Moderate to High. Requires proper equipment for excavation and compaction, understanding of base construction principles for permeability and structural integrity, and strict adherence to specific material and depth requirements. Professional consultation is recommended for complex drainage scenarios, large areas, or properties with existing drainage challenges.
Installation requires careful site grading, specific aggregate layers for water infiltration and structural support, and adherence to DuPage County's 42-inch frost depth requirements. Proper execution is critical for long-term performance and stormwater management, making it more involved than typical hardscaping.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General Requirements & Permitting
3 Rules
Permit Application
Consult your local municipality's building department for specific permit requirements, application forms, fees, and required plans prior to commencing work. This ensures compliance with local ordinances and zoning.
Site Plan Requirements
A detailed site plan may be required, showing existing and proposed grades, drainage patterns, dimensions, material specifications, and any proposed connections to storm drainage. This helps assess impact on adjacent properties and stormwater flow.
Pre-Construction Utility Locate
Prior to any excavation, contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at 811 to locate and mark all existing underground utilities. (Reference: Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act)
Geotechnical & Site Preparation
4 Rules
Frost Depth Compliance
All structural elements, including the compacted subgrade and aggregate base layers, must be designed to accommodate DuPage County's prescribed minimum frost depth of 42 inches below grade to prevent detrimental frost heaving. (Reference: General DuPage County Construction Standards)
Subgrade Preparation
The native soil subgrade must be uniformly compacted to a minimum of 95% Standard Proctor Density (SPD) and be free of organic material, debris, or unsuitable soils. Proof-roll the subgrade to identify and address any soft spots. (Reference: 2024 IRC, Appendix F or similar site preparation guidelines)
Excavation Depth
Excavation depths shall be sufficient to accommodate the entire permeable pavement system, including geofabric, aggregate sub-base, aggregate base, bedding layer, and pavers, while maintaining required finished grades and slopes. (Reference: 2024 IRC R403.1)
Geotextile Fabric
A non-woven geotextile fabric shall be placed between the prepared subgrade and the aggregate sub-base to prevent migration of fines into the drainage layers while allowing water passage. Overlaps shall be a minimum of 12 inches. (Reference: Industry Best Practices for Permeable Pavement Systems)
Stormwater Management & Drainage Design
4 Rules
Aggregate Sub-Base Layer
A minimum of 12-24 inches (depending on site conditions and infiltration requirements) of open-graded aggregate (e.g., AASHTO No. 57 or No. 2 stone) shall be installed and lightly compacted in lifts of no more than 6 inches to create the primary stormwater reservoir and structural support. This layer must extend below the 42-inch frost line where possible, or be engineered to mitigate frost heave. (Reference: 2024 IRC, relevant stormwater appendices or local engineering standards)
Aggregate Base Layer
A minimum of 4-6 inches of open-graded aggregate (e.g., AASHTO No. 8 or No. 89 stone) shall be placed above the sub-base, lightly compacted, to provide a stable foundation for the bedding layer. (Reference: Industry Best Practices for Permeable Pavement)
Infiltration Rate
The system design shall demonstrate an adequate infiltration rate to manage expected stormwater volumes for the project area. Infiltration testing of the native soils (if required by your local municipality) must be performed to determine suitability. (Reference: Local stormwater management ordinances or engineering standards).
Underdrains (Optional)
If native soil infiltration is insufficient or if required by the local building department due to soil conditions or proximity to structures, a perforated underdrain system (e.g., PVC pipe with filter sock) connected to an approved discharge point may be required. Underdrain connections to a storm sewer system must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code. (Reference: Illinois Plumbing Code Chapter 11 for storm drainage connections, 2024 IRC for general site drainage).
Materials & Installation
5 Rules
Permeable Paver Units
Paver units shall be purpose-designed for permeable applications, meeting ASTM C936 or equivalent standards for strength and durability. Joint spacing must be designed to accommodate permeable aggregate infill. (Reference: ASTM C936, Manufacturer Specifications)
Bedding Layer
A 1.5-2 inch thick layer of clean, angular, open-graded aggregate (e.g., AASHTO No. 8 or No. 9 stone) shall be screeded uniformly over the aggregate base to provide a stable and permeable bedding for the pavers. Washed concrete sand is NOT permitted for permeable applications. (Reference: Industry Best Practices for Permeable Pavement)
Edge Restraints
Permanent edge restraints (e.g., plastic, concrete, aluminum) shall be installed around the perimeter of the paver system to prevent lateral movement of the pavers and aggregate. They must be adequately secured (e.g., with spikes) into the base material. (Reference: 2024 IRC, general construction practices)
Joint Infill Material
Paver joints shall be filled with clean, angular, open-graded aggregate (e.g., AASHTO No. 8 or No. 9 stone) and vibrated/compacted into the joints to ensure permeability and interlock. Sand is NOT permitted. (Reference: Industry Best Practices for Permeable Pavement)
Compaction
After paver installation and initial joint infill, the surface shall be compacted with a plate compactor (with a protective pad) to fully seat the pavers and further consolidate the joint material. Additional joint material shall be swept in. (Reference: Manufacturer's Installation Guidelines)
Accessibility Considerations
3 Rules
Walkway Width
Where designed as a primary accessible route, walkways shall maintain a minimum clear width of 36 inches. (Reference: 2024 IRC R326.2, and ADA guidelines where applicable for public access or common areas).
Slope
Longitudinal slopes shall not exceed 1:20 (5%). Cross slopes shall not exceed 1:48 (2%). (Reference: 2024 IRC R326.2.2 for general pathways, and ADA guidelines for accessible routes).
Surface Uniformity
The paver surface shall be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Joint openings should not exceed 1/2 inch to prevent tripping hazards or catching mobility aids. (Reference: 2024 IRC R326.2.3, ADA standards for accessible surfaces).
Electrical Considerations (if applicable)
2 Rules
Exterior Lighting Circuits
Any integrated walkway lighting or adjacent electrical outlets shall comply with 2023 NEC Article 410 (Luminaires), Article 210 (Branch Circuits), Article 300 (Wiring Methods), and ensure proper Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection for outdoor receptacles (NEC 210.8(A)(3)) and wet location luminaires (NEC 410.10(A)). Wiring below grade shall meet NEC 300.5 requirements for burial depth and protection. (Reference: 2023 NEC)
Underground Wiring Depth
Underground conductors and cables shall be installed with minimum cover requirements per NEC Table 300.5, accounting for direct burial, conduit type, and voltage. For residential 120V circuits, a minimum 12-inch burial depth often applies for UF cable and 6 inches for rigid metal conduit. (Reference: 2023 NEC 300.5 and Table 300.5)
Plumbing Considerations
2 Rules
Protection of Existing Utilities
All excavation activities must preserve existing water, sewer, or storm drain lines. Any disturbance or encroachment upon existing utility easements must be approved by the relevant utility provider and your local municipality. (Reference: Illinois Plumbing Code P2603.1 for general protection, 2024 IRC P2603.1)
Stormwater Connection to Drainage Systems
Any direct connection of an underdrain system or overflow to the existing storm sewer or drainage infrastructure must be approved by the local building department and comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code Chapter 11 (Storm Drainage) for pipe sizing, materials, and connection methods. (Reference: Illinois Plumbing Code, Chapter 11)
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