Building Code and Contractor Information

The Building & Inspectional Services Division enforces the following codes and ordinances, with local amendments adopted by the City:

• Illinois State Plumbing Code (current edition)
• International Building Code (IBC) – 2015
• International Residential Code (IRC) – 2015
• International Fire Prevention Code (IFPC) – 2015
• International Mechanical Code (IMC) – 2015
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) – 2015
• Illinois State Energy Code – 2024 IECC
• National Electrical Code (NEC) – 2014
• Storm Detention Ordinance No. 7039

Legal Authority

Detailed requirements, local amendments, and enforcement procedures are contained in Chapter 8 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances.

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

When Building Codes Apply

Building codes apply to, but are not limited to:

• New construction
• Additions and expansions
• Structural alterations
• Interior remodels
• Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system changes
• Change of occupancy or use

Projects may be subject to multiple codes depending on scope and use.

Professional Design Requirements

Certain projects require construction documents prepared and sealed by an Illinois licensed professional.

Examples include:

• Commercial buildings
• Multi-family buildings
• Structural modifications
• Complex mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems

Applicants should consult the applicable code or a design professional to determine when professional seals are required.

Accessibility & Life Safety Compliance

Applicable projects must comply with:

• Illinois Accessibility Code
• Fire and life safety provisions of the adopted building and fire codes
• Means of egress, fire separation, and occupancy classification requirements

Additional approvals may be required for:

• Assembly spaces
• Food service establishments
• Industrial or high-hazard uses

Trade-Specific Code Enforcement

Separate code requirements apply to the following systems:

• Electrical – National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Plumbing – Illinois State Plumbing Code
• Mechanical / HVAC – International Mechanical Code
• Fuel Gas – International Fuel Gas Code
• Energy Efficiency – Illinois State Energy Code

Each trade is reviewed independently for code compliance.

Site & Infrastructure Code Considerations

Depending on project scope, additional regulations may apply:

• Stormwater detention and drainage
• Driveways, sidewalks, and public entrances
• Water and sanitary sewer connections
• Work within public right-of-way

These requirements are governed by local ordinances and state or county agencies.

October 25, 2006

To: All Contractors engaged in construction within the City of Joliet in both Will & Kendall Counties
Re: Ordinance/code changes in residential vinyl siding requirements

Please note the attached Ordinance outlining the changes regarding the use and installation of vinyl siding for exterior sheeting.

The Ordinance adoption was on September 18, 2006. As previously stated, we will require the changes to take effect on permits received after January 16, 2007.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to call (815) 724-4072

Siding Ordinance(PDF, 1MB)

City of Joliet Ordinance 7456 Section 8-5 clearly states that for matters not specifically covered by the ordinance (roofs are not a specific section), requirements essential for structural, fire, sanitary, or safety of an existing structure shall be determined by the inspector by interpretation of the ordinances.

The Ordinance further states in Section 8-9e that repairs of existing roofs must comply with the provisions of the Building Code. The 2015 International Building Code, the adopted code of the City of Joliet, specifically addresses the roof issue as follows:

1. Patching roofs is not covered as it is not permitted.
2. Roof covering materials must be compatible to the roof to which they are applied. Roof must conform to all applicable standards. Materials shall be delivered in packages bearing the manufacturer's identification and approved testing agency labels.
3. Roof recovering with new materials shall not be permitted if the existing roof is water soaked, deteriorated, or does not have adequate base for recovering or the roof has two or more coverings.
4. Reinstallation of materials such as slate, clay, or cement tile is permitted. The materials shall be removed and all damaged or broken tiles shall be discarded. New tiles shall be integrated with old tiles so as to give the entire roof a uniform appearance.
5. Solid sheathing is now required.
6. Underlayment shall be of an approved type. Ice and water shield shall be properly installed along all eave edges and in all valleys.

Roof Repair Policy 2019(PDF, 410KB)

The following is the interpretation of the ordinance listed above:

• Any and all roof work will have to be permitted by the City of Joliet and must comply with the attached ordinance. Therefore the ordinance is enforced by the City of Joliet Building Department as permit applications that include a scope of work that violates the attached ordinance will not be issued a permit.
• The section ‘patching roofs is not covered as it is not permitted’ is stating that the patching of roofs is not explained by the code as the City of Joliet will not permit the patching of roofs. Patching is defined as any number of shingle replacements on a given slope of the roof. Therefore any scope of work submitted for a roofing permit that includes the replacement of any number of shingles on a given slope that will result in the mixing of new shingles and remaining shingles will not be issued a permit for work. The City of Joliet will only permit full slope replacements and will not permit any ‘patching of shingles’ for any given slope on a roof.
• Materials listed under subsection 4 are the only materials we will permit to be ‘patched’ in the City of Joliet

We have made a list of items regarding the placement of concrete in cold weather. Please adhere to these standard rules:

Footings

1. Minimum outside temperature of 10 degrees and rising.
2. Subgrade must be protected from frost migration after excavation.
3. Subgrade must be free of ground water and loose clay (muck) prior to placement of concrete.
4. Concrete is to be protected to maintain a concrete temperature of 50 degrees minimum.
5. Protection must be in place until concrete has reached a minimum of 500 P.S.I., usually 2 days.

Foundation Walls

1. Minimum outside temperature of 15 degrees and rising.
2. Forms and reinforcing steel are to be protected from frost prior to placement of concrete.
3. Wood and aluminum forms are to be kept in place for a minimum of 48 hours prior to stripping.
4. Concrete is to be protected to maintain a concrete temperature of 55 degrees minimum.
5. Protection of concrete is to be in place for a minimum period of 5 days to allow adequate curing.
6. Protection of high early strength concrete shall remain in place for a minimum of 3 days.
7. Foundation walls require a minimum of 10 days after placement before backfilling operations can begin, and proper bracing of all foundation walls will be required as needed.

Flatwork

1. Minimum outside air temperature of 32 degrees and rising.
2. Subgrade/stone is to be protected from freezing and free of any frost prior to placement.
3. Protection of concrete is required to maintain a concrete temperature of 55 degrees.
4. Protection of concrete is to be in place for a minimum of 5 days after concrete is poured.
5. Protection of high early strength concrete is to be in place for a minimum of 3 days after concrete is poured.

Notes

1. Non-chloride accelerators need to be used due to concerns about corrosion of reinforcing steel.

2. See A.C.I. standards for recommended protection methods.

If you have any questions about any of the items listed above, please feel free to call Jason Buss,
Chief Building Inspector, at (815) 724-4072.

[Updated January 22, 2004]

Building

• After footing have been dug and BEFORE they are poured
• Foundation wall 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
• Completed Plumbing Rough In
• After all Plumbing work has been completed and before building is occupied

HVAC

• Any Underground HVAC
• After HVAC has been completed
• 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 Inspections Division.

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

Letters of Intent (Effective January 1, 2023)

A Letter of Intent is required from each Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC contractor listed on a project.

• One Letter of Intent per trade

• Must correspond to the specific project

• Example provided below

• Plumbing Letter of Intent must be notarized or stamped with a corporate seal

 Letter of Intent – Example

Electrical Contractors

• Electrical Contractor License - we accept the following: Chicago, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Elgin, Orland Park, Ottawa, Schaumburg, Libertyville, Woodstock, Peoria, Springfield, or CLEC Enterprises Certificate.

• Certificate of Insurance

• Letter of Intent (per project)

Plumbing Contractors

• Illinois Plumbing Contractor Registration

• Certificate of Insurance

• Letter of Intent (per project)

HVAC Contractors

• City of Joliet or other municipal HVAC Contractor License - we accept the following: Aurora, Elgin, Rockford, Freeport, Springfield, Zion, Peoria, or Joliet

• Certificate of Insurance

• Letter of Intent (per project)

 City of Joliet HVAC License Exam Info:

HVAC exams are administered Monday–Friday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
A passing exam requires a $100 annual registration fee.

Fire Sprinkler Contractors

• Applicable State of Illinois license or certification

• Certificate of Insurance

• Additional documentation may be required depending on system type

Fire Alarm Contractors

• Applicable State of Illinois license or certification

• Certificate of Insurance

• Additional documentation may be required depending on scope

Elevator Contractors

• State of Illinois Elevator Contractor License

• Certificate of Insurance

• Coordination with State inspection requirements may be required

Roofing Contractors

• Illinois State Roofer’s License

• Certificate of Insurance

Siding Contractors

• Certificate of Insurance

• Additional certification may be required depending on material and scope of work

Sign Contractors

• Sign Erector’s License

• Completed Sign Erector Application

• Annual license fee: $30

Sign Erector’s Application(PDF, 146KB)

• All subcontractors must be listed on the permit application.

• Contractor registrations must be current and valid at time of permit issuance.

• Additional approvals or documentation may be required based on project scope.

• Certain trades may be regulated by state or county agencies in addition to City requirements.