Zoning
Lee County adopted zoning regulations in 1961 in order to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the county. Zoning regulates the uses allowed on land and the location of improvements on that land and the regulations are enacted according to the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) (55 ILCS 515-12001 et seq) and the Lee County Zoning Code.
Zones
The unincorporated area of the county is divided into districts or "zones". Certain types of uses are allowed in each of these zones. The ordinance lists those uses. Anyone building in the county should be aware of the underlying zoning on their land so that they can become aware of what activities are allowed under zoning.
Agricultural Exemption
Certain agricultural uses are exempt from meeting local zoning requirements according to state law. Contact the Zoning Department to determine if you qualify for this exemption.
Enforcement
The Zoning Office enforces the zoning ordinance by first sending a violation notice for the offense. If the first attempt at compliance fails, a second and final written notice and order of compliance is issued which orders the violator to come into compliance. Failure to do so will require a complaint letter to be filed with the State’s Attorney Office for further action.