Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement

The City of Darien has adopted and actively enforces a Property Maintenance Code. Why does the City work proactively to make sure properties are properly maintained? In general, properties that are well maintained are more likely to increase in value, and are less likely to contain safety hazards.

How to Report a Suspected Property Maintenance Code Violation?

Please complete our online Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement Form to report a suspected violation. For instructions on completing the online form, please refer to the step-by-step guide posted here (submittal guide). Note, users are required to sign up in order to log in and use the online portal. While we encourage you to complete the online form, we respect your privacy and you may call in the suspected violation at the number provided above to remain anonymous.  Any questions/concerns, contact Ryan Murphy 630-353-8113.

Common Property Maintenance Code Violations

The following are examples of common Property Maintenance Code Violations observed:

  • Tall grass and weeds (over 8” in height).
  • Dead, diseased or infested trees.
  • Inoperable or unlicensed motor vehicles.
  • Accumulation of garbage or rubbish.
  • Structural deterioration (fences, sheds, roofs, eaves/fascia).
  • Peeling, flaking or chipped paint.
  • Tree branches, shrubs or other vegetation obstructing sidewalk.
  • Improperly stored garbage or recycling containers (containers must not be stored fronting the roadway when stored between collection days).
  • Outdoor storage of household or lawn maintenance, household tools, construction tools, or construction materials or any associated accessories, except when being actively used for a permitted or lawful project and may not be located in a front yard, side yard, or side yard adjoining a street.
  • Rubbish or junk are not allowed to be stored on the property.

Code Enforcement Process and Administrative Adjudication

When a City inspector observes a violation of the Property Maintenance Code, the inspector will issue a Violation Notice to the property owner or responsible party. The notice, which will provide the name and contact information for the inspector issuing the notice, will identify the issue that needs to be corrected and the date by which the correction should be made. The recipient of a Violation Notice should contact the inspector to discuss the steps and schedule for correcting the violation.

The City’s goal is for violations to be corrected by the responsible party voluntarily, without the City having to issue a citation. However, in cases in which a property owner fails to resolve a Property Maintenance Code violation in a timely manner or in repeated fashion, the City will pursue compliance through local adjudication, as described below, or in certain circumstances, in DuPage County’s judicial system.

About Administrative Adjudication

The City of Darien’s system of Administrative Adjudication is authorized by State statute and is a quasi-judicial tribunal for the expedient, independent and impartial adjudication of various municipal code violations previously heard in the DuPage County Circuit Court.

In 2021, the City adopted a process to handle code enforcement violations through an Administrative Adjudication process overseen by an Administrative Adjudication Hearing Officer. (see Ord. 0-11-11, 5-16-2011; amd. Ord. O-09-21, 6-7-2021)

Conducting these hearings at the Municipal Center expedites resolution, reduces litigation expense and provides a local forum for hearing civil court violations. An administrative hearing is a civil not a criminal proceeding. Cases are punishable by fines and penalties that are listed in the Municipal Code.

Citation

Any authorized officer of the City may issue a citation against an individual or a corporation. The citation will include the date, location, offense and mandatory hearing date and time along with information about the violation. If you receive a citation ordering you to appear at a hearing before the City of Darien’s Administrative Hearing Officer, you and/or your representative must be present on the date and time specified. If English is not your first language, you must bring someone to assist you.

Appearance at the hearing is mandatory, unless the fines are paid no less than 24 hours before the assigned administrative hearing.

Hearing

Hearings will follow the City’s adjudication process. The location will be at the City of Darien, 1702 Plainfield Road, in Council Chambers. The hearing dates will be on the third Wednesday of the month at 3:00pm to 3:30pm. In the event that a hearing will require additional time, a continuance or special circumstance as deemed necessary by the Hearing Officer, a day and time will be scheduled for the continuance.

Upon the Administrative Hearings Officer’s verdict, any fines imposed shall be made payable to the City of Darien. All payments must be received within 24 hours of the date of the hearing. If there is a default of payment, the City’s Accounting Manager shall send notice to the collection agency to collect the debt.

How to Pay your Citation and/or Administrative Adjudication Judgment

To Pay Citation Online:

To Pay Citation In Person:

  • Visit the front counter of City Hall Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm at:
    City of Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561
  • Credit card, cash or check payments only. If paying by check include Ticket Number on the check.

To Pay by Mail:

  • Do not mail cash. Include Ticket Number on check and mail to:
  • City of Darien
    Finance Department
    1702 Plainfield RoadDarien, IL 60561

Contesting a Citation

To contest your citation, you must appear at the Administrative Hearing Date shown on your citation.