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🌍 Environmental Rules/Coastal Development

Coastal Development: Joliet vs Romeoville

How do coastal development rules compare between Joliet, IL and Romeoville, IL?

Joliet has fewer restrictions than Romeoville.

Joliet, IL

Will County

Few Restrictions

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.

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Romeoville, IL

Will County

Some Restrictions

Will County has no ocean coastline but regulates development along the DuPage River, Des Plaines River, Kankakee River, Hickory Creek, and numerous lakes and wetlands. WCSMO buffer requirements and FEMA floodplain rules govern riparian setbacks of 30-75 feet depending on waterway classification.

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Key Facts Comparison

FactJolietRomeoville
Coastal ZoneNot applicable; Joliet is an inland city-
Nearest CoastLake Michigan shoreline approximately 40 miles northeast-
WaterfrontDes Plaines River; governed by floodplain regulations-
Coastal ProgramIllinois Coastal Management Program does not apply to Joliet-
Stream Buffer-30-50 ft typical
Wetland Buffer-75 ft Advanced Review
Federal Permit-USACE §404 for fill
Floodplain-FEMA + WCSMO permit
Key Rivers-Des Plaines, DuPage, Kankakee

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Joliet FAQ

Does Joliet have coastal development regulations?

No. Joliet is an inland city in Will County with no coastline. There are no coastal development regulations applicable to Joliet.

Are there restrictions on building near the Des Plaines River in Joliet?

Development near the Des Plaines River is subject to floodplain management regulations and FEMA flood zone requirements, not coastal development rules.

Romeoville FAQ

Can I build a deck within 30 feet of a stream on my lot?

Generally no — WCSMO prohibits structures within the riparian buffer without a variance. Submit a buffer modification application to Will County Land Use Department for review.

Does the Kankakee River floodplain have stricter rules?

Yes. Portions of the Kankakee corridor are mapped as regulatory floodway where virtually all fill and structures are prohibited under IDNR-OWR rules (17 Ill. Adm. Code 3708).

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