Joliet — Ch. 8 Art. VII Property Maintenance Code § 8-351
Exterior openings in vacant structures
Operative Text
(a) Any exterior opening in a vacant structure shall be closed and secured for its entire height and width with wood or a similar nonpenetrable material. (b) The wood or other nonpenetrable covering affixed in, over, or behind any exterior opening of a vacant structure shall be painted dark brown or the color of the exterior of the vacant structure.
Joliet Ch. 8 Art. VII § 8-351 establishes that every exterior opening — such as windows and doors — in a vacant structure must be fully sealed with wood or a comparable solid, non-penetrable material. Beyond simply closing the opening, the covering must be painted either dark brown or to match the exterior color of the structure. This rule applies to the full height and width of each opening, leaving no gaps or partial coverings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Joliet Ch. 8 Art. VII § 8-351, operators and owners of vacant properties are generally expected to inspect all exterior openings and ensure each one is boarded or covered with an appropriate solid material across its entire height and width. Compliant operators also finish those coverings with paint — either dark brown or a color matching the building's exterior — rather than leaving raw or unpainted boards. Maintaining documentation of the materials used and the paint color applied can help demonstrate ongoing compliance during any municipal inspection.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Joliet Ch. 8 Art. VII § 8-351 is primarily directed at owners of vacant structures, but neighboring tenants or occupants of adjacent properties may have an interest in whether nearby vacant buildings are properly secured and maintained. If an exterior opening in a vacant structure appears unsecured or improperly covered, a concern can generally be reported to the City of Joliet's code enforcement or property maintenance office for investigation. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local municipal code can help explain what remedies or follow-up steps may be available after a complaint is filed.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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