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Code Enforcement

All communities need building codes to protect citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events and structural collapse. To protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and businesses, the Village of Lincoln Heights sets forth maintenance standards for all properties within Village boundaries.

The Code Enforcer responds to inspection requests for suspected violations regarding property maintenance standards. Village code inspectors and the Health Department work to keep the public safe. With the help of all residents and business owners, together we can build and sustain a better Lincoln Heights.

Steps to enforce code compliance

  • A complaint is received or initiated by the Village.
  • If the complaint can be substantiated and cannot be corrected at the time of the Code Enforcement Officer's visit, a Notice of Violation (written warning) is served to the property owner and/or tenant. The Notice of Violation will state that the Village received a complaint related to a violation on the property. The notice will state that the violation must be corrected and set a deadline for correction. The Code Enforcement Officer will verify that the complaint has been corrected with an inspection on the written deadline.
  • A re-inspection will be made on the due date listed in the Notice of Violation. If the violation was corrected, the case will be recorded in the Village data base and closed. If the violation has not been corrected, a citation will be imposed. Re-inspections will be made and additional citations may be issued for every day (or other deadline) the violation is not corrected. Fines can be up to $1,000 per day.
  • If an additional complaint involving the same issue and same property is received within a 12-month period, the Code Enforcement Officer will make a site visit to verify the violation and a citation is typically imposed. Re-inspections will be made and additional citations will be issued for every day (or other deadline) the violation is not corrected. The fines can be up to $1,000 per day.
  • The most common code violations in the Village of Lincoln Heights are those that are in public view. While there are many possible code violations, there are some that occur more frequently than others.

Responsibility for property

The property owner is responsible for ensuring that code violations are corrected. If a property is occupied by tenants, however, they also have an obligation to keep the property in good condition and free from code violations. Tenants are required to take reasonable care of the rented property.

Do's and don'ts of property maintenance

  DO'S

    DON'TS
  • Understand the rules. The Village of Lincoln Heights ordinances are available online http://www.amlegal.com
  • Defer maintenance, especially painting and maintenance of a structure's foundation, walls and roof systems.
  • Protect your home or business from the elements with paint or other protective covering or treatment.
  • Allow exposed electrical wiring or unsafe equipment to be used; have them fixed immediately.
  • Mow your lawn and keep grass and weeds less than 8 inches in height.
  • Ignore a Notice of Violation from the Village.
  • Keep your property in clean, safe and sanitary condition at all times.
  • Allow your property to become littered or messy.
  • Remove all trash and debris from your property.
  • Allow your fence, shed, garage or home to deteriorate or rot.
  • Contact the Village if you have received a Notice of Violation or have questions.
  • Park junk, inoperable or commercial vehicles overnight on your property.
  • Maintain and keep the right of way clear of obstructions.
  • Obstruct or build anything on the right of way.
  • Follow the 3 Rs -- Record, Report and Remove -- to help eliminate illegal dumping
  • Park vehicles on the grass