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1. What are the requirements regarding building addresses/numbers?

Title 6, Chapter 3-3.C2 of the City Code states that all buildings, including homes, shall have numbers located on the building or in the front yard clearly visible from the adjacent road. The numbers should be at least four inches in height for residential and at least six inches in height for all other buildings and in a contrasting color to the background.

2. Do I have to maintain my fence?

Title 6, Chapter 3-3.C5 of the City Code says that all fences and walls shall be maintained in good repair and in an upright condition and free from graffiti.

3. How often do I have to dispose of my garbage?

Title 6, Chapter 3-3.E1-4 of the City Code states that rubbish or garbage is not permitted to accumulate on either the exterior or interior of any property. Garbage and rubbish containers should be at curb prior to pick-up and removed in timely manner after pick-up as designated (6 p.m. the night before pickup: remove by 7 p.m. the day of pick-up). Dumpsters or other garbage containers exceeding four cubic yards in capacity must be screened on all four sides by a solid wood fence, solid landscaping or an equivalent material to a height of not less than six feet.

4. How often do I have to cut my grass?

Title 6, Chapter 3-3.B4 of the City Code says that the growth of grass and/or weeds may not exceed a height of eight inches at any time. During the summer months, property maintenance becomes an important part of our chores, so please be aware that the City requires that grass and weeds, including vacant lots, be maintained per the City ordinance.

5. How much landscaping do I have to do?

Zoning Ordinance 1018, Chapter 10, Section B6 says that any tree or shrub growing in such a manner as to obstruct the view by motor vehicle operators of any traffic control device within the public right of way, obstruct or interfere with the passage of persons or vehicles on the streets or sidewalks of the City, or any tree, shrub, other plant, or portion thereof, whether located on City owned property or on private property, which obstructs the view in the “vision triangle” is considered to be a violation.

6. How much yard maintenance should I do?

Title 6, Chapter 3-3.B of the City Code says that proper yard maintenance includes fences in good repair, grass and weeds not in excess of eight inches in height, sidewalks and driveways maintained, accessory structures maintained and no litter, garbage or debris present.

7. Can I park a broken down car on my grass?

Title 6, Chapter 3-3.B9 of the City Codes says that unlicensed or inoperable vehicles (vehicles that cannot move under their own power) may not be parked or stored on the exterior of a property for a period in excess of seven days. Vehicle parking is only permitted on approved paved surface areas.

8. Where can I park my RV?

Zoning Ordinance 1018, Chapter 5, Section B-10 states that motor homes/trailers/campers may be parked on the driveway, within a garage, carport or accessory building or in the side or rear yard as long as the vehicle is three feet (3’) from the garage and five feet (5’) from the property line.

Zoning Ord. 1018, Chapter 5, Section B-10 regarding storage, states that recreational vehicles cannot be stored in the actual front yard or actual corner side yard. Travel trailers must be stored on the driveway or widening; other recreational vehicles (multi-item trailers) can be stored on a non-paved surface so long as the yard is not torn up and ruts are created. Recreational vehicles must be stored a minimum of three feet (3’) from any building and five feet (5’) from any lot line. If the vehicle is less than five feet (5’) in height, it may be parked up to one foot (1’) from the property line.

9. Do I need permission to post a sign?

Individuals or businesses interested in posting signs should contact the Community Development Department with any questions regarding the posting or displaying of signs in the City of Warrenville.

10. When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, addition, or modification except for;
• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 50 square feet.
• Existing legally permitted gates and fences not exceeding 30% of the existing linear length, provided repairs or replacement is fabricated with materials of the same style and dimensions.
• Minor repairs and remodeling not involving the cutting away of walls, partitions, structural beam or other structural supports, or modifications that alter the means of egress from a habitable structure.
Projects not requiring a permit are still required to comply with all applicable codes.

11. Do I need a fence for my swimming pool?

The International Swimming Pool Code, Section 305 states that any in-ground pool or any above ground pool with less than 48 inches in height (as measured from the lowest ground level point to the top of the pool wall) must be enclosed with a fence or wall with no openings/breaks, except for self-closing, self-latching gates. Pools greater than 48 inches in height may use a retractable ladder instead of a fence or wall. All pools that are a minimum of 250 square feet in area or have a depth capacity of 24 inches or greater require a building permit. Pools that don’t require a building permit are still required to comply with all zoning and safety codes.

12. Where can I discharge my sump pump?

Chapter 6, Title 3-2.B of the City Code states that sump pump discharge cannot take place closer than five feet (5’) of any property line; and Title 6, Chapter 3-5.G of the City Code says that it cannot be discharged in such a manner that it creates a public nuisance or ice on a public sidewalk or roadway.