• An accurate plat of survey with the proposed location of the deck or porch clearly marked

• Completed Deck/Porch Permit Application

• Measurements for the deck/porch

• Structural Drawings

• Cost Estimate

• Copy of the contract, if the work is being completed by a Contractor.

  • If a Contractor is performing the work, then the Contractor must pull the building permit.
    (per Sec. 8-36 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances).

• Decks may not encroach on Public Utility & Drainage Easements, easements are clearly defined on the plat of survey.

• Decks (unroofed) must remain at least 3 ft. from the property line, if there are no easements.

• When a deck has a roof structure over it, the deck must meet the same setback requirements of the principal structure, as well as meeting the total lot coverage limit of 30%.

Corner Lots: Decks are not allowed the required corner side yard setback.

Covered/Roofed Decks:

• Covered decks must remain out of all easements.

• Lot coverage must not exceed 30% (includes any structure with a roof).

• Must remain at least 6 ft. from other roofed structures, if unattached.

• Setbacks vary depending principal residence’s zoning classification:

2015 IRC 

Submit one set of plans that include the following information:

• Deck size

• Size and spacing of floor joists

• Size and location of concrete post holes

• Size and location of support posts

• Size of all headers and beams

• Size of ledger board and number and spacing of lag bolts, flashing, guardrail and handrail design and spacing and height.

Posts need to be attached to concrete piers. Lag bolts need to be 16” on center and staggered. 

NOTE: Locating the property lines and irons is the responsibility of homeowner.

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS

• All post holes are to be a minimum of 42” below grade when deck is attached to house; post holes for free-standing decks are to be a minimum of 24" below grade.  Post holes should be a minimum 10" in diameter.  All supporting deck posts are to be a minimum of 4"x4", 4"x6" or 6"x6" sized in accordance with 2015 IRC Table R507.8 and connected using Figure R507.7.1.  Lateral load connections are required on all decks that are not self-supporting and that exceed 30" from grade.

• All lumber for deck shall be of approved wood, of natural resistance to decay or treated wood. Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners and joist hangers and galvanized or copper flashing are required.

• Decks greater than 30” above grade shall have a guardrail.

• Guardrails will be a minimum of 36” in height with 4” maximum spacing between balusters on stairs and decks.

• Stairways shall be a minimum of 36” wide with a maximum riser of 7 ¾” and a minimum total tread size of 11” (measuring a minimum of 10" nose to nose). The risers need to be consistent, and closed (solid).

• A grippable handrail is to be provided to all stairways having four or more risers.Grippable handrails shall be placed not less than 34”, no more than 38” above the nosing of the treads with 4” maximum spacing between balusters on stairs and decks. They shall be continuous the full length of the stairs. Floor joist spacing at 24” on center require a minimum of 2x decking and floor joist spacing at 16” requires 1x decking.  Engineered decking products to be installed per manufacturers instructions.

Note: Inspections are required before concrete is poured.  A rough framing inspection is required, and final inspection when deck is complete with guardrails and handrails if applicable.  Revised 09/17/2018

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 deck 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.

Planning or Zoning Questions?
Email: zoning@joliet.gov or Call: 815-724-4055

Deck Permit Application [PDF]

Deck Permit Packet [PDF] - Printable Deck Permit Information

Once you have completed the required forms and permit information, please email to permitapplication@joliet.gov or submit via the Building Department's drop box at Joliet City Hall.

Notice: If permit submissions are incomplete, and/or submitted without the required permit information and supporting documents, they will be returned to the applicant. 

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 Street
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.