Joliet, IL Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (2026)

An outdoor kitchen — defined here as a permanent structure with built-in grill, side burners, sink, refrigerator, or roof cover — triggers multiple Joliet permits. First, a building permit through Joliet Inspectional Services is required for the structure itself: masonry counters, footings, roof or pergola cover, gas plumbing rough-in, and any attached or detached covered area. Second, an electrical permit is required for new circuits, outdoor receptacles (which must be GFCI-protected under the National Electrical Code), and lighting. Third, a plumbing permit through Inspectional Services is required for any sink, ice maker, or hose bib supplied with potable water; the work must be performed by an Illinois-licensed plumber under the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 890), which is enforced by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Fourth, gas-piping work — extending a natural gas line from the residence to a built-in grill or burner — requires a separate gas permit and must conform to NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code) as referenced through the Illinois Fire Code; the work must be performed by a licensed contractor. Fifth, zoning setbacks under Chapter 47 govern placement: outdoor kitchen structures count as accessory structures and must observe rear-yard, side-yard, and total-coverage limits applicable to the residential district. Sixth, if the kitchen is covered by a roof or pergola attached to the principal dwelling, fire-separation provisions under the Illinois Residential Code apply. Seventh, propane storage for a portable cylinder under 100 pounds water capacity is exempt from NFPA 58 stationary installation requirements, but stationary propane tanks larger than that must observe NFPA 58 setbacks. Verify all permits with Joliet Inspectional Services before construction.