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.

The Code Enforcement Process

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 ticket or citation. The City’s primary interest is compliance with the code, and not the collection of fines from non-compliant property owners. However, in cases in which a property owner fails to resolve a Property Maintenance Code violation in a timely manner, the City will pursue compliance in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. When the judge rules on the case in the City’s favor, fines will be assessed against the property owner.