Romeoville's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Romeoville, Illinois, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Carport Rules

Romeoville treats a detached carport as an accessory structure governed by Chapter 159 (Zoning Code). Section 159.020 requires accessory structures to be set back at least 5 feet from any side lot line and 10 feet from the rear lot line (7 feet rear in R-5A), capped at one story with a 15-foot ridge height and 9-foot wall height. Carports are listed as a permitted accessory use under Section 159.044, and a Building Division permit is required.

Key details: Zoning Chapter: Ch. 159. Key Sections: Sec. 159.020 / Sec. 159.044. Side Setback: 5 ft min. Rear Setback: 10 ft (7 ft in R-5A). Height Cap: 15 ft ridge / 9 ft wall, 1 story.

Building or installing a carport without a Building Division permit, placing it in a front yard or with less than the §159.020 5-foot side or 10-foot rear setback, exceeding the §159.020 one-story / 15-foot ridge / 9-foot wall height limits, or placing it within a recorded utility, drainage, or pipeline easement without written permission from every affected utility violates Chapter 159 and Chapter 150. Code Enforcement and the Building Division can issue stop-work orders and ordinance-violation notices, require removal or after-the-fact permitting, and pursue penalties under the Code of Ordinances general penalty section with each day a separate offense.

Shed Rules

Sheds and accessory structures in Romeoville require building permits and must comply with Chapter 159 Zoning Code setback and size requirements. The Building Division at 815-886-7200 handles permit applications. A plat of survey may be required. The Village adopts the International Building Code for construction standards.

Key details: Permit: Required — Building Division 815-886-7200. Code: Ch. 159 Zoning + IBC construction standards. Documentation: Plat of survey may be required. Setbacks: Per zoning district requirements.

Unpermitted structures receive a notice to either obtain a retroactive permit (with double fees) or remove the structure within 60 days. Fines of $100–$500 apply for non-compliance.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in Romeoville require building permits and must comply with Chapter 159 Zoning requirements. Converted garages must maintain required off-street parking. Illinois has no state-mandated garage-to-ADU conversion allowance. Contact the Building Division at 815-886-7200 for permit requirements and current zoning guidance.

Key details: Permit: Required — Building Division. Parking: Must maintain required off-street parking. State Law: No IL mandate for garage-to-ADU conversions. Contact: Building Division 815-886-7200.

Unpermitted garage conversions face fines of $500–$2,000, mandatory permit acquisition (double fees), and may need to be restored to garage use if code requirements cannot be met.

ADU Rules

Romeoville does not currently permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a by-right use in residential zones. The Village's Zoning Code (Chapter 159) does not include ADU provisions. Illinois has no statewide ADU mandate, so local zoning controls.

Key details: ADU Status: Not permitted under current zoning. State Law: No statewide ADU mandate. Code: Ch. 159 — no ADU provisions. Contact: Planning & Zoning 815-886-7200.

Unpermitted ADUs face stop-work orders and removal or legalization requirements. Fines of $500–$2,000 apply for unpermitted construction. Properties with illegal ADUs may face title issues at sale.

Compared to other cities, Romeoville takes a harder line on adu rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Romeoville's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Romeoville is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Romeoville's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.