Will County, IL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

Unless specifically exempted by Illinois State Statutes - such as, but not limited to the Herptiles-Herps Act (510 ILCS 68/1 et seq.), Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/1 et seq.), and Criminal Code; Dangerous Animals (720 ILCS 5/48-10 (c)) - the care and keeping of exotic animals must be approved in accordance with the special use permit procedures of § 155-16.40 which shall include any and all licenses and permits required by state or federal agencies and departments.

(B)   Minimum lot area.

(1)   A-1, A-2, E-1 and E-2 Districts.

(a)   Exotic animal rehabilitation facility; indigenous; less than 22 lbs./10 kg. - not less than 2 acres.

(b)   Exotic animal rehabilitation facility; indigenous; 22 lbs./10

kg. or larger – not less than 5 acres.

(c)   All other exotic animal uses – not less than 10 acres.

(2)   C-6 Recreational Commercial District. Exotic animal zoological park not less than 10 acres.

(3)   All other commercial and industrial districts. Not less than 0.5 acres (21,780 square feet) or district lot area requirements, whichever is greater.

(C)   Minimum setbacks. All buildings, enclosures and animal run/exercise areas for exotic animals approved under paragraph (A) of this section must be set back at least 250 feet from all R-zoned lots and at least 500 feet any dwelling unit or community building such as, but not limited to, school, place of worship, or government office building. No setback is required from a