Building Setbacks & Zoning in Winnebago County, IL (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Winnebago County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Winnebago County sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks that vary by residential zoning district, from R-1 through R-4.
Winnebago County Yard Setbacks by Zone
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County, IL Code of Ordinances, Ch. 90, Sec. 8.9, Table 8.2
TABLE 8.2: RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS BULK AND YARD STANDARDS ... MINIMUM YARD STANDARDS FRONT YARD [R-1] 30 ft [R-2] 30 ft [R-3] 30 ft [R-4] 30 ft ... INTERIOR SIDE YARD [R-1] 6 ft [R-2] 6 ft; minimum of 12 ft between exterior walls of principal structures ... REAR YARD [R-1] 30 ft [R-2] 30 ft [R-3] 25 ft [R-4] 25 ft
Structure Height Limits
Winnebago County caps most residential buildings in the R-A through R-2 and R-MH Districts at 35 feet or 2½ stories under UDO Table 8.2, rising to 40 feet/3 stories in the R-3 District and 50 feet/4 stories for a true multi-family building in R-4. Building taller requires a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals under Sec. 4.2.
Winnebago County Residential Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 8.9, Table 8.2 (Residential Districts Bulk and Yard Standards); Sec. 8.9.3, Table 8.4 (R-MH District)
TABLE 8.2: RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS BULK AND YARD STANDARDS R-A R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-MH BULK STANDARDS ... MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT 35 ft or no more than 2½ stories | 35 ft or no more than 2½ stories | 35 ft or no more than 2½ stories | 40 ft or no more than 3 stories | Four-Family: 40 ft or no more than 3 stories MF: 50 ft or no more than 4 stories | See Section 8.9.3 ... 8.9.3 Bulk and Yard Standard...
Lot Coverage Limits
Winnebago County's Unified Development Ordinance limits impervious surface on single-family lots in the AG, A-1, and A-2 districts to 40% of lot area, with non-residential uses allowed up to 60% or 65%.
Winnebago County Caps Impervious Surface at 40%
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County UDO Sec. 7.7, Table 7.2 (Ch. 90)
MAXIMUM IMPERVIOUS SURFACE Single-Family Dwelling: 40% All Other Uses: 60% Single-Family Dwelling: 40% All Other Uses: 60% Single-Family Dwelling: 40% All Other Uses: 65% 35%
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