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McHenry County, IL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Street setback
30 ft (A/E), 20 ft (R)
Interior side
10 feet
Rear setback
20-30 feet
Accessory structure
10 ft from any lot line
Authority
UDO Table 16.36-1; § 16.56.050A

Summary

In unincorporated McHenry County, residential and agricultural principal buildings generally need a 30-foot street setback, a 10-foot interior side setback, and a 20-30 foot rear setback (Table 16.36-1). Detached accessory structures must sit at least 10 feet from any lot line.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Accessory structures shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from any lot line, unless otherwise specified by this Ordinance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-5: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. A25-0037, passed 8-19-2025 | State legislation current through ALS 2025 Pamphlet No. 1).

Full Breakdown

Setbacks for unincorporated land are set by UDO Table 16.36-1 (§ 16.36.040). In agricultural (A-1/A-2) and estate/residential (E and R) districts, principal buildings typically require a 30-foot minimum street setback (A-1/A-2/E districts) or 20 feet (R-1/R-2/R-3), a 10-foot minimum interior side setback, and a 20-30 foot rear setback depending on district. Corner-side setbacks are larger. Separately, § 16.56.050A.1.d requires accessory structures to be at least ten feet from any lot line, with reduced setbacks in the Legacy Neighborhood Overlay and waterfront lots. Cities like Crystal Lake and Woodstock apply their own district setback tables; confirm your jurisdiction and zoning district.

Violations & Fines

Building within a required setback is a zoning violation; the county may require a variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals, relocation, or removal, and can withhold occupancy until corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far from my property line must I build?
In unincorporated McHenry County, principal buildings generally need a 30-foot street setback, 10-foot side setback and 20-30 foot rear setback (Table 16.36-1). Detached accessory buildings must be at least 10 feet from any lot line.
Do sheds and garages follow the same setbacks?
Detached accessory structures follow § 16.56.050A.1.d: at least ten feet from any lot line, with reductions only in the Legacy Neighborhood Overlay, waterfront lots, or nonconforming lots.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All McHenry County rules

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