Lot Coverage Limits: Bolingbrook vs Joliet
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Bolingbrook, IL and Joliet, IL?
Bolingbrook and Joliet have similar restriction levels.
Bolingbrook, IL
Will County
Will County LUO limits residential lot coverage to 30 to 40% depending on district. Municipal limits range 35% (Frankfort large-lot R-1) to 50% (Romeoville R-4). Countywide Stormwater Ordinance adds impervious-surface triggers for flood-prone Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee River basins.
View full Bolingbrook rules →Joliet, IL
Will County
The City of Joliet limits lot coverage by all roofed structures to no more than 30% of the total lot area. This limit excludes driveways, sidewalks, pools, decks/patios, and fences. The lot coverage requirement is part of the Zoning Ordinance and is enforced during the building permit review process.
View full Joliet rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bolingbrook | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| County R-3/R-4 | 40% building coverage | - |
| Joliet R-2 Impervious | 60% total | - |
| Frankfort R-1 | 30% / 50% | - |
| Stormwater Trigger | >0.5 ac or 5,000 sf | - |
| Permeable Credit | 50% in most | - |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | - | 30% of total lot area |
| Included | - | All roofed structures (house, garage, sheds) |
| Excluded | - | Driveways, sidewalks, pools, decks, patios, fences |
| Enforcement | - | Verified during building permit review |
| Variance | - | Available through Zoning Board of Appeals |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bolingbrook FAQ
Does my driveway expansion need a stormwater permit?
If your project adds more than 5,000 sq ft of impervious area or disturbs over half an acre, yes. Smaller residential additions are exempt but still count toward municipal lot-coverage caps. Check with your city engineer or Will County Land Use.
How do the DuPage and Des Plaines floodplains affect coverage?
Parcels in FEMA floodplains along the Des Plaines, DuPage, Hickory Creek, and Kankakee Rivers face stricter limits under Will County Stormwater Ordinance Article IV and typically require compensatory storage, even for small additions.
Joliet FAQ
What is the maximum lot coverage in Joliet?
All roofed structures on a lot cannot cover more than 30% of the total lot area. This includes the house, garage, and any accessory buildings with roofs.
Do driveways count toward lot coverage in Joliet?
No. Driveways, sidewalks, pools, decks, patios, and fences are excluded from the 30% lot coverage calculation. Only roofed structures are counted.
Can I get a variance if my project exceeds 30% lot coverage in Joliet?
Yes. You may apply for a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals at the Community Development Department if your project would exceed the 30% limit.
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