Joliet, Illinois Building Permit Guide

Building permits in Joliet are issued by the Building & Inspectional Services Division of the Community Development Department, 150 W Jefferson St., First Floor, South Wing. Applications are emailed to eplansadmin@joliet.gov, and the applicant is then invited to upload plans and HVAC, electrical and plumbing sub-applications in ProjectDox and track the review there.

This guide covers Joliet’s permit office, the older code editions the city enforces, contractor registration, fees, plat of survey rules and inspections.

What requires a building permit in Joliet?

Joliet’s common residential permits cover decks, driveways and aprons, fences, garages, home additions, patios, pergolas, pools, sheds and private sidewalks. Since March 01, 2021 every plumbing permit, including water heaters and lawn sprinklers, also carries a building fee.

An accurate plat of survey is required for fences, decks, pools, patios, driveways, aprons, sidewalks, garages, pergolas, gazebos, porches and additions, including same-size replacement of flatwork. The City does not keep plats on file.

Illinois leaves building codes to local government, but since 1 January 2025 any local code must regulate structural design at least as strictly as baseline editions of the International Building, Existing Building and Residential Codes, and where no code was adopted the statute sets minimums for commercial buildings and new homes (Public Act 103-0510). Illinois codes and the statewide baseline

Who handles permitting in Joliet?

Contractor registration in Joliet

All contractors must have current registration on file with the City before a permit is issued. There are no forms or fees for registration except for sign erectors and HVAC testing; registration documents go to permitapplication@joliet.gov.

Illinois licenses plumbers through the Department of Public Health and roofing contractors through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; there is no state general contractor or electrician licence, and many jurisdictions require local registration. Contractor credentials in Illinois

Joliet permit costs and fees

• Common residential permits: $65.00. The minimum permit fee is $65.00 for project cost up to $7,000.00; above that the fee is $10.00 for every $1,000.00 of construction value.
• HVAC: from a $50.00 base fee for work valued at $5,000.00 and under.
• New connections: water connection fee from $4,250.00, sewer connection fee from $3,250.00, a water meter (5/8 - $340.00) and a water tap fee ($300.00 for 1 inch).

Fees are set during review. Once the permit is approved, the Building Department invoices by email, and the permit is not issued until fees are paid and all contractor registration documents are received. Card payments are taken by phone at 815-724-3830.

How to get a building permit in Joliet

A building permit carries a validity period set by Joliet; confirm the expiry on phased or delayed work before it passes. Permit validity in Illinois

Building codes in Joliet

Joliet still enforces the 2015 International Building, Residential, Fire Prevention, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes and the 2014 National Electrical Code, with local amendments in Chapter 8 of the City Code. The 2024 IECC applies as the state energy code, along with Storm Detention Ordinance No. 7039.

Under the adopted code, Joliet does not permit roof patching, and re-covering is not allowed if the existing roof is water soaked, deteriorated or already has two or more coverings; solid sheathing is required.

Inspections in Joliet

Call 815-724-4070 between 8:00am and 3:30pm with the site contact, permit number, inspection type and address. Inspections are scheduled for the next business day, at least 24 hours ahead. Fire sprinkler, suppression and alarm inspections are booked for a set date and time with the Fire Inspector at 815-724-4068.

Official Joliet permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Joliet Building & Inspectional Services
• Joliet building code information
• Joliet permit fee information
• Joliet residential building permit information

Frequently asked questions

Which building code does Joliet use?

The 2015 International Building and Residential Codes and the 2014 National Electrical Code, with local amendments in Chapter 8 of the City Code.

Can I patch a roof in Joliet?

No. Joliet does not permit roof patching under its adopted code, and re-covering is limited.

Does Joliet charge to register a contractor?

No, except for sign erectors and HVAC testing; send documents to permitapplication@joliet.gov.

Simplify Joliet permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Check what the village or city needs for the project: permit, contractor registration, plans and outside approvals
• Prepare and file the application in the right portal, inbox or counter
• Track review, book the inspections and close out the permit

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Illinois. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Joliet permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.