Will County, IL Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine range
- $25-$500 per offense, per day
- Who may nominate
- Any person, no fee
- Geographic scope
- Unincorporated Will County only
- Designating body
- County Board, by ordinance
- Enforcement office
- Land Use Dept., Building & Zoning
Summary
Will County designates landmarks and historic districts by County Board ordinance after Preservation Commission review, covering unincorporated-area properties and structures nominated for their historic, architectural, or scenic significance.
The Preservation Commission or any person may propose landmarks or preservation districts for designation by the County Board by filing a nomination for any property or properties and structures located in an unincorporated area within the geographical boundaries of Will County and those municipalities as provided for by statute. Nomination forms shall be filed with the Will County Land Use Department.
(B) Such forms shall be provided by the Commission and, when submitted, shall include or be accompanied by all of the following information:
(1) The name and address, as shown on the tax assessor's rolls of the owner of record of the nominated property.
(2) The Permanent Index Number (PIN), legal description, and common street address of the property proposed for designation.
(3) A map delineating the boundaries and location of the property proposed for designation.
(4) A written statement describing the property and setting forth reasons in support of the proposed designation.
(5) In nominating an area for designation as an preservation district, a list enumerating all properties and improvements previously designated, or currently pending designation, as a landmark by this Commission or listed on any state or federal registers of historic places.
(6) There shall be no fee for submitting a nomination form to the Commission for designation of a historic landmark or preservation district. (Res. 92-192, passed 9-17-1992)
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
The Will County Preservation Commission surveys the county for landmarks and historic districts, then any person can file a free nomination with the Land Use Department for property in the unincorporated area (Code § 166.027). After a public hearing and Commission recommendation, the County Board designates the landmark or district by ordinance (§ 166.033); once designated, owners need a Certificate of Appropriateness before altering, demolishing, or removing the structure. Municipalities like Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield run their own preservation programs: this chapter reaches only unincorporated Will County parcels.
Violations & Fines
Violating this chapter carries a $25 to $500 fine per offense, with each day a violation continues after notice counting as a separate offense; the Circuit Court can also order restoration or halt work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can nominate a Will County landmark?
Does county landmark designation apply inside Joliet or Bolingbrook?
What happens if I alter a designated landmark without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois historic preservation overview
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