Joliet, IL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

City Code Sec. 8-34 makes it unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure, change occupancy to something requiring greater strength, exitway or sanitary capacity, or install or alter regulated equipment without first filing a written application with the inspector and obtaining the required permit. The only carve-out is for "ordinary repairs" as defined in Sec. 8-8, work that does not cut into a wall or partition, remove or cut a structural beam or bearing support, alter a required exit path, or touch standpipes, water supply, sewer, drainage, gas, electric wiring, or other work affecting public health or safety. Getting a building permit does not substitute for the separate electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits required elsewhere in Chapter 8, and any activity the fire prevention code requires a permit for still needs one even if a building permit was issued.

Applications go to the chief of inspections or a delegate under Sec. 8-33, on the form the enforcement official prescribes, with the fee set in Division 11 (Sec. 8-35), plus disclosure of every owner of the building and land, including trustees, beneficiaries, partners, or shareholders holding more than three percent of a corporation. Under Sec. 8-43, the enforcement official examines the application within a reasonable time; a nonconforming application is rejected in writing with reasons stated, and issuance can be deferred while the applicant or owner is under a pending stop-work order, compliance ticket, or enforcement hearing. Sec. 8-43(d) also bars any permit on a parcel with unpaid city debts, including water, sewer, license, permit, inspection, board-up, weed-cutting, or demolition charges. A rejected applicant may appeal in writing to the city manager within three calendar days of notice.