Crete Township ‘Tiny Home’ Owner Appeals Permit Denial

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | October 21, 2025

Article Summary: A Crete Township property owner has appealed to the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission after being denied a temporary use permit to keep a recreational vehicle, or “tiny home,” on her property. The denial was based on an open code violation for an unpermitted garage, which prevents the issuance of new permits.

Crete Township Tiny Home Key Points:

• The Appeal: Laurem Dentzman-Herrera is appealing the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny her application for a temporary use permit for a recreational vehicle on her property at South Greenwood Avenue in Crete Township.

• Background: The owner was cited in 2024 for illegally using the tiny home as a dwelling and later for placing a detached garage on the property without a permit. A temporary permit was granted in early 2025 but expired in September.

• Zoning Stance: The denial was based on a county ordinance that allows the Zoning Administrator to deny permits for any property with an uncorrected code violation.

JOLIET, IL – The owner of a “tiny home” in Crete Township brought her case before the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, appealing the county’s refusal to issue another temporary use permit for her residence.

Laurem Dentzman-Herrera, owner of a 1.16-acre property on South Greenwood Avenue, was denied an application for a new temporary use permit for her recreational vehicle because of an active code compliance case on the property. According to a staff memo, the property was first cited in September 2024 for illegally using the RV as a dwelling. A subsequent inspection in December 2024 revealed a detached garage had also been placed on the property without a required building permit.

Earlier this year, the commission approved an initial temporary use permit, which expired on September 13, 2025. During that time, the applicant advocated for changes to county ordinances to recognize recreational vehicles as a form of affordable single-family housing. However, the county’s Land Use & Development Committee did not advance the proposed changes.

When the owner applied for another 180-day temporary permit in September, the Development Services Division rejected it, citing the open violation related to the unpermitted garage. The county’s zoning ordinance authorizes the Zoning Administrator to deny permits to any property owner with an uncorrected violation.

Dentzman-Herrera is asking the commission to reverse the administrator’s decision and require the county to accept her temporary use permit application. The commission heard the case and will make a recommendation to the full Will County Board.