Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

City Hall - Contact Us   Emergency Services - Contact Us

Welcome to the City of Joliet’s Frequently Asked Questions page. If you don’t see your question here, our virtual assistant, Champ, can help—just click the bottom‑right icon. For assistance, contact City Hall at 815‑724‑4000 or infodesk@joliet.gov, Police Records at 815‑724‑3100, or Fire Administration at 815‑724‑3500. For police/fire non‑emergencies call 815‑726‑2491; for emergencies dial 9‑1‑1. For water or sewer emergencies, call Public Utilities at 815‑724‑4220 (Option 1).

Safety & Emergency Issues

1. How do I report a fallen city parkway tree, hanger branch or limb to the city? Call the Citizen Services Desk at 815‑724‑4000 or Public Works Roadways at 815‑724‑3650. If the tree or limb is blocking a street or causing a safety issue, contact police non‑emergency at 815‑726‑2491 or 911 in emergency.

2. Who do I call for no water, low pressure, sewer backup, or a water or sewer emergency, to report a water main break, or any other issue you may come across that involves the city water and or sewer system? Call Joliet Public Utilities’ 24‑hour emergency line: 815‑724‑4220 (option 1).

3. How can I receive emergency alerts from the City? Sign up for Smart911 Emergency Alerts, which notifies residents about issues such as water‑main breaks, boil orders, evacuations, street closures and more.

4. How do I report dangerous utility issues such as power outages, down or damaged lines, utility boxes, and or suspected natural‑gas leaks?

  • For damaged Comcast/Xfinity lines or utility boxes: call Comcast/Xfinity – 800‑934‑6489.
  • If any line is sparking, smoking, or poses immediate danger: call 911 first. 
  • If you smell or suspect a natural‑gas leak: leave the area immediately, call 911, then report it to Nicor Gas – 888‑642‑6748.

5. Who should I contact if a neighbor’s pet is loose or dangerous dog or animal is roaming the neighborhood? Call Joliet Township Animal Control at 815‑725‑0333 or Joliet Police non‑emergency at 815‑726‑2491, or call 911 in an emergency.

6. How can I get a copy of my police report, crash report, or Tow Release from the Joliet Police Department? To request a copy of your police, crash report,  or tow release, contact the Joliet Police Department Records Department at 815‑724‑3100. They can assist you with obtaining reports filed online, in person, or through a FOIA request.

Your Home, Property & Neighborhood

7. How do I know if my home project needs a permit, and what documents are required? Check whether your address is within city limits using the Resource Lookup Public Map. Most exterior projects—such as fences, decks, pools, patios, garages, additions, and flatwork—require a building permit and a plat of survey. The City only retains plats previously submitted for approved projects. For assistance, contact Building & Inspections at 815‑724‑4070.

8. How can I get a copy of my plat of survey or any public record that the city may have? Check closing documents, with your attorney, mortgage company, or a surveyor. If you cannot locate it, you may need a new survey. Visit our Building and Inspection Departments Plat of Survey Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. If you think the City has this record, you can ask for a copy. To do so, please fill out a Freedom of Information (FOIA) Request.

9. Where can I find construction rules such as roof repair, siding guidelines, building codes, HVAC testing, or contractor registration? Visit the City’s Building Code and Contractor Information pages, or contact our Building and Inspections Department at 815-724-4070, for more information.

10. Who do I contact about fiber‑optic companies working in my neighborhood? Contact the Public Works – Engineering Division at 815‑724‑4210 for questions about utility work in the public right‑of‑way.  If the installation involves work directly on private property or buildings, residents may also contact the Building & Inspection Services Division at 815‑724‑4070.

11. Who should I call before digging on my property? Call JULIE at 811 to locate underground utilities. This is required by Illinois law and is free.

12. What should I know about submitting a Service Request through the City of Joliet’s CitizenVUE online and mobile app platform? CitizenVUE lets you report non‑emergency issues and track your request. Most reports can be submitted anonymously, and staff review them within 15 business days. For help, call 815‑724‑4000. Visit our CitizenVUE page for more information.

CitizenVUE should not be used for any concern or issue requiring police or fire assistance such as gas leaks or odors, down or sparking wires, fires, medical emergencies, crimes in progress, or water/sewer emergencies. For these situations 24/7, call emergency 911, police and fire non‑emergency at 815‑726‑2491, or Public Utilities for any water or sewer issues at 815‑724‑4220 (option 1).

13. Who do I call if I have zoning, annexation or variance change questions about my property? Please contact our Zoning Department at 815-724-4055 or email zoning@joliet.gov.

14. Does the City have an pubic interactive map to find out detailed information about where I live? Yes. The City offers an Interactive Public Map where you can look up address‑specific details such as zoning, districts, school boundaries, flood zones, neighborhoods, and more. You can access it through the City of Joliet Public Access Map. A quicker overview is also available through the Resource Lookup tool on our homepage, which shows whether an address is within city limits, its Council District, subdivision, and assessment details. Once you identify your district number on the map, return to the homepage and scroll down to find the council member who represents that district. 

For address or ZIP code issues reported by USPS or utility companies, contact our GIS Department at 815‑486‑1054.

15.Where can I look up building codes, zoning rules, property maintenance standards, and all other Joliet ordinances? All city codes are available on the City of Joliet Municipal Codes & Ordinances webpage and in the Municode Library. For specific code information, contact the appropriate department: 

Building Codes: Building & Inspectional Services – 815‑724‑4070, Zoning & Land Use: Planning & Zoning – 815‑724‑4055, Property Maintenance & Nuisance Issues: Code Enforcement / Neighborhood Services – 815‑724‑4090, Waste & Recycling: Citizen Services / Purchasing – 815‑724‑4000, On‑Street Parking, Traffic, Snow & Noise Rules: Police Non‑Emergency – 815‑726‑2491.

16. How do I request a city sidewalk repair or ask about sidewalk replacement programs? Requests for sidewalk evaluations or repairs can be submitted through CitizenVUE, or by calling Citizen Services at 815-724-4000, or Public Works – at 815‑724‑4200.

17. How can I find information about new development proposals, public hearings, or zoning changes in my area? Information about zoning cases, public hearings, variances, and new development proposals is available through the Planning & Zoning Division at 815‑724‑4055. Meeting agendas are also posted on the City’s Meetings & Agendas page.

18.Where can boats, RVs, trailers, and heavy trucks, Semi's, buses be parked in residential areas? Boats, RVs, trailers, and trucks over 8,000 lbs may not be parked on any City street, alleyway, parkway, or within residential districts. They may only be stored on private property if they meet the City’s size, surface, and paving requirements. Street parking is allowed only for brief loading or unloading, and violations may result in fines or towing at the owner’s expense. 

For private‑property storage requirements, contact Zoning at 815‑724‑4055 or zoning@joliet.gov. To report private‑property storage concerns, use CitizenVUE or contact the Citizen Services Desk at 815‑724‑4000 or infodesk@joliet.gov. To report on‑street issues (blocked visibility or vehicles stored longer than 48 hours), call Joliet Police Non‑Emergency at 815‑726‑2491 or 911 in an emergency.

Community Information

19. Where can I find community events, activities, park locations, and recreation information in Joliet? You can find community events and activities through the City’s Events & Arts listings, City Square activities, Bicentennial Park & Theatre programming, and Visit Joliet pages.  For local park locations, information on recreation programs, or to report an issue with your local park in your neighborhood visit either the Joliet Park District or call 815-741-7275 or visit the Plainfield Park District or call 815-436-8812.  Each park property should have a sign at its entrance to indicate the name of the park and which park district agency maintains the property.  

20. How can I stay connected with the City  and any updates they put out? Follow City, Police, and Fire social‑media pages; subscribe to Smart911 alerts; check City news, agendas, calendars, and meeting broadcasts.

21. Where can I find Information on CERT, CPR, Stop the Bleed, AED class information? Contact Emergency & Disaster Management at 815‑724‑3563 for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class information. CERT is open to Joliet residents aged 18 or older.

For information on JFD Community Outreach and Education Programs CPR Save a Life, Stop the Bleed and AED classes and other community programs, call 815‑724‑3500 or email jfdcommunityeducation@joliet.gov. Free for Joliet residents ages 13 and up.

22. Where can I find information on Joliet Fire Department Mental Health, Community Care, and community education programs? The City of Joliet’s Mental Health and Community Care Programs provide support and resources for various needs, including basic necessities, mental and physical health, substance use, housing, safety concerns, and more.  Contact the Joliet Fire Department at 815-724-3500, email jfdcrr@joliet.gov for more information, or if you need emergency services, dial 911.

23. How will I know if an outdoor City (City Square and/or Bicentennial Park) event is canceled or rescheduled? Watch for updates on the City’s social‑media pages.

24. Where can I find a list of meetings and agendas of what meetings are held at City Hall? Along with when and where are City Council meetings held? A list of meetings and agendas can be found on the Meetings & Agendas page or check on our meeting calendar for current listings of meetings going on at City Hall.  Generally, City Council is held on the first and third Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 150 W. Jefferson St. Pre‑Council meetings are usually the Monday prior at 5:30 p.m. Holiday schedules may vary. If a meeting is canceled, check our Meetings & Agendas, Meeting Calendar, Communications News and Social Media pages and outlets for any updates or notifications.

25. Where can Joliet residents get help with housing, utilities (including payment plans), food, veterans’ services, mental health, senior services, community health, and other support? Residents can contact these key providers. For a central list of nonprofits offering food, housing, senior help, youth programs, and more, visit our City of Joliet Community Links Directory or contact:

  • City of Joliet Customer Service (Public Utilities Payment Plan Assistance) – Water/sewer payment plans (requirements apply): 815-724‑3820 (Option 2).

26. Where can I register to vote or ask about voter registration, election information, vital records, or marriage licenses in Will or Kendall County? Will County residents may register and inquire with any questions to the Will County Clerk’s Office at 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, or by calling 815‑740‑4615.  Kendall County residents may register and inquire with any questions to the Kendall County Clerk’s Office in Yorkville at 630‑553‑4105.  

27. Where can I pay my property taxes, contest, or enquire about the homestead exemption, if I am a Will or Kendall County resident? Will County residents can enquire about any questions about your tax bill, homestead exemption, pay, or appeal your property taxes through the Will County Treasurer’s Office or the Supervisor of Assessments. Kendall County residents may do so through the Kendall County Treasurer and the Kendall County Assessment Office. Check the back of your property tax bill for your township assessor’s contact information for questions about assessments or disputes.

28. Are signs allowed in the public right‑of‑way (intersections, medians or city parkway areas), and how do I report concerns? Per City zoning code, advertising, political, or any type of signage, banners, or flags are not allowed in the public right‑of‑way, including parkways, medians, public sidewalks, trees, or utility poles. Any sign improperly or illegally placed in City right‑of‑way areas is subject to removal and possible fines.  Report concerns through CitizenVUE or by contacting the Citizen Services Desk at 815‑724‑4000 or infodesk@joliet.gov, be prepared to provide the location, name, and type of sign that you feel is in violation. For questions about sign placement and requirements, contact the Zoning Department at 815‑724‑4055 or zoning@joliet.gov.

Utilities & Water Service

29. How do I start or stop water service when moving, and who do I call for an emergency water shutoff, or water bill questions? To start or stop water service when moving, billing questions, account number, shut off and disconnection notices, contact Customer Service at 815‑724‑3820 (Option 2) during business hours.  For an emergency water shutoff related to repairs, call our Public Utilities 24‑hour emergency line at 815‑724‑4220 (Option 1). After your repair is completed, call Public Utilities again to have your service restored.

30. When will my water be restored after a water‑main break, and what should I expect once repairs are completed? Restoration time varies depending on how complex the repair is, where utilities are located, and overall safety conditions. After repairs, you may experience temporary low water pressure, and a precautionary boil order may be issued if service was shut off. Final pavement and ground restoration usually takes about two to three weeks because the area must settle before crews complete the work.  For questions call Public Utilities at 815-724-4220 (Option 1) or email PublicUtilities@joliet.gov.

31. How can I monitor my household water use? Sign up and use the City’s Customer Water Portal to track usage by the hour, day, week, or month.

32. Where can I find information about Joliet’s future Lake Michigan water supply and other City utility or infrastructure projects? Information on Joliet’s future Lake Michigan water source is available on the City’s Rethink Water page. Details about ongoing utility and infrastructure projects can be found on the Public Utilities Construction Zone page, or by contacting Public Works at 815‑724‑4200 or Public Utilities at 815‑724‑4230.

33. Who do I contact about stormwater drainage issues, flooding concerns, or blocked culverts? For drainage problems, reporting blocked storm drains, or flooding concerns on public property, contact the Public Works – Utilities & Engineering Division at 815‑724‑4220 (Option 1) or Public Works Engineering at 815-724-4210.

Billing & Payments

34. How can I pay for a permit, or city issued compliance or parking ticket? Pay online, by phone at 815‑724‑3820 (Option 2), by mail, or in person at City Hall Customer Service.  For any building permit questions contact Inspections at 815-724-4070.  Please be advised that the city does not accept payment for any type of moving‑violation ticket, read your ticket for directions and payment location. Check or money orders should be payable to: City of Joliet, send to: City of Joliet, Attn: Customer Service, 150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432-4148

35. When and where are compliance and parking‑ticket hearings held? Hearings are typically the fourth Tuesday of each month in City Hall Council Chambers, 150 W. Jefferson St.  For questions refer to the Department that your ticket was issued:

36. When are water bills sent, what are the current water and sewer rates, and where can I get help with due‑date or rate questions? Billing cycles vary by1 customer. Current water and sewer rates are listed on the City’s Utility Rates page. For questions about billing dates, due‑date details, rate information, start or stop service, disconnection/shut off notices, payment arrangements, or how to sign up for the Customer Water Portal or automatic bank draft, how to read your utility bill contact Customer Service  at 815‑724‑3820 (Option 2) or email: customerservice@joliet.gov.  Checks or money orders should be payable to: City of Joliet.

37. How can I start or stop service, pay my municipal water bill, or who can help with billing, service issues, disconnection notices, or payment plans? You can pay your water bill online, in person at City Hall, by mail, through the outside drop box, at a city payment kiosk, or by phone at 877‑811‑3799 ($ fees may apply). For billing questions, start or stop service, meter issues, payment‑plan options, or disconnection notices, contact Customer Service at 815‑724‑3820 (Option 2).  Checks or money orders should be payable to: City of Joliet, send to: City of Joliet, Attn: Customer Service, 150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432-4148.

For service‑related issues, emergencies, or concerns, water meter, lead line replacement and other available customer programs that are available for our residents, contact Public Utilities at 815-724-4220 (Option 1), available 24/7.

38. Does the City of Joliet offer any programs to help residents potentially save money? Yes. Joliet offers several programs to help residents save money. Public Utilities provides incentives and rebates; visit the Public Utilities Customer Programs page or call 815‑724‑4230 for details. The Customer Water Portal gives 24/7 access to your water account, lets you pay your water bill, and track your water use hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly from any device. Seniors 65+ living in city limits can receive a water bill discount by providing age verification to Customer Service. For more information on any program, contact Customer Service at 815‑724‑3820 (Option 2) or customerservice@joliet.gov.

Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste Services - Waste Management

39. My garbage, recycling and or yard waste did not get picked up on my scheduled day, who do I call? Please contact Waste Management directly at 815-280-7854 to report any type of servicing issues.

40. Who do I call to verify my garbage, recycling and yard waste collection (pickup) day and what holidays affect collection service? Please contact Waste Management at 815-280-7854 to verify your collection day. The following holidays may affect your collection schedule: New Year’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day (4th of July) Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day. If your regular collection day falls on or after one of these holidays, your collection will be delayed by one day during that holiday week.  For more information visit our Garbage and Recycling page.

41. How do I get rid of an old couch, chair, furniture, mattresses or any other type of bulk item from my property? Please contact Waste Management at 815-280-7854 for information. 

42. How do I get rid of an old television, electronics, old paint and other hazardous household items? Please contact Waste Management At Your Door Special Collections for item and program eligibility at 800-449-7587.  This program is free to City of Joliet residents who pay for garbage services on their municipal water bill.

43. When does yard waste collection start and end, and where can I get "Yard Waste Only" stickers? The yard waste season typically begins mid-March and runs through the first full week of December on your collection day.  You can pick up free "Yard Waste Only" stickers at the City Hall Citizen Services Desk or all local Joliet Jewel/Osco customer service counters.  Visit our Garbage & Recycling page for more information.

Seasonal

44. When can I apply for the Senior Snow Removal Program? You can apply online from October 1 to October 15, 2026.  For more information, visit our Senior Snow Program page, or contact our City Hall - Citizen Services Desk at 815-724-4000 or email infodesk@joliet.gov.

45. What day and time are the Trick-or-Treat hours? The City of Joliet’s official trick‑or‑treating hours are 4–7 p.m. on October 31.  For more information, visit our Halloween page.  Reminder pumpkins are to be disposed as regular garbage and are not considered an item to be place in your yard waste only container, visit our Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste page for more information.

46. How can I donate a Christmas tree for downtown Joliet? The City is accepting Christmas tree nominations October 1–31, 2026 by email at forestry@joliet.gov. Trees must be at least 30 feet tall, within 50 miles of Joliet, and a Norway Spruce or Fir. If selected, the tree is removed at no cost, and the donor is recognized at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 27, 2026.  For more information, visit our Downtown Christmas Tree page.

47. What are the rules for using a fire pit in Joliet? Approved steel fire pits with wire‑mesh sides and a top must be placed 15 feet from structures and have a hose or extinguisher nearby. Use only proper logs. Fires must be put out if smoke or odor becomes offensive.  To report concerns, call the Joliet Police Non‑Emergency line at 815‑726‑2491, or 911 for emergencies.  For more information visit our Fall Leaves Disposal page.

48. How do I dispose of my live Christmas Tree after the holidays? You may place your tree curbside after January 1st, thru January 31st, on your regularly scheduled collection day. Your live tree must be free of all decorations. If your tree is over 5' foot high, you must cut it in half prior to placing it curbside on your collection day. If you have any questions, please contact Waste Management at 815-280-7854, or visit our Garbage and Recycling page for more information.

49. When does the snow parking ban go into effect in Joliet, and what happens if vehicles aren’t moved? Joliet’s snow parking ban automatically goes into effect when 2 inches or more of snow accumulate within a 24‑hour period, as required by City Code Sec. 19‑142. At that point, residents must remove their vehicles from the street until plows can safely and fully clear their area. Vehicles parked in violation may be towed, and towing and storage fees are the responsibility of the owner. Per City Code Sec. 19‑142(b), the snow parking ban does not apply in the following areas: the area between Raynor Avenue and Center Street from Mason Avenue/Route 30 to Buell Avenue; the area between Raynor Avenue and Center Street from Jefferson Street to Marion Street; and Pine Street from Western Avenue to Division Street. 

To report any type of on-street parking violation(s), please contact the Joliet Police Department’s Non‑Emergency line at 815‑726‑2491, use the online JPD Traffic Complaint Form, or dial 911 if it is an emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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