Resident guide
Code Compliance, Citations and Hearings
Understand a notice, report a property concern, prepare for an administrative hearing, or find the correct authoritative system.
Start with the notice
Read the address, alleged violation, correction date, hearing information and contact on the notice. Contact the listed City office before the deadline if you need clarification. City code and the issued notice control; this guide is not legal advice.
Code and property concerns
Community Development handles many property-maintenance and code concerns. Give the exact address and a clear description. Foreclosed or vacant properties may require registration through the City’s current contractor.
Administrative adjudication
Municipal hearings address certain local ordinance cases. Bring the notice, documents, photographs and witnesses you want considered. Companies and LLCs may need counsel. Confirm hearing dates, filing rules, appeals, fines and payment instructions directly with the City.
Traffic and dumping issues
Follow the instructions printed on any red-light notice for review, payment or contest options. Report illegal dumping through current City code-enforcement or Public Works channels; do not rely on obsolete statewide links.
Source coverage: Administrative Adjudication
Administrative Adjudication Process What is Administrative Adjudication? Administrative Adjudication is a quasi-judicial tribunal for the expedient, independent and impartial adjudication of municipal ordinance violations. An Administrative Law Judge oversees the proceedings, which may cover traffic and parking violations, Building Code and Property Code violations, and Fire Code violations. The Judge is independent from the City of West Chicago Departments that perform the investigations and prepare the citations for the Code violations. The Judge is not a City employee, rather an impartial licensed Illinois attorney who must meet strict state requirements to serve in this capacity. Prior to establishing Administrative Adjudication, ordinance violations were heard only in the DuPage County Circuit Court. Advantages of having a separate process include that it is less complex than a formal judicial proceeding and is more time and cost effective for both parties. Administrative Adjudication hearings do not follow the This local guide preserves this stable context; use the official source for changing forms, dates, fees, rosters, availability, legal documents and current operations.
Source coverage: Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement About Code Enforcement Pay A Fine File a Complaint Residential Property Standards Common Code Violations Foreclosed & Abandoned Properties Generally, properties that are well cared for are more likely to increase in value over time. Active enforcement of the City’s Code of Ordinances helps to ensure the maintenance, appearance and safety of both residential and commercial areas. Cities that are well maintained are most likely to attract potential buyers and investors, and have higher property values. To assist the public in understanding Code Enforcement, the City has provided details about the following: How Code Enforcement Works Receiving A Notice of Ordinance Violation Being Unable to Address Corrections of Notice of Violation How to Pay Fines Financial Assistance for Home Repairs How to File a Code Enforcement Complaint How Code Enforcement Works All yards, houses, fences, garages , and other buildings must be kept This local guide preserves this stable context; use the official source for changing forms, dates, fees, rosters, availability, legal documents and current operations.
Source coverage: Foreclosed Property Registration Program
The maintenance of vacant properties in the City of West Chicago is of critical importance to ensuring safe and attractive neighborhoods, and the City invests significant resources in its code enforcement programs for this purpose. Beginning in October, mortgagees of properties that are vacant due to foreclosure will be required to register and pay a fee to help the City meet these code enforcement goals. Mortgagees will be notified by the City’s contracted service provider, MuniReg. The semi-annual registration fee is $300. To register a defaulted mortgage/foreclosure or vacant (no foreclosure) property, or for any questions with respect to registration requirements or registration status please contact info@munireg.com , or (866) 686-4734.
Source coverage: Prevention of Illegal Dumping in Illinois
Background We have all seen illegal dumping – fly dumping of bags of trash, old mattresses or appliances thrown down a stream bank, piles of construction debris or tires left on an empty city lot or even on private property. Illegal dumping affects the quality of life for citizens who live near the dumping locations. How can we prevent this criminal act? The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA), the Office of the Illinois Attorney General (OIAG), the Illinois Departments of Public Health (IDPH), Natural Resources (IDNR) and Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), as well as county, township and municipal enforcement authorities and elected officials are linking strategies to fight these unsightly blights on our communities that may present a threat to public health or the environment as well as a potentially negative impact on area property values. Listen to a PSA about illegal dumping This local guide preserves this stable context; use the official source for changing forms, dates, fees, rosters, availability, legal documents and current operations.
Source coverage: Red Light Photo Enforcement Information
Red Light Photo Enforcement Brochure – West Chicago Red Light Running (RLR) Statistical Analysis and Evaluation