication Hearing Officer, which could result in fines of $50 per day for occupancy or use of said structure.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential and nonresidential principal and accessory structures in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “No building or structure shall be occupied or used until a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Community Development Administrator”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning administration and enforcement in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • The Community Development Department administers the county zoning ordinance and regulates construction and uses in unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own land-use rules.
    “The primary function of the Community Development Department is for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the Tazewell County Zoning Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning administration and enforcement in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “The Department is responsible for the issuance of building permits, zoning compliance certificates and regulation of construction and all use activities in the unincorporated areas of Tazewell County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • This claim does not cover incorporated municipalities or other local jurisdictions.
    “The Department is responsible for the issuance of building permits, zoning compliance certificates and regulation of construction and all use activities in the unincorporated areas of Tazewell County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning-district information.

    • The county Community Development page links a Zoning Districts Map.
    “Community Development Links [...] Enterprise Zone Information [...] Zoning Districts Map [...] Building and Permit Information”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts and their permitted uses in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “The unincorporated areas of the County are divided into “zoning districts.” Particular types of uses are allowed in each of these districts.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwelling units in county zoning districts.

    • Single- and two-family dwellings require at least 700 square feet per dwelling unit.
    • Multifamily dwellings require at least 400 square feet per dwelling unit.

    single- or two-family dwelling minimum: >= 700 square feet per dwelling unit · multifamily dwelling minimum: >= 400 square feet per dwelling unit

    “Single- and two-family dwelling: 700 square feet per dwelling unit; and (B) Multi-family dwelling: 400 square feet per dwelling unit.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Zoning districts in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • Requirements vary by district and may vary based on public water and sewer availability and soil types.
    • The bulk chart lists, among others, A-1 40 acres, A-2 10 acres, RR 2 acres, R-1/R-2 1+ acres, C-1/C-2 0.5 acres, I-1 0.5 acres, I-2 1 acre, and Conservation 40 acres.
    “Minimum lot size requirements may vary in each district”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal and accessory structures in unincorporated Tazewell County zoning districts.

    • Road setbacks vary by district and road classification.
    • Rear and side setbacks vary by district and by principal versus accessory structure.

    A-1/A-2/Conservation principal rear setback: 50 feet · A-1/A-2/Conservation principal side setback: 30 feet · RR principal rear/side setback: 30 feet · R-1/R-2 principal rear/side setback: 20 rear; 10 side feet · C-1/C-2 principal rear/side setback: 20 rear; 10 side feet · I-1/I-2 principal rear/side setback: 20 rear; 15 side feet

    “R-1 & R-2 20' 10' 5' 5' R-R 30' 30' 15' 15' A-1 , A-2 & Cons. 50' 30' 25' 15' C-1 & C-2 20' 10' 5' 5' I-1 & I-2 20' 15' 10' 10'”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Parking, storage, seasonal use, and dwelling occupancy of recreational vehicles under the county zoning code.

    • A-1/A-2 parcels of 40 acres or less and not in a platted subdivision: no more than four operable RVs outdoors, three feet from side and rear lines and behind the front setback.
    • Platted subdivisions and R-1, R-2, and Rural Residential parcels: no more than three operable RVs outdoors accessory to a residence.
    • Dwelling occupancy must be in an RV park unless the occupant is a bona fide guest, limited to 60 days per calendar year.
    • Seasonal recreational use in A-1, A-2, and Conservation districts requires adequate water and sewage facilities and County Health Department approval.

    bona fide guest occupancy: <= 60 days/calendar year · RV count: <= 3 operable vehicles (platted subdivision or R-1, R-2, or Rural Residential parcel) · RV count: <= 4 operable vehicles (A-1 or A-2 parcel 40 acres or less, not in a platted subdivision)

    “Recreational vehicles occupied for dwelling purposes shall be located in a recreational vehicle park, unless the occupant is a bona fide guest of the dwelling owner. Such bona fide guest shall not occupy the recreational vehicle for more than 60 days in a calendar year while parked on the premises.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle occupancy as a temporary use on premises of a dwelling in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “to occupy a manufactured/mobile home or recreational vehicle”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny home used as an accessory dwelling in an unincorporated Tazewell County residential or agricultural zoning district, if it qualifies as an accessory dwelling under § 157.055.

    • The principal use of the lot must be a single-family dwelling.
    • No more than one accessory dwelling may be located on a lot.
    • The accessory dwelling must be owned by the same person who occupies the habitable principal dwelling.
    • The accessory dwelling must share the driveway serving the principal dwelling.
    • Floor area must be no greater than 50% of the principal dwelling's floor area, with a minimum of 350 square feet and a maximum of 800 square feet.
    • If located within the principal dwelling with a separate entrance, that entrance may not face a street on which the lot fronts.
    • The accessory dwelling may be located in an unattached garage for residents of the principal dwelling.
    • The accessory dwelling may not be used as rental property for non-family members.
    • A 911 address must be obtained.
    • A building permit must first be issued before the structure is constructed, erected, enlarged, structurally altered, extended, converted, or relocated.

    minimum floor area: >= 350 square feet · maximum floor area: <= 800 square feet · accessory dwelling floor area relative to principal dwelling: <= 50 percent · accessory dwellings per lot: <= 1 dwelling

    “An accessory dwelling shall be permitted in any residential and agriculture district in accordance with the following requirements:”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy in manufactured/mobile-home parks and emergency temporary occupancy.

    • Manufactured/mobile-home parks require special use in A-2 and R-2 zoning districts.
    • Parks must comply with state and County Health Department regulations.
    • A park generally requires at least 10 acres and 20 sites, subject to stated grandfathering and alteration exceptions.
    • Emergency temporary placement requires a temporary-use permit, approved septic permit, and removal after the permitted period.

    minimum park area: >= 10 acres (state-licensed parks existing on the effective date may continue under the stated exception) · minimum park sites: >= 20 sites (state-licensed parks existing on the effective date may continue under the stated exception)

    “The following are specific regulations for manufactured/mobile home parks by special use in the A-2 and the R-2 Zoning Districts. In addition, manufactured/mobile home parks shall comply with the regulations established by the state’s Department of Public Health and the County Health Department.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwellings in residential and agriculture zoning districts.

    • The lot's principal use must be a single-family dwelling.
    • Only one accessory dwelling is allowed per lot and it must be owned by the person occupying the principal dwelling.
    • It must share the principal dwelling's driveway.
    • Floor area must be no greater than 50% of the principal dwelling, with a minimum of 350 square feet and maximum of 800 square feet.
    • A separate entrance may not face a street on which the lot fronts.
    • It may be in a detached accessory structure, may not be rented to non-family members, and must obtain a 911 address.

    minimum floor area: >= 350 square feet · maximum floor area: <= 800 square feet · maximum floor area percentage: <= 50 percent of principal dwelling

    “An accessory dwelling shall be permitted in any residential and agriculture district in accordance with the following requirements:”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private sewage disposal systems within Tazewell County.

    • The ordinance is interpreted and enforced together with the Illinois Department of Public Health Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code.
    • The Tazewell County Health Department is the issuing and administering authority.
    “a valid permit issued by the Health Department”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems in Tazewell County.
      “HEALTH DEPARTMENT shall mean the Tazewell County Health Department, an agent of the Tazewell County Board of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or extension of private sewage disposal systems.

    • The permit is valid for one year from issuance.
    • A soil investigation is required before issuance, subject to the stated pre-site-inspection waiver.
    • The Board of Health may refuse a permit where public or municipal sewer is available under the ordinance's distance and practicality rules.
    • Routine cleaning, septic-tank-cover/baffle/riser replacement, and rodding inlets/outlets do not require a permit.

    permit validity: 1 year (from date of issue)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter, or extend private sewage disposal systems within Tazewell County unless he holds a valid permit issued by the Health Department stating the name of such person for which the specific construction, alteration, or extension is proposed. This permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issue.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, or extension of private sewage disposal systems.
      “This permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issue.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and repaired private sewage disposal systems and specified operational or zoning inspections.

    • The Health Department inspects new and repaired systems.
    • Operational inspection is recommended for property sales, not generally stated as mandatory.
    • Zoning inspection applies when property is replatted, bedrooms or square footage are added, or a dwelling is rebuilt after loss.
    • Operational inspections are valid for 90 days; operational re-inspection fee is $75.

    operational inspection validity: 90 days · operational re-inspection fee: 75 USD (septic)

    “Inspect new and repaired private sewage disposal systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private sewage disposal systems, including installation, repair, extension, grading, complaints, and surface-discharge systems.
      “The Board of Health or its authorized representative is hereby authorized and directed to make such inspections as are necessary to determine satisfactory compliance with this ordinance.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage treatment where public sewage treatment facilities are not reasonably available, specifically in manufactured/mobile home parks.

    • The private treatment system must be approved by the Department of Public Health.
    • The plans must be approved before a building permit is issued.
    “a private treatment system shall be approved”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction or repair of water wells and installation of water-well pumps in Tazewell County.

    • Permit must be obtained from the County Health Department before work begins.
    • Well and pump work must comply with Illinois Department of Public Health codes.
    • New wells require laboratory analysis and approval before being placed in service.
    • Permit fee is $100.

    well permit fee: 100 USD

    “it shall be unlawful to proceed with such work unless a permit therefore shall have first been obtained from the County Health Department”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or repair of water wells and installation of water-well pumps.
      “No water well shall be constructed or repaired nor any water well pump installed in this County except in accordance with this Chapter, and it shall be unlawful to proceed with such work unless a permit therefore shall have first been obtained from the County Health Department, said permit fee being $100.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Private sewage disposal permit applications where public or municipal sewer may be available.

    • The Board of Health may refuse a septic permit when public or municipal sewer is available.
    • Availability includes a sewer line adjoining or abutting the premises or a practical permitted connection within the stated distance.

    single-family sewer distance: <= 300 feet · commercial, subdivision, or multifamily sewer distance: <= 1320 feet

    “The Board of Health or its authorized representative may refuse to grant a permit for the construction or repair of a private sewage disposal system where public or municipal sewage systems are available.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Manufactured/mobile home parks governed by Tazewell County zoning.
      “connection shall be made thereto and its supply used exclusively.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision administration in unincorporated Tazewell County.

    • The Community Development Department administers and enforces the Subdivision Ordinance.
    “administration and enforcement of the Subdivision Ordinance”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision administration in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “Additional Departmental functions include the administration and enforcement of the Subdivision Ordinance, Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Control Ordinance, Flood Plain Development Ordinance, Adult Use Ordinance, Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance and the Wind Farm Ordinance.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access driveways within County Highway right-of-way.

    • The requirement applies to work other than work performed by the Tazewell County Highway Department.
    • The County Engineer may require additional information, conditions, restrictions, and a plan.

    highway entrance permit fee: 15 USD (each highway entrance permit)

    “A written permit issued by the County Engineer is required for construction, modification, removal, or other work associated with an access driveway within County Highway right-of-way other than work performed by the Tazewell County Highway Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New ingress and egress associated with structures or uses requiring a building permit.
      “An approved ingress and egress permit shall be obtained from the appropriate state, county, or township responsible for road jurisdiction”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development subject to Tazewell County floodplain-development administration.

    • The Community Development Department administers and enforces the Flood Plain Development Ordinance.
    • Project-specific floodplain permit and elevation-certificate requirements were not fully resolved from the opened source material.
    “Additional Departmental functions include the administration and enforcement of the Subdivision Ordinance, Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Control Ordinance, Flood Plain Development Ordinance, Adult Use Ordinance, Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance and the Wind Farm Ordinance.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published county residential permitting fees and related application fees.

    • Fees vary by project type and square footage.
    • Failure to obtain a permit doubles the required fee.

    new 1-2 family dwelling up to 200 square feet: 200 USD · new 1-2 family dwelling 201-699 square feet: 300 USD · new 1-2 family dwelling 700-1000 square feet: 400 USD · 911 addressing fee: 50 USD

    “Dwellings: 1 & 2 Family - New, Additions, Alteration and Repairs • 200 Square feet or less $200.00 • 201 to 699 square feet $300.00 • 700 to 1,000 square feet $400.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — County building-permit, plan-review, inspection, stop-work, certificate, and related fees.
      “The applicant shall pay all costs associated with the application for a building permit pursuant to § 154.011”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permit submissions.

    • New homes and room additions have a stated 48-hour review-period contact target, not a guarantee of permit issuance.
    • Applications and permits are handled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Required materials include a 911 address, septic permit or written Health Department approval, or a sanitary-district hookup letter, road-access permit, energy-code compliance report, permitting form, scaled plans, and site plan.

    review contact period: 48 hours (does not ensure permit issuance)

    “The 48 hours review period does not ensure that you will receive your permit within 48 hours, but that the Department will contact you regarding the status of permit and with any questions within this period.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit process in unincorporated Tazewell County.
      “all required permits and approvals have been obtained, and all relevant fees have been paid.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from county building or zoning requirements.

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 Tazewell County, Illinois

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

Tazewell County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 270,056 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Tazewell County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tazewell County 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 Tazewell County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Tazewell County is limited to specific cases: Parking, storage, seasonal use, and dwelling occupancy of recreational vehicles under the county zoning code. A-1/A-2 parcels of 40 acres or less and not in a platted subdivision: no more than four operable RVs outdoors, three feet from side and rear lines and behind the front setback. Platted subdivisions and R-1, R-2, and Rural Residential parcels: no more than three operable RVs outdoors accessory to a residence. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Tazewell County, Illinois?

Land in Tazewell County runs about $10,389 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Tazewell County?

Tazewell County gets about 38.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.9% of years.

How remote is Tazewell County?

A representative private-land location has about 270,056 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,646,440 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 Tazewell compares in Illinois

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