Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in McHenry County, IL (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated McHenry County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Obstruction Rules

McHenry County keeps every County Highway right-of-way legally clear: § 10.12.410 forbids any activity that obstructs traffic or poses a safety hazard without the prior written permission of the McHenry County Division of Transportation. That covers grading, drainage work, landscaping and temporary closures alike, all governed by specific permits under the same Access Control Ordinance.

McHenry County Right-of-Way Obstruction Rules

Significant Restrictions

McHenry County Code § 10.12.410(A)

In order to safeguard the users of the County Highway System, the County's right-of-ways must be kept free of obstructions that pose, or potentially may pose, a safety or operational hazard to the public. Disruptions to traffic that affect, or could potentially affect, the flow of traffic in a detrimental manner shall not occur without the prior permission of the McHenry County Division of Tran...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

Placing anything private, a driveway culvert, a fence, a sign, in the right-of-way of a McHenry County Highway is barred by default. County Code § 10.12.360(D) lets the McHenry County Division of Transportation approve a non-public utility or facility only case-by-case, often on condition of a long-term financial guarantee, and every facility permit still costs $300 to file.

Private Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits in McHenry County

Significant Restrictions

McHenry County Code § 10.12.360(D)

Non-public utilities or non-public facilities are limited for placement within County Highway rights-of-way. Special approval by the McHenry County Division of Transportation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event that the McHenry County Division of Transportation determines that placement of a non-public utility or facility is permissible, the permittee may be required to pro...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All McHenry County ordinances

See every category we cover for McHenry County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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