VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Stagnant pools of water, accumulation of debris, abandoned or discarded refrigerators and poorly maintained properties are some of the conditions that detract from the overall well-being of a community. Ordinances in Bolingbrook have been established to preserve the quality of neighborhoods and commercial areas.

In 1977 the Village of Bolingbrook adopted property maintenance ordinances which promote the health and safety of the Village's residents as well as improve the appearance of Bolingbrook.

In the summer of 1979, the community was recognized nationally for having a model property maintenance program that works. The program is designed to serve as a reminder as well as an educational process to the residents that they are responsible for the maintenance of their property. No one wants to see uncontrolled weeds and debris in their neighbor's lawn. The Village encourages residents to maintain their lawns and the exterior area of their houses.

The overall goals of the program are to educate the residents and owner/managers of property within Bolingbrook of property maintenance ordinances and gain voluntary compliance.

There are two distinct aspects of the Village's program for maintaining residential property. The exterior maintenance of all residential and commercial property is covered by Chapter 20, 27 and 33 of the Bolingbrook Municipal Code. Interior maintenance is primarily the concern of Chapter 27 and the certification of occupancy.

Exterior Maintenance

Once an exterior violation is sighted, the owner/occupant is contacted. The owner/occupant is informed of the violation, the solutions, and a compliance date. The compliance time allowed for the violation depends on the severity of the violation and also if there are any health and safety factors involved. If voluntary compliance is not gained, a citation is issued to the violator. Generally, 50 percent of the violators know the Village is serious, pay their fines, and correct the violation. The other 50 percent of violations end up in front of the Judge in Municipal Court. The Village has the burden of proof, and with Polaroid pictures of the violation, very few cases are lost. Therefore, compliance is ultimately accomplished.

The types of violations sighted are:
• NON-STRUCTURAL VIOLATIONS
   Grass and Weeds
   Litter and Debris
   Broken Windows
   Improper Garbage Storage
• STRUCTURAL AND COSTLY VIOLATIONS
   Peeling Paint
   Exterior Siding or Accessory Structures in Need of Repair
   Severely Cracked or Pot-Holed Driveways
   Broken Garage Doors

The property maintenance program for 1987 is as follows:

•January	— Complete Inventory
•March	— Letters and Reinspections
•April	— Complete Inventory
•May	— Grass Inventory
•June	— Reinspections
•July	— Complete Inventory
•August	— Reinspections, Complaints, and
December Review the Program

September 1987 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 23

Interior Maintenance for Rental Property

The Rent/Lease Ordinance was established to maintain and improve the quality of residential housing within the Village of Bolingbrook. The Ordinance serves to protect the value of property and the investment of owners and managers/agents of rental housing. Owners, managers/agents, and tenants have responsibilities and rights regarding maintaining rental property.

Owners and managers/agents responsibilities start with scheduling an inspection and are not over until the Occupancy Permit is issued. If the owner and manager/ agent refuses to acknowledge this responsibility, then the inspection will not be performed and the occupancy permit is denied until responsibility has been acknowledged. If occupancy occurs before an inspection is possible (at least 24 hours in advance), then a citation will be issued to either the owner or manager/ agent.

The first step is to have the "Request for Occupancy Permit Inspection" form filled out completely with all of the required information. The $35.00 inspection fee is to be paid prior to the inspection. Once all of the required information is obtained, an inspection is scheduled. The "Rental Application — Occupancy Permit" form is given to the owner or designated manager/ agent. This form must be returned within 72 hours after occupancy of the dwelling.

The inspection is performed by following the Building Official and Code Administrator (BOCA) Codes. Any deficiencies are indicated on the "Occupancy Permit Inspection Report." The need for a reinspection is determined by the extent of the violation (deficiencies). If a reinspection is required, the owners and manager/agents must correct the violations cited within 30 days, and notify the Rent/Lease Inspector that the dwelling is ready for reinspection. Once total compliance has been verified and approval given, a compliance letter (Occupancy Permit Inspection Report —no violations) is issued. After issuance of the "Occupancy Permit Inspection Report" and upon receipt of the Rental Application — Occupancy Permit and inspection fee, the permit will be issued. •

Page 24 / Illinois Municipal Review / September 1987