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Patios - Residential

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Residential Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

  1. Legal Plat of Survey at original scale with the proposed Patio, drawn to scale, at the proposed location. Include dimensions from the patio to the adjacent lot lines.
  2. Architectural Plans IF there are any structures that will be built in conjunction with the Patio (such as Decks, Pergolas, Fire Features, Fire Pits, Barbeque Grills, Kitchens, etc.). Please refer to the checklists for the individual structures and include any information requested in the checklist with this submittal.
  3. Approval letter from the homeowner’s association (if patio is proposed to be installed in the rear yard of a townhome or common area of a condo declared unit).

Significant Codes - Zoning

Please refer to Wheaton Zoning Ordinance Sections 24.4.3, 24.5.1, and 25.5.4.

Patios:

  • Front and corner side yard setback: Same as required for house
  • Rear Yard Setback: 25 feet
  • Side Yard Setback: 8% of lot width per side (but no more than 10 feet)
  • No setback for stairs under 4 feet above grade

Questions regarding zoning should be directed to the City of Wheaton Planning Department at 630-260-2080.

Architectural Plan Requirements

Construction of any associated features (such as a Pergola, Deck, Gazebo, etc.) requires the submittal of two (2) copies of Architectural Plans that indicate the following information:

Patios
Please provide the materials that the patio will be constructed with. Please include the:

  • Material thickness.
  • Base material and thickness.
  • Dimensions of the patio and any stairs or landings.
  • Any other features that will be installed.

Stair and Landing Details
Please indicate the:

  • Stair riser height (maximum 7-3/4”) and tread depth (11” minimum measured from the nosing of the treads). Elevation of the new patio should ensure that any adjacent existing stairs maintain consistent riser height.
  • Landings are required on the exterior side of any exterior doors that either swing outward or have more than two risers in the stairway that serves the door. These landings must be a minimum of 36" deep in the direction of travel, must be a minimum of the width of the door served (not to be less than 36" in width), and have a maximum riser height to the door threshold of 7-3/4".

Decks, Ramps, Gazebos, and Similar Structures
For these types of structures, please see the Decks, Ramps, and Gazebos information sheet available on the City of Wheaton website for the required structural plan content.

Gas Fire Features
Please provide plans that indicate the:

  • Structure that will support/surround the fire feature.
  • The size and type of the gas line that will serve the fire feature, the location of the gas shutoffs.
  • The manufacturer’s installation specifications for the proposed fire feature.
  • The fire feature and all associated elements serving the feature must be listed and labeled for such use.
  • Gas fire features must be a minimum of 10’ from the side and rear lot lines and must follow the manufacturer’s specifications for clearance to combustibles.

Open Burning Fire Pits
Please provide plans that indicate:

  • Design/construction of the fire pit.
  • Fire pits must be a minimum of 30’ from anything combustible, and a minimum of 10’ from the side and rear lot lines (not allowed in front or corner side yards).

Barbeque Grills and Kitchens
Please provide plans that indicate:

  • The structure of the kitchen, or the structure that will support/surround the barbeque grill.
  • The size and type of the gas line that will serve the barbeque grill, and the location of the gas shutoffs.
  • The manufacturer’s installation specifications for the proposed grill.
  • The barbeque grill and all associated elements serving it must be listed and labeled for such use.
  • Kitchens and barbeque grills must be a minimum of 10’ from the side and rear lot lines and must follow the manufacturer’s specifications for clearance to combustibles.

To apply for a permit

Maintstar - h2.maintstar.co/wheaton/portal/#/

Contractor Registration Requirements

Webpage - www.wheaton.il.us/890/Contractor-Registration-Requirements

Websites

Contact Us

City of Wheaton Building & Code Enforcement Department
Address: 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone Calls:
Questions regarding this information: 630-260-2050
Building Code Questions: 630-260-2051
Zoning Code Questions: 630-260-2008
Business hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 630-260-2195

Revised 9/19/2025