Code Enforcement Process Explained
The Code Enforcement Officer serves as inspector of buildings, electric, plumbing, health and housing. As well as a plan reviewer and floodplain manager. Perhaps the most visible role is the Property Maintenance Inspector.
The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for neighborhood preservation, code compliance and nuisance abatement. The village accomplishes this through public education about codes and nuisances, emphasis on voluntary compliance before enforcement, conflict resolution, and ultimately court-ordered abatement. Code enforcement also indirectly serves as a detection mechanism for social problems that may be present at a given property, such as overcrowding or hoarding.
Code Enforcement Procedures
FILING A COMPLAINT
You may call the Code Enforcement Department to speak with a code officer or clerk regarding the complaint. You may also send an e-mail to the Code Enforcement Department at buildingandcode@southholland.org. A Code Enforcement Officer will be assigned to review the information and investigate to determine if there is a violation of the Municipal Ordinance.
INVESTIGATING A COMPLAINT
Once a complaint is received, Code Enforcement will conduct a site visit to determine if a violation exists. If there is a violation, Code Enforcement will determine the responsible party/property owner who will be notified of the violation(s). Once a violation has been confirmed Code Enforcement will determine and notify the responsible party of the violation.
NOTIFICATIONS
A notification can be conveyed in person, via telephone or with a written notice. In certain situations, such as repeat violations and matters of health and safety hazards, a citation may be issued without notification. Regardless of the form of notification given, there will be a due date by which the violation(s) must be corrected to avoid further enforcement action. If the violation(s) are not corrected by the due date, a second and final written notice may be issued indicating a final due date by which corrections must be made. If violations are not corrected by the final due date, a code enforcement officer may issue a summons to appear in municipal court.
CITATION MAY BE ISSUED
In cases where a property owner does not comply with a code, a citation may be issued. Once this citation is issued, the person receiving the citation is required to appear in court. If, after judicial proceedings, a defendant is found to be guilty of violating the municipal ordinance, the judge may impose a civil penalty, similar to a fine. If a property owner does not make a court appearance, the fines could increase.
If you have a complaint or concern that you feel may be a nuisance to the community, please contact Code Enforcement by phone or e-mail.
Complaints are confidential and complainant information is not released. The information supplied is for follow-up purposes only.
Top Code Violations
- Grass must be maintained under six inches
- In-operable motor vehicles are not allowed in public view
- Chipping and peeling paint is not allowed
- Garbage can are to be located behind the front setbacks and returned back from street within 24 hours of trash pickup. Lids must be secured
- Yards must be maintained free of trash and debris