City Guide · Verified 2026
Fence Installation Permits in Joliet
Local Rule
City of Joliet Community Development Department, Building & Inspections Division
Joliet requires a building permit for all fence installations, replacements, and additions, with a minimum fee of $65 (plus $10 per $1,000 of construction value above $7,000); the application needs an accurate plat of survey showing the fence location. Maximum fence height is 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in the side/rear yard; "see-through" fences (chain-link or wrought iron/aluminum) may reach 6 feet in the rear yard and 4 feet in the front yard within visibility triangle areas. A fence taller than 6 feet anywhere needs Zoning Board of Appeals review and approval. Fences may be installed within public utility and drainage easements at the owner's risk, but are never allowed in stormwater detention/retention pond easements, floodplain easements, or floodway areas. Fence posts cannot be placed directly on property lines.
Source · Verified September 2026
Joliet Building Department
Office: City of Joliet Community Development Department, Building & Inspectional Services Division
Address: 150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 724-4050
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, IL Land Use Dept. — Building Division
Will County is notably permissive: the Will County Building Division does NOT require a building permit for fencing, except for a pool barrier, the county's own guidance lists fencing among the activities that need no building permit. Zoning setbacks and the county Land Use rules still apply, and a pool-barrier fence does need a permit and must meet the Illinois Private Swimming Pool Enclosure Act (at least 42 inches, self-closing/self-latching gates). Additional approvals can come from the Will County Health Department (well/septic), the local road authority, the fire protection district, or an HOA. The contrast within the county is sharp: the City of Joliet (which straddles Will and Kendall counties) DOES require a building permit for every fence, $50 for work valued under $8,000, a plat of survey, about a 10-business-day review, with a 4-foot front-yard / 6-foot side-and-rear limit and adjoining-neighbor sign-off for front-yard fences over 4 feet. Other municipalities (Bolingbrook
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near Joliet with a confirmed fence installation rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Fence Installation permits in Joliet?
City of Joliet Community Development Department, Building & Inspections Division handles Fence Installation permits in Joliet.
Is Joliet different from Will County on Fence Installation?
Yes. Joliet's rule is "Permit required", while Will County in general is "Not required". See the full breakdown of each below.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:
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