How to Petition the City for Vacation of Right-of-Way

Throughout the City of Joliet there are many miles of public streets, alleys, and easements in which the City retains certain real estate rights and interests. In some cases, there may no longer be a public need to retain these interests, and the right-of-way may be "vacated" by the City upon a request from adjacent owners. In order for property owners to petition the City for vacation of adjacent right-of-way, the following steps should be followed:

1. Applicant meets with staff of the Planning Division to discuss requirements and feasibility of the proposed vacation.

2. Applicant files petition complete with legal description of property, signatures of all adjacent property owners to the subject property, names and addresses of all owners within 300 feet, and filing fee, at least 27 days before Plan Commission meeting. Download Petition [PDF]

3. Staff reviews application at Community Design Review Board meeting.

4. Plan Commission holds public hearing on petition and makes a recommendation to the City Council.

5. City requests appraisal report from appraiser. Applicant to pay appraiser's fee upon receipt of the appraisal report.

6. City Council acts upon recommendation of Plan Commission and establishes the purchase price for the vacated real estate, which is due within 30 days of action.

7. Applicant purchases vacated property. City Clerk records ordinance. Applicant records deed.

Estimated time from receipt of petition to City Council action: 45-60 days.

Planning Division
Mr. James Torri, Director
150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432
First Floor, South Wing
Phone: (815) 724-4050 Email: zoning@joliet.gov

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