Will County, IL Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Will County Code § 150.115(F)
- Standard adopted
- R314 of the 2018 IRC
- Applies to
- Alterations, repairs, reconstruction of existing homes
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Will County only
- Maximum fine
- Up to $500 per day
Summary
Renovations, repairs and reconstruction of single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses in unincorporated Will County must upgrade smoke detectors to meet IRC R314, per the county's existing building code, § 150.115(F).
Smoke detectors shall be upgraded per R314 of the 2018 IRC.
(G) New windows shall meet the safety glazing requirements per R308 of the 2018 IRC.
(H) Existing windows are not required to have safety glazing unless new work performed triggers safety glazing. In such a case a film shall be installed over the window to achieve compliance of a Grade A safety glazing.
(I) New tile or panels installed in shower enclosures shall have cement board installed.
(J) The building official shall have the authority to require an existing building to be investigated and evaluated by a registered design professional. The evaluation shall determine the existence of any potential non-conformities to these provisions, and shall provide a basis for determining the impact of the proposed changes on the performance of the building.
(K) A structural member shall be replaced where the stresses in any member, the condition of the building, or any of its components or elements or attachments; or other condition that results in an overload exceeding 150% of the stress allowed for the member or material in this code. Structural elements that are uncovered during the course of the alteration that are found to be dangerous shall be made to comply with the applicable requirements of the 2018 IRC and this ordinance. Exception 1: Plumbing shall follow the 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code Exception 2: Electrical shall follow this ordinance and the 2017 NEC
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 24-100, passed 4-18-2024 and Res. 23-387, passed 11-16-2023; and State legislation approved through 2024 Pamphlet #2).
Full Breakdown
Will County's existing-building code for single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses (§ 150.115) applies whenever a property is altered, renovated, repaired or reconstructed. Subsection (F) requires smoke detectors to be upgraded to the standard set by R314 of the 2018 International Residential Code: interconnected alarms in each sleeping room, outside every sleeping area, and on every level. The rule reaches only unincorporated Will County; Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport enforce their own adopted building codes. The county Building Official administers compliance, and Building Ordinance violations can draw a petty-offense fine up to $500 per day under § 150.999.
Violations & Fines
Violating the Building Ordinance, including the R314 smoke-detector upgrade rule, is a petty offense punishable by up to $500 per day under Will County Code § 150.999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Will County require smoke detectors in existing homes?
Does this rule apply inside Joliet or Bolingbrook?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois fire regulations overview
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