The City of Joliet requires a building permit for all new construction and for any additions, modifications, or alterations to existing buildings, including alterations or changes in the mechanical or electrical equipment. The Building Services Division of the Department of Community Development is responsible for reviewing applications for building permits and for enforcement of the following codes which have been adopted (with slight modifications) by the City of Joliet*:

• Current Illinois State Plumbing Code

• International Building Code (2015)

• International Residential Code (2015)

• International Fire Prevention Code (2015)

• International Mechanical Code (2015)

• International Fuel Gas Code (2015)

• Current Illinois State Energy Code (2021 IEC) 

• National Electric Code (2014 Edition)

• Storm Detention Ordinance No. 7039

*As of September 10, 2018, the City will be enforcing the IBC 2015 codes listed above.

A full description of all building and related code requirements and enforcement procedures is found in Chapter 8 of the City of Joliet - Code of Ordinances. 

In general, the steps involved in the permit application process and concluding with the Final Certificate of Occupancy, are as follows:

• Applicant checks permitted uses and other requirements under the Zoning Ordinance with the Zoning Enforcement Officer (724-4050).

• Applicant checks building code requirements with Building Inspector and obtains application for building permit.

• Applicant checks requirements for street grades, driveways, drive-in permits, drainage, and storm water detention, and availability of water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer with Public Works & Utilities Department (724-4230). If sewer is unavailable, applicant checks with Will County Health Department about requirements for installation of private sewage disposal system.

• Applicant checks availability of electricity, gas, and telephone service with appropriate utility companies (Commonwealth Edison, Nicor Gas, Ameritech, Comcast Cable)

• Applicant completes and files building permit application. Application must include three (3) sets of construction plans sealed by an Illinois Registered Architect and a site plan drawn to scale. (For construction of a single-family home, only one set of plans is required.) Construction plans shall include detailed mechanical drawings, engineering calculations and diagrams.

All assessments must be paid prior to issuance of building permit. Assessments can be checked with the City Collector at 815-724-3970.

The application must include the following:

1. All subcontractors must be listed on application;

2. All contractors must have the following information on file in the Inspection Services Division:

   1. Plumbing Contractor:

      • State of Illinois Contractor Registration

      • Certificate of Insurance (Commercial Liability)

   2. HVAC Contractor

      • City of Joliet or other municipality HVAC/Business License

      • Certificate of Insurance (Commercial Liability)

   3. Electrical Contractor

      • Electrical License

      • Certificate of Insurance (Commercial Liability)

   4. Roofing Contractor

      • Illinois State Roofer's License

      • Certificate of Insurance (Commercial Liability)

3. Estimated value should include ALL labor and material costs (including mechanicals, infrastructure & site work.) (Exclude the cost of the land.)

4. Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical are separate permits and must be applied for with the building permit.

5. Applicant for any restaurant or store dealing with food or groceries must submit a letter of approval from Will County or Kendall County Health Departments.

6. Applicant must follow the provisions of the Illinois Handicapped Code, and if applicable must:

   1. Obtain Illinois EPA permit for water and sewer connections:
      (a) Two signed IEPA Permit forms, and: (b) Five (5) sets of plans and specifications submitted. 

   2. Obtain an Illinois State Highway permit.

7. Staff makes decision on permit application as soon as possible (usually between 5-15 business days) after submission of application.

8. Applicant begins construction no later than six (6) months from the date of issuance of building permits. Applicant must request inspections 24 hours in advance.

Inspections Required

Building

• After footings have been dug and BEFORE they are poured.

• Foundation walls before they are poured.

• Backfill, Drain Tile & Wall Coating (Damp Proofing)

• Pre-pour Slab Inspection after approval of mechanical/electric.

• After all framing is completed and the building is "closed in", but before drywall.

• Structural steel inspection after decking has been installed with all connections exposed (Commercial Only).

• Insulation Inspection

• Public Sidewalk/Entrances

• Patios & Decks (Post Holes)

• Final Inspection

Electric

•  Any Underground Electric

• After complete Electric Service 

• After complete Rough In

• After all Electrical work has been completed and before building is occupied.

Plumbing

• Any Underground Plumbing

• Sewer & Water Services 

• Complete Plumbing Rough In

• After all Plumbing work has been completed and before building is occupied.

HVAC

• Any Underground HVAC

• After HVAC has been

• Roughed In/Above Ceiling

• After all HVAC work has been completed and before building is occupied.

Before occupying or using building, the building MUST BE 100% complete. The applicant must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Inspection Division.

Note: Prior to occupancy being granted, we will require a copy of the construction drawings on CD to be submitted to the City.

Building & Inspectional Services Division
Don Pallissard, Building Services Director
150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432
First Floor, South Wing
Phone: (815) 724-4070
Fax: (815) 724-4080