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

• Completed Building Permit Application

• Measurements (length & width)

• Plan detailing installation such as slab thickness, fill depth and type of surface material.

• Homeowner's Association approval, if applicable.

• Cost Estimate (including 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).  

• Patios are not allowed in any easements, easements are clearly marked on the plat of survey.

• Patios must remain 3 ft. from property lines, if there are no easements.

• When a patio has a roof attached to a house or accessory structure, the patio must meet the same setback requirements of the house or accessory structure, as well as meeting the total lot coverage limit of 30% maximum.

• Concrete patios must have four (4) inches of compacted stone and four (4) inches of concrete. A pre-pour inspection is required for concrete patios.

• Brick paver patios must have four (4) inches of compacted gravel, one (1) inch of leveling sand or gravel, then desired pavers. Brick paver patios must have a gravel base inspection.

Corner Lots: No patios are allowed in the 20 ft. corner side yard setback.

Covered/Roofed Patios:

• Covered patios must remain out of all easements.

• Lot coverage must not exceed 30% (includes any structure with a roof).

• Must remain at least 6 ft. from other roofed structures, if unattached.

 Setbacks vary depending principal residences' zoning classification:

The Joliet Fire Department would like to remind residents the criteria for using a commercial fire pit within the city limits. 

• Commercially sold steel outdoor fire pits that are on legs attached to a steel bottom, wire mesh sides and a top are approved.

• A fire extinguisher or garden hose must be available to extinguish the fire, if necessary.

• Approved outdoor pits shall be not less than 15 feet away from a structure or fence.

• Fuel (wooden logs, or artificial logs) shall fit inside the confines of the wire mesh, and the top shall be in place to be legal. Wooden pallets, treated deck wood, leaves, dimensional lumber, or garbage shall not be used as fuel in an outdoor fire pit.

• Be aware that although it is legal to burn in an approved outdoor fire pit, if it is believed to be offensive or objectionable by the complainant due to smoke, flames, sparks, or odor omissions, then the homeowner shall extinguish the fire immediately. In addition, a police officer on the scene may issue a compliance ticket to the homeowner for creating a public nuisance or being in violation of the International Fire Code 2003 Section 307.2.2 “Prohibited Open Burning” which states: “Open burning that will be offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited. The fire code official is authorizes to order the extinguishment by the homeowner or the fire department of open burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.”

• Residents are also reminded to verify any restrictions or guidelines with their Home Owners Association, if applicable, because the use of fire pits may be forbidden.   

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 patio 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

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.

• 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.