Before You Build in Joliet, IL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Joliet regulates fence heights through the zoning ordinance. Corner lot side yards require a 20-foot setback, and fences over 4 feet in the corner side yard need neighbor signatures. Fences in the visibility triangle must be see-through or no taller than 2.5 feet if solid.

Joliet requires building permits for fence installation. Section 8-176 mandates that all fences conform to city ordinances and building codes. Fence contractors are responsible for ensuring compliance, and non-conforming fences must be removed at the owner's expense.

Illinois has no residential fence cost-sharing law equivalent to California's Good Neighbor Fence Act. In Joliet, each property owner is responsible for their own fence. Corner lot fences over 4 feet in the side yard setback area require neighbor signatures.

Joliet requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 4 feet high. Proof of a fencing contract must be submitted before a pool building permit is issued. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching under the adopted International Residential Code.

Joliet regulates retaining walls through the adopted International Building Code (2015) under Section 8-175. Building permits are required for retaining walls that meet height thresholds. Engineering review is required for walls exceeding 4 feet in height.

Joliet requires building permits for swimming pools with capacity over 24 inches deep or over 100 cubic feet (748 gallons). Both in-ground and above-ground pools meeting these thresholds need permits. The building code (IBC/IRC 2015) governs pool construction standards.

Joliet requires all family swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or wall with a minimum height of 4 feet. Proof of a fencing contract must be submitted before a pool building permit is issued. The code cross-references pool barriers at Section 8-480 et seq.

Joliet enforces pool safety through the adopted International Residential Code and International Building Code (2015 Edition). Requirements include barrier fencing, self-closing gates, drain covers meeting VGBA standards, and compliance with the Illinois Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Act for semi-public pools.

Joliet requires permits for above-ground pools that hold water over 24 inches deep or have capacity exceeding 748 gallons (100 cubic feet). Pool fencing requirements apply equally to above-ground and in-ground pools. Small inflatable pools under these thresholds are exempt.

Joliet regulates hot tubs and spas under the same building code provisions as swimming pools. Electrical permits are required for hot tub installations. Hot tubs meeting the pool capacity thresholds require building permits and may require barrier fencing.

Joliet requires building permits for garage conversions to living space. Converted spaces must meet all habitable space standards under the adopted International Residential Code including heating, plumbing, electrical, and egress requirements.

Joliet regulates accessory structures through the zoning ordinance. Illinois HB 2373 (effective 2024) encourages ADU development statewide and limits municipal restrictions in certain contexts. ADUs must comply with all building code, zoning setback, and lot coverage requirements.

Joliet requires building permits for sheds and regulates placement through the zoning ordinance. Detached accessory structures larger than 200 square feet must be constructed to complement the principal structure in material and colors. Sheds are not allowed in the required 20-foot corner side yard setback.

Joliet regulates carports as accessory structures under the zoning ordinance and building code. Building permits are required. Carports must comply with setback requirements and are counted toward lot coverage maximums. Structures over 200 sq ft must complement the principal structure.

Joliet does not have specific tiny home ordinances. Tiny homes on foundations must meet all International Residential Code standards as adopted under Section 8-175, including minimum room sizes. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and subject to RV parking restrictions.

Joliet permits commercially sold steel outdoor fire pits that meet specific design requirements under Section 8-288. Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from any structure or fence, have wire mesh sides and a top, and be constantly attended. Only wooden logs or artificial logs may be used as fuel.

Joliet prohibits all open burning of waste material including yard waste under Section 8-288(c). Bonfires must be at least 50 feet from structures unless contained in a secure fire pit. All outdoor fires must be constantly attended and extinguished if offensive to neighbors.

Joliet does not remove trees on private property or in alleyways — these are the owner's responsibility. Street/parkway trees require city authorization for removal. The city maintains an approved tree list for parkway planting. Yard waste must be placed curbside in kraft paper bags or 32-gallon containers by 7 AM on collection day.

Joliet requires property owners to maintain trees that overhang sidewalks, streets, and neighboring properties. The city's Public Works Department manages parkway (public right-of-way) trees. Trimming or removal of city trees without authorization is prohibited.

Joliet does not impose permanent outdoor watering restrictions. The city sources water from Lake Michigan through the DuPage Water Commission. Temporary restrictions may be enacted during drought conditions through the Illinois EPA.