A fence is commercial grade material that encloses an area, typically outdoors, constructed from posts that are connected by boards and rails (wood fencing), wire (chain link fencing), metal posts (wrought iron or aluminum style fencing), vinyl (synthetic resin or plastic fencing) or composite (usually made from recycled ground plastic and sawdust held together by resins and formed by being pressed in high-pressure molds). A fence differs from a wall in not having a solid foundation along its whole length. (Ordinance #18650; Revised 5/21/24)

The examples below are meant as general guidelines and are subject to final approval by staff.

• An accurate plat of survey with the proposed fence placement clearly marked. (See Plat of Survey Markup Example below)

• Completed Fence Permit Application

• The height & material of proposed fence.

• Homeowner's Association approval, if applicable.

• Cost Estimate (including labor & materials)

• Copy of the contract, if the work is being completed by a Contractor.

  • If a Contractor is performing the work, then the Contractor must apply for the building permit (per Sec. 8-36 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances).

Whenever a project requires digging please contact J.U.L.I.E., in advance, at 811 or online at http://illinois1call.com to mark underground utility lines.

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. Any fence taller than 4 ft. high in this area requires a signature from the adjoining neighbors with shared property lines. The neighbor sign-off must consist of a signed note, plat of survey signature or email to the Joliet Planning Division.

In addition to the adjacent neighbor's approval, the fence must meet the visibility requirement of the City of Joliet. (see previous page)

The 46 ft. Corner Lot Visibility Triangle

Where streets meet, there is a 46 ft. visibility triangle for safety. Measure along each curb from the corner 46 feet in each direction. Connect the ending points to create a triangle. Any fence within the visibility triangle must be see-through or short enough to see over, if solid (2.5 ft. tall). (All fences are subject to review and final approval from the Planning Division)

 Where driveways/alleys lead to the street, there is a 25 ft. visibility triangle for safety. Measure along the driveway/alley in from the curb 25 ft. At that same point on the curb, measure along the curb 25 ft. Then connect those points.

Visibility is reviewed by staff in order to ensure pedestrian and vehicular traffic will travel safely near driveways, alleys and street corners.

• Solid privacy fences must be no higher than 2-½ ft. tall within this area.
• "See through" fences (chain link or wrought iron/aluminum) are allowed up to a maximum height of 6 ft. in the rear yard and 4 ft. in the front yard in visibility triangle areas.

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 fence 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

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

For questions about ComEd equipment & easements, please contact:
Mr. Russell Dillon, ComEd Real Estate Representative-South Region
Phone: 630-437-2463  Email: Russell.Dillon@ComEd.com

***NOTE: BUILDING PERMIT FEES ARE NOW CHARGED PER APPLICATION*** 

Fence Permit Application [Fillable PDF] 

Fence Permit Packet [PDF] - Printable Fence 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. A permit application is required for each permit type, fees will charged for each permit application submitted. 

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.