Frequently Asked Questions

The Building Department Code Enforcement may inspect the job for safety, zoning compliance, sound construction, and code compliance.  Building codes and building permits help protect the health, safety, and general welfare of residents of the community.

In addition, building permits are issued to make sure that the contractor doing the work is insured and bonded, and that the work is done according to code as well as in a professional manner.

A permit must be obtained prior to starting any construction, alteration, addition, removal, demolition or restoration of any building or structure or its service equipment. 

We have compiled list of typical projects that require a permit. This list is not all-inclusive so please check with the Building Department to see if your project requires a permit.

• Air conditioners
• Decks
• Exterior doors
• Driveways
• Furnace
• Gazebos
• Garages
• Gutters/Downspouts
• Patios
• Roofs
• Room additions
• Sheds
• Siding
• Sidewalks (on private property)
• Soffit/Fascia
• Swimming Pools (Permanent Installation)
• Windows

Fines for doing work without a permit can be up to $750.

A permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

The cost of a permit is based on the cost of the work and approval of the Building Department; for more information contact the Building Department at 708-755-1880 ext. 112.

A contractor must fill out the Contractor’s Application and provide a Certificate of Insurance and Surety Bond. By requiring that the contractor is registered with the Village, helps to insure that the work is being done properly and that the homeowner is being protected.

In addition, plumbers and roofers must provide a copy of their state license, and electricians must also provide a copy of where they took their test.

A list of contractors who have been licensed in the Village is available at the Village Hall. Additionally, an annually updated list is provided by the Building Department. 

For more information, view the Licensed Contractors Directory (PDF).

The Village will not recommend a contractor, but will provide a list of contractors who have been licensed to do work in the Village. 

For more information, view the Licensed Contractors Directory (PDF).

The Building Department is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

All buildings in South Chicago Heights that are for sale must be inspected.  The fee for a single dwelling is $175. Additional fees apply for dwellings with multiple units.

Additional information is available at the Village Hall, as well as the application form.

To schedule an inspection, call the Building Department at 708-755-1880 ext. 112.  A 24 hour notice is required.

All residential rental properties in the Village of South Chicago Heights must be inspected annually per Village code.

A permit is required to install a fence. You must bring your plat of survey to the Village Hall. You may install the fence yourself or use a contractor licensed with the Village. Post holes must be 42 inches deep and require an inspection. Fences may not exceed 6 feet in height.  All fencing must stay within your property line.

Yes. Call the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE) at 1-800-892-0123 at least 48 hours prior to any digging.

A homeowner should have received a plat of survey upon purchasing the property. Otherwise a survey must be made by a licensed surveyor.

Yes. Please call the Building Department at 708-755-1880, ext. 112 for information regarding pool installation.

We use Paramedic Billing Services, a third-party billing service for ambulance billing. They are extremely knowledgeable with regulations regarding medical charges, billing procedures, and the changes to the various health insurance laws and regulations. 

You may contact them at 630-530-2988 or by email, and you may also pay on-line at Ambulance Payments. Your personal information is always secure and safe. 

If you feel that you have been improperly billed or are unsatisfied with their response, contact the Fire Chief at 708-755-9589 or by email.

The laws regarding privacy of medical records (HIPPA) are very strict. 

You may receive a copy of your own report for no charge. Parents or guardians of minors may receive a copy of their report at no charge. A copy of your photo ID is required to receive your copy. Requests by Law Offices or insurance companies require a copy of a signed release by the patient. 

To secure a copy, contact the Fire Chief at 708-755-9589 or by email. There is a $25 administrative charge for these records. It is all handled through the Chief’s office.

Call the Fire Chief at 708-755-9589 or contact him by email. Similar to an ambulance report your own fire report requires a photo ID and is free of charge. Requests by Law Offices or insurance companies require a copy of a signed release by the home owner. 

There is a $25 administrative charge for these records. It is all handled through the Chief’s office.

It is our department policy to send the closest paramedics to all ambulance calls. The vehicle may be a fire engine, pickup truck or other support vehicle in addition to an ambulance depending on the type of call. These personnel assist the ambulance crew with equipment, patient assessment and transportation.

Occasionally during the course of a day we may have a request for an ambulance while our ambulance is already assisting another citizen. 

When we are busy we will dispatch a paramedic ambulance from the next available town, normally Steger, Park Forest, Chicago Heights, or Crete. This Mutual Aid Agreement is reciprocal; therefore, South Chicago Heights ambulances are commonly dispatched to the other municipalities.

Emergency lights and siren are used only when responding to a call. Apparatus responding to calls are frequently cancelled when the first arriving unit determines that the call is not an emergency. Our firefighters shut off their lights and sirens when it is safe to do so and continue to the call in a non-emergency mode, or to return to their station.

Building fires create a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. 

Most fatalities are caused by breathing the smoke and not the flames. This strategy is a lifesaving technique for any occupants. It also improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Remember, heat and smoke cause damage too, so ventilation will reduce overall damage to a building and contents.

This all depends on you and the fire protection features of the building you are in at the time of the fire. 

Relying on the expertise and resources of your local firefighters to save you in a fire is risky at best; the best rescue is self-rescue. 

• Install smoke detectors in your home, and check them monthly. 
• Have a fire escape plan that includes 2 ways out of each room/home, and practice it. 
• Learn what to do in the event of fire in your home. 
• Never re-enter a burning building. 
• If you panic, your chances of survival decrease drastically. 
• If you are trapped and you know the fire department is on scene, make your location known by yelling, opening a window and dropping something out, or calling 911 and relaying your location to the dispatcher. 
• Stuff bedding or towels under the door to keep deadly smoke and gases out of the room. 
• Do not hide under a bed or table! Stay near a window or doorway. Firefighters are taught to search under windows and doorways during rescue searches. 
• If you are on a second floor you may be able to hang from a window and drop to the ground without suffering significant injury. 
  • This option should be considered a last resort, when smoke and/or heat make the room you are in uninhabitable.

Yes. State law, and common sense, dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. 

However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. 

If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop.

Stop in at the Fire Station located at 185 West Sauk Trail, any day of the week between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Yes, check our web site under Public Education or contact our Public Education Coordinator Kristine Roszak by email or by calling 708-755-9589. Email is the preferred method. We are always glad to meet with you.

Firefighters are hired through the Assistant Chief Chad Vlietstra’s Office. Call the station at 708-755-9589 or email the Assistant Chief. 

You can stop in the station and pick up an application, or look through our online Employment Opportunities.

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. We base that response on the worst case scenario based on the information in hand. The fire department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. 

There may be three or more fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

The program is a partnership between the South Chicago Heights Police Department, Building Department, the owners and managers of this property, and the residents, to keep drugs and other illegal activity out of our community.

No. Crime knows no address. It can occur anywhere. What “crime free” means is that if you live here you will be expected to live a “crime free” lifestyle. You will be required to sign a “Crime Free Addendum” to your lease.

Actually, property managers join the program so they won’t have the crime problems. This community has also joined the program because we are committed to providing a safe community for our residents.

The property manager and staff adopt the Crime Free Lease Addendum (PDF) provided by the South Chicago Heights Police Department.

The property meets security requirements for resident’s safety.

At the time of a rental application, the tenant will receive a copy of the Crime Free Lease Addendum (PDF) that the tenant and the landlord are required to sign if the tenant wishes to live at said property. The police department will be conducting a background check and may deny the tenants application based on criminal history.

Benefits of an effective Crime Free Rental Housing Nuisance Program include:

• A stable, more satisfied tenant base
• Increased demand for rental units
• Lower maintenance and repair costs
• Increased property values
• Improved personal safety for tenants, owners and managers
• Peace of mind that comes when spending more time on routine management and less time on crisis control
• Fewer requests for police service

You have received a notice in the mail for failing to stop at a red light or for failing to come to a complete stop when making a legal right turn on red (Illinois Vehicle Code Section 11-306). 

As stated in the Illinois Rules of the Road Chapter 8 - Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings reads: "RED LIGHT, stop at the marked stop line. If there is not a marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Do not go until the light is green and the intersection is clear. You may make a right turn at a red light but drivers must come to a COMPLETE STOP and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic."

Violation of the Ordinance Number 2007-ORD-7 constitutes a civil offense and does not impact your insurance or your driving record. 

However, if you have accumulated 5 unpaid or uncontested Final Determinations of Liability, the Village of South Chicago Heights will petition the Secretary of State to suspend your driving privileges. 

Failure to pay any fines due to the Village of South Chicago Heights will result in additional enforcement activities, including assessment by a collection agency and immobilization of you vehicle.

• The operator of the vehicle was issued a uniform traffic citation by a police officer for the same incident. 
• The violation occurred at any time during which the vehicle or its license plate was reported to a law enforcement agency as having been stolen and the vehicle license plate had not been recovered by the owner at the time of the alleged violation.
• The vehicle was leased to another party and within sixty calendar days after the citation was mailed to the owner, the owner submitted a written affidavit with the correct name and address of the lessee of the vehicle identified on the notice at the time of the violation, together with a copy of the lease agreement.
• The vehicle was an authorized emergency vehicle or was a vehicle lawfully participating in a funeral procession.
• The respondent was not the registered owner or lessee of the cited vehicle at the time of the violation.

View the Red Light Violation Options Guide.

Parking and Compliance tickets can be paid one of two ways:

• You can pay in person at the South Chicago Heights Police Department, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Payment can be made with cash, check, money order or credit (debit) card.
• If you choose, you can also pay online with a credit card by accessing our Online Payment Center.

Per South Chicago Heights Ordinance 50-165 it shall be unlawful and prohibited for any person under the age of 17 years to be upon any public road, street, alley, park or lands used for public purposes; to be in any public place of business or amusement in the village or to operate or use a motor vehicle anywhere within the corporate limits of village at the between:

• 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday
• 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Friday and Saturday

There are a variety of situations that might qualify as nuisance pet complaints; barking dogs, dogs-at-large, and pets left unattended are just a few. 

You can call the non-emergency number 708-754-7131 or 708-755-3520 and an officer will be sent to your location to take appropriate action. 

Stray animals are taken to the County Line Animal Hospital located at:
3312 Chicago Road
Steger, IL 60475
Phone: 708-754-2351

No.  Per village ordinance 34-230 it is unlawful for any person to have in his/her possession or to discharge any firework(s) enumerated in section 34-229.  State law also prohibits the possession and discharge of fireworks in the state of Illinois.  

The police department strictly enforces violations of the village ordinance pertaining to fireworks.

Yes. It is a violation of state and local law for anyone to walk in the street/roadway when there is a sidewalk provided.

No. The violation must be heard by a hearing officer who makes a determination of liability. 

If a determination of liability is found the hearing officer sets a fine amount based upon ordinance and history. After the fine amount is set you may pay the fine at the South Chicago Heights Police Department, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Payment methods accepted include:

• Cash
• Credit/Debit
• Check
• Money order

Compliance/Parking

Compliance/parking tickets can be paid prehearing. If you wished to contest the citation and miss the hearing date (1st notice) you will have two more chances to attend the hearing. The fine cost will go up after every notice to appear/contest. 

Building/Ordinance Violations

Building/Ordinance violations are a must appear. Your court date is located at the bottom right corner of the violation and also on the notice to appear letter you receive in the mail. If you are unable to appear at the hearing date assigned contact the department by calling 708-755-3521 prior to the hearing to receive another hearing date.  

Moving Violations & Misdemeanor Court

Your court information is in the lower right corner of your citation. Court dates also appear on the bond you received at booking. If you miss your first assigned court date generally you will be notified of a second chance to appear. Missing court may result in a warrant for your arrest or suspended driver’s license.

We have two billing cycles. The account numbers that begins with 100 are generated at the end of every odd months while the account numbers that begin with 300 are generated at the end of each even month. Each bill is due the following month on the 15th.

As a new account holder, receiving your first water bill depends on when the account is established. We bill for service used 2 months in arrears. You have already used the water before you are billed for it.  A water bill will not be generated until we are able to bill you for at least 45 days of service.

The cost per 1,000 gallons of water used depends on the “customer type” and whether the account is classified as within or outside village boundaries.  Please view Village Ordinance Number 2022-ORD-15 which outlines both the sewer and water rates.

The security deposit is one of the requirement to establish water service. This deposit is held on the account to be applied towards your “final” water bill.  Whatever credit is remaining after the balance of the final bill has been satisfied, will be refunded via check and mailed to the forwarding address you will provide at the time of making the request for a final bill.

Options / Types of Payments

We accept:

• Cash
• Checks
• Credit Cards
• Debit
• Money Order

Payments can be paid online by clicking "pay online" button on homepage of our website.  

Payments can also be mailed to our office:
Village of South Chicago Heights
3317 Chicago Road
South Chicago Heights, IL 60411

We also have a drop box located in our parking lot for your convenience. Please allow a space of 5 transit days to ensure the payment is receive in a timely manner.

Yes. Water that runs through a meter is considered used and subsequently billed. It is imperative that the source of the leak is found and repaired immediately to minimize water loss and an increased water bill.

No. With the 2015 meter upgrade program, we also implemented a new “read system” which allows the water department to obtain a meter read over the airways right from the office.

The administration fee is a small ($4 per month) fee that goes towards the Meter Upgrade Program. This includes the meter, radio antenna and the new reading software. Along with the added convenience of getting an accurate read from the office without interrupting your day by needing to get in to read the water meter.

Remember-bills are generated in arrears. You have already used the water before you are billed for it. Also, the following are a few reasons why your bill could be higher than previous bills.

• If you ever have to jiggle the handle on your toilet, you have a leak and the tank parts need to be replaced.
• Check your toilet for a “silent” leak by putting a couple drops of a dark colored food coloring into the tank. Do not flush! Wait about 10 to 15 minutes, if the color appears in the toilet bowl, the tank parks need to be replaced.
• Do you have a water softener? Check the timing of regeneration to make sure it is not cycling too often and that it is not malfunctioning.
• Check all outside spigots for leaks.
• If you have a sprinkler system you may want to reduce the time the water is running.

For residential accounts that are not required to provide their own scavenger service, which is based on the “service type,” your garbage is billed with your water service. You cannot have one without the other.

All renters/homeowners are required to come into our office and fill out an application for service. Homeowners must provide proof of ownership (a recorded deed or closing documents) and a state or government issued picture ID.

Renters must provide either a copy of their lease agreement signed by both the renter(s) and the property owner or a notarized affidavit signed by both the landlord and the tenant(s), a state or government issued picture ID and a corresponding utility deposit. View a table detailing deposit amounts depending on type.

Water utility service is not like other utilities, such as Com Ed and Nicor whereas the outstanding balances follow the account holder. Water bill balances remains with the property and therefore; becomes the responsibility of the homeowner. These balances will need to be paid in full before we can accept a deposit from a new tenant.

There is a minimum charge for water service. Please view Village Ordinance Number 2015-ORD-25 (PDF) which outlines the minimum units/1,000 gallons.  

Establishing new water service is not based on credit history. Read more on our Starting Service page.

No. It is against state laws for the village to turn-off water as a means of eviction. If your tenant(s) is/are behind on their rent, you must go through the court system to initiate the eviction process.

Animal tags are required by the Village Hall for all cats and dogs. Tags are available to residents for $5 and must be purchased after animals receive their yearly rabies vaccination. Contact the Village Clerk for more information.

When your pet disappears, move quickly, before it has time to go far; 90% of lost dogs and cats are found within two miles of where they were lost. Mobilize help such as, family, neighbors, and friends. Assign tasks to everyone. Have someone call the South Chicago Heights Police Department non-emergency number 708-754-7131. 

Walk and drive through the neighborhood calling your pet. Have two people in the car when you are searching, someone can drive while the other looks. Be cautious when calling around busy intersections - your pet may try to cross the street to get to you.

• If your pet is friendly with strangers, check parks and schools.
• If your pet is shy, frightened, or injured, check places that offer seclusion.
• Leave the gate to your yard open in case your dog returns home on its own.
• Notify all residents in the immediate area to be on the lookout for your pet, leaving a written description, name, veterinarians and emergency animal hospitals, leaving information and stating that you will be responsible for any medical care your pet might need.
• Notify surrounding animal control officials and all local animal shelters. Keep a record of which shelters you call; some will contact owners if the pet turns up, others need to be called on a daily basis.

Check the zoning map that is provided for you here.

Please consult the map that is provided for you here.

Please consult the map that is provided for you here.

Please use the application form that is provided here.

Not permitted.

A business that requires a special use permitted can be found in Chapter 6, page 105,106,107, & 108 of the Zoning Ordinance Code Book. 

CodeRed is a web-based critical communication solution that enables local public safety personnel to notify residents and businesses by telephone, text message, email, and social media.  

A CodeRED message will have the caller ID # 866-419-5000 for emergencies and caller ID # 855-969-4636 for non-emergencies.

No, registering for CodeRED phone calls, text messages, and email are free.

The CodeRED system will leave a message of your answering machine.  If your phone line is busy, CodeRED will try two more times to connect.  At any point, you may re-dial the 800 number on your caller ID to hear a replay of the message sent.

Renewals are not necessary as long as your contact information has not changed.

CodeRED offers a mobile app for Android and iPhone devices.  All residents and business owners are encouraged to download the free app to receive alerts based on the geo-location of your phone..

Yes, you can register more than one phone number and/or email address for your location when your register for CodeRED.

In accordance with a Crime-Free Housing Program Ordinance 2019-14, any property not occupied by legal owner is considered a rental dwelling and requires a Residential Rental License. Upon request, a copy of the Crime-Free Program Ordinance can be provided.

• Notify the Building Department at 708-755-1880 ext. 112
• Complete the Residential License Application (PDF).
• Review the Inspection Checklist (PDF). The checklist is comprised of the compliance codes that will be reviewed during the inspection. A Compliance Inspection is required. After inspection, owner will be provided with a non-compliance report listing violations.
• Ownership documents and payment must be provided to the Building Department before you can schedule a Compliance Inspection. inspection includes 1st & final and expires 90 days from initial inspection date.

It is your responsibility to read through both the Ordinance and Checklist. Should you have any questions please see the Building Department Clerk.

You must comply with all violations to rent your home within 90 days of inspection. Once repairs have been completed you will need to call the Building Department to schedule a final inspection. If final inspection receives a “Pass” on all violations, the village will issue a Compliance Permit.

The owner/landlord must sign an affidavit stating that he or she will watch a Crime-Free video (a link will be provided) and payment for the Residential Rental License. It is the owner’s responsibility to watch the seminar. 

The license year is May 1st to April 30th and must be renewed unless the owner sells property. An annual health and safety inspection is required.

• After property is complaint, the current owner can request a final water bill and pass this utility billing obligation onto the tenant for the term of their lease. 
• No final is necessary if owner wishes to remain on the water account. 
• Starting water service requires a deposit. A deposit is required for both owner and tenant. 
• Please keep in mind that as the owner of the property, you will remain obligated to any unpaid balance your tenant leaves. 

In accordance with Ordinance 2020-11 a transfer certificate is required on any change of ownership or possession of residential or commercial buildings.

1. Notify the Building Department at 708-755-1880 ext. 112 at least 2 weeks prior to closing.
2. Complete the Transfer Certificate Application(PDF). This application must be completed if you are selling the property or Transferring ownership to someone else.
3. Review the Inspection Checklist (PDF). The checklist is comprised of the compliance codes that will be reviewed during the inspection. After inspection, owner will be provided with a non-compliance report listing violations.
4. Provide ownership documents and payment to the Building Department to schedule a Compliance Inspection. inspection includes 1st & final and expires in 90 days from initial inspection date. 

It is your responsibility to read through both the Ordinance and Checklist. Should you have any questions please see the Building Department Clerk.

OPTION 1: Fix all violations and close within 90 days of inspection

• You must comply with all violations and close within 90 days of inspection, otherwise you must the process must start all over. 
• Once repairs have been completed you will need to call the Building Department to schedule a final inspection. Once the final inspection “Pass” all violations, the village will issue a Transfer Certificate that you will need to complete the closing of your property (buyer’s name is needed to print on certificate). 
• A final water bill must be paid before certificate is issued.

OPTION 2: Sell the property "as-is"

• In the event you choose to sell the property “As-Is” the potential new owner, buyer or transferee will need to sign a Buyer's Closing Affidavit (PDF) prior to closing. The affidavit holds the buyer responsible to correct all code violations before occupying the property.
• The buyer is responsible to bring property into compliance within 45 days after closing. The property cannot be occupied until all violations are corrected. A Conditional Transfer Certificate is issued for a closing to transfer of ownership. 
• A final water bill must be paid before the certificate is issued and water service will be discontinued on the closing date.

If Selling Property

The CURRENT owner must request a final water bill once all violations are in compliance and there is a closing date scheduled and must be paid prior to closing. Please note: Water services will be disconnected on the same day as scheduled closing. 

After the closing, the new owner must come in to the water department to establish new water service by completing a Water Service Application (PDF) and must provide ownership (copy of deed) along with copy of state issued ID card. Starting water service requires a deposit.

If Selling As-Is

If the property is sold “As-Is,” the CURRENT owner must request a final water bill once a closing date has been scheduled and must be paid prior to closing. Please note: Water services will be disconnected the same day as the scheduled closing.

At this point, the new owner must have a signed Buyer's Closing Affidavit. The new owner must contact the Water Department at (708) 755-1880 to discuss temporary water service options as each situation varies depending on the extent of open violations. A Conditional Transfer Certificate may be granted “temporary water service” as work is being performed but, ONLY after all proper permits are issued. The property cannot be occupied until all violations are corrected.

In accordance with Ordinance 2024-5 a temporary transfer certificate is required on any change of ownership or possession are not an immediate and imminent threat to the health or safety of the owners.  

• Notify the Building Department at 708-755-1880 ext. 112 at least 1 weeks prior to recording deed.
• Complete the Temporary Transfer Certificate Application(PDF). This application must be completed if you are adding or deleting a name from original deed.
• Provide ownership documents and payment to the Building Department to schedule. inspection includes 1st & final and expires in 90 days from initial inspection date.

It is your responsibility to read through both the Ordinance and Checklist. Should you have any questions please see the Building Department Clerk.

You must provide proof of ownership or right to sell property. 

• Government Issued ID
• Property Warranty Deed
• Copy of Trust
• Last Will and Testament and death certificates
• Power of Attorney
• Heir's Affidavit
• Proposed Newly Recorded Warranty Deed