Check this with the city: Joliet's deck handout cites the 2015 code and may lag the code the city enforces now. Check the current fee schedule before relying on a dollar amount.
Is a permit required?
Joliet lists decks and porches among residential work that requires a permit from the city Building Department.
"The following types of residential construction require a permit issued by the City of Joliet Building Department."
Source: joliet.gov
What to bring
Joliet requires an accurate plat of survey with the deck location marked.
"An accurate plat of survey with the proposed location of the deck/porch clearly marked"
Source: joliet.gov
Joliet wants one set of plans showing deck size, joists, post holes, posts, beams, ledger board and guardrail details.
"Size of ledger board and number and spacing of lag bolts, flashing, guardrail and handrail design and spacing and height."
Source: joliet.gov
If a contractor does the work, the contractor must pull the permit and send a copy of the contract.
"If a Contractor is performing the work, then the Contractor must pull the building permit."
Source: joliet.gov
How to apply
Permit applications and questions go to the Building & Inspectional Services Division by phone or email.
"Phone: 815-724-4070 | Email: permitapplication@joliet.gov"
Source: joliet.gov
What it costs
Joliet's deck permit fee is $65 for work up to $7,000, plus $10 for each additional $1,000.
"PERMIT FEE $65 for up to $7,000 worth of work, this includes labor & material."
Source: joliet.gov
Footings and frost depth
Joliet requires post holes at least 42 inches deep for a deck attached to the house and at least 24 inches deep for a free-standing deck.
"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."
Source: joliet.gov
Railings and guards
Joliet requires a guardrail on any deck more than 30 inches above grade, at least 36 inches high.
"Decks greater than 30" above grade shall have a guardrail."
Source: joliet.gov
Joliet guardrails must be at least 36 inches tall with balusters no more than 4 inches apart.
"Guardrails will be a minimum of 36" in height with 4" maximum spacing between balusters on stairs and decks."
Source: joliet.gov
How close to the property line
An unroofed deck must stay at least 3 feet from the property line when there are no easements.
"Unroofed decks/porches must remain at least 3 ft. from the property line, if there are no easements."
Source: joliet.gov
Decks may not be built in public utility or drainage easements.
"May not be constructed in public utility or drainage easements."
Source: joliet.gov
Inspections
Joliet inspects before concrete is poured and again when the deck is finished, with guardrails and handrails in place where required.
"INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE CONCRETE IS POURED AND WHEN A DECK IS FINISHED, COMPLETE WITH GUARDRAILS AND HANDRAILS WHEN REQUIRED."
Source: joliet.gov
Other rules
Joliet estimates 15 business days to process a deck permit.
"Estimated Permit Processing Time is 15 Business Days For: Decks/Gazebos/Sheds/Covered Patios/Pergolas/Foundation Repair"
Source: joliet.gov
Before anyone digs
Illinois law requires a call to JULIE, the state's one-call system, before digging deck footings. Call 811 or (800) 892-0123, or file online, at least 3 days before work starts. The call is free, and the locate is good for 25 days. On a hired job, the company doing the digging makes the call. More on Illinois deck rules
We are not the City of Joliet. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
