Green Zoning and Building Code Project

Greening of the Will County Zoning & Building Ordianances 

Business Sustainability

Revised Will County Zoning Ordianace 


The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant provided funds for a consulting team - Duncan Associates, with the Lakota Group and Primera - to assist Will County in updating and greening the County's zoning ordinance.  The project was coordinated by the Land Use Department of the County Executive’s Office and the County Board’s Ordinance Review Subcommittee.  It included a comprehensive revision of the zoning ordinance which became effective October 1, 2012. 

The revised zoning ordinance either removes impediments to sustainability and energy conservation practices or offers encouragement for adopting such innovative development methods.  The revised zoning ordinance drew support from the Will County Farm Bureau, Three Rivers Manufacturers Association, the Will County Center for Economic Development and many others.


Examples of changes include the following:

  • Expanded administrative adjustment (variance) authority.  The changes reflect the authority granted by state law and will result in a greater number of minor matters being eligible for expedited processing as administrative adjustments.
     
  • Expanded Planning and Zoning Commission authority.  As a way to streamline the approval process, changes give the Planning and Zoning Commission authority to approve a much wider variety of variances, which could cut as much as 45 days from the typical process.

  • LEED-ND.  The ordinance outlines the incorporation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Neighborhood Development, into the Planned Unit Development process.  LEED-ND includes performance standards for certifying the planning and development of neighborhoods. The intent is to promote healthful, durable, affordable, and environmentally sound practices in building design and construction.

  • Alternative energy sources.  Changes authorize and expand opportunities for voluntary utilization of wind, solar and geothermal energy sources.

The ordinance is available by clicking: http://www.amlegal.com/library/il/willcounty.shtml

 

Green News, Tips & Fun Facts

Upcoming Green Events

Will County Book Reuse and Recycling Event 2025
Event's details
May 30, 2025-June 01, 2025

Time:09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Location: Plicher Park Nature Center, Joliet, IL-IL


Residents are invited to bring books and magazines to share or recycle to this three day event at Pilcher Park in Joliet. This event is FREE of charge and a great place to find children's books as well as many more!. Plicher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL, 60432
Signs will be posted.
 
 (May 30, 2025 09:00 AM - June 01, 2025 04:00 PM)
Will County Book Reuse and Recycling Event 2025
Event's details
May 30, 2025-June 01, 2025

Time:09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Location: Plicher Park Nature Center, Joliet, IL-IL


Residents are invited to bring books and magazines to share or recycle to this three day event at Pilcher Park in Joliet. This event is FREE of charge and a great place to find children's books as well as many more!. Plicher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL, 60432
Signs will be posted.
 
 (May 30, 2025 09:00 AM - June 01, 2025 04:00 PM)
Will County Book Reuse and Recycling Event 2025
Event's details
May 30, 2025-June 01, 2025

Time:09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Location: Plicher Park Nature Center, Joliet, IL-IL


Residents are invited to bring books and magazines to share or recycle to this three day event at Pilcher Park in Joliet. This event is FREE of charge and a great place to find children's books as well as many more!. Plicher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL, 60432
Signs will be posted.
 
 (May 30, 2025 09:00 AM - June 01, 2025 04:00 PM)
 
Will County Land Use Department
Will County - Land Use Department - Resource Recovery & Energy
58 E. Clinton Street, Joliet, IL 60432

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