Residential Building Permit Information

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 work 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.

For more information visit Plat of Survey FAQs

Permit Fees 

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.

Current Estimated Permit Processing Timeline:

Estimated Permit Processing Time is 10 Business Days For:
Driveways/Fences/Patios/Sidewalks/Roofing/Siding/Windows/Above Ground Pools

Estimated Permit Processing Time is 15 Business Days For:
Decks/Gazebos/Sheds/Covered Patios/Pergolas/Foundation Repair 

Please Note All Permit Timelines Are Estimates

Processing time varies for each individual project. We will return your permit submittal if more information is needed after your initial submission. Please avoid requesting status updates until after