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.
While Will County is inland, it contains significant water resources including the Des Plaines River, DuPage River (east and west branches), Kankakee River, Hickory Creek, and Jackson Creek, plus Lake Renwick and numerous lacustrine wetlands. The Will County Stormwater Management Ordinance establishes riparian buffers: 30 feet from intermittent streams, 50 feet from perennial streams, and 75 feet from wetlands of Advanced Review designation. Isolated Waters of Lake County/Will County (IWWC) require county permits for any fill or alteration. Section 404 permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District apply to Waters of the United States. Floodplain development in FEMA Zones A, AE, and AH requires Will County Floodplain Permit plus FEMA elevation certificates under 44 CFR 60.3. The Des Plaines River corridor through Joliet and Channahon has repeat-loss properties; ICC drainage fees apply. Wetland mitigation typically requires 1.5:1 to 3:1 replacement ratios.
Buffer zone violations: stop-work plus WCSMO fines $500-$5,000. Unpermitted wetland fill: federal CWA penalties up to $64,618/day under 33 USC 1319 (2024 adjusted). Unpermitted floodplain fill: community may lose NFIP status; property owner faces mandatory removal.
Will County, IL
Barking dogs in unincorporated Will County fall under the general noise ordinance (§133.04) if audible 75 feet beyond the property line during quiet hours (1...
Will County, IL
Will County §133.04 prohibits noise in all residential districts (and adjacent business districts) in unincorporated areas between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Nois...
Will County, IL
Will County §133.04 defines construction trades as home repair including construction, repair, and maintenance of structures and appurtenances, plus landscap...
Will County, IL
Will County §155-11.65 regulates truck and trailer parking in A-2 and residential districts. Commercial vehicles must be screened from view in side/rear yard...
Will County, IL
Unincorporated Will County does not have a county-wide overnight street parking ban. Parking on county roads is governed by the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 IL...
Will County, IL
In unincorporated Will County, vehicles must be parked on approved parking surfaces in residential districts. The zoning code (Chapter 155) governs driveway ...
See how Will County's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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