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

Romeoville regulates fences under §159.035 of the Zoning Code. Standard residential limits follow typical Illinois patterns of 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards. A permit is required before any fence installation, replacement, alteration, or relocation. All non-conforming fences must be brought into compliance when replaced.

Romeoville requires a permit before any fence, wall, retaining wall, or hedge is installed, replaced, altered, or moved (§159.035). Contact the Building Division at 815-886-7200 for permit applications and requirements. A plat of survey showing the proposed fence location is typically required.

Romeoville's fence ordinance requires that fences not inhibit drainage through ditches or easements. All non-conforming fences must be brought into compliance when replaced. Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) governs agricultural boundary fence cost-sharing but does not apply to residential fences. Disputes are resolved through civil court.

Romeoville requires swimming pool enclosures per the International Building Code as adopted by the Village. Pool fences must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Illinois requires a minimum 42-inch barrier, but local codes typically exceed this. Building permits are required for pool installation.

Above-ground pools in Romeoville require building permits and must meet the same fencing and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pool fencing of at least 4 feet with self-closing gates is required. The pool must comply with setback requirements under the Zoning Code (Ch. 159). Contact the Building Division for permit applications.

Swimming pool construction in Romeoville requires building and electrical permits. The Village adopts the International Building Code and International Residential Code for pool safety standards. Standing water in unmaintained pools is a public nuisance under §93.010. Electrical work must meet NEC standards for grounding and bonding.

Garage conversions in Romeoville require building permits and must comply with Chapter 159 Zoning requirements. Converted garages must maintain required off-street parking. Illinois has no state-mandated garage-to-ADU conversion allowance. Contact the Building Division at 815-886-7200 for permit requirements and current zoning guidance.

Romeoville does not currently permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a by-right use in residential zones. The Village's Zoning Code (Chapter 159) does not include ADU provisions. Illinois HB 2373 (2024) encourages ADU development statewide, but Romeoville has not adopted local ADU regulations.

Romeoville treats a detached carport as an accessory structure governed by Chapter 159 (Zoning Code). Section 159.020 requires accessory structures to be set back at least 5 feet from any side lot line and 10 feet from the rear lot line (7 feet rear in R-5A), capped at one story with a 15-foot ridge height and 9-foot wall height. Carports are listed as a permitted accessory use under Section 159.044, and a Building Division permit is required.

Sheds and accessory structures in Romeoville require building permits and must comply with Chapter 159 Zoning Code setback and size requirements. The Building Division at 815-886-7200 handles permit applications. A plat of survey may be required. The Village adopts the International Building Code for construction standards.

Open burning is prohibited in Romeoville except for aged logs in freestanding outdoor fireplaces (Ch. 91, §§91.35–91.36). Burning is not permitted when wind speed exceeds 15 mph. Leaf burning is explicitly prohibited. Burning waste, garbage, landscape waste, or organic matter is unlawful unless authorized by IL EPA or the Village Fire Department.

Freestanding outdoor fireplaces burning aged logs are the only permitted outdoor fires in Romeoville. Fire pits must comply with the International Fire Code as adopted by the Village. Standard clearance from structures is required. The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, or any Fire Inspector may enforce violations through administrative warning tickets or ordinance complaints.

Romeoville regulates tree removal on private property through its building code and zoning requirements. The Village does not remove or maintain trees on private property. Public tree work is handled by Village Forestry. Contact the Building Division at 815-886-7200 for tree removal permit requirements on private property.

Romeoville handles public tree maintenance through the Village Forestry Department. Private tree trimming does not require a permit. The Village does not maintain trees on private property. For trees near power lines, contact ComEd at 800-334-7661. Call JULIE at 811 before any digging.

Romeoville does not have standing citywide irrigation restrictions. Water restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions. The Village water system serves residents; conservation is encouraged but not mandated outside drought periods. Contact Romeoville Public Works for current water use guidelines.