Planning a move or renovation in Naperville? Before you order a POD, roll a dumpster onto the street, or widen your driveway, a few local rules can save you time and fines. You want your project to run smoothly and stay compliant, especially on busy blocks. In this quick guide, you’ll learn what is allowed, when permits are required, how long reviews take, and what it costs. Let’s dive in.
POD rules in Naperville
How long you can keep it
You can place a portable storage container on your property for up to 15 consecutive days without a City permit. You are limited to two 15-day periods per calendar year. These limits come from Naperville’s Code Enforcement guidance.
Where to place it
Place the container on your driveway or another hard surface that the City Engineer would approve. Lawn or parkway placement is not authorized. The City explains acceptable locations under Code Enforcement.
When you need a permit
If you need the container longer than 15 days, plan to apply through the City’s Permits and Licenses portal. If the container will sit in the street or parkway, a Right-of-Way permit is typically required. The City requests up to 14 days for ROW plan review, noted on the Right-of-Way Permit page.
Dumpster guidelines
Street vs. driveway placement
You can usually place a roll-off dumpster on your private driveway or construction site. If the dumpster sits in the public street or obstructs a sidewalk, you will need a ROW permit and traffic control. See the City’s Right-of-Way Permit guidance for details.
Screening near homes
Naperville expects dumpsters and construction trailers near residences to be screened from view. Noncompliant placements can trigger enforcement. Requirements are outlined on the Trailer Installation Permit page.
ROW fees, bonds, and timing
For ROW permits, the City requests up to 14 calendar days for review. Typical fees are 120 dollars for work that excavates or closes a street or alley and 88 dollars for other ROW permits, plus 45 dollars per resubmittal. Maintenance bonds are 50,000 dollars for excavation in or under a city street or alley and 5,000 dollars for other permits. Find the full schedule on the Right-of-Way Permit page.
Driveway permits made simple
When a permit is required
Any new driveway or expansion requires a City Driveway Permit. Your application must show dimensions on a legal plat of survey. Apply through the Driveway Permit page.
Seasonal limits and materials
Concrete driveway aprons and public sidewalk concrete can only be installed from April 15 through November 15. Plan ahead if your project depends on concrete. The City lists these dates under Driveway Permit.
Decorative aprons and encroachment
Decorative aprons, such as pavers or stamped concrete, require a Right-of-Way Encroachment License Agreement. Check the driveway guidance and coordinate early via the City’s Permits and Licenses portal.
Right-of-Way permits 101
When you need one
Anything placed in the city-owned right-of-way, including streets, alleys, parkways, or sidewalks, generally needs a ROW permit. This includes placing a POD or dumpster in the street. Review the rules on the Right-of-Way Permit page.
What to include in your plan
Your application should show an aerial or site plan with exact placement, dates, traffic control devices, and any sidewalk impacts. Make sure pedestrian access and sight lines are maintained. The City explains plan expectations under ROW permit guidance.
Review time and coordination
Plan reviewers request 14 calendar days to complete reviews. Expect coordination with Engineering Services, utilities, and Public Works. Apply online via the Permits and Licenses portal.
Placement rules and safety
Sidewalks, sight lines, and easements
Keep sidewalks open and maintain clear sight lines at driveways and intersections. Avoid blocking utility or access easements. These expectations are emphasized in the City’s ROW permit guidance.
Overnight parking reminders
Naperville prohibits on-street parking from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. If your project requires overnight parking for contractor trucks or moving vans, call the Police non-emergency line at 630-420-6666 to ask about temporary permission. Learn more on the Police Department’s page about traffic concerns and parking enforcement.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm placement: driveway or another hard surface for PODs and dumpsters on private property. Avoid lawn and parkway.
- Timeline: need a POD longer than 15 days? Plan a permit. Need a dumpster or POD in the street? Plan a ROW permit.
- Apply online: use the City’s Permits and Licenses portal. Include a clear site plan and dates.
- Budget for ROW: review time of up to 14 days, fees of 88 to 120 dollars, and possible bonds of 5,000 to 50,000 dollars.
- Day-of placement: keep sidewalks clear, protect sight lines, and comply with any screening requirements near residences.
- Driveway work: secure a Driveway Permit, submit a plat of survey, and schedule concrete apron work between April 15 and November 15.
What happens if you skip permits
Enforcement and penalties
The City can require removal of items placed illegally and can use bonds or surety to correct violations when needed. Details appear on the Trailer Installation Permit page and in ROW permit guidance.
Real-world example
City records show enforcement when refuse dumpsters were kept outside proper enclosures. It is a reminder that complaints do prompt action. You can see an example in the City Council record on Naperville’s Legistar site.
Ready to plan your project with confidence? If you are moving, preparing a home for sale, or coordinating a renovation in the western suburbs, reach out to Vikes RE for practical guidance and a smooth real estate experience.
FAQs
Can I place a POD on my lawn in Naperville?
- No. Naperville requires placement on a driveway or other hard surface approved by the City Engineer, not on lawn or parkway, per Code Enforcement.
How long can a POD stay without a permit in Naperville?
- Up to 15 consecutive days, with a maximum of two 15-day periods per calendar year, as noted by Code Enforcement.
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster in the street in Naperville?
- Yes, a ROW permit is typically required for any placement in the street or parkway, with plan review, fees, and possible bonds, per the City’s Right-of-Way Permit.
What does a Naperville ROW permit cost and how long is review?
- Typical fees are 120 dollars for excavation or street closures and 88 dollars for other ROW permits, plus 45 dollars per resubmittal; plan reviewers request up to 14 days, per ROW guidance.
When can I pour a concrete driveway apron in Naperville?
- The allowed window is April 15 through November 15, according to the City’s Driveway Permit page.