Permits in Joliet, Illinois can be a roadblock — especially if you're juggling multiple trades, unfamiliar forms, and tight timelines. Whether you're managing a ground-up commercial build or planning residential improvements, understanding the local process is key to keeping your project compliant and on schedule.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Joliet building permits: what types of work require a permit, how much it costs, which forms to submit, and how to handle key trade permits like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Simplify permitting in Joliet with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Joliet?
The Joliet Building Department requires permits for most construction, alteration, and mechanical system work.
Fences, including single-family residential and accessory structures
Garages and carports
Patios, driveways, and sidewalks
Pools (in-ground or above-ground)
Sheds and accessory buildings
Roofing, siding, window, and door replacements or installations
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC/mechanical system work (separate trade permits required, per Section 8‑34)
Joliet also requires a Plat of Survey as part of your application if your project involves any of the above structures (e.g., decks, fences, patios, garages) to confirm zoning setbacks and easements.
What doesn’t require a permit?
While Joliet doesn't publish an exhaustive exemption list, general code practice indicates permits are not required for:
Minor cosmetic improvements: Painting, wallpapering, carpeting, or trim
Repairing existing systems or non-structural items (e.g., replacing a non-load-bearing column)
Simple like-for-like replacements of windows, doors, roofing shingles, or siding if there is no change to structure or systems
Temporary seasonal structures (e.g., holiday lighting, temporary tents under 400 sq ft), unless code or safety thresholds are exceeded
Contractors in Joliet must obtain separate trade permits for key systems. Here’s a breakdown.
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is needed for fixture installations, drain/waste/vent work, water service lines, or gas piping. All work must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code.
Joliet plumbing permit cost
Fixture or work type
Fee
Each fixture or opening
$7.50
Water softener, dishwasher, disposal
$8.50 each
Water heater or meter
$8.50 each
Gas piping or fixtures
$12.50
Interior roof sprinkler heads
$8.50 each
Waste/vent remodel no additional fixtures
$23.50
Excavation
$50
Water/sewer service or connection
$20 each
Fire sprinkler systems
$125
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are required for new circuits, panel changes, generator installations, or other electrical system changes. Only licensed electricians may apply.
Joliet electrical permit cost
Residential (1–2 family, apartments, condos):
<1,000 sf: $60
1,000–1,999 sf: $85
>2,000 sf: $105
Commercial / Non-residential:
Amperage
Permit Fee
100 ampere
$35.00
101 to 200 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$45.00
201 to 300 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$50.00
301 to 400 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$55.00
401 to 500 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$60.00
501 to 600 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$65.00
601 to 800 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$70.00
801 to 1,000 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$75.00
1,001 to 2,000 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$95.00
Mechanical permits
You’ll need an HVAC or mechanical permit for furnace and A/C installations, ductwork modifications, and new ventilation systems.
Joliet mechanical permit cost
Total valuation
Fee
Less than $5,000.01
$50.00
$5,000.01 up to and including $6,000.00
$105.00
$6,000.01 up to and including $7,000.00
$115.00
$7,000.01 up to and including $8,000.00
$120.00
$8,000.01 up to and including $9,000.00
$130.00
$9,000.01 up to and including $10,000.00
$135.00
$10,000.01 up to and including $11,000.00
$140.00
$11,000.01 up to and including $12,000.00
$145.00
$12,000.01 up to and including $13,000.00
$150.00
$13,000.01 up to and including $14,000.00
$155.00
$14,000.01 up to and including $15,000.00
$160.00
Roofing permits
Most roof replacements or repairs require a permit, especially if decking or insulation is being replaced.
Joliet roofing permit cost
Project type
Fee
Residential <$7,000
$65
Residential >$7,000
$65 + $10 per $1,000
Commercial (flat fee)
$198
Fence permits
Fence permits are required for fences exceeding Joliet’s height restrictions or those near public sidewalks or corner lots.
Joliet fence permit cost
Project cost
Fee
<$7,000
$65 minimum permit fee
>$7,000
$65 + $10 per additional $1,000 in cost
Too many permits, not enough time? PermitFlow simplifies Joliet permitting so your crews can stay focused on the important work.
How to apply for a Joliet building permit
Step 1: Gather your materials
Site plan and construction drawings
Completed Joliet building permit application
Trade details (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
Project valuation estimate
Contractor license info
Step 2: Submit your application
Download and complete the necessary forms from the Joliet permit portal. Some common applications include:
Securing a building permit in Joliet can be time-consuming, especially when you're up against tight deadlines or unfamiliar with the city’s requirements. Instead of navigating forms, rules, and back-and-forth with local offices, let PermitFlow handle the entire process for you.
Our software takes care of it all — preparing, submitting, and tracking your Joliet building permits, along with permits in any other city where you work.
Why contractors trust PermitFlow:
Local expertise: Our team knows the Joliet permitting process inside and out, so your applications get approved quickly and correctly
All-in-one dashboard: Manage every permit from one simple, centralized platform
Faster approvals: We submit accurate, complete applications to help you avoid delays
Don’t let permitting hold up your next project. Talk to our team to see how PermitFlow can keep your jobs moving forward.
Permits in Joliet, Illinois can be a roadblock — especially if you're juggling multiple trades, unfamiliar forms, and tight timelines. Whether you're managing a ground-up commercial build or planning residential improvements, understanding the local process is key to keeping your project compliant and on schedule.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Joliet building permits: what types of work require a permit, how much it costs, which forms to submit, and how to handle key trade permits like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Simplify permitting in Joliet with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Joliet?
The Joliet Building Department requires permits for most construction, alteration, and mechanical system work.
Fences, including single-family residential and accessory structures
Garages and carports
Patios, driveways, and sidewalks
Pools (in-ground or above-ground)
Sheds and accessory buildings
Roofing, siding, window, and door replacements or installations
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC/mechanical system work (separate trade permits required, per Section 8‑34)
Joliet also requires a Plat of Survey as part of your application if your project involves any of the above structures (e.g., decks, fences, patios, garages) to confirm zoning setbacks and easements.
What doesn’t require a permit?
While Joliet doesn't publish an exhaustive exemption list, general code practice indicates permits are not required for:
Minor cosmetic improvements: Painting, wallpapering, carpeting, or trim
Repairing existing systems or non-structural items (e.g., replacing a non-load-bearing column)
Simple like-for-like replacements of windows, doors, roofing shingles, or siding if there is no change to structure or systems
Temporary seasonal structures (e.g., holiday lighting, temporary tents under 400 sq ft), unless code or safety thresholds are exceeded
Contractors in Joliet must obtain separate trade permits for key systems. Here’s a breakdown.
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is needed for fixture installations, drain/waste/vent work, water service lines, or gas piping. All work must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code.
Joliet plumbing permit cost
Fixture or work type
Fee
Each fixture or opening
$7.50
Water softener, dishwasher, disposal
$8.50 each
Water heater or meter
$8.50 each
Gas piping or fixtures
$12.50
Interior roof sprinkler heads
$8.50 each
Waste/vent remodel no additional fixtures
$23.50
Excavation
$50
Water/sewer service or connection
$20 each
Fire sprinkler systems
$125
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are required for new circuits, panel changes, generator installations, or other electrical system changes. Only licensed electricians may apply.
Joliet electrical permit cost
Residential (1–2 family, apartments, condos):
<1,000 sf: $60
1,000–1,999 sf: $85
>2,000 sf: $105
Commercial / Non-residential:
Amperage
Permit Fee
100 ampere
$35.00
101 to 200 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$45.00
201 to 300 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$50.00
301 to 400 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$55.00
401 to 500 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$60.00
501 to 600 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$65.00
601 to 800 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$70.00
801 to 1,000 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$75.00
1,001 to 2,000 ampere 3 or 4 wire
$95.00
Mechanical permits
You’ll need an HVAC or mechanical permit for furnace and A/C installations, ductwork modifications, and new ventilation systems.
Joliet mechanical permit cost
Total valuation
Fee
Less than $5,000.01
$50.00
$5,000.01 up to and including $6,000.00
$105.00
$6,000.01 up to and including $7,000.00
$115.00
$7,000.01 up to and including $8,000.00
$120.00
$8,000.01 up to and including $9,000.00
$130.00
$9,000.01 up to and including $10,000.00
$135.00
$10,000.01 up to and including $11,000.00
$140.00
$11,000.01 up to and including $12,000.00
$145.00
$12,000.01 up to and including $13,000.00
$150.00
$13,000.01 up to and including $14,000.00
$155.00
$14,000.01 up to and including $15,000.00
$160.00
Roofing permits
Most roof replacements or repairs require a permit, especially if decking or insulation is being replaced.
Joliet roofing permit cost
Project type
Fee
Residential <$7,000
$65
Residential >$7,000
$65 + $10 per $1,000
Commercial (flat fee)
$198
Fence permits
Fence permits are required for fences exceeding Joliet’s height restrictions or those near public sidewalks or corner lots.
Joliet fence permit cost
Project cost
Fee
<$7,000
$65 minimum permit fee
>$7,000
$65 + $10 per additional $1,000 in cost
Too many permits, not enough time? PermitFlow simplifies Joliet permitting so your crews can stay focused on the important work.
How to apply for a Joliet building permit
Step 1: Gather your materials
Site plan and construction drawings
Completed Joliet building permit application
Trade details (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
Project valuation estimate
Contractor license info
Step 2: Submit your application
Download and complete the necessary forms from the Joliet permit portal. Some common applications include:
Securing a building permit in Joliet can be time-consuming, especially when you're up against tight deadlines or unfamiliar with the city’s requirements. Instead of navigating forms, rules, and back-and-forth with local offices, let PermitFlow handle the entire process for you.
Our software takes care of it all — preparing, submitting, and tracking your Joliet building permits, along with permits in any other city where you work.
Why contractors trust PermitFlow:
Local expertise: Our team knows the Joliet permitting process inside and out, so your applications get approved quickly and correctly
All-in-one dashboard: Manage every permit from one simple, centralized platform
Faster approvals: We submit accurate, complete applications to help you avoid delays
Don’t let permitting hold up your next project. Talk to our team to see how PermitFlow can keep your jobs moving forward.
