Deck Construction Permits in Joliet

Local Rule

City of Joliet Building & Inspectional Services Division

The city's own dedicated Decks/Porches page confirms decks may not encroach on public utility and drainage easements, and an unroofed deck must stay at least 3 feet from the property line where no easement applies; if a contractor is performing the work, only the contractor may pull the permit, per Section 8-36 of the Joliet Code of Ordinances. Joliet's frost depth varies within city limits: 42 inches north of the Kankakee River and 36 inches south of it, so deck footing depth depends on exact site location. The minimum building permit fee is $65, with $10 charged per $1,000 of construction value for projects over $7,000.

Source · Verified September 2026

Joliet Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Will County

Joliet's own rule is shown above (Permit required). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Will County Land Use Department, Building Division (unincorp

A freestanding deck 30 inches or less above grade is exempt from a building permit in unincorporated Will County, the fourth most populous county in Illinois. Illinois enacted its first-ever statewide building code minimum, Public Act 103-0510, effective January 1, 2025, requiring every municipality and county to enforce standards at least as strict as the ICC model codes.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Joliet with a confirmed deck construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:

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