Understanding Code Enforcement, Administrative Adjudication, and the Building Board of Appeals

The City of West Chicago is committed to maintaining safe, attractive neighborhoods while supporting residents and business owners in understanding and meeting local codes. Because several processes exist to address property concerns, questions can arise about how each step works and when a hearing or appeal may be involved.

This overview explains how code enforcement, compliance efforts, administrative adjudication, and the Building Board of Appeals function together.

Administrative adjudication addresses unresolved ordinance violations and compliance issues, while the Building Board of Appeals reviews technical building code interpretations and specific decisions made by the Chief Building Official.

Our Approach: Education and Compliance First

The City’s approach to property maintenance and building codes prioritizes:

• education and voluntary compliance;
• clear communication of requirements;
• reasonable timeframes to correct issues; and
• fair and impartial review when disagreements occur.

Most concerns are resolved early through communication and do not advance to hearings or penalties.

What is the Code Enforcement Process?

• identifies the concern;
• explains the applicable ordinance or requirement;
• provides guidance on how the issue can be corrected; and
• encourages property owners to contact staff with questions.

This stage is intended to be informative and supportive, giving property owners an opportunity to resolve the matter without further action.

• the specific violation;
• required corrective action; and
• a compliance deadline based on the nature and severity of the issue.

Timeframes vary depending on safety considerations, complexity of the correction, and potential impact on surrounding properties.

Administrative adjudication is a local hearing process designed to provide an impartial review while allowing issues to be resolved more efficiently than through the court system.

Hearings are conducted by an independent hearing officer retained by the City.

It is strongly preferred that violations are corrected before the hearing date, even after a Notice to Appear has been issued. In many cases, demonstrating compliance prior to the hearing can resolve the matter or reduce further enforcement action.

During the hearing:

• both the City and the property owner may present information;
• the hearing officer determines whether a violation exists; and
• compliance deadlines or fines may be issued if applicable.

This judicial review process is separate from the City’s administrative hearing and provides an additional legal avenue for appeal.

Building Code & Inspection Questions and the Role of the Building Board of Appeals

When concerns involve building inspections, technical code interpretations, or construction requirements, property owners are encouraged to begin by seeking clarification directly from the City.

The first step in resolving technical disagreements is direct discussion with the City.

Questions or disagreements regarding code interpretations and inspection findings may be directed to Chief Building Official Stuart Caravello at scaravello@westchicago.org or (630) 818-3330. The City utilizes licensed building inspectors through a professional third-party inspection service that operates under the direction of the Chief Building Official to conduct inspections and ensure compliance with adopted building codes.

The Chief Building Official can:

• review inspection results;
• confirm and explain applicable code requirements;
• discuss acceptable correction methods; and
• evaluate whether alternative materials or approaches may be permissible.

In many cases, misunderstandings can be resolved through this conversation, avoiding the need for further escalation.

If a property owner continues to disagree with a technical interpretation or decision made by the Chief Building Official, the matter may be brought before the Building Board of Appeals.

The Building Board of Appeals provides an independent forum to review specific building code matters, including:

• interpretations of the building code;
• decisions made by the Chief Building Official;
• proposed alternative materials or construction methods; and
• determinations involving unsafe structures.

Unlike administrative adjudication, which addresses ordinance violations and compliance deadlines, the Building Board of Appeals focuses specifically on technical building code application and interpretation. The Board does not have the authority to waive or change the adopted building code, but instead evaluates whether the code has been correctly interpreted and applied.

This process ensures that property owners have access to a fair and professional review when technical disagreements cannot be resolved administratively.

A Collaborative and Fair Approach

The City understands that property issues can sometimes be unexpected or complex. Most concerns are resolved before reaching administrative hearings. Staff are available to answer questions, clarify requirements, and work with property owners toward practical solutions whenever possible.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to reach out early, as most concerns can be resolved through communication and voluntary compliance.

Questions or Assistance

If you have received a notice, are planning improvements, or would like help understanding any part of the process, City staff are available to assist and guide you through available options. For general questions, Community Development staff may be contacted at (630) 818-3333 or at CommunityDev@westchicago.org.

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