Lake County, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine
- $100-$500 per violation per day
- Issued by
- Lake County Engineer / DOT
- Permit types
- special event, utility, facility, connection
- Applies on
- county highways, even inside municipalities
Summary
Private work in a Lake County highway right-of-way -- sidewalks, utilities, or fixed facilities -- needs a use permit from the Division of Transportation before construction starts, even without a road closure.
Use of the county highway right-of-way for a non-highway function such as special events, utilities or facilities, whether temporary or permanent, shall be granted via one of four types of use permits. A permit is required for any work performed in the county highway right-of-way, even if a temporary or full closure of the roadway is not required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 90 requires a use permit for any non-highway work in a county highway right-of-way, covering special events, utilities, facilities (including municipal or government-owned sidewalks, storm sewers, and watermains), and single service connections. The County Engineer sets permit fees and can waive them only for county-driven improvement work. The chapter reaches any township or municipal land the county highway passes through, not just unincorporated areas, so a sidewalk or utility encroachment on a county road inside a city limit still needs this permit.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted or substandard work in the right-of-way draws a fine of $100 to $500 per access location, with each day the violation stays in place a separate offense; the Division of Transportation can also order work stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a sidewalk in the right-of-way need a Lake County permit?
Does this permit apply inside cities like Waukegan or Libertyville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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