Will County requires a site development permit for grading involving 400 cubic yards of earth movement or alteration of drainage patterns. Runoff cannot be directed onto neighboring properties. Detention storage required for impervious increases over 25,000 sq ft.
The Will County Land Use Ordinance and WCSMO jointly regulate grading and drainage. Site Development Permits required for earth movement over 400 cubic yards, creation of slopes steeper than 3:1, or any alteration of overland flow paths. Final grades must carry stormwater away from structures (minimum 5% slope for 10 feet per IRC R401.3) and cannot redirect concentrated flow onto adjacent parcels — a civil claim under Illinois' 'reasonable use' drainage rule (Templeton v. Huss, 57 Ill.2d 134). Detention is required when impervious surface increases by 25,000 sq ft or more; release rates cannot exceed 0.04 cfs/acre for 100-year events in most of Will County. Retaining walls over 4 feet require building permit and structural engineering. Municipalities including Joliet (Title 8), Bolingbrook, Romeoville, New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort, and Lockport maintain their own grading permit thresholds, typically 50-200 cubic yards. Fill imported to floodplains requires compensatory storage at 1.5:1 ratio.
Unpermitted grading: WCSMO fines $250-$2,500 plus stop-work order. Redirecting drainage to neighbor: civil liability for damages plus county order to restore flow path. Failing to install required detention: certificate of occupancy withheld until compliant.
Will County, IL
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Will County, IL
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Will County, IL
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Will County, IL
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Will County, IL
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Will County, IL
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