Garage & Carport Permit

Setbacks

• May not be constructed in public utility or drainage easements.

• If there are not easements, the garage/carport has to be at least 3 feet from the side & rear property lines.

• If the garage is less than 6 feet from the house, it must meet building code requirements.

• If the garage/ carport entrance is off an alley, the structure must be 10 feet from the alley.

• No garage or carport is allowed in the required 20 foot corner side yard.

• Detached garages and carports must be at least 60 feet from the front property line.

Requirements

• Maximum height for garages is one story or 20 feet tall, with walls no higher than 10 feet tall.

• The garage/carport must be smaller in footprint than the first floor of the house.

• Materials and colors must match or complement the main house.

• All new garages require an approved concrete foundation.

• Only one detached garage or carport is allowed per property.

• Setbacks for attached garages depend on the home’s zoning classification.

• All closed roof structures can cover no more than 30% of a lot.

• New garages/carports must have a paved driveway.

• Carports must meet all city building standards. Metal carports are not allowed.

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, garage/ carports, 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.

Note: The City of Joliet is not responsible for keeping plats of survey on file.