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St. Clair County, IL Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Use type
Special Accessory Use
Allowed districts
A, RR, SR, SR-MH
Max dwelling used
40% of dwelling unit
Max accessory space
400 square feet
Per dwelling
Only one home occupation

Summary

In unincorporated St. Clair County a home occupation is a Special Accessory Use allowed in the A, RR, SR, and SR-MH districts. It must be clearly incidental to the home, use no more than 40% of the dwelling (or 400 sq ft of an accessory building), and cause no offsite

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

The home occupation shall not utilize more than forty percent (40%) of the dwelling unit or a total of not more than four hundred (400) square feet in an accessory building including enclosed storage area.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The St. Clair County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 40, adopted under 55 ILCS 5/5-12001) treats a home occupation as a Special Accessory Use permitted only in the Agricultural (A), Rural Residence (RR), Suburban Residence (SR), and SR-MH districts. The use must be clearly incidental and secondary to the dwelling, conducted entirely within the home or a permitted accessory building, and carried on only by the residents. It may not occupy more than 40% of the dwelling unit or more than 400 square feet of an accessory building, and only one home occupation is allowed per dwelling. It is expressly barred from the 'NB' (neighborhood business) district. Municipal residents follow their city or village zoning.

Violations & Fines

Operating a non-conforming home business, or one causing offsite noise, smoke, odor, or glare, violates the Zoning Ordinance and can be enjoined by the Zoning Administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a business from my rural home?
Yes, as a Special Accessory Use in the A, RR, SR, or SR-MH districts, if it stays incidental to the home and uses no more than 40% of the dwelling or 400 sq ft of an accessory building.
Can employees who don't live there work at my home business?
No. The county rule requires the use to be carried on by the inhabitants living in the dwelling, and no others.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Clair County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsCustomer Traffic RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All St. Clair County rules

How St. Clair County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare St. Clair County to another location·View the Illinois home business overview

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