Washington County IL Zoning

10/28/2025

NOTICE: Zoning Application Processing Temporarily Suspended

Please be advised that Washington County Zoning is currently unable to process any Special Use Permits or Zoning Map Amendments at this time.

Under Illinois State Statute 127.2a, the Soil and Water Conservation District is required to provide a written opinion on petitions or proposals related to zoning amendments, or land subdivision. The District must be given up to 30 days from receipt of a petition to issue that opinion before the County may proceed.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture office in Nashville, IL, which houses the local Soil and Water Conservation District, is temporarily closed due to staff furlough. Until funding is restored and staff are reinstated, our office is unable to move forward with these applications.

We understand this delay may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we await federal resolution. Updates will be posted here and on the County website as soon as normal processing can resume. Our office will still be open for building permitting, zoning complaints and zoning questions.

Please see the comments below for reference to the specific legislative citation.

09/17/2025

***He's Back***

Well folks… we hate to say it, but the Boss Man has officially been captured by the Rona. Yep, COVID-19 came in like a wrecking ball and took him right out of commission. The things he said following said diagnoses can't be shared here (we would like to NOT get shut down for his very colorful vocabulary).

Out of an abundance of caution (and Lysol), we’re shutting down the office to walk-in visitors this afternoon so we can sanitize every surface he may have breathed near, looked at, or even thought about.

Don’t worry though, we’re still answering phones, replying to emails, monitoring social media, and ready to respond to emergencies. Basically, we’re ghosting walk-ins, not the public.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and maybe send some chicken soup memes his way. 🍲

09/12/2025

HB 4116 – Energy Omnibus Bill Filed

Yesterday, HB 4116 was filed by Rep. Jay Hoffman. This is an Energy Omnibus bill that proposes a number of changes to existing energy-related law, including:

Updates to wind and solar siting law (starting on page 392)

Creation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) siting section (starting on page 411)

Establishment of a new assessment standard for property taxation of BESS (starting on page 386)

A similar proposal earlier this year did not advance due to local government opposition

This bill could affect existing ordinances adopted by local governments across the state, including here in Washington County.

As always, we encourage residents to review legislation directly and stay informed on proposals that may affect our communities.

You can view the bill here: https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&DocNum=4116&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=164114&SessionID=114

08/21/2025

BESS Ordinance Update 08/21/25

Discussion will continue on the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Ordinance at the next Regular Zoning Meeting, August 28th 2025

The public is welcome to attend.

07/28/2025

BESS Ordinance Update

For those following the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance, please note that the Zoning Board meeting held on July 24, 2025, was recessed without final action.

Discussion on the ordinance will continue at the next scheduled Zoning Board meeting:
📅 Thursday, August 28, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Washington County Courthouse – Board Room (upstairs)

The public is welcome to attend.

Send a message to learn more

04/18/2025

Important Update: 2025 Illinois 811 Rule Changes

If you're planning any digging projects in 2025, there are new JULIE (811) rules you need to know—and follow—to keep your project safe and legal.

What’s Changed:

"Day/Days" Definition Updated:
Weekends, JULIE-recognized holidays, and the day you submit your notice do not count toward the wait time.

Locate Request Timing:
Requests must be submitted at least 2 calendar days before digging, but no more than 10 days ahead of time.

Notice Expiration:
Locate notices now expire after 25 days. You may request an extension between Day 20 and Day 25.

Pre-Marking Required:
All requests must include pre-marking by:
• Physically marking the proposed excavation
• Using electronic white lining (when available)
• Providing a clear verbal description that limits markings to the actual dig area

Don’t take shortcuts. Striking a gas line isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious hazard. You’re not only putting yourself at risk, but also endangering your neighbors, utility crews, and first responders who will have to respond if something goes wrong.

Calling or clicking 811 before you dig isn’t optional—it’s a responsibility.

Learn more at www.illinois1call.com

56% of homeowners plan to dig without notifying 811 in the next year? Before starting to dig, it's important to call JULIE/811 in Illinois.

02/25/2025

Getting all set up for Tonight's meeting for the Okawville New Energy Equity Solar Project. Feel free to stop by, listen in and ask questions!

02/12/2025

The Washington County IL Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its regular monthly meeting on February 27, 2025.

A public hearing will take place at 7:30 PM at the Washington County Courthouse, 101 W. St. Louis St., Nashville, IL, to consider a request for a Zoning Map Amendment from Agricultural to Rural Residential (R-1) for property located just east of 24814 North Carolina Rd.

This will be the only opportunity for all interested persons to provide input for or against this proposal.

01/08/2025

No Zoning Board Meeting for January, due to no zoning requests having been made.

Send a message to learn more

12/26/2024

The deadline to submit zoning cases for the first Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting of 2025 is quickly approaching! Don’t miss your chance—otherwise, it’s another month of waiting.

📅 Submission Deadline: January 2, 2025, by 5:30 PM

This includes:
✅ Special Use Permits
✅ Variances
✅ Zoning Map Amendments

⚠️ Reminder: All building projects require a building permit, but only those over 150 sq. ft. have a fee. Filing the correct paperwork is essential—failure to do so may result in fines or construction stoppage until a permit is applied for.

📞 Questions? We’re here to help! Call us at 618-327-4800 ext. 345
🕒 Office Hours:

Tuesdays: 8 AM - 4 PM
Thursdays: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

11/25/2024

Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 28th, in observance of Thanksgiving.

We will reopen on Tuesday, December 3rd, for regular zoning business.

Most forms and zoning ordinances are available to download or view at: https://washingtonco.illinois.gov/zoning/