How Joliet Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Joliet maintains 121 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Joliet falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

Joliet generally prohibits keeping farm animals including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine on residential property under Section 6-10. Farm animals are only allowed on property meeting the definition of a farm in the zoning ordinance (Section 47-3.9(c)). Potbellied pigs are a limited exception.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-10(c). Chickens: Prohibited in residential. Livestock: Farm property only. Potbellied Pig: 1 per household (conditions).

Fines up to $750 per offense under Section 1-8. Animals may be impounded.

This is one of the stricter rules in Joliet's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Wildlife Feeding

Joliet does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or restricting the feeding of wildlife on private property. The city's animal control provisions are in Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code (Animals and Fowl), which focuses primarily on domestic animal regulation. Feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance may be addressed through general nuisance provisions.

Key details: Feeding Ban: No specific wildlife feeding ban in municipal code. Animal Code: Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl) - domestic animal focus. Nuisance: Feeding creating nuisance may violate general nuisance provisions. Bird Feeding: Generally unrestricted. State Guidance: IDNR provides wildlife interaction guidance.

While there is no direct wildlife feeding ban, feeding that creates a public nuisance or attracts vermin may result in code enforcement action under general nuisance provisions.

The rules around wildlife feeding in Joliet lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

Joliet prohibits owning or keeping dangerous animals, primates, and exotic animals within city limits under Section 6-10. Exotic animals include alligators, bears, non-domestic felines and canines, sea mammals, and poisonous snakes.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-10(a)(b). Banned: Alligators, bears, primates, big cats. Venomous Snakes: Prohibited. State Law: 720 ILCS 5/48-10.

Fines up to $750 per offense under Section 1-8. Animals may be seized and removed.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Joliet actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

Dog Leash Laws

Joliet requires all dogs to be on a leash with a collar and current license tag when on any public property under Sections 6-21 and 6-22. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment. Dogs found at large a second time must be sterilized within 30 days.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-21, 6-22. Leash: Required on all public property. License Tag: Required on collar. Second Offense: Mandatory sterilization (30 days).

Fines up to $750 per offense. Dogs impounded. Second offense requires sterilization within 30 days at owner's expense.

Compared to other cities, Joliet takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Breed Restrictions

Joliet does not ban specific breeds but has a comprehensive dangerous and vicious dog ordinance under Section 6-28. Dogs deemed dangerous must be leashed, muzzled on public property, kept in a 6-foot escape-proof enclosure, and the owner must carry $100,000 liability insurance.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-28. Breed Ban: None (behavior-based). Insurance: $100,000 liability min. Enclosure: 6 ft escape-proof required.

Fines up to $750 per offense. Owners may be ordered to reimburse victims for damages. Vicious dogs may be euthanized by order.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Joliet actively enforces its breed restrictions requirements.

Beekeeping

Joliet prohibits keeping bee apiaries on residential property under Section 6-10(c), which bans all farm animals including bees within the city except on property meeting the farm definition in the zoning ordinance.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 6-10(c). Residential: Prohibited. Exception: Farm property only (Sec. 47-3.9(c)). State Preemption: None.

Fines up to $750 per offense under Section 1-8. Bees may be ordered removed.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Joliet actively enforces its beekeeping requirements.

The Bottom Line

Joliet is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Joliet, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Joliet's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.