Patio Permit

• May not encroach in public utility or drainage easements.

• May be installed up to 3 ft. from the property line, if there are no easements.

• Unroofed patios may extend into the required front yard a maximum of 10 feet.

• When a covered patio is attached to a house, the roof must meet the same setback requirements of the house.

• Concrete patios must have four (4) inches of compacted stone and four (4) inches of concrete. A pre-pour inspection is required for concrete patios.

• Brick paver patios must have four (4) inches of compacted gravel, one (1) inch of leveling sand or gravel, then desired pavers. Brick paver patios must have a gravel base inspection.

• Gravel patios 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 previous copy or to get a new plat of survey.

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

The Joliet Fire Department would like to remind residents the criteria for using a commercial fire pit within the city limits. 

• Commercially sold steel outdoor fire pits that are on legs attached to a steel bottom, wire mesh sides and a top are approved.

• A fire extinguisher or garden hose must be available to extinguish the fire, if necessary.

• Approved outdoor pits shall be not less than 15 feet away from a structure or fence.

• Fuel (wooden logs, or artificial logs) shall fit inside the confines of the wire mesh, and the top shall be in place to be legal. Wooden pallets, treated deck wood, leaves, dimensional lumber, or garbage shall not be used as fuel in an outdoor fire pit.

Be aware that although it is legal to burn in an approved outdoor fire pit, if it is believed to be offensive or objectionable by the complainant due to smoke, flames, sparks, or odor omissions, then the homeowner shall extinguish the fire immediately. In addition, a police officer on the scene may issue a compliance ticket to the homeowner for creating a public nuisance or being in violation of the International Fire Code 2003 Section 307.2.2 “Prohibited Open Burning” which states: “Open burning that will be offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited. The fire code official is authorizes to order the extinguishment by the homeowner or the fire department of open burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.”

Residents are also reminded to verify any restrictions or guidelines with their Homeowners Association, if applicable, because the use of fire pits may be forbidden.