Illinois Tiny House Zoning Laws & Regulations

Complete guide to tiny house zoning laws in Illinois. See which of the 81 counties and cities allow tiny homes, minimum square footage requirements, ADU rules, and permit information.

Illinois tiny house zoning map with county boundaries and regulation overview
AuthorLittle Houses For Sale Team
Last Updated

TLDR: Illinois Tiny House Zoning

Illinois has no statewide tiny house rules. This guide covers all 81 counties and cities. Regulations vary dramatically by county and city. Many rural counties are flexible, while suburban areas often have strict minimums. Always verify with local zoning before buying land.

Covers ADU regulations and requirements

Covers park model regulations and requirements

Covers THOW regulations and requirements

Covers permitting regulations and requirements

Covers county regulations and requirements

Covers Illinois regulations and requirements

Information for 81 counties in Illinois

This information is current as of January 2026. Always confirm with your local planning department or county zoning office, as regulations change frequently.

This information is current as of January 2026. Always confirm with your local planning department or county zoning office, as regulations change frequently.

Illinois Tiny House Zoning Laws Overview

Illinois does not have a unified set of statewide tiny house laws. Each county and city sets its own rules on minimum square footage, foundation requirements, and where tiny homes can be placed. This means regulations vary widely across the state's 102 counties. For permanent tiny houses on foundations, local building codes apply. Most jurisdictions follow the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Code (IBC), which sets a minimum of 120-150 square feet for habitable dwellings. However, many Illinois municipalities enforce their own minimums, ranging from no requirement in rural areas to 900+ square feet in some suburban jurisdictions. Tiny houses on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles (RVs) in most Illinois jurisdictions. This means they are typically only allowed for permanent dwelling in RV parks, mobile home parks, or specific zones that permit RV living. Some rural, unzoned areas may have more flexibility. Many Illinois counties allow tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing properties. ADU regulations vary by location - some require special approval, while others allow them by right in certain zones. Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties all have ADU provisions, though requirements differ. The practical approach in Illinois: Start by determining if your target location is incorporated (city/village rules apply) or unincorporated (county rules apply). Then contact the local building and zoning department to confirm minimum square footage, foundation requirements, and whether tiny homes on wheels are permitted.

Illinois has no statewide tiny house rules. This guide covers all 81 counties and cities. Regulations vary dramatically by county and city. Many rural counties are flexible, while suburban areas often have strict minimums. Always verify with local zoning before buying land.

Understanding the zoning laws is just the first step. Once you know what is legal in Illinois, you can start looking at tiny houses for sale in Illinois or connect with experienced Illinois builders who work within these regulations. If you want a turnkey solution, consider joining a tiny house community in Illinois where all the zoning and permits are already handled.

Before you buy land or start construction, use our zoning finder tool to check specific county requirements, and get a budget estimate with our free tiny house cost calculator. If you're planning to go off-grid, check out our comprehensive off-grid living guide to understand utility and septic requirements.

Illinois County-by-County Tiny House Zoning Guide

Select a county to view specific zoning regulations, minimum square footage requirements, and official resources.

Detailed Illinois County Tiny House Regulations

Many tiny house buyers in Illinois work with professional builders who already understand these local rules. These companies can handle the permit process and make sure your home meets all the safety codes. Browse our list of vetted Illinois builders to find someone who can help.

Not sure if building or buying is right for you? Read our complete tiny house buyer's guide to understand all your options, or explore available tiny houses for sale in Illinois that may already meet local zoning requirements.

Cook County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Cook County allows tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing residential properties. ADUs must follow local building codes in your specific area, as codes vary throughout this large county.

Park model homes are only allowed in mobile/manufactured home parks. Park models in Cook County must have a minimum of 320 square feet and can be placed on a permanent foundation or remain on wheels, but must be securely anchored for permanent occupancy.

Contact the building and zoning department for your specific municipality within Cook County, as requirements differ across the county's many cities and villages.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
320 sq ft minimum for park models in mobile home parks; ADU sizes vary by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Park models can be on foundation or wheels but must be anchored; ADUs typically require foundation
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed in mobile/manufactured home parks; not permitted as primary residence on individual lots

Official Resources

DuPage County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

DuPage County permits tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing residential properties. The main purpose of ADUs in this county is to provide housing for family members who may need additional support.

Park model homes are allowed for permanent residence only in mobile home parks. They can be on wheels or on a foundation but must be securely anchored.

Contact the DuPage County Building Permits department for specific requirements in your target location, as rules can vary by municipality.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality; contact building department for specifics
Foundation Requirements
ADUs on existing property; park models must be anchored in mobile home parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed as permanent residence in mobile home parks

Official Resources

Lake County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Lake County allows tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing properties. ADUs must follow proper building codes. The county code does not explicitly state a minimum area for tiny homes.

Park model regulations are not clearly outlined in public resources. Contact the Building & Code Enforcement department for details on park models and specific tiny home requirements in your area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
No explicit minimum stated; contact building department
Foundation Requirements
ADUs must follow building codes; foundation requirements vary
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning department for THOW regulations

Official Resources

Will County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Will County allows tiny homes. The codes do not clearly specify whether tiny homes must be accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or can be separate from existing property. Either way, they are legal.

The maximum area for ADUs in residential areas is 480 square feet, which likely applies to tiny homes as well.

Park models are only allowed in mobile home parks and must be anchored for permanent residence. Contact the Will County Planning and Zoning Department for complete regulations.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
ADUs max 480 sq ft in residential areas; minimum not specified
Foundation Requirements
Park models must be anchored in mobile home parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed in mobile home parks with proper anchoring

Official Resources

Kane County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Kane County permits tiny homes. The county does not appear to have codes that strictly prohibit tiny home habitation. However, different districts enforce different minimum sizing standards.

Park models are allowed in Kane County as well, though it is uncertain whether they must be kept in mobile home parks.

Contact the Kane County Building and Zoning Division for specific sizing standards and location requirements in your target area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by district; contact zoning for specifics
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary by district
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Park models allowed; location requirements unclear

Official Resources

McHenry County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

McHenry County has relatively relaxed tiny home regulations. The county adopted parts of the 2021 International Residential Code, including Appendix AE which outlines regulations for manufactured homes (which commonly includes tiny homes).

Sizing standards may vary depending on your location within the county. Tiny homes on wheels likely need to be anchored to the ground for permanent occupancy approval.

Contact the local building office for sizing requirements specific to your area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by location; Appendix AE adopted for manufactured homes
Foundation Requirements
Park models likely need anchoring for occupancy approval
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact planning and development department for specific rules

Winnebago County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Winnebago County permits tiny homes in specific districts. Unlike many Illinois counties, you may be able to have a tiny home separate from an existing property here, which is a significant advantage.

Park model regulations appear relatively relaxed, with multiple districts allowing them. However, always contact the zoning authorities in Winnebago County to confirm exactly where you are allowed to place a tiny or park model home.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by district; contact zoning for specifics
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary by district
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in multiple districts; verify specific location

Madison County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Madison County has fair tiny home regulations with a maximum size standard of 300 square feet, though this may vary in some areas.

Park models are allowed in certain districts with a special use permit (SUP). Park models must be safely secured to the ground for permanent residence.

Check the mobile home park code and contact the building and zoning department for complete requirements and building permits.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Up to 300 sq ft; may vary by area
Foundation Requirements
Park models must be secured to ground
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in certain districts with special use permit

St. Clair County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

St. Clair County makes it easy to live in a park model tiny home. The MH-1 District (Mobile Home Residence District) allows people to put a tiny home wherever they please within the district.

This is one of the more accommodating counties in Illinois for tiny home living.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Check with zoning for specific requirements
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary; contact zoning
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in MH-1 Mobile Home Residence District

Champaign County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Champaign County permits tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing properties. ADUs must comply with applicable building codes.

The code does not specify a minimum size for tiny homes. Park model regulations are not entirely clear. Contact the Champaign County Planning and Zoning Department for complete requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
No minimum specified; contact building department
Foundation Requirements
ADUs must meet building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Park model regulations unclear; contact zoning

Sangamon County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Sangamon County permits tiny homes in manufactured home parks or in certain districts with a conditional use permit.

The rules for park models are less clear regarding whether they must remain in manufactured home parks or can be located in other districts. Contact the building and zoning department for specific guidance.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Check with zoning for specific requirements
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary by permit type
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in manufactured home parks; conditional use permits available for some districts

Peoria County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Restrictions Apply

Peoria County has restrictions on tiny home sizes. The county enforces a minimum of 600 square feet for park models outside of mobile home parks.

However, if you choose to have a tiny home as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your existing property, the minimum size is 350 square feet.

This county is more restrictive than many rural Illinois counties.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
600 sq ft minimum outside mobile home parks; 350 sq ft for ADUs
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary by dwelling type
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Restricted to mobile home parks for sub-600 sq ft homes

McLean County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

McLean County allows tiny homes as accessory units to your current home or in mobile home parks.

Sizing standards are not clearly specified in publicly available resources. Contact the county's building and zoning department for minimum and maximum size requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Contact building and zoning department for specifics
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary by location
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed as ADU or in mobile home parks

Rock Island County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Rock Island County allows tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing properties, provided they adhere to local building codes.

The regulations do not outline a minimum size for tiny homes. Park model rules are less defined. Contact Rock Island County's building and zoning department to confirm what is permitted in your area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
No minimum outlined; consult local building department
Foundation Requirements
ADUs must meet building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for park model rules

Kendall County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

It is unclear whether you can have a tiny home outside of a mobile home park in Kendall County. While accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted, the sizing standards are not clearly defined.

Contact the building and zoning department to get information directly from the source.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly defined; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Requirements unclear
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Mobile home parks likely required; verify with county

Tazewell County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Tazewell County allows tiny homes in mobile home parks or as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing properties. The minimum size requirement is 350 square feet.

Contact local zoning authorities to confirm regulations and obtain necessary building permits.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
350 sq ft minimum
Foundation Requirements
Must meet building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in mobile home parks or as ADUs

LaSalle County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Tiny home regulations in LaSalle County are not clearly outlined in publicly available resources. Zoning and building requirements can vary significantly between municipalities within the county.

Reach out to the LaSalle County Zoning Department for accurate information on restrictions, permit processes, and specific requirements for tiny homes in your area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning department
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for specific rules

Kankakee County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Tiny homes should be allowed in Kankakee County. The county has districts and some regulations for park models, though sizing standards are not clearly stated.

Contact the zoning office in your area to learn about minimum park model square footage and other requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly stated; contact zoning office
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary by district
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Park models have district regulations

Macon County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Macon County allows park model homes in any mobile home park. The code is not clear on sizing standards.

Contact the planning and zoning department to learn about tiny home regulations in Macon County.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly stated; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Requirements vary
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in mobile home parks

DeKalb County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

It is not entirely clear whether tiny homes are permitted in DeKalb County. Local codes reference mobile home parks and accessory structures but lack specifics on minimum size requirements or whether accessory structures can be used as dwellings.

Contact zoning authorities directly for detailed information and guidance.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not specified; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
References accessory structures; details unclear
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Mobile home park references exist; verify with county

Vermilion County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Information on Vermilion County's adopted building codes is not easily accessible, and it is unclear whether tiny homes are explicitly permitted.

Contact the local building department directly for accurate details about regulations, requirements, and any restrictions.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not accessible; contact building department
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact for specific rules

Williamson County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Tiny home regulations in Williamson County are managed at the municipal level, with individual towns and cities setting their own rules.

Zoning laws, building codes, and restrictions can vary depending on where you plan to place your tiny home. Contact the local building or zoning department in your specific municipality for accurate information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Adams County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Tiny home regulations in Adams County are not clearly outlined in publicly available resources. Whether tiny homes are allowed depends on local zoning laws, building codes, and placement location.

Reach out to the zoning or building department in the county or your target municipality for the most accurate information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly outlined; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact for specific rules

Whiteside County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Whiteside County allows tiny homes. According to the zoning code, park model tiny homes are permitted in A-1 (Agricultural) and A-R (Agricultural-Residential) districts.

The code specifies that park models must have their wheels removed and be placed on a permanent foundation. Minimum size requirements are not clearly outlined.

Contact the building and zoning department for detailed information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly outlined; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Park models must have wheels removed and be on permanent foundation
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Must remove wheels and place on foundation in A-1 and A-R districts

Grundy County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Tiny home regulations in Grundy County are not explicitly detailed in publicly available resources. Building codes and zoning ordinances can vary significantly between municipalities.

Consult directly with the Planning and Zoning Office for accurate information on local requirements, permits, and restrictions.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Boone County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Tiny home regulations in Boone County are not readily available through public resources. Zoning laws and building codes can vary across different areas of the county.

Check with the Boone County Building and Zoning Department for accurate information on restrictions, size requirements, and permits.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Jackson County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Park model tiny homes are permitted in Jackson County. While the county's building codes do not contain extensive details specific to tiny homes, there is no prohibition against them as long as they comply with existing building regulations.

Multiple homes in the area are under 600 square feet, demonstrating that small dwellings are allowed. Contact the local zoning or building department for specific requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
No prohibition on small homes; some under 600 sq ft exist
Foundation Requirements
Must comply with building regulations
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Park models permitted; contact for specifics

Ogle County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Ogle County has not adopted a unified building code; instead, it relies on codes established by individual municipalities.

Information regarding tiny home regulations can vary widely depending on your specific area. Contact the planning and zoning department for your location to get accurate information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Henry County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Henry County allows park model tiny homes. According to county codes, certain districts permit park model homes with a minimum of 320 square feet built on a permanent chassis.

Contact the zoning and building department for detailed information about regulations in your specific area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
320 sq ft minimum for park models
Foundation Requirements
Must be on permanent chassis
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Park models allowed on permanent chassis in certain districts

Knox County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Knox County permits tiny homes in mobile home parks throughout the county. Tiny homes must be built on a permanent chassis.

Contact the zoning department to learn about any specific exceptions or restrictions for your area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Contact zoning for specifics
Foundation Requirements
Must be on permanent chassis
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in mobile home parks on permanent chassis

Coles County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Coles County does not have a unified building code. Instead, it follows codes set by individual municipalities.

Regulations for tiny homes can vary depending on your specific location. Contact the regional planning department for accurate, up-to-date information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Macoupin County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Macoupin County does not enforce a countywide building code. Building regulations are set by individual municipalities such as Carlinville, Gillespie, or Staunton.

Rules for tiny homes can vary depending on your exact location. Contact the building or zoning department in your target municipality.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Stephenson County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Park model tiny homes are likely allowed in mobile home parks within Stephenson County. However, publicly available regulations do not specify minimum size requirements.

Contact the zoning department for details specific to your situation.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not specified; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Likely allowed in mobile home parks

Woodford County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Tiny home regulations in Woodford County are not clearly outlined in publicly available resources. Zoning and building requirements can vary depending on the location.

Consult the building and zoning department for accurate details on size limitations, restrictions, and necessary permits.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Franklin County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Franklin County does not have a countywide building code. Building regulations are set by individual municipalities.

Rules for tiny homes can vary depending on where you plan to live. Contact the building or zoning department in your specific area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Clinton County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Laws regarding tiny homes in Clinton County are not well-documented in public resources. Zoning and building rules can differ depending on your location within the county.

Reach out to the Clinton County Zoning Office for specifics on size requirements, restrictions, and permits.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly documented; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Marion County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Marion County does not have a single set of building codes. Each town or city sets its own rules, meaning what is allowed for tiny homes can vary quite a bit.

Contact the local building or zoning department for the town you are interested in for accurate information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Jefferson County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Jefferson County leaves building regulations up to its individual towns and cities rather than following a single, unified code. Rules for tiny homes can vary depending on your location.

Check directly with the zoning or building department of the specific town or municipality you are considering.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Livingston County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Livingston County's code of ordinances does not include specific information about tiny homes. The county requires a ground floor of at least 672 square feet for standard dwellings, which may affect tiny home placement.

Zoning regulations may dictate where tiny houses can be located, such as in designated communities or as accessory dwelling units. Contact the county's planning and zoning department for guidance.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
672 sq ft minimum for ground floor (standard dwellings); tiny home specifics unclear
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for specific rules

Monroe County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Not Allowed

Unfortunately, tiny homes are not allowed in Monroe County. The county enforces a 900-square-foot minimum area throughout all districts.

You can still contact the county's zoning and building department in case there are any exceptions for tiny homes not documented in online resources.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
900 sq ft minimum enforced countywide
Foundation Requirements
N/A - tiny homes not permitted
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Not allowed due to size minimum

Effingham County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Effingham County does not enforce countywide building regulations. Building codes and zoning rules are decided individually by each town or city.

What is allowed for tiny homes will depend on your exact location. Contact the local building or zoning office for requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Lee County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Lee County does not have countywide building regulations. Each city, town, or village makes its own rules, which can affect where and how tiny homes are allowed.

Contact the county's planning and zoning office for size requirements, restrictions, and permits.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Christian County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Tiny home regulations in Christian County are not clearly outlined in public resources. Zoning and building rules vary by location within the county.

Contact the zoning department for accurate information on size requirements, restrictions, and permits.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Bureau County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Finding information about tiny home regulations in Bureau County can be difficult as details are not readily available in public resources.

Speak directly with the planning and zoning department for restrictions, permit requirements, and size guidelines.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Fulton County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

In Fulton County, you are only allowed to have a park model tiny home in a mobile home park. Online resources do not provide much information about other types of tiny homes.

Contact the Fulton County Zoning Department for any exceptions or further restrictions in your area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Contact zoning for specifics
Foundation Requirements
Requirements for mobile home parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed in mobile home parks

Morgan County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Building regulations in Morgan County are not handled at the county level. Each town, city, or village sets its own rules.

What is allowed in one area might not be permitted in another. Contact the zoning or building department in your specific community.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Randolph County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

You may be able to have a tiny home in Randolph County. The county allows mobile homes in mobile home parks and on private property, meaning park models should be allowed as well.

Minimum sizing standards are not clearly defined. Contact the land resource management office for how small your tiny home can be.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly defined; contact land resource management
Foundation Requirements
Allowed on private property or in parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Park models likely allowed; verify specifics

Montgomery County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Montgomery County does not enforce building regulations at the county level. Each town, village, or city sets its own rules.

Requirements for tiny homes depend on where you plan to live. Contact the local zoning or building department.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Logan County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Logan County is one of the few Illinois counties with an actual tiny home ordinance. The county allows tiny homes in tiny home parks, ranging from 200 to 800 square feet.

Regulations mainly cover tiny homes in parks and leave out details about tiny homes outside these parks. Contact the Logan County Zoning Department for rules outside of tiny home parks.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
200-800 sq ft in tiny home parks
Foundation Requirements
Contact zoning for requirements outside parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in designated tiny home parks

McDonough County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

McDonough County does not manage tiny home regulations at the county level. Each individual town, village, or city has its own building codes and zoning rules.

Contact the building or zoning office in your target community for specific requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Iroquois County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Iroquois County allows tiny homes, though park model homes appear to only be permitted in mobile home parks. The mobile home park ordinance states that your park model must have an area of 220 square feet or greater.

Contact the planning and zoning department for additional information and potential exceptions.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
220 sq ft minimum for park models in mobile home parks
Foundation Requirements
Requirements for mobile home park placement
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed in mobile home parks

Saline County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Saline County does not regulate tiny homes at the county level. Zoning and building rules are set by individual towns, cities, and villages.

Contact the local zoning or building department in your target area for specific information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Jo Daviess County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Jo Daviess County allows 400+ square foot homes as accessory dwelling units on existing property. This is on the border of what many consider a tiny home.

In a mobile/manufactured home park, your home can be as small as 300 square feet. Contact the Department of Planning and Development for complete information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
400 sq ft for ADUs; 300 sq ft in mobile home parks
Foundation Requirements
ADUs on existing property; park models in designated parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
300 sq ft minimum in mobile home parks

Fayette County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Tiny home regulations in Fayette County are determined by individual towns, cities, and villages rather than at the county level.

Contact the local zoning or building department for the specific area you are interested in.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Jersey County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Jersey County allows tiny homes. The ordinance states that park models can have an area of 320 square feet, though it is unclear whether they are only allowed in mobile home parks or elsewhere.

Contact the zoning department in your area for more information, as the county does not have its own zoning department.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
320 sq ft for park models
Foundation Requirements
Contact local zoning
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed; location restrictions unclear

Shelby County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Restrictions Apply

Tiny homes are not allowed anywhere in Shelby County outside of mobile home parks due to the enforcement of a 900 square foot minimum for dwellings.

In a mobile home park, however, your park model home can be 256 square feet or more. Contact the Shelby County Zoning Department with questions.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
900 sq ft outside mobile home parks; 256 sq ft inside parks
Foundation Requirements
Only in mobile home parks for sub-900 sq ft
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed in mobile home parks

Perry County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Tiny home regulations in Perry County are managed by individual towns, cities, and villages, not at the county level.

Rules can differ depending on the area you are considering. Contact the zoning or building department in your target community.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Douglas County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

In Douglas County, tiny home regulations are set by individual towns, cities, and villages rather than the county itself.

Requirements can differ depending on the area. Contact the zoning or building department in your specific community.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Crawford County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Tiny home rules in Crawford County are determined on a municipal level. Each town, city, and village creates its own regulations.

Contact the local zoning or building department for the area you are interested in.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Hancock County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

Tiny home laws in Hancock County are handled by individual towns, cities, and villages, not the county.

Rules and requirements can vary based on where you plan to live. Contact the zoning or building department in your specific area.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Piatt County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Piatt County might allow park model homes. They allow mobile/park model homes on private property as long as they adhere to regulations. They are also allowed in mobile home parks.

Minimum area for dwellings is difficult to determine without contacting the zoning department. Reach out for specific requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Contact zoning for minimum requirements
Foundation Requirements
Allowed on private property with regulations
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in mobile home parks

Union County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Varies by Municipality

In Union County, tiny home regulations are set by local towns, cities, and villages rather than at the county level.

Rules and requirements can differ depending on the location. Contact the zoning or building department in your specific community.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by municipality
Foundation Requirements
Varies by municipality
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Varies by municipality

Marshall County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Marshall County allows tiny homes. Some districts even allow park models through a special-use permit.

Minimum sizing for park models is not clearly documented. Contact the Marshall County Zoning Department for minimum size requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Contact zoning for minimum requirements
Foundation Requirements
Special-use permits available in some districts
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Park models allowed with special-use permit in some districts

DeWitt County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Park model tiny homes can be used as dwellings in DeWitt County. They are allowed in the R-4 Mobile Home Residential District or other licensed mobile home parks.

The county code does not specify sizing requirements. Contact the county's planning and zoning department for details.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Contact zoning for specifics
Foundation Requirements
Allowed in R-4 District and mobile home parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in designated districts and parks

Menard County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Restrictions Apply

Menard County allows homes as small as 500 square feet in mobile home parks and in certain districts throughout the county.

If 500 square feet is too large for your needs, you might need to consider a different county unless you can acquire a special permit. Contact the zoning department for details.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
500 sq ft minimum
Foundation Requirements
Allowed in mobile home parks and certain districts
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
500 sq ft minimum applies

Carroll County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Carroll County allows tiny homes and is one of the few Illinois counties that specifically mentions them by name in its ordinances. Tiny homes are permitted in designated tiny home parks and must range from 300 to 800 square feet.

Contact the Carroll County Zoning and Building Department for complete details and up-to-date information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
300-800 sq ft in tiny home parks
Foundation Requirements
Designated tiny home parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in designated tiny home parks

Mercer County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

You may be able to have a tiny home in Mercer County since mobile homes are allowed in designated mobile home parks and even outside of them in some cases. Park model homes likely fit within this category.

Minimum size requirements are not clearly outlined. Contact the county's zoning department for details.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly outlined; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Allowed in and outside mobile home parks in some cases
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Likely allowed; verify with zoning

Warren County, Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

It is possible to have a tiny home in Warren County, as mobile homes are permitted in designated mobile home parks. Park model homes would likely fall under this allowance.

Minimum size requirements are not specified in public resources. Contact the county's zoning department for clarification.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not specified; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Allowed in mobile home parks
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Likely allowed in mobile home parks

Chicago (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Tiny homes are allowed in Chicago. Different parts of the city are subject to different zoning regulations, so you need to be aware of the restrictions in your specific area.

Contact Chicago's Zoning Administrators Office to understand the laws regarding tiny homes wherever you are in the city.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by zoning district; contact zoning office
Foundation Requirements
Must meet Chicago building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Subject to district regulations; contact zoning

Official Resources

Aurora (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

Tiny homes are legal in Aurora. While the city does not specify a minimum overall home size, it does set requirements for space per person. For example, a bedroom shared by more than one person must provide at least 50 square feet per person.

If you are living alone or with a partner, there are no minimum size requirements for living or dining areas. Contact Aurora's Zoning and Planning Department for additional requirements.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
No minimum overall size; 50 sq ft per person for shared bedrooms
Foundation Requirements
Must meet local building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for specific rules

Official Resources

Rockford (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

In certain areas within Rockford, tiny homes are permitted. The city is not clear on sizing standards for park models, but the ordinance states that they must be properly anchored for permanent residence.

Contact the Land Use and Zoning Department in Rockford for more information about their tiny home regulations.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not clearly defined; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Park models must be anchored for permanent residence
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Must be anchored; contact zoning for location rules

Official Resources

Joliet (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

There is limited available information about Joliet's tiny home regulations. The ordinance does mention mobile and manufactured homes, which are categories that park model tiny homes commonly fall under. The code does not go into sizing requirements.

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department in Joliet to find out what is allowed.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not specified; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Mobile/manufactured homes mentioned
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for specific rules

Official Resources

Naperville (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Finding information on tiny home regulations in Naperville can be challenging, as public resources do not offer clear details. Zoning laws and building codes may differ throughout the city.

Contact the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission for accurate and up-to-date information on size requirements, restrictions, and permits needed.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Official Resources

Springfield (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Finding information on tiny home regulations in Springfield can be challenging, as public resources do not offer clear details. Zoning laws and building codes may differ throughout the city.

Contact Springfield's Office of Planning and Economic Development for accurate and up-to-date information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact planning office
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Peoria (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

You can have a tiny home in Peoria. While the city's ordinance does not specify an exact minimum size, it does allow for very small homes. Park model tiny homes are only permitted in mobile home parks unless special circumstances apply.

Contact the city's Planning and Zoning Department for more details and any exceptions.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
No specific minimum; very small homes allowed
Foundation Requirements
Must meet building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed in mobile home parks unless special circumstances

Elgin (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Tiny homes are welcome in Elgin. While the city's ordinance does not outline a specific minimum size, it does permit very small homes. Park model tiny homes are only allowed in mobile home parks unless special exceptions are granted.

Contact Elgin's Planning and Zoning Department for the most up-to-date details.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
No specific minimum; small homes permitted
Foundation Requirements
Must meet building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Only allowed in mobile home parks unless exceptions granted

Waukegan (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Finding clear information on tiny home regulations in Waukegan can be tricky since public resources provide limited details. Zoning laws and building codes can vary across different parts of the city.

Contact Waukegan's Planning and Zoning Department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact zoning for rules

Champaign (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Unclear

Public information on tiny home regulations in Champaign can be hard to find, as zoning laws and building codes often differ across the city.

Contact the city's Building Safety Division for requirements on permits, size limits, and any restrictions.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Not publicly available; contact building safety
Foundation Requirements
Contact for requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Contact for rules

Bloomington (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed

You can own a park model tiny home in Bloomington. The regulations state that park models (considered mobile homes) must have a minimum area of 320 square feet and must be anchored to the ground for occupancy approval.

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department in Bloomington for details on where exactly in the city you can have a tiny home.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
320 sq ft minimum for park models
Foundation Requirements
Must be anchored to ground for occupancy
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
320 sq ft minimum; must be anchored

Decatur (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Decatur welcomes tiny homes, but with some specifics. Park model tiny homes are allowed within the city's park mobile home residence district. It is unclear whether they are permitted outside of this designated area.

Contact the city's zoning department for clarification on allowed locations.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Contact zoning for specifics
Foundation Requirements
Must meet district requirements
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Allowed in park mobile home residence district

Evanston (City), Illinois - Allow Tiny Homes?

Allowed with Restrictions

Tiny homes are allowed in Evanston, primarily under the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations. ADUs, which can include detached structures like tiny homes, are permitted on lots with existing primary residences.

Specific requirements such as size limits, placement, and zoning restrictions vary depending on the zoning district. Tiny homes must meet Evanston's building codes to be approved as permanent residences. Contact Evanston's Zoning Division for detailed information.

Note: According to city code, tiny houses are not allowed as primary residences on individual lots - only as ADUs with special approval in some zones.

Key Regulations

Minimum Square Footage
Varies by zoning district; contact zoning
Foundation Requirements
ADUs require compliance with building codes
Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
Not allowed as primary residence; ADUs permitted with special approval

Illinois Tiny House Zoning Resources & Planning Departments

Always verify with local authorities: Zoning laws and building codes change frequently. Before purchasing land, building, or moving a tiny house, contact your county planning department and building department to confirm current requirements.

Back to National Zoning Guide

Looking at other states? States with similar climates and zoning approaches include our guides for our state zoning guides where you can compare their rules.

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