Fence Permit

• The maximum fence height in the front yard is 4 feet high, the maximum fence height in the side & rear yards is 6 feet high.

• Fences must not extend into landscape easements or recorded shared driveways.

• Fences may be installed in public utility & drainage easements, with the understanding that if a utility company or the City of Joliet needs access to that easement the fence will be removed at the property owner’s expense.

• Fence posts must not be placed directly on property lines. 

• Fences taller than 6 ft. high in any area requires Zoning Board of Appeals review & approval

• Fences higher than 4 feet tall in the required corner side yard, require the adjacent neighbor's sign-off.

• At no time are fences allowed to be installed in what would be described as a storm water detention/retention pond easement, floodplain easement or areas determined to be floodway. Fences being proposed in these areas may require Public Utilities review & approval.

On corner lots, the corner side yard setback is 20 ft. or the current side yard setback measurement of the principal residence, whichever is greater. Any fence taller than 4 ft. high in this area requires a signature from the adjoining neighbors with shared property lines. The neighbor sign-off must consist of a signed note, plat of survey signature or email to the Joliet Zoning Division.

In addition to neighbor sign-off, the fence must meet the visibility requirements of the City of Joliet. 

Visibility is reviewed by staff in order to ensure pedestrian and vehicular traffic will travel safely near driveways, alleys and street corners.

• Solid privacy fences must be no higher than 2 ½ feet tall within this area.

• "See through" fences (chain link, picket or wrought iron/aluminum) are allowed up to a maximum height of 4 feet high in the front yard & 6 feet high in the rear yard.

25 ft. Visibility Triangle Example (Driveways & Alleys)

46 ft. Visibility Triangle Example (Corner Lots)

For transformers, 10’ of clearance must be maintained on the open end (where padlock is) and for pedestals it is 5’ of clearance must be maintained on the open end  (padlock as well).

For questions about ComEd equipment & easements, please contact: 

Mr. Russell Dillon, Phone: 630-437-2463 Email: Russell.Dillon@ComEd.com

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 and similar structures, and additions. This includes the replacement of flatwork (driveways, aprons, sidewalks) with the same dimensions and location.

If you’re having troubles 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 possibility of a copy.

If none of these options are successful in obtaining the Plat of Survey, you 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 Department at 815-724-4070.