• An accurate plat of survey with the placement of the proposed shed clearly marked.

• Completed Building Permit Application

• Completed Residential Accessory Structure Form

• Measurements (length & width)

• Structural Drawings, brochure or shed model number

• Homeowner's Association approval, if applicable.

• Cost Estimate (labor & material)

• Copy of the contract, if the work is being completed by a Contractor. - If a Contractor is performing the work, then the Contractor must be the one to pull the permit (per Sec. 8-36 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances).

• Sheds are strictly prohibited in front yards.

• Sheds can be placed a minimum of 3 ft. from the side and rear property lines, provided that there are no easements.

• Sheds should be placed at a minimum of 6 ft. from the house, unless attached.

• If the shed is located less than 6 ft. from the house, the shed must be code compliant.

• All roofed structures (excluding driveways, sidewalks, pools, decks/patios, & fences) on a lot must cover no more than 30% of the total lot area.

• Sheds can be no taller than 15 ft. high.

• Sheds are required to be anchored to a concrete slab, deck, wood footing, or earth at a minimum of 4 points at wall corners, or more if necessary.

Assessor's Shed Statement: Sheds greater than 120 sq. ft. must meet building code for a garage (e.g. must be built on a concrete slab, etc.).

Detached accessory structures larger than 200 sq. ft. in area shall be constructed to complement the principal structure (building material and colors).

Corner Lots: No shed will be allowed in the required 20 Ft. Corner Side Yard Setback.

Shed Layout [PDF]

Shed Layout on Corner Lot [PDF

Note: At two intersecting streets, alleys, and driveways, there are additional requirements that must be met to protect the visibility of automotive traffic, cyclists, riders, and pedestrians.

An accurate plat of survey is required for all permits for installation of, replacement of, and additions to fences, decks, pools, patios (with or without a roof), driveways, driveway aprons, sidewalks, garages, pergolas, gazebos, porches and similar structures, and additions. This includes the replacement of flatwork (driveways, aprons, sidewalks) with the same dimensions and location.

If you are having trouble locating your Plat of Survey, refer to these options:

1. Closing Papers from Purchase of Property.

2. Contacting the Mortgage Company.

3. FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Request with the City of Joliet City Clerk’s Office.
   Note: This option may only yield results if the plat of survey was provided to the City of Joliet in the past for a building permit or a special zoning approval.

 You may also try calling local surveying companies for a possible copy. If none of these options are successful in obtaining the Plat of Survey, you will have to hire a professional land surveyor to resurvey your lot. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the City of Joliet Building Division at 815-724-4070 or Zoning Department at 815-724-4055.

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

Please mark the placement of the proposed shed on your plat of survey. The location and size will be reviewed by the Planning Division. Please use a writing utensil that is easy to see on the plat of survey.

Planning or Zoning Questions?
Email: zoning@joliet.gov or Call: 815-724-4055

Shed Permit Application [PDF]

Residential Accessory Structures Review Form [PDF] *Required*

Electrical [PDF] (If Applicable)

Shed Permit Information Packet [PDF] - Printable Shed Permit Information

Once you have completed the required forms and permit information, please email to permitapplication@joliet.gov or submit via the Building Department's drop box at Joliet City Hall.

Notice: If permit submissions are incomplete, and/or submitted without the required permit information and supporting documents, they will be returned to the applicant. 

Payment Options

Once your permit is approved and ready to be issued, you will receive an invoice via email. Please use one of the methods below to complete the payment process. When making payments, please reference the Application Reference Number near the top left corner of the invoice you will receive.

 Option #1: By Phone (Credit/ Debit Card):

• Call: 815-724-3830 (you will speak with a person)

• Have the credit/debit card number ready

Provide the application reference number in the upper left corner of the invoice

 Option #2: By Mail (Checks)

Send checks to:
Customer Service/ Building Permit
City of Joliet
150 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60432

Address all checks to City of Joliet.

Include the application reference number from the invoice document on the memo line of your check.

Please include a copy of the invoice with mailed payments.

 Option #3: Blue Drop Payment Box (Checks):

The blue payment drop box is located on the west side of Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL.

Please follow the same directions as when mailing. Enclose payment in envelope, address envelope as if mailing. Include Customer Service/ Building Permit on first address line. Place payment in an envelope and address it to Customer Service / Building Permit. Include your application reference number from the invoice on the memo line of your check.

 After The Payment

Once you have successfully paid for the permit, please notify the Building Department via the permitapplication@joliet.gov email address with the application reference number and address. Please note if you would like the permit emailed or mailed to a particular address.

The payment system is not automated and the Building Department does not receive notifications when payments are made. Building permits will not be issued in-person over the counter.