Bolthole Index

Will County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and septic in Village of University Park, Illinois

Village of University Park, Illinois processes building permits through its Economic and Community Development Department and applies its own zoning rules.12 We could not confirm the complete list of residential work requiring a building permit; ask the village department before starting.1 For parcels in Will County, private sewage administration stays with the Will County Health Department.3 University Park prohibits occupying an RV as a dwelling.4

At a glance

Building permits
Village department processes applications; confirm requirements for the proposed work1
Zoning
Village zoning; lot and yard standards depend on district2
Septic
Will County Health Department for Will County parcels; soil evaluation before a new-system permit35
RV living
RV dwelling occupancy prohibited4
Minimum lot area
R3 district: 8,500 square feet, subject to use-specific exceptions6
Building permit fees
Adopted village schedule; external plan-review costs passed to applicant; fees paid before issuance7
Private wells
Illinois requires approval before construction, deepening, modification or sealing8

Who to call

Building permits

Village of University Park — Economic and Community Development Department

Village building permit processing, zoning and development inquiries, and residential and commercial inspections; ask this department for the village floodplain contact.

(708) 235-4818

698 Burnham Drive University Park, IL 60484

Septic permits

Will County Health Department — Private Sewage Program (Joliet Main Office)

Private sewage services and well guidance for parcels in Will County.

815-727-8490

501 Ella Avenue Joliet, IL 60433

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Village of University Park means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Village of University Park, IL?

University Park has an adopted building code and a village department that processes building permits.91 We could not confirm the complete residential building-permit trigger list, so ask Economic and Community Development to identify the building permit and inspections needed for your proposed home, addition or repair.1

University Park charges plan-examination, building-permit and inspection fees under the Board of Trustees’ adopted schedule, passes necessary external plan-review costs to the applicant, and requires payment before building permit issuance.7 Ask the department for the current schedule and a project-specific estimate before committing to construction.1

Who handles building permits and zoning in Village of University Park?

The University Park Economic and Community Development Department handles zoning and development inquiries and processes building permits.1 Call (708) 235-4818 or use the department’s office at 698 Burnham Drive University Park, IL 60484.1 The village department says its inspectors handle residential and commercial properties throughout University Park.1

Use the village counter to discuss building plans and the parcel’s zoning district; use the Will County Health Department separately for private sewage questions on Will County parcels.13 A village building permit should not be treated as the septic approval: Will County requires a sewage-system permit before applicable construction or repair.5

Does Village of University Park have zoning, lot-size and setback rules?

University Park applies its own zoning code, with minimum lot width, lot area and required yards tied to the district and with separate planned-development provisions.2 In University Park’s R3 Single-Family Detached Residence District, the minimum lot area is 8,500 square feet unless a specific permitted or special use requires otherwise.6 That R3 standard is not a villagewide minimum; University Park’s zoning rules require the standards for the parcel’s own district.26

Ask Economic and Community Development to confirm the district, required yards and whether the proposed dwelling use fits before commissioning plans.1 We could not confirm a village tiny-home occupancy rule or accessory-dwelling rule; ask the same department about the specific design and use.1

How do septic permits and private wells work inside Village of University Park?

For University Park parcels in Will County, the Will County Health Department administers private sewage services.3 Will County requires a sewage-system permit before construction or repair covered by its ordinance, and a soil evaluation before a new-system permit is issued.5 Illinois requires private sewage plan approval before construction and notification to the state or applicable local authority at least 48 hours before work begins.10

Illinois also requires a permit from IDPH or an approved local health department before constructing, deepening, modifying or sealing a private well.8 Ask the health department about the parcel’s water and wastewater proposal, and ask the village department about public water/sewer availability and any connection requirement; we could not confirm a village connection rule.111

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Village of University Park?

University Park prohibits recreational vehicles from being occupied for dwelling purposes.4 University Park’s residential-district RV parking exception allows storage in specified rear-yard or paved side-yard locations behind the front building line; that exception does not authorize living in the RV.4 Temporary construction trailers may be permitted for construction-related uses, but that provision does not establish permission to use an RV as a home.4

University Park limits tents to specified recreational or entertainment exceptions and separately permitted temporary uses.12 Do not plan on camping as an assumed substitute for an approved dwelling.12 We could not confirm tiny-home occupancy permission; ask Economic and Community Development to review the proposed dwelling and district.1

Building a home in Village of University Park: what should you check first?

Start by asking Economic and Community Development to confirm the parcel’s village jurisdiction, zoning district, proposed use and required yards.12 Next, ask the village department which building permit, plans and inspections the project needs, and obtain the current fee schedule; village fees and necessary external review costs are due before building permit issuance.17

For a Will County parcel needing septic, arrange the required soil evaluation and health approval before septic construction.5 Have the village identify any floodplain requirements: University Park’s flood-damage provisions apply to development in designated flood areas.113 For land outside village limits, consult the Will County guide; Will County’s zoning ordinance applies to unincorporated land and excludes incorporated places with their own zoning ordinances.14

Watch-outs

  • University Park’s RV storage exception does not permit RV dwelling occupancy.4
  • We could not confirm a general University Park owner-builder exemption; Illinois’ qualifying owner-occupant plumbing exemption does not establish a general building-permit exemption.15
  • University Park’s floodplain development requirements can affect a proposed building site even when the zoning district allows the use.132

Sources

  1. Village of University Park — Economic and Community Development Department (university-park-il.com)
  2. University Park Code § 1232-03, Control over yards and other open space (Village of University Park), quoted and re-checked
  3. Wells and Septic Systems | Will County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. University Park Code of Ordinances, Zoning Code, § 1232-09 (Village of University Park), quoted and re-checked
  5. Will County Health Department Board of Health packet — Private Sewage Disposal Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. University Park Code § 1242-04, Lot area (Village of University Park), quoted and re-checked
  7. University Park Code § 1420-04, Amendments (Village of University Park), quoted and re-checked
  8. 77 Ill. Admin. Code 920.130, Water Well Permit Requirements (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. University Park Code § 1420-04, Amendments (Village of University Park), quoted and re-checked
  10. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Will County Health Department — Private Sewage Program (Joliet Main Office) (willcountyhealth.org)
  12. University Park Code of Ordinances, Zoning Code, § 1232-09 (Village of University Park), quoted and re-checked
  13. University Park Code of Ordinances, Flood Damage Prevention, § 1450-09 (Village of University Park), quoted and re-checked
  14. Will County Code § 155-1.40 Applicability and Jurisdiction, quoted and re-checked
  15. HB5913 Enrolled — Illinois Plumbing License Law amendment (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of University Park

Village of University Park’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings regulated inside University Park village limits.

    • The adopted B.O.C.A. code is amended by Village Code § 1420-04.
    “The following sections of the B.O.C.A. Basic Building Code, as adopted in Section 1420-01, are hereby revised as follows: B.O.C.A. Section 101.1 (Page 1, Line 2) Insert: Village of University Park.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside University Park village limits.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district and planned-development provisions.
    “Yards and other open space as required by this Zoning Code shall be located on the same lot as the principal building or use, and shall have not less than the minimum lot width and lot area as herein required for the district in which such building or use is located, except as otherwise provided in this Zoning Code for planned developments.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts inside University Park village limits.

    • The supplied code confirms district-specific standards; this record does not establish a complete zoning-map inventory.
    “Except as herein otherwise required for a specific permitted or a special use, the minimum lot area shall not be less than eight thousand five hundred (8,500) square feet. (Ord. 516. Passed 1-12-82.)”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family detached dwellings in R-1 and R-1A districts inside University Park village limits.

    • Floor area is above grade and excludes the garage.
    • One-story and split-level, and one-story raised-ranch main floor: 2,000 square feet; two-story: 2,600 square feet, with at least 1,400 square feet on the first floor.

    minimum above-grade floor area, one story/split level: >= 2000 square feet (garage excluded) · minimum above-grade floor area, two story: >= 2600 square feet (at least 1,400 square feet must be on the first floor; garage excluded)

    “503.4.1 District R-1 and R-1A (Single-Family Detached): 1. One story and split level type shall contain two thousand (2,000) square feet. 2. One story, raised ranch main floor shall contain two thousand (2,000) square feet. 3. Two story shall contain two thousand six hundred (2,600) square feet with a minimum of one thousand four hundred (1,400) square feet of said floor area to be on the first floor.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family detached dwellings in the R-2 district inside University Park village limits.
      “503.4.2 District R-2 (Single-Family Detached): 1. One story and split level type to contain one thousand six hundred (1,600) square feet. 2. One story, raised ranch main floor to contain one thousand six hundred (1,600) square feet. 3. Two story shall contain two thousand two hundred (2,200) square feet with a minimum of one thousand one hundred (1,100) square feet of said floor area to be on the first floor.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R1A Single-Family Detached Residence/Air Park District inside University Park village limits.

    • Except where otherwise required for a specific permitted or special use.

    minimum lot area: >= 30000 square feet (except as otherwise required for a specific permitted or special use)

    “Except as herein otherwise required for a specific permitted or special use, the minimum lot area shall be not less than thirty thousand (30,000) square feet.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — R3 Single-Family Detached Residence District inside University Park village limits.
      “Except as herein otherwise required for a specific permitted or a special use, the minimum lot area shall not be less than eight thousand five hundred (8,500) square feet.”
    • Specified — R2 Single-Family Detached Residence District inside University Park village limits.
      “Except as herein otherwise required for a specific permitted or a special use, the minimum lot area shall not be less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet.”
  • Building heightNone

    Multifamily developments in the R5 Multiple-Family Residence District inside University Park village limits.

    • This finding is limited to R5 multifamily developments and does not resolve height controls in other districts or other applicable codes.
    “Building Height. There is no limitation on building height for multifamily developments.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    RV dwelling occupancy on lots inside University Park village limits.

    • The prohibition concerns dwelling occupancy; in residential districts one RV may be parked or stored in the open only in a rear yard or paved side-yard surface behind the front building line.
    • Temporary construction trailers may be permitted under § 1232-09(b).
    “Recreational vehicles shall neither be occupied for dwelling purposes, nor parked or stored on any lot, except that in residential districts, not more than one (1) recreational vehicle may be parked or stored in the open and only when it is located within a rear yard or on side yard paved surfaces to the rear of the front building line.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Tents and temporary camping on lots inside University Park village limits.

    • Small recreational tents are excepted when on the same lot as a dwelling; entertainment tents are excepted only in a rear yard.
    • Temporary community, religious, eleemosynary, educational, amusement, recreational, and commercial tent uses require a Manager or designee permit under § 1274.02(a)(7).
    “Tents shall not be erected, used or maintained on a lot, except such small tents as are customarily used for recreation purposes and located on the same lot as a dwelling or for entertainment purposes and only when they are located within a rear yard.”
  • Manufactured homesProhibited

    A mobile home permanently affixed as a principal building or accessory structure on any lot inside University Park village limits.

    • This claim is limited to permanently affixed mobile homes; the opened source does not establish every possible temporary or licensed manufactured-home use.
    “Recreational vehicles and mobile homes shall not be permanently affixed to the ground as a principal building or accessory structure on a lot in any district.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in flood fringes, regulatory floodways, and identified or unidentified-floodway SFHA/floodplains inside University Park village limits.

    • Applies in Zones A, AO, AH, AE, A1-A30, A99, VO, V1-30, VE, V, M, or E.
    • The provision incorporates requirements in §§ 1450-06, 1450-07, and 1450-08.
    “In addition to the requirements found in Sections 1450-06, 1450-07, and 1450-08 for development in flood fringes, regulatory floodways, and SFHA or floodplains where no floodways have been identified (Zones A, AO, AH, AE, A1-A30, A99, VO, V1-30, VE, V, M or E), the following requirements shall be met:”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building plan examination, permits, and inspections inside University Park village limits.

    • The fee must accompany the application; external plan-review cost deemed necessary by the Village is passed to the applicant; all fees are due before permit issuance.
    • The opened material does not state the adopted fee-schedule amounts.
    “Fees. Each application for a plan examination, building permit and inspection shall be accompanied by a fee, consistent with the fee schedule as adopted by the Board of Trustees. In addition, the cost of any external plan review as may be deemed necessary by the Village, including, but not limited to, the B.O.C.A. Plan Review, shall be passed on to the applicant. All fees must be paid prior to the issuance of any permit.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Permits issued under the Village's adopted building code.

    • Applications for plan examination, building permit, and inspection require fees before permit issuance.
    • Residential, commercial, and industrial building/structure permits expire one year after issuance; permits for fences, decks, roofs, alterations, additions, and remodeling expire after six months; a permittee may apply for an extension if the permit expires before completion.

    building permit expiration: 1 year after issuance (residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures) · specified minor-work permit expiration: 6 months after issuance (fences, decks, roofs, alterations, additions, and remodeling)

    “Expiration of Permits for all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures shall expire one (1) year next after the date of issuance. Permits for the construction of fences, decks, roofs, alterations, additions and remodeling shall expire six (6) months next after the date of issuance. In the event that a permit shall expire prior to completion of the work for which the permit has issued, the permittee may apply for a permit of extension.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of University Park or Will County directly.

  • Building permit — Residential construction inside University Park village limits.
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residences inside University Park village limits.
  • Inspections — Residential construction inside University Park village limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Occupancy of buildings inside University Park village limits.
  • Lot coverage — Lots inside University Park village limits.
11 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of University Park publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Will County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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