Does the City have residential property standards?
Yes, and these are administered under the City’s Property Maintenance and Housing Code.
General Exterior Conditions
Exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
Grass and Weeds
If the average height exceeds 8 inches, the property will be subject to a Notice of Violation (NOV) once observed by a City Inspector.
Rubbish or Garbage
The owner shall be responsible for keeping all exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
Infestation
Structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation.
Snow Removal
Residents are encouraged to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice. Additional information about snow removal is available at the City’s Public Works Street’s Section of the website.
Property Drainage and Grading
Drainage of roofs and paved areas, yards and courts, and other open areas on the premises shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance. Furthermore, existing drainage pattern on a site shall be maintained with no additional or concentrated storm water runoff or retention onto adjacent properties.
Yard Signs
Yard signs, such as political signs, must be on the house side of the public sidewalk or, if no sidewalk is present, the sign must be at least 5' from the curb. Also, signs must be less than 6' square feet in size, generally are not allowed on public property, and cannot be advertising. Any sign that is not in compliance is subject to removal.
Real Estate Signs
Real estate signs must be on the house side of the public sidewalk or, if no sidewalk is present, the sign must be at least 5' from the curb. Also, signs must be less than 6' square feet in size, generally are not allowed on public property, are limited to 1 sign per lot, and are limited to 2 attachments not bigger than 24 inches by 6 inches.
Furthermore, Open House signs are limited to 2 signs per lot. Both signs may be placed on a Lot, or one Open House Sign may be placed on the parkway of the public right-of-way of the closest major intersection to the Lot, provided that the Owner of the Lot abutting the proposed parkway location does not disapprove of the parkway location upon prior notice. Open House Signs shall be allowed only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
How do I inquire or submit a service request about a construction project or property condition?
Please email Building Division at building@cityhpil.com or call at 847.432.0808.
What is the City's process for handling Property Maintenance requests or complaints?
A City Inspector will contact the requestor within 1 business day to discuss the concern and, if necessary, visit the property in question. Once assessed, the Inspector will work with the property owner to discuss any violations, possible solutions, and timeframe(s) for compliance. In some cases, formal notices, citations, and fines can be imposed.
Do all construction projects require a permit?
No. Exemptions can be found in the City’s Amendments (Section R105.2).
How can I find out if a project has a permit?
A permit placard is supposed to be displayed during construction. If one is not visible, you can check the address at the Online Permitting Status website.
Work Without a Permit
Any work that requires a permit but is confirmed to be in violation is subject to a Stop Work Order and a fine up to $500.
Do I need to register my rental property or Airbnb?
Yes. Please see the Rental Registration Program page for instructions.