Posted on: March 1, 2019Village Alley Address Ordinance Update
Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: December 17, 2018
“As always, we want to make sure that residents and businesses have a reasonable timeframe to comply with new ordinances,” said Jason Vitell, Westmont Building Commissioner. “This was initially introduced and promoted in July and August of 2018, then approved and re-promoted in September, December, and again in February of this year via Village Website, Neighbors Magazine, Water Bill notifications, and press releases. With the goal of gradually moving towards full compliance of this ordinance, we’ve developed an implementation timeline.”
MARCH
Informational pamphlets will be made available to the public and distributed at key locations throughout the Village including the Library, Park District, Police Station, Fire Station, and the Village Hall. Also in March, Code staff will begin delivering Courtesy Notices, not violations, to residents and businesses not yet in compliance so to remind or make them aware of the new ordinance requirement.
APRIL
Code staff will begin to issue Notices of Violation to properties that are still not in compliance. This will be the final notice before full ordinance enforcement.
MAY
If compliance is still not achieved, Notices of Citation will be issued. Typically, a citation will require a court appearance that may result in a fine or series of fines.
The main reason for enacting the ordinance is public safety. Clear and easily read property address numbers help first responders when they are arriving at the scene of an emergency. Another reason for the ordinance is to assist with the reporting and follow-through on property maintenance concerns.
Single-family residences must have approved address numbers that contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be in Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Address numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches. Addresses must be placed on the front of the residence facing the street. If a property has a structure that is adjacent to an alley or vehicle access route, then the address of the property must be placed in a conspicuous location facing the alley or vehicle access route.
Multi-unit dwellings and commercial properties must also have approved address numbers that contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be in Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Address numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches. Addresses must be placed on the front of the residence facing the street. If a property has a structure that is adjacent to an alley or vehicle access route, then the address of the property must be placed in a conspicuous location facing the alley or vehicle access route. In some circumstances, these properties may be required to have proper address identification posted in additional areas so to assist first responders and ensure safety.
For more information, call the Community Development main line at 630-981-6250 or contact Joey Jeraminas, Code Enforcement Division, at jjeraminas@westmont.il.gov or 630-981-6261.