Fence permits in Joliet, IL

Joliet runs a fence permit process for installing and replacing fences: application, plat of survey, cost estimate, and a copy of the contract if a contractor does the work.

"An accurate plat of survey is required for all permits for installation of, replacement of, and additions to fences"

Source: joliet.gov

If a contractor does the work, the contractor must apply for the permit.

"If a Contractor is performing the work, then the Contractor must apply for the building permit"

Source: joliet.gov

Email the completed application and documents to permitapplication@joliet.gov or use the drop box at Joliet City Hall.

"please email to permitapplication@joliet.gov or submit via the Building Department's drop box at Joliet City Hall."

Source: joliet.gov

After approval the city emails an invoice; payment is by phone, mail or the blue drop box, and the permit is not issued over the counter.

"Building permits will not be issued in-person over the counter."

Source: joliet.gov

The city page says permits are currently taking about ten business days to process.

"Building permits are currently taking ten (10) business days for processing."

Source: joliet.gov

Permit fee is $65 for up to $7,000 of work, plus $10 per $1,000 above $7,000.

"Permit Fee: $65 for up to $7,000 worth of work."

Source: joliet.gov

Side and rear yards: 6 feet maximum.

"The maximum fence height in the front yard is 4 feet high, the maximum fence height in the side & rear yards is 6 feet high."

Source: joliet.gov

A fence taller than 6 feet in any area needs Zoning Board of Appeals review and approval.

"Fences taller than 6 ft. high in any area requires Zoning Board of Appeals review & approval"

Source: joliet.gov

Zoning ordinance 47-17.6: side and rear yard fences may not be higher than 6 feet.

"Fences constructed within a side or rear yard shall not be higher than six (6) feet except provided herein."

Source: joliet.gov

Front yard: 4 feet maximum.

"The maximum fence height in the front yard is 4 feet high, the maximum fence height in the side & rear yards is 6 feet high."

Source: joliet.gov

Zoning ordinance 47-17.6: fences, walls or hedges are allowed up to 4 feet in a required front yard.

"Fences, walls or hedges shall be allowed up to a height of four feet in any required front yard"

Source: joliet.gov

Corner lot: the corner side yard setback is 20 feet or the house's current side setback, whichever is greater.

"On corner lots, the corner side yard setback is 20 ft. or the current side yard setback measurement of the principal residence, whichever is greater."

Source: joliet.gov

Corner lot: a fence over 4 feet in the corner side yard needs a signature from the adjoining neighbors who share property lines.

"Any fence taller than 4 ft. high in this area requires a signature from the adjoining neighbors with shared property lines."

Source: joliet.gov

At street corners there is a 46-foot visibility triangle; a fence inside it must be see-through or, if solid, no taller than 2.5 feet.

"Any fence within the visibility triangle must be see-through or short enough to see over, if solid (2.5 ft. tall)."

Source: joliet.gov

At driveways and alleys there is a 25-foot visibility triangle with the same rule.

"Where driveways/alleys lead to the street, there is a 25 ft. visibility triangle for safety."

Source: joliet.gov

In the visibility area see-through fences (chain link, picket, wrought iron or aluminum) may be up to 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in the rear yard.

""See through" fences (chain link, picket or wrought iron/aluminum) are allowed up to a maximum height of 4 feet high in the front yard & 6 feet high in the rear yard."

Source: joliet.gov

Fence posts may not be placed directly on property lines.

"Fence posts must not be placed directly on property lines."

Source: joliet.gov

A plat of survey is required, and the city does not keep plats on file; the city lists ways to find one or says hire a surveyor.

"Note: The City of Joliet is not responsible for keeping plats of survey on file."

Source: joliet.gov

Fences may not extend into landscape easements or recorded shared driveways; they may go in utility and drainage easements but must be removed at the owner's cost if the utility needs access.

"Fences must not extend into landscape easements or recorded shared driveways."

Source: joliet.gov

Pools holding water over 24 inches deep must be enclosed with a fence at least 4 feet high (above-ground pools at least 4 feet tall can use a railing with lockable ladder or gate instead).

"must be enclosed with a fence that is at least 4 ft. high"

Source: joliet.gov

No fences in storm water detention or retention pond easements, floodplain easements or floodway.

"At no time are fences allowed to be installed in what would be described as a storm water detention/retention pond easement, floodplain easement or areas determined to be floodway."

Source: joliet.gov

ComEd equipment needs 10 feet of clearance at a transformer's open end and 5 feet at a pedestal's open end.

"For transformers, 10’ of clearance must be maintained on the open end (where pad lock is) and for pedestals it is 5’ of clearance must be maintained on the open end"

Source: joliet.gov