Zoning

*****Notice: Temporary Suspension of Zoning Applications*****

Washington County Zoning is currently unable to process Special Use Permits or Zoning Map Amendments.

Per Illinois Statute 127.2a, the Soil and Water Conservation District must provide a written opinion before the County can act on zoning petitions. The USDA office in Nashville, IL, which houses the SWCD, is closed due to staff furlough.

Until funding is restored and staff return, no new zoning applications can be processed. Updates will be posted here when normal operations resume.

ALL CONSTRUCTION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY REQUIRES A BUILDING PERMIT INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS!

This office is located in the old jail building.

• Washington County Zoning Board of Appeals Information
• Washington County Illinois – Revised Zoning Ordinance
• Parcel Division in Washington County
• Washington County Wind Energy Siting Ordinance **UPDATED May 25th, 2023**
• Washington County Commercial Solar Farm Ordinance  **UPDATED May 25th, 2023**
• Washington County Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Ordinance ** Adopted Sept. 29th 2025** 
• Building Permit Application
• Special Use Permit Application
• Zoning & Text Amendment Application
• Natural Resource Inventory Request (must be included with Zoning Map Amendment)
• Variance Application
• Communications Tower Application
• Wind Mitigation information
• Washington County Comprehensive Plan 

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The zoning board of appeals consist of 7 members coming from all 3 County Board districts. These members are appointed by the County Board for 5 year terms in accordance with Illinois law (55 ILCS 5/5-12001)

• 2023 Washington County Board of Appeals

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING DATES, NOTICES AND AGENDAS