Will County, IL Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum density bonus
- 25% above base yield
- Open space bonus threshold
- 10%+ over required minimum
- Area-based bonus cap
- 10% of total bonus
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
- Approval body
- Plat Committee / Chief Subdivision Engineer
Summary
Unincorporated Will County lets conservation design subdivisions earn up to a 25% density bonus for trails, extra open space and design quality.
The maximum increase in density shall be limited to 25% of the permitted density. The following list of incentives may be utilized to reach a density bonus not to exceed 25%... The amount of open space provided exceeds the required open space area... by 10% or more... = 8% bonus
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
Under Will County Code § 154.268, developers of conservation design subdivisions in unincorporated Will County can increase their base dwelling-unit yield by up to 25% by stacking incentives: 4% for connected internal trails, 8% for open space exceeding the § 154.280(B) minimum by 10% or more, 4% for placing open space into a conservation easement or donating it to a public agency, 4% for pursuing landmark status on historically significant structures, up to 8% for design excellence following recognized green-building standards, and an area-based bonus (capped at 10%) tied to preserved woodlands, natural preserves and stormwater infiltration acreage. The bonus applies on top of the pre-bonus yield calculated under § 154.266 or § 154.267. This provision governs only unincorporated Will County subdivisions. Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport administer their own subdivision and zoning codes.
Violations & Fines
No standalone penalty for the bonus calculation itself; noncompliant plats are denied approval and subdivisions built without an approved plat are enforceable under Chapter 154's general penalty, § 154.999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any subdivision in Will County get a density bonus?
What's the single biggest bonus available?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois zoning overlays & bonuses overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.