Bolthole Index

Will County, Illinois

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

32Index Score / 100
#98 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Will County, Illinois requires a building permit before regulated work begins, and the county administers zoning there12. Municipal building-permit and zoning rules apply within municipalities that administer their own programs; septic permitting remains with the Will County Health Department countywide34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in advance for regulated work in unincorporated Will County1
Zoning
Yes — the Will County Zoning Ordinance regulates unincorporated land2
Septic permit
Will County Health Department administers countywide septic review, permitting and inspections4
Agricultural setbacks
A-1 and A-2 street setbacks are 100 feet from the road centerline; side setbacks differ by district5
RV living
Not allowed on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts6
Owner-builder
The exemption is limited to qualified farmers working on their own agricultural and personal-use structures7
Floodplain review
A county floodplain submittal is required when any part of a hydrologic disturbance is in a floodplain8

Who to call

Building permits

Will County Land Use Department — Building Division

Building permit applications, plan review and construction inspections for unincorporated Will County

815-727-8634

building@willcountylanduse.com

58 East Clinton Street, Suite 100, Joliet, IL 60432

Zoning

Will County Land Use Department — Current Planning & Zoning

Zoning applications, map amendments, special use permits, variances, and zoning-compliance review of building permit applications for unincorporated Will County

815.740.8140

zoning@willcountyillinois.com

58 E. Clinton Street, Suite 100, Joliet, IL 60432

Septic permits

Will County Health Department — Private Sewage Program (Joliet Main Office)

Private sewage disposal (septic) system construction permits and inspections for Will County; also handles private well permits

815-727-8490

501 Ella Avenue, Joliet, IL 60433

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 Will 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 Will County, Illinois?

Yes. A building permit must be obtained in advance for regulated work outside Will County's cities, villages and incorporated towns1. Illinois does not issue building permits for privately funded construction; the applicable local government handles any building-permit requirement9. Will County has adopted building codes, and the Building Division administers them for county-regulated projects10. Required building inspections cover successive stages of construction, and work may not move beyond an inspection stage without written approval11. The published building-permit fee for a new single-family home under 3,000 square feet is $2,700, and unpermitted work generally doubles that fee12. Agricultural structures are not a blanket exception: an agricultural exempt building permit has no fee unless plumbing or electrical work is included, and plumbing or electrical work still requires a permit13.

Who issues building permits in Will County?

The Will County Land Use Department's Building Division is at 58 East Clinton Street, Suite 100, Joliet, IL 60432; call 815-727-8634 or email building@willcountylanduse.com14. Current Planning & Zoning reviews every county building-permit application for zoning compliance15. SmartGov supports document submission, building-inspection scheduling, building-permit payments and application tracking16.

Joliet17, Romeoville18, New Lenox19, Homer Glen20, Mokena21, and Crete22 handle their own building permits. Septic permitting remains with the Will County Health Department throughout the county4.

Does Will County have zoning?

Will County zoning applies to unincorporated land and incorporated cities and towns without zoning ordinances23. Joliet24, Plainfield25, Romeoville26, New Lenox27, Lockport28, Homer Glen29, Crete30, and University Park31 administer their own zoning. Septic permitting remains with the Will County Health Department throughout the county4.

For unincorporated Will County, minimum lot areas are 10 acres in A-1, subject to farmstead-split exceptions, and 2.5 acres in A-232. Residential minimums are 215,000 square feet in E-1, 105,000 in E-2, 60,000 in R-1, 40,000 in R-2, 30,000 in R-2A, 20,000 in R-3, 12,500 in R-4 and 10,000 in R-5 and R-6, subject to ordinance exceptions32. Well and septic requirements can further limit development32. A-1 and A-2 street setbacks are 100 feet from the road centerline; side and rear setbacks differ5. Ask Current Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's district and minimum dwelling size, which we could not confirm3315.

How do septic permits work in Will County, Illinois?

The Will County Health Department's Private Sewage Program administers septic permitting in Will County under applicable county and Illinois rules4. Contact the program at 815-727-8490 or 501 Ella Avenue, Joliet, IL 6043334. A soil evaluation is required before a septic permit is issued, and the septic permit must precede installation of a new onsite wastewater system35. Septic lot-size minimums range from 16,000 to 60,000 square feet depending on soil category and private-well use; these health standards do not replace zoning-district minimums36. Only 0.2% of Will County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a parcel-specific evaluation before buying land for a septic-served home37.

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on your land in Will County?

In unincorporated Will County, RVs and qualifying noncommercial trailers may be parked or stored on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts, but may not be lived in6. Permitted vehicles must use a constructed driveway and may not encroach into the right-of-way or over a public sidewalk6. The rule does not settle RV occupancy in other districts; ask Current Planning & Zoning before planning RV living elsewhere or during construction615. Illinois allows manufactured homes as dwellings subject to applicable installation and local requirements; that does not establish permission on a particular Will County parcel38. We could not confirm a county tiny-home occupancy rule; ask Current Planning & Zoning about the proposed use and the Building Division about building permits and codes1514.

How do you build a home in Will County, Illinois?

  1. Confirm which government has jurisdiction: county zoning applies in unincorporated Will County and in incorporated cities and towns without their own zoning ordinance23.
  2. Use the official zoning map, then confirm the allowed use, minimum lot area, setbacks and lot coverage with Current Planning & Zoning3332539.
  3. If the project divides land, contact Development Review before designing lots or roads because Will County administers a Subdivision Ordinance40.
  4. Arrange the required soil evaluation and obtain the Health Department's septic permit before onsite wastewater work begins35.
  5. Apply online, submit documents and pay the applicable building-permit and site-development fees through the Land Use Department's process161241.
  6. Obtain an IDOT driveway permit before constructing access to a state highway42.
  7. Submit floodplain materials if any part of the proposed hydrologic disturbance lies in a floodplain8.
  8. Schedule the required building and septic inspections as work proceeds1143.

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

Order a septic soil evaluation before closing because soil category and private-well use can change the health department's minimum lot-size requirement, and only 0.2% of Will County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field3637. Compare that result with the separate lot minimum for the parcel's agricultural or residential zoning district32. Check the official zoning map and ask Development Review whether a planned land division must follow the Will County Subdivision Ordinance3340. Check the whole work area against floodplain mapping because a floodplain submittal is required when any part of a proposed hydrologic disturbance lies in a floodplain8. Confirm whether access is from a county road or state highway because IDOT requires a driveway permit before work on state-highway access begins42. Will County's effective property-tax rate is about 2.3%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $6,9934445.

Watch-outs

  • Will County's owner-builder exception is narrow: qualified farmers may work on their own agricultural and personal-use structures only after demonstrating their ability to the Building Division, and plumbing or electrical work still requires a permit7.
  • Living in or occupying an RV is prohibited on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts in unincorporated Will County, even though qualifying vehicles may be parked or stored there under stated conditions6.
  • We could not confirm the county-road driveway permit rule or issuing office; ask the Building Division which road authority must approve your access14.
  • Only 0.2% of Will County's soils avoid severe septic limitations, so do not assume a conventional drain field will work on any given parcel — get the Health Department's site evaluation before you rely on one37.

Sources

  1. Chapter 150 Will County Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  2. Will County Code § 155-1.40 Applicability and Jurisdiction, quoted and re-checked
  3. willcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. Wells and Septic Systems | Will County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Will County Code § 155-2.30 Agricultural Lot and Building Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Will County Code § 155-11.65 Parking of Trucks, Trailers and Recreational Vehicles, quoted and re-checked
  7. Will County Building Ordinance, Chapter 150, quoted and re-checked
  8. Stormwater Technical Guidance Manual, quoted and re-checked
  9. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Will County Land Use Department Building, quoted and re-checked
  11. Chapter 150 Will County Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  12. Will County Code § 158.02 Building Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  13. Will County Building Ordinance, Chapter 150, quoted and re-checked
  14. Will County Land Use Department — Building Division (willcounty.gov)
  15. Will County Land Use Department — Current Planning & Zoning (willcounty.gov)
  16. willcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  17. Joliet: Residential Building Permit Information | City of Joliet (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Romeoville: § 150.25 Requirements (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Village of New Lenox: Building Inspections | New Lenox, IL (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Village of Homer Glen: Chapter 220, Article XII: Administration and Enforcement (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Village of Mokena: 8-1-4: Permit Requirements (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Village of Crete: New Residents – Village of Crete (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Will County Code § 155-1.40, Applicability and Jurisdiction, quoted and re-checked
  24. Joliet: Joliet Code of Ordinances, Sec. 6-10 (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Village of Plainfield: Plainfield Code of Ordinances, § 9-13, Uses (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Village of Romeoville: Chapter 157: Zoning Code (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Village of New Lenox: Zoning | New Lenox, IL (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  28. Lockport: official source (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  29. Village of Homer Glen: Village of Homer Glen, IL Code of Ordinances (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Village of Crete: Sec. 28-274. R-1 single-family residence district (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  31. Village of University Park: University Park Code § 1232-03, Control over yards and other open space (Will County), quoted and re-checked
  32. Will County Code § 155-2.30 Lot and Building Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  33. Current Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  34. Will County Health Department — Private Sewage Program (Joliet Main Office) (willcountyhealth.org)
  35. Will County Health Department Board of Health packet — Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  36. Will County Code Appendix C: Tables, quoted and re-checked
  37. 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
  38. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  39. Will County Code § 155-2.30 Agricultural Lot and Building Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  40. Development Services Division, quoted and re-checked
  41. Will County Land Use Department Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  42. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  43. Private Well and Septic Program, quoted and re-checked
  44. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  45. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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, Will County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleWill CountyKankakee CountyCook CountyDuPage CountyKendall CountyGrundy CountyKane County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Dept. of Public HealthCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Will County in Illinois

32
County map
Will County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Will County scores

Seclusion10100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency53100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability66100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost46100% 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 →

$379kTypical home
2.3%Property tax
$10,259Land / acre
39.2"Annual rain
0.6% of yrsSevere drought
4.5 / yr (+4.3)Mid-century 100°F days
13.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.85" (+7.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.73×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,649Home insurance / yr
3% / yrInsurance growth
1.12%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
292,054People within 30 min
11,448,398People within 2 hr
543,031Radius comparison (15 mi)
838.3People / sq mi
3.4%Federal land
98.2%Land at 15% slope or less
0.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
1,289 acWorkable land screen
29.8%Wooded land
40 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Will 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 Bolingbrook · Crest Hill · Crete Township · Custer Township · Du Page Township · Village of Elwood · Florence Township · Village of Frankfort · Green Garden Township · Homer Township · Jackson Township · Joliet Township · Lockport Township · Village of Manhattan · Monee Township · New Lenox Township · Village of Peotone · Plainfield Township · Reed Township · Village of Shorewood · Village of Symerton · Washington Township · Wesley Township · Wheatland Township · Will Township · Wilmington · Wilmington Township · Wilton Township

Answers from the rulebook for Will County

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

Will County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Regulated building work in unincorporated Will County.

    • A written permit is issued only after proposed work conforms to the Building Ordinance and other pertinent laws.
    • A completed approved list of registered contractors is required before permit issuance.
    • Permits expire one year after issuance unless renewed or extended.
    • Demolition permits lapse after 60 days if not completed.
    “A permit must be obtained in advance and all other requirements of the Building Ordinance must be complied with whenever a building or parts of appurtenance thereof [...] located outside the limits of cities, villages and incorporated towns of this county and regulated by the Ordinance, is erected, installed, altered, converted, remodeled, re-roofed, structurally repaired, moved or changed, except as provided hereafter:”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Qualified farmers performing work on their own agricultural and personal-use structures on personally owned property.

    • Farmer must demonstrate ability to perform the work to the Building Division's satisfaction.
    • Applies to personally owned remote parcels.
    • Plumbing or electrical work requires a permit.
    “Qualified farmers who can demonstrate their ability to perform such work, to the satisfaction of the Building Division, may work on his/her own agricultural and personal use structures located upon their personally owned property. This shall apply to any personally owned remote parcels”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction regulated by the Will County Building Division under the current Will County Building Ordinance.

    • The Building Section administers and enforces codes adopted by the Will County Board.
    • Other state and local approvals may apply.
    “The regulations and standards contained in the previously published books or pamphlets referred to in this Ordinance are hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this Building Ordinance.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction inspections for regulated buildings in unincorporated Will County.

    • Required inspections include foundation, rough building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, insulation, final, and other applicable inspections.
    • Work may not proceed beyond an inspection stage without written approval.
    • Final inspections must occur after completion and before occupancy.
    • Agriculturally exempt buildings are inspected for code compliance without fee.
    • Applicable health, highway, and fire-district approvals may also be required.
    “Progression of Inspections---work shall not be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    All development, public or private, within unincorporated Will County.

    • Areas within incorporated cities, villages, and towns that have zoning ordinances in effect are excluded.
    • Areas within incorporated cities and towns without zoning ordinances are subject to the county ordinance.
    • State or federal law and express ordinance exceptions may apply.
    • The ordinance states an effective date of 10-1-2012.
    “The regulations of this zoning ordinance apply to all development, public or private, within unincorporated Will County, except as provided by state or federal law or otherwise expressly stated in this zoning ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation across Will County, aggregated across county-administered unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.

    • Will County administers zoning only for unincorporated areas under the County zoning ordinance.
    • A city, village, or incorporated town zoning ordinance supersedes a county zoning plan within that jurisdiction's corporate limits.
    • Municipalities may have their own zoning codes.
    “Each of the municipalities participating in the County CDBG entitlement program has adopted its own zoning code. As a result, Will County only administers zoning for unincorporated areas under the jurisdiction of the Will County zoning ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of zoning jurisdiction in incorporated and unincorporated areas.
      “Areas within the incorporated limits of cities, villages, and towns that have zoning ordinances in effect are excluded from the jurisdiction of this zoning ordinance. Areas within the incorporated limits of cities and towns that do not have zoning ordinances in effect are subject to the provisions of this zoning ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Official Will County zoning districts and maps for unincorporated areas.

    • The Current Planning & Zoning Division maintains official zoning maps and records for public inspection.
    • The zoning code contains agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, overlay, and special-purpose districts.
    “The Planning & Zoning Division also maintains for public inspection the County's official zoning maps and all official records pertaining to the Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot sizes associated with private wells and sewage systems, varying by soil category under the County sewage tables.

    • Soil Category F is unsuitable where bedrock is less than 32 inches from the surface.
    • For sand or other soil types, minimum distances are determined for the proposed system and approved by the Health Authority if the soil provides treatment.
    • These are sewage-system lot-size requirements and do not replace zoning-district minimum lot areas.

    soil category A or B minimum lot size with private well: 20000 square feet · soil category A or B minimum lot size: 16000 square feet · soil category C minimum lot size with private well: 30000 square feet · soil category C minimum lot size: 24000 square feet · soil category D minimum lot size with private well: 40000 square feet · soil category D minimum lot size: 32000 square feet · soil category E minimum lot size with private well: 60000 square feet · soil category E minimum lot size: 60000 square feet

    “A | 20,000 | 16,000 | 100 | 90 | 300 B | 20,000 | 16,000 | 100 | 90 | 400 C | 30,000 | 24,000 | 120 | 90 | 600 D | 40,000 | 32,000 | 150 | 150 | 800 E | 60,000 | 60,000 | 150 | 150 | 1,000 F | Unsuitable: Bedrock less than 32 inches from surface”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Minimum zoning lot areas for principal and accessory uses in Will County agricultural and residential zoning districts.
      “L1 | Minimum Lot Area (square feet) | 215,000 | 105,000 | 60,000 | 40,000 | 30,000 | 20,000 | 12,500 | 10,000 | 10,000”
    • Specified — Principal and accessory uses allowed in Will County agricultural zoning districts A-1 and A-2
      “L1 | Minimum Lot Area (acres) | 10[1] | 2.5”
    • Specified — Principal and accessory uses allowed in Will County residential zoning districts E-1, E-2, R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, R-5, and R-6
      “L1 | Minimum Lot Area (square feet) | 215,000 | 105,000 | 60,000 | 40,000 | 30,000 | 20,000 | 12,500 | 10,000 | 10,000”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings and uses in Will County agricultural and residential zoning districts.

    • Agricultural A-1/A-2 street setbacks are 100 feet, side setbacks are 50/20 feet, and rear setbacks are 50/50 feet.
    • Residential district setbacks vary by district and use.
    • Exceptions and measurement rules are in § 155-18.10.

    A-1 street setback: 100 feet from centerline of road · A-2 street setback: 100 feet from centerline of road · A-1 side setback: 50 feet · A-2 side setback: 20 feet · A-1 rear setback: 50 feet · A-2 rear setback: 50 feet

    “Minimum Setbacks (feet) | | S1 | Street (from CL of road) | 100 | 100 S2 | Side | 50 | 20 S3 | Rear | 50 | 50”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Principal and accessory uses in Will County agricultural districts.

    • A-1 and A-2 agricultural districts have maximum building coverage of 20 percent.
    • Other district-specific regulations and exceptions may apply.

    maximum building coverage: 20 percent (A-1 and A-2 agricultural districts)

    “B1 | Maximum Building Coverage (%) | 20 | 20”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Living in noncommercial trailers and recreational vehicles on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts.

    • The rule applies to A-2 and residential zoning districts.
    • RVs and trailers may be parked or stored subject to the section's limits and conditions, but may not be lived in.
    • Maximum combined outdoor count is three in A-2, E-1, E-2, R-1 and R-2 districts, and two in R-2A, R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6 districts.
    • Permitted vehicles must be parked on a constructed driveway and may not extend or encroach into the right-of-way or over the public sidewalk.
    • The ordinance does not establish the same occupancy conclusion here for other zoning districts.

    maximum combined outdoor RVs: 3 vehicles (A-2, E-1, E-2, R-1 and R-2 districts) · maximum combined outdoor RVs: 2 vehicles (R-2A, R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6 districts)

    “Parking or storage of noncommercial trailers displaying or requiring the display of a class “TA” Illinois state license plate (or out of state equivalent), recreational trailers displaying or requiring the display of a class “RT” Illinois state license plate (or out-of- state equivalent), travel trailers, camping trailers, boats, personal water crafts, all-terrain vehicles, or similar recreational vehicles may be parked or stored, but not lived in, on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts, subject to the following regulations:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Living in or occupying noncommercial recreational vehicles, travel trailers, camping trailers, boats, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, or similar recreational vehicles on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts
      “Parking or storage of noncommercial trailers displaying or requiring the display of a class “TA” Illinois state license plate (or out of state equivalent), recreational trailers displaying or requiring the display of a class “RT” Illinois state license plate (or out-of- state equivalent), travel trailers, camping trailers, boats, personal water crafts, all-terrain vehicles, or similar recreational vehicles may be parked or stored, but not lived in, on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts, subject to the following regulations:”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal and septic-system review, inspection, permitting, and approval administered by the Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division in Will County.

    • The Private Sewage Program operates under applicable codes and issued permits.
    • For subdivision plats, Will County Health Department approval is conditional on the listed requirements being met.
    • For lots with homes of three bedrooms or fewer, the subdivision certificate specifies a minimum 1,000-gallon septic tank; each bedroom above three requires at least 250 additional gallons; a garbage grinder or disposal requires a 50% increase in tank working capacity.
    • For individual mechanical sewage treatment systems in residential subdivisions, the system must meet the minimum requirements of the Will County Sewage Treatment and Disposal Ordinance; a three-bedroom sand filter must be at least 300 square feet; the owner must maintain a service contract; and the minimum lot size is 40,000 square feet with a minimum lot width of 120 feet.
    • Private water supplies serving dwellings require a permit from the Illinois Department of Public Health under the Illinois Water Well Construction Code and Illinois Water Well Pump Installation Code.

    septic tank capacity for homes with three bedrooms or fewer: 1000 gallons · additional septic tank capacity per bedroom above three: per 250 gallons · garbage grinder or disposal septic-tank capacity increase: 50 percent · minimum sand-filter area for three-bedroom mechanical system: >= 300 square feet · minimum lot size for residential subdivision with individual mechanical systems: >= 40000 square feet · minimum lot width for residential subdivision with individual mechanical systems: >= 120 feet

    “The Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division provides inspections of water wells, waste water treatment systems and non-community public water supplies. The Private Sewage Program assures proper installation of wastewater treatment systems that are in line with all codes and issued permits. For FY2018, EH conducted 2,010 water program activities, 1,166 sewage program activities, and handled 138 septic permits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Private sewage permitting and administration in Will County.
      “The Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division provides inspections of water wells, waste water treatment systems and non-community public water supplies. [...] For FY2018, EH conducted 2,010 water program activities, 1,166 sewage program activities, and handled 138 septic permits.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of a new sewage onsite wastewater treatment system in Will County.

    • Each application must be accompanied by the fee designated in Appendix A.
    • The fee is non-refundable if the applicant decides not to construct the proposed system.
    • A soil evaluation must be conducted before issuance of a permit.
    • The evaluation must be conducted by a representative of the Will County Health Department or by persons identified in Section 905.55 of the Illinois Department of Public Health Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code.
    “An sewage onsite wastewater treatment permit must be issued by the Health Authority before the commencement of construction or repair of an sewage treatment or disposal onsite wastewater treatment system takes place.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New and repaired wells and septic systems in Will County.

    • The official program guide describes inspections on all new and repaired wells and septic systems.
    “inspections on all new and repaired wells and septic systems”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural structures and qualified farmers under the Will County Building Ordinance.

    • Plumbing or electrical work requires a permit.
    • Qualified farmer must demonstrate ability to the Building Division's satisfaction for work on personally owned agricultural and personal-use structures.
    “Agricultural exempt permits are no fee permits unless electrical or plumbing is installed as part of the permit. See agricultural exemptions in the Will County Zoning Ordinance (155-1.50). Any plumbing or electrical will require a permit and shall meet all codes for these installations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and development review administered under the Will County Subdivision Ordinance.

    • The Development Review Division administers and implements the Will County Subdivision Ordinance.
    • The cited source establishes the ordinance and county administration but does not provide the full set of subdivision standards or exemptions.
    “The Development Review Division supports and assists the Land Use and Development Committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Will County Stormwater Management Planning Committee by administering and implementing the Will County ordinances and adopted plans listed below: [...] Will County Subdivision Ordinance”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Hydrologic disturbance proposed within a floodplain in unincorporated Will County, including development where only part of the disturbance lies in the floodplain.

    • A floodplain submittal is required whenever a hydrologic disturbance is proposed within a floodplain.
    • The submittal is required if any part of the hydrologic disturbance will be in the floodplain, even if the majority of the development lies outside the floodplain.
    • All floodplain modifications must be the minimum required to accomplish the development.
    • For new base flood and floodway determinations, the applicant must provide the IDNR-OWR permit and FEMA approval when IDNR-OWR permitting authority applies.
    • The Administrator decides whether stormwater-permit review may begin before written receipt of IDNR-OWR and FEMA approval when permits are required.
    • Hydraulic disturbance of the base flood and floodway may not occur until all necessary permits are issued and received by the Administrator.
    • A special use permit for floodplain development and IDNR sign-off are required when applicable.
    “A floodplain submittal is required whenever a hydrologic disturbance is proposed within a floodplain. The submittal is required if any part of the hydrologic disturbance will be in the floodplain, even if the majority of the development lies outside the floodplain.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building permits and plan examinations in unincorporated Will County.

    • Fees vary by permit type, construction category, square footage, and number of inspections.
    • Exterior dimensions are used for plan-review fee calculations, subject to the ordinance's attic and accessory-structure exceptions.
    • All plan-exam fees are non-refundable.
    • The building official may refer plans for third-party review, with costs borne by the building or structure owner.
    • Work performed without a permit doubles permit fees, except when performed by previous owners.
    • Permit extensions cost 100% of the original fee for an entire year or one-twelfth per month; an additional year renewed before expiration costs 50% of the original fee.

    new single-family home, duplex or townhouse under 3,000 square feet: 2700 USD · new single-family home, duplex or townhouse 3,000 to 4,000 square feet: 3000 USD · new single-family home, duplex or townhouse over 4,000 square feet: 3300 USD (plus $100 for every additional 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof) · plan exam fee, IRC building 0 to 400 square feet: 100 USD · plan exam fee, IRC building 401 to 1,000 square feet: 150 USD · plan exam fee, IRC building 1,001 to 2,000 square feet: 200 USD · plan exam fee, IRC building 2,001 to 3,000 square feet: 250 USD · plan exam fee, IRC building 3,001 to 4,000 square feet: 300 USD · plan exam fee, IRC building 4,001 to 5,000 square feet: 350 USD · plan exam fee, all mobile units under IRC: 100 USD

    “New Single Family Home, Duplex or Townhouse under 3,000 square feet | $2,700”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Will County Land Use Department site-development permits and listed residential/agricultural land-use applications
      “WILL COUNTY LAND USE DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE rev. 7/21/2011”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Will County Land Use Department permit processing through the SmartGov portal.

    • Applicants apply online, submit documents, schedule inspections, pay fees, print permits, and view permit information.
    “contractors and applicants apply for permits, submit documents, schedule inspections, pay fees, print their permit, and view detailed information regarding their permits.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “A permit to construct a new water well, modify an existing water well or seal an abandoned water well shall be obtained from the Department or approved local health department prior to start of work.”
  • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Dwellings in unincorporated Will County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Will County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Will County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Will County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Residential utility connection 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.

Water rights & wells in Will County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Illinois’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Reasonable-use rule (Water Use Act of 1983, 525 ILCS 45). New high-capacity wells get 30-day SWCD/ISWS review, but domestic/household wells are below the threshold and exempt (Illinois Water Well Construction Code still applies).

Limit: household wells exempt; only high-capacity points (>=100,000 gpd) notify SWCD/ISWS

Illinois Water Use Act of 1983 (525 ILCS 45) ↗
  • Northeastern Illinois deep bedrock (Cambrian-Ordovician) aquiferpartial of county

    Illinois State Water Survey documents unsustainable drawdown (300-800+ ft) of the deep sandstone aquifer; St. Peter sandstone is partially desaturated in Will, Kane and Kendall and some deep wells are projected to fail by ~2030, steering communities toward Lake Michigan water. The stress affects deep high-capacity municipal/industrial wells; shallow domestic wells are exempt.

    Illinois State Water Survey — NE Illinois water-supply planning ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Illinois state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Will County, Illinois

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

Will County scores 32/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 292,054 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Will County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Will County Health Department, Private Sewage Program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Will County is prohibited: Living in noncommercial trailers and recreational vehicles on lots in A-2 and residential zoning districts. The rule applies to A-2 and residential zoning districts. RVs and trailers may be parked or stored subject to the section's limits and conditions, but may not be lived in. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Will County, Illinois?

Land in Will County runs about $10,259 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Will County?

Will County gets about 39.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.6% of years. On water rights, Will County lies in the Northeastern Illinois deep bedrock (Cambrian-Ordovician) aquifer — Illinois State Water Survey documents unsustainable drawdown (300-800+ ft) of the deep sandstone aquifer; St. Peter sandstone is partially desaturated in Will, Kane and Kendall and some deep wells are projected to fail by ~2030, steering communities toward Lake Michigan water. The stress affects deep high-capacity municipal/industrial wells; shallow domestic wells are exempt..

How remote is Will County?

A representative private-land location has about 292,054 people within a 30-minute drive and 11,448,398 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 Will compares in Illinois

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