The Code Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for handling all code enforcement and property maintenance issues in the Village. These standards and regulations are employed to maintain the appearance, safety and quality of life within the Village’s neighborhoods.

Code compliance investigations are initiated on a complaint basis. The Village’s Code Enforcement staff will respond to potential violations, first by reaching out to the property owner. The goal of every enforcement action is to achieve voluntary compliance.

Common Types of Complaints Received

The Code Enforcement Division provides for activities associated with enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, and applicable sections of the Municipal Code dealing with nuisance control including:

• Overgrown Weeds: All premises and exterior property shall be free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches and all noxious weeds must be removed
• Rubbish: All exterior property and premises and the interior of every structure must be free of any accumulation of rubbish or garbage
• Improper off-street parking: Parking is prohibited on any unpaved surface
• Inoperable motor vehicles: Motor vehicles stationary for more than 30 days or unable to comply with the Illinois Vehicle Code must be removed from the premises or exterior property
• Recreational Vehicle: A recreational vehicle may be parked outside of an enclosed structure from April 1 to October 31. Boats and trailers May 1 - October 1.
• Protective Treatment of Building Exterior Surfaces: All exterior surfaces must be maintained from the elements and free from decay
• Construction Noise: It is against Village Code to operate construction equipment or create construction noise between the following hours:
  • Monday through Friday, before 7:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m.
  • On Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays that are observed by the Village, before 8:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m.

How to file a complaint

Before filing a complaint, the Village recommends residents to politely approach their neighbor or the property owner to explain the situation and ask for their cooperation in resolving the problem. If this effort fails to remedy the situation, residents are encouraged to contact the Code Enforcement Officer.

To open a Code Enforcement request, please go to our Citizen Serve Portal. From the portal, you will have the option to upload a photo with your request, as a visual reference to help communicate to staff the issue. You may also call Village Hall at (630) 773-5658 to file a complaint.

Necessary information to file a complaint:

Please include the following information with your complaint:

• The specific type of complaint or nuisance.
• Your name, address, and telephone number. This information is important if you leave a message, and we need to contact you for more information or clarification regarding your complaint.
• Provide the exact location of the problem. We will need the house number and street name. If there is no address,  provide as much information as possible regarding the location.
• Provide a brief description of the violation or complaint.
• If your complaint is regarding a vehicle, provide the license plate number, make and model, and color of the vehicle. State if the vehicle is on the street or private property.
• If your complaint is regarding debris, provide a brief description of the type of debris. Examples of debris are car parts, building materials, old tires, and garbage.
• If your complaint is regarding an on-going activity rather than a physical violation, provide us with a description of the activity, when it is occurring, and the day and times it occurs.

Complaint Process

Once a complaint is received, a member of the department will investigate the property to review the validity of the complaint. If after the investigation, the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a violation has occurred or exists, further action will be taken to resolve the problem. A Notice of Violation will be sent through the mail or left on a door hanger at the property. The Notice will describe the violation and provide a time period for the property owner to resolve the issue.

Every effort will be made by the Code Enforcement Officer to utilize diplomacy, tact, and friendly persuasion to gain cooperation in compliance with the Village codes when a violation is found.

Property Owners

Property owners will have the opportunity to discuss the violations and work in cooperation with Code Enforcement to correct problems that exist. If voluntary cooperation to correct the problem is not obtained, the Code Enforcement Officer can take the necessary steps to initiate action of the violation through the legal system.

Should you receive a Property Maintenance Violation Notice and have any questions, or need to request extra time for compliance, you are strongly encouraged to make direct contact with the Code Enforcement Officer whose name and telephone number is listed on the notice.

Correction

Please understand that some violations may take time to correct due to extenuating circumstances. Just because you do not see anything happen immediately, it does not mean that we have not addressed the issue. Please be patient, as we would grant you the same consideration if the violation was on your property.