Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals can register to vote in person at the Kankakee County Clerk’s office located at 189 E. Court Street in Kankakee, by mail or online. You must be a U.S. Citizen, 18 years old and a resident of your precinct at least 30 days prior to election day. For more information, visit https://www.kankakeecountyclerk.gov/election-information/voter-registration/. 

For job openings, visit https://il-kankakeecounty.civicplus.com/373/County-Careers. 

Interested applicants may email their resume and completed application to humanresources@k3county.net. 

Applications can be dropped off at the address below or mailed to the Human Resources Department.

Address: 

Human Resources Department

189 E. Court Street

Suite 502

Kankakee, IL 60901 

For more information on vital records, visit https://www.kankakeecountyclerk.gov/records/vital-records/. 

You may apply for your marriage license during regular office hours which are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Kankakee County Clerk's Office located on the first floor of the Administration Building. To learn more, visit https://www.kankakeecountyclerk.gov/records/marriage-licenses/. 

Address: 

Office of Dan Hendrickson, County Clerk
County Administration Bldg.
189 E. Court St.
Kankakee, IL 60901 

You may apply for a passport during the Kankakee County Clerk's regular office hours from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is best to apply for your passport at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to travel. For more information, visit https://www.kankakeecountyclerk.gov/records/passports/. 

You can come to the Kankakee County building at 189 East Court Street, 2nd floor, and file a written complaint or call 815-937-2940 to file a complaint. All complaints will remain anonymous.

The Code Enforcement Officer will try to perform an initial investigation within 48 hours of receiving your complaint. Complaints are prioritized with the health and the safety of our County getting first priority.

In all cases, the responsible party must be provided notice that there is a problem. They must be provided with a reasonable time period in which to correct the violation(s). This notice may be as simple as a visit from the Code Enforcement Officer, or sending notice via certified mail. Please, be rest assured that your complaint is important and is being handled in an appropriate manner.

Yes: I.M.P.C. Section 302.8: No inoperative or unlicensed vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled.

Yes: I.M.P.C. Section 307.1: All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.

Yes: I.M.P.C. Section 302.4: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10’ inches.  All noxious weeds shall be prohibited.  Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation.

Contact the Code Enforcement Department immediately and request an extension. Depending on the circumstances involved of your case, you may receive a one-time extension.

No: The restrictive covenant is a contract between homeowners in a specific area and the developer. The County is not party to that contract. Complaints should be directed to the Homeowners Association.

You can be fined up to $500 a day that the violation(s) exists.

No: Our department does not involve itself in property line disputes. This is a civil dispute. If you can not resolve this problem, you should seek legal advice from an attorney.

Kankakee County regulates the zoning for parcels located outside of municipal boundaries. View our current zoning map. If you are unable to determine the zoning for your property, contact our office at 815-937-2940 with your parcel (tax) identification number.

You may determine your parcel identification number by reviewing your tax bill or contacting the County Assessor's Office at 937-2945.

(Example of number: 01-02-03-100-001)

Kankakee County administers the zoning for the Village's of Cabery, Irwin, Reddick, and Union Hill. For contact information for other communities visit the municipal contacts page.

The setbacks outlined below are for principal structures:

Zoning District Setbacks

No accessory structures shall be nearer than 10 feet from the principal structure or 5 feet from an interior lot line. For more detailed information regarding accessory structures see the County Zoning Ordinance, Section 121-281.

For unincorporated areas, keeping of horses on a parcel, not less than 2.00 acres in area, and not less than two hundred (200) feet in width provided buildings or structures for their shelter shall be located not less than one hundred (100) feet from a right-of-way line adjoining a street and fifty (50) from an interior side or rear lot line. There shall be no more than one horse per acre. See Section 121-281 of the Ordinance.

There shall be allowed one driveway per every 330 feet of highway frontage. However, no driveway shall be nearer than 100 feet from another access point. *Note: Commercial and Industrial parcels have requirements different than those above.

Driveways shall be no closer than 250 feet from an intersecting highway, as measured from centerline to centerline.

The edge of the entrance flare shall be no nearer than 10 feet from the property line.

For more information regarding access to roads, see Section 121-286 of the County Zoning Ordinance. A brochure describing the driveway spacing requirements can be found on the Driveway Brochure (PDF).

Fees

* As of April 11, 2006 applicants are required to obtain a Natural Resource Inventory Report (PDF) through the Kankakee County Soil & Water Conservation District for all rezonings, special use permits, and variances deemed necessary by the Planning Director, for more information visit the following page.

** In addition to the fees listed above, applications require the applicant to also pay for legal notice in the newspaper and send adjacent property owners notice by certified letter.

* The information listed above is thought to be accurate at the time of publication, however, you should consult the County Zoning Ordinance prior to any decision making.

All Rezoning, Special Use Permit and Variance applications (Variances = as determined necessary by the Planning Director) are now required to submit an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Ecological Compliance Assessment Tool (EcoCAT) results report at the time of filing the request.

This must be completed to comply with Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act [520 ILCS 10/11(b)] and Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act [525 ILCS 30/17]. These laws require state agencies and units of local governments to consider the potential adverse effects of proposed actions on Illinois endangered and threatened species and sites listed on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory.

This report will provide a report to determine if your proposed action is in the vicinity of any protected natural resources. In 2006, IDNR implemented EcoCAT, an internet based system designed to facilitate the consultation process. EcoCAT uses databases, Geographic Information System mapping, and a set of programmed decision rules to determine if your proposed action may be in the vicinity of protected natural resources.

You receive a natural resource review report that either:

Terminates consultation if no resources are in the vicinity; or

Lists resources that may be in the vicinity and identifies the staff member who will review the action. After review, staff will either:

• Terminate consultation because adverse effects are unlikely,
• Request additional information, or
• Recommend methods to minimize potential adverse effects.

The report is then utilized by decision makers in assisting with the evaluation of the proposed project / request.

The report is offered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. You may request an EcoCAT report or find additional information about the process at http://dnrecocat.state.il.us/ecopublic/

Hazard Mitigation planning is a proactive effort to identify actions that can be taken to reduce the dangers to life and property from natural hazard events.  Kankakee County adopted a hazard mitigation plan in 2006 and FEMA regulations require that the plan be updated every five years.

The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires that a community have an approved hazard mitigation plan in order to qualify for federal funding from the following grant programs:

• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Competitive (PDM-C)
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
• Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

A hazard mitigation plan assesses the community's risks and vulnerabilities to natural hazard events such as flooding, hurricanes, winter storms, and earthquakes. Kankakee County uses statewide data and information directly from the community to make this assessment.

The plan includes a set of goals related to the overall goal of hazard mitigation planning, an assessment of existing mitigation measures, and a set of new mitigation measures that will serve to advance the plan goals. The plan update will also look at implementation progress that has been made on mitigation measures from the previous plan.

Public participation is very important to the hazard mitigation planning process. FEMA requires a minimum of two public meetings. Comments may be submitted by email and draft versions of the plan will be posted here for review and comment. A comment may be emailed to the Planning Department. A citizen survey has also been developed to gather opinions from the citizens of Kankakee County. View the Citizen Survey.

The planning staff is also gathering information from municipalities and other government agencies. A survey has been developed to gather this information. The information is needed before the June 21st meeting and preferrable before June 17th. Your cooperation is appreciated. View the Public Services Survey.

Any property, structure, or natural feature located within unincorporated Kankakee County which is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration, or preservation because of its historic, scenic, or architectural significance may be considered by the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission

No. According to the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Ordinance, owner consent is not required; however, it is considered during the nomination procedure. Any individual or group of individuals as well as the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission may propose landmarks or preservation districts for designation by the County Board.

Landmark designation is not intended to usurp your property rights. Property owners still maintain the right to alter or sell their property according to their own initiatives. Alterations must be reviewed by the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission.

Yes, in accordance with the provisions of the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Ordinance, public hearings are held in order to allow property owners the opportunity to present oral and/or written testimony concerning the nomination. Following the testimony articulated at the public hearing, and in addition to their own findings of fact, the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission will determine whether or not the nomination should be recommended to the County Board for landmark designation.

Though quantitative information is limited on the effects of landmark designation upon real estate values, the general trend suggests that landmark designation will not increase or decrease the value of your property or surrounding properties. The National Trust for Historic for Historic Preservation has conducted studies on this issue. For more information, please contact the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Midwest Office at 312-939-5547.

No. In most cases, designated historic properties are sold without any conflict over the sale price.

No. In most instances, landmark designation does not affect your insurance rates.

The Kankakee County Historic Preservation Ordinance, protects designated landmarks from any alteration, construction or demolition and requires the maintenance of any designated landmark. All work must be completed after a Certificate of Appropriateness has been granted by the Commission according to the established Standards for Review. Failure comply with the Ordinance shall be subject to financial penalties. In certain cases and upon documentation, the Commission may issue a Certificate of Economic Hardship.

According to the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Ordinance, a Certificate of Appropriateness is a "certificate issued by a Preservation Commission indicating its approval of plans for alteration, construction, demolition, or removal affecting a nominated or designated landmark or property within a nominated or designated preservation district.

According to the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Ordinance, a Certificate of Economic Hardship is a "certificate issued by the Preservation Commission authorizing an alteration, construction, removal or demolition even though a Certificate of Appropriateness has previously been denied or may be denied.

Yes. Proposed major alterations of designated properties must be submitted and reviewed by the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission; However, unless the changes will dramatically alter the architectural and historic integrity of the building, structure, or site, the Commission will generally approve the proposed alteration(s).

Landmark designation does not obligate a property owner to rehabilitate his or her property. However, once a property is designated a historic landmark, it becomes eligible for various grants to assist with rehabilitation.

The Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission reviews all demolition applications in the County regardless of historic designation. In most cases, historic properties will be documented prior to approval for demolition. For designated historic landmarks only, the Commission will give careful consideration to economic hardship and then issue a recommendation or denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness/Certificate of Economic Hardship.

Any property, structure, or natural feature located within the unincorporated area of Kankakee County which is worthy of preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration because of its historic, scenic, or architectural significance may be considered by the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).

Any individual or group of individuals as well as HPC may propose landmarks or reservation districts for designation by the Kankakee County Board.

Upon the receipt of a completed Historic Landmark Nomination Form, HPC shall provide within fourteen days an initial report stating if the nominated property meets the criteria for designation.

Within thirty days of the completion of the initial findings, HPC shall schedule a public hearing on the nomination. Within sixty days from the close of the public hearing shall make a recommendation to the County Board. Within sixty days, the County Board shall either

• Designate the landmark.
• Take no action which automatically institutes landmark status.
• Seek further information from HPC within forty-five days for action by the County Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. 

Upon designation as a landmark, the owner of the property shall be notified as well as the Recorder of Deeds, the County Clerk, and HPC.

No fees are required to submit an application for the nomination of a property for landmark designation.

Yes, in accordance with legal requirements of public hearings. Additionally, adjacent landowners will be notified of pending action.

"Common name" refers to any name by which the property is generally known by at the present time. "Historic name" refers to any name(s) by which the property was previously known either officially or unofficially.

Yes, photocopy reproductions of maps, photographs, historic views, and printed materials (such as diary accounts) are acceptable. However, digital photographs are required with each application. The Commission and its staff will complete additional photography for record and any presentations.

Yes. The application will not be considered complete and will not be processed without the inclusion of this information.

The County Historic Preservation Ordinance, can be downloaded at the link provided above or a printed copy is available for review at the Kankakee County planning Department.

Contact the Kankakee County Planning Department Historic Preservation Staff:

• Call at 815-937-2940
• Fax at 815-937-2974
• Email the Kankakee County Planning Department Historic Preservation Staff

Additionally, the Commission would make arrangements to be available to provide informal reviews of a proposed landmark nomination prior to the completion of a nomination form.

The American Rescue Plan (ARPA) was signed into law by President Biden in March of 2021. Through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), it provides direct relief (funding) to counties, cities, towns, and villages in the United States. The U.S. Department of Treasury provided guidelines and is responsible for overseeing the program. 

Kankakee County’s Respond, Revitalize, and Reinvest (KCR3) initiative is a targeted deployment plan of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Kankakee County. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was established by the Federal government to help speed up COVID-19 recovery efforts. Kankakee County was allocated $21.3 million in ARPA funds.  

Kankakee County was allocated $21.3 million in ARPA funds. Cities and towns also received separate ARPA funding based on their population. 

Eligible uses for ARPA funding have been determined and outlined by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Federal rules require funds to be used to address negative economic impacts, support public health response, replace lost revenue, support stabilization efforts, strengthen the workforce, invest in infrastructure, and overall address immediate to long term needs.

Applications can be downloaded online at www.k3county.net or found on the 5th floor of the County Administration Building located at the following address:

189 E. Court Street 

Suite 502 

Kankakee, IL 60901  

Please call 815-936-5517 if you have questions about applying for ARPA funds. 

Please provide the most up-to-date information available. Applicants will need the following to apply:  

• Application packet 

• Reasons for funding or outlined project description  

• Social security number or FEIN number  

• Tax returns for the year in which they applying for (Form 990 for tax-exempt nonprofits also accepted) 

• Valid primary email address  

• Valid phone number 

• Valid address  

*For all communication purposes, please make sure your contact information is correct. 

Yes.

The project or funding request must meet criteria listed in the U.S. Treasury Interim Final Rule attached in order to qualify. 

Applicants may be notified through various communication including by mail, phone or email. If a request is approved, the applicant will be contacted for further steps. If a request is not approved, the applicant will be contacted with the reason(s) and has the option to reapply. If a request is on hold, more information may be needed and the applicant will be contacted.  

There is no deadline for an application, but funds are limited. Once an application is submitted, it remains on file and will go through the process. Funds are available until they have been expanded. ARPA funding must be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026.  

Email unanswered questions to:

administration@k3county.net

Call 815-936-5517 to speak to someone. 

View the directory for Kankakee County Township Assessors here.

View 2022 publication and appeal filing deadlines here.

View rules and procedures here.

View how to submit a mailing request change form here.

View the Kankakee County Assessment Appeal Form here.

For more on homestead exemptions and all other questions, visit the Supervisor of Assessments Office here.

To look up a case, visit the Kankakee County Circuit Clerks website here. 

For more information on child support, visit the Kankakee County Circuit Clerks website here.

Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are not permitted in the Courthouse. Special permission for cellphones has been granted to attorneys and court personnel.

To make a payment online, visit the Kankakee County Circuit Clerks website here. 

The Offices of the Chief Judge, Circuit Clerk, State’s Attorney, Security, Jury Commission, Court Reporters and Interpreters are situated in various locations in the Courthouse.

• The Circuit Clerk Traffic and Collections Divisions are located on the first floor in room 108. 

•  The Circuit Clerk Civil, Criminal, Order of Protection and Juvenile Divisions are located on the second floor in room 209.

• The Administrative Assistant to the Chief Judge is located on the first floor, located near the security station.

• The Trial Court Administrator, appointed by the Chief Judge, is located in room 2XX.

• The Court Reporter Supervisor is located in the basement level.

• The Jury Commission Coordinator is located in the basement level. 

• The State’s Attorney Office is located on the third floor of the courthouse

For more information on jury duty, visit jury commission here.

For more information on all legal questions, visit Illinois Legal Aid Online here.

To view Kankakee County Board Members, visit the County Board Members page here.

To watch County Board meetings online, visit Kankakee County's YouTube channel here.

For agendas and minutes, visit https://il-kankakeecounty.civicplus.com/agendacenter. 

To view County Board Committees and members, visit the County Board Committees page here.

For more information, view openings and download an application here.

Per the CDC guidelines, if a guest has a cold, or other symptoms, it is suggested staying away is best practice.

Hand sanitizer dispensers are located conveniently around the courthouse.

Circuit Clerk

- Room 108-Traffic

o Traffic Division assistance

o Child Support assistance

- Room 209-Main Office

o Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, Order of Protection, Appeals, Expungements

Chief Judge's Office:

Please ask the Circuit Clerk Main Office staff to contact these people for you. They will meet you in room 209.

- Trial Court Administrator

- Executive Assistant to Chief Judge

- Court Reporter Supervisor

- Jury Commission Coordinator may be reached at 815-936-5775

State's Attorney Office

• Cell phones, tablets and laptops are not permitted in the Courthouse, for general court business. There are lockers at the Security Station to hold them while one is conducting court business.
• Cellphones, tablets and laptops are permitted to be brought inside for Jury Duty. Lockers are available when a juror is chosen for jury in a courtroom.
• Weapons are not allowed in the courthouse.

• The Courthouse is open between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, and is open during the lunch hour.

We are closed on the following days for Holiday: 

2025 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE (PDF)

• Judges can only communicate in open court with all sides present
• Judges cannot give legal advice
• Judges cannot comment on cases

• Check with your court's website to see if you can appear remotely
• All judicial circuits have self-help legal centers for people without lawyers
• Get important forms at ilcourthelp.gov