Will County, IL Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Will County Land Use Ordinance §155-7 and municipal zoning codes regulate carports as accessory structures. Carports over 200 square feet require building permits with engineered or prescriptive plans per 2018 IRC. Attached carports are subject to the principal structure's setbacks (typically 30 ft front, 10 ft side, 30 ft rear in R-1/R-2). Detached carports must meet accessory structure setbacks: 3-5 ft side/rear in most municipalities, 10 ft in larger-lot zones. Front yard carports are prohibited in Joliet §47-7.3, Bolingbrook §11-3, Plainfield §9-33, and Romeoville §25-6; they must be behind the front building line. Maximum height typically 15 feet. Lot coverage (all impervious surfaces and accessory structures) cannot exceed 35-45% depending on zone. Structures must meet wind load (90 mph Exposure C) and snow load (25-30 psf ground) requirements. Will County Stormwater requires review if increase in impervious area exceeds thresholds. HOA covenants in many Plainfield, Naperville-area, and Frankfort subdivisions prohibit carports entirely. Prefabricated metal carports still require permits and must meet anchor requirements.