Planning and Zoning Department

The Planning & Zoning Department provides the following services to property owners and others in Macon County:

  • Administers the Zoning, Subdivision, Floodplain, and Unified Storm Water ordinances that regulate land use in the unincorporated areas of Macon County.
  • Reviews permit and zoning applications, issues building permits and enforces the International Building Code for all new construction and remodel projects outside of the incorporated cities, villages and towns in the County.
  • Investigates alleged violations and complaints involving nuisances.
  • Maintains the Zoning District maps for the unincorporated areas.
  • Provides staff support for the Macon County Regional Planning Commission.

Rezoning, Special Use Permit, or Variances

County Ordinances

To view Planning & Zoning ordinances, go to https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/maconcounty/latest/overview

Building Permit Information

Wind Farms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What building Codes does the County follow?
  • 2015 International Code Council (ICC)
  • 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC)
How do I file a nuisance complaint?

Fill out a nuisance Complaint Form and submit it to the Property Standards Officer for further investigation.

What are the fees for a building permit?
Why do we have building codes?

Building codes are designed to safeguard health and safety in every building.

Why do I need a permit to do this work?

By obtaining a permit, the local inspector oversees the work being done on the job site. Also work without a permit is illegal and can pose problems when you try to sell your house.

When do I apply for a permit?

A permit must be obtained before work begins.

What if I forgot to apply for a permit?

The fees on the permit are 1 ½ times the existing fees.

Planning & Zoning Department Downloads

To view current Planning & Zoning ordinances, visit amlegal.com/library/il/maconcounty.shtml

Title
Garage/Shed – Building Permit Application
 1 file(s) 		March 13, 2020 Download
New Residence/Room Addition – Building Permit Application
 1 file(s) 		March 13, 2020 Download
2018 Regional Planning Commission Agendas
 1 file(s) 		August 23, 2018 Download
Required Inspections
 1 file(s) 		March 14, 2018 Download
Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule
 1 file(s) 		September 14, 2017 Download
Planning & Zoning FOIA Request Form
 1 file(s) 		July 26, 2016 Download
Wind Farm Exhibits
 1 file(s) 		August 13, 2015 Download
Twin Forks Special Use Permit Application
 1 file(s) 		August 12, 2015 Download
Applicant Checklist and Fee Schedule
 1 file(s) 		November 17, 2014 Download
Petition For Variance
 1 file(s) 		March 5, 2013 Download
Petition for Special Use Permit
 1 file(s) 		March 5, 2013 Download
Petition for Rezoning
 1 file(s) 		March 5, 2013 Download
Nuisance Complaint Form
 1 file(s) 		January 7, 2011 Download
Land Disturbance Permit
 1 file(s) 		June 29, 2009 Download

FOIA Requests

Requests for information and public records under FOIA for the Macon County Planning & Zoning can be made in writing, subject to fees, to:

Macon County Planning & Zoning FOIA Officer
Jennifer Gunter
141 S. Main Street, Room 501
Decatur, IL 62523
Phone 217-424-1466
Fax 217-424-1459
Email: jgunter@co.macon.il.us

FOIA Request Form