How Joliet Handles Environmental Rules: A Practical Guide

Joliet maintains 121 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with environmental rules. 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.

Coastal Development

Joliet is an inland city in Will County, Illinois, approximately 200 miles from any coastline. There are no coastal development regulations applicable to Joliet. The city is not within any coastal zone management area. Development near the Des Plaines River is governed by floodplain regulations rather than coastal rules.

Key details: Coastal Zone: Not applicable; Joliet is an inland city. Nearest Coast: Lake Michigan shoreline approximately 40 miles northeast. Waterfront: Des Plaines River; governed by floodplain regulations. Coastal Program: Illinois Coastal Management Program does not apply to Joliet.

Not applicable. There are no coastal development regulations in Joliet.

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

Flood Zones

Joliet has significant FEMA flood zones along the Des Plaines River, roughly between the river on the west and Eastern Avenue on the east. Properties in flood zones must comply with FEMA building requirements including elevation standards. Updated FIRM maps took effect February 15, 2019.

Key details: Primary Area: Des Plaines River corridor. FIRM Date: February 15, 2019. Boundary: River to Eastern Ave (approx). Lookup: msc.fema.gov.

Building in a flood zone without compliance may result in permit denial, fines, and ineligibility for federal flood insurance. NFIP violations may affect community rating.

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.

Erosion Control

The City of Joliet regulates erosion and sediment control through its Consolidated Stormwater Management, Soil Erosion, and Sediment Control regulations within the Building Code (Chapter 8, Article X). Any land-disturbing activity requires an erosion control plan. Velocity dissipation measures must be incorporated into basin designs to minimize erosion at inlets and outlets. The city serves as the permitting authority for all land-disturbing activities.

Key details: Governing Code: Joliet Code of Ordinances Chapter 8, Article X. Permit Required: Erosion Control Permit for all land-disturbing activities. Standing Water: Must drain within 72 hours for events below 100-year. BMPs Required: Silt fencing, inlet protection, stabilized entrances. Maintenance: Landowner responsible for all on-site facilities.

Violations of erosion control requirements may result in stop-work orders, fines, and required remediation. The city may perform corrective work at the property owner's expense if violations are not addressed.

Grading & Drainage

The City of Joliet regulates grading and drainage through the Consolidated Stormwater Management Regulations (Chapter 8, Article X). Grading permits are required for land-disturbing activities. Grading plans must show existing and proposed grades, drainage patterns, and erosion control measures. The ordinance prohibits altering drainage to cause adverse impacts on neighboring properties.

Key details: Governing Code: Joliet Code Chapter 8, Article X. Permit Required: Grading permit for all land-disturbing activities. 2-Year Discharge: Maximum 0.04 cfs per acre. 100-Year Discharge: Maximum 0.15 cfs per acre. Drainage Impact: Cannot divert stormwater to cause damage on neighboring lots.

Unauthorized grading or alterations to drainage patterns may result in stop-work orders, required restoration of original grades, fines, and remediation at the property owner's expense.

Stormwater Management

The City of Joliet regulates stormwater management through its Consolidated Stormwater Management Regulations (Chapter 8, Article X). The ordinance controls peak discharge rates, requires detention for new development and redevelopment, and mandates best management practices. Peak 2-year discharge cannot exceed 0.04 cfs per acre and peak 100-year discharge cannot exceed 0.15 cfs per acre.

Key details: Governing Code: Joliet Code Chapter 8, Article X. 2-Year Peak Discharge: Maximum 0.04 cfs per acre. 100-Year Peak Discharge: Maximum 0.15 cfs per acre. Standing Water: Must drain within 72 hours in dry basins. Permit Required: Stormwater control plan for all land-disturbing activities.

Non-compliance with stormwater requirements may result in stop-work orders, permit revocation, fines, and required remediation. The city may perform corrective work at the owner's expense.

The Bottom Line

Joliet's environmental rules 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 Joliet is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Joliet's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.