Accessory Structures in Joliet, IL (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Joliet, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Joliet regulates accessory structures through the zoning ordinance. Illinois HB 2373 (effective 2024) encourages ADU development statewide and limits municipal restrictions in certain contexts. ADUs must comply with all building code, zoning setback, and lot coverage requirements.
Joliet Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Joliet's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 47 of the Code of Ordinances) does not define 'accessory dwelling unit' as a standalone use category. A second self-contained dwelling on a single-family lot is generally permitted only where the underlying district allows two-family use (R-2 and higher) or where the Zoning Board of Appeals grants a variance or special use under Article 47 procedures. Illinois has no statewide ADU preemption statute; under the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/) and home-rule status, Joliet retains full zoning authority. Construction is governed by the Illinois Residential Code (Capital Development Board adoption of the IRC).
Joliet ADU Permits (Zoning Ordinance Ch. 47 + Illinois Building Code)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Illinois has no statewide development impact fee enabling statute analogous to California's Mitigation Fee Act. The Illinois Road Improvement Impact Fee Law (605 ILCS 5/5-901 et seq.) authorizes only county-level road impact fees in counties with populations over 400,000 (Will County qualifies but uses this authority sparingly). Joliet, as a home-rule municipality under Article VII Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution, may impose certain development-related fees, but charges on a second dwelling unit are generally limited to building permit fees under the Illinois Residential Code adoption, water and sewer tap fees through Joliet Public Utilities, and any Will County road impact fee where applicable.
Joliet ADU Impact Fees (Limited Authority — Permit and Tap Fees Only)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Joliet's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 47) does not contain an explicit owner-occupancy definition for accessory dwellings because 'ADU' is not a defined use. Where a second dwelling has been approved through a variance or special use, the Zoning Board of Appeals may attach an owner-occupancy condition under Chapter 47 procedures. Illinois has no statewide preemption of municipal owner-occupancy rules; home-rule authority under Article VII Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution preserves Joliet's discretion.
Joliet ADU Owner-Occupancy (No Codified Rule — ZBA Conditions in Practice)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rentals (30 days or more) of accessory dwelling units in Joliet require registration under the city's residential rental licensing program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are separately regulated by the Joliet Zoning Ordinance, with hotel-motel tax obligations under Joliet's Hotel-Motel Tax (authorized under 65 ILCS 5/8-3-14). Tenancies are governed by the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705/), the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/), and the Will County Circuit Court forcible-entry-and-detainer process. Illinois prohibits rent control under the Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/).
Joliet ADU Rental Rules (Registration Required; STR Separately Regulated)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Joliet requires building permits for sheds and regulates placement through the zoning ordinance. Detached accessory structures larger than 200 square feet must be constructed to complement the principal structure in material and colors. Sheds are not allowed in the required 20-foot corner side yard setback.
Joliet Shed Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Joliet requires building permits for garage conversions to living space. Converted spaces must meet all habitable space standards under the adopted International Residential Code including heating, plumbing, electrical, and egress requirements.
Joliet Garage Conversion Regulations
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Joliet regulates carports as accessory structures under the zoning ordinance and building code. Building permits are required. Carports must comply with setback requirements and are counted toward lot coverage maximums. Structures over 200 sq ft must complement the principal structure.
Joliet Carport Regulations
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Joliet does not have specific tiny home ordinances. Tiny homes on foundations must meet all International Residential Code standards as adopted under Section 8-175, including minimum room sizes. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and subject to RV parking restrictions.
Joliet Tiny Home Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Will County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Joliet city rules.
Accessory Structures in Will County →