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

• Completed Gazebo & Pergola Permit Application

• Measurements (length & width)

• Structural Drawings

• Homeowners 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).

• Gazebos, pergolas & roofed structures must be located out of all easements.

• When there are no easements, detached structures must be at least 3 ft. from the property lines.

• Enclosed structures must be no less than 6 ft. from other principal & accessory structures.

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

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

SETBACKS FOR ATTACHED CLOSED ROOF STRUCTURES

Check your zoning classification here.

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

Gazebo/Pergola/Roofed Structure Application [PDF]

Gazebo/Pergola/Roofed Structure Information Packet [PDF] - Printable 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.