The Village of Olympia Fields requires all residents to maintain their homes in a neat, attractive manner to ensure the quality of property throughout the Community. The Community Service Officer regularly inspects the exterior of homes and businesses for compliance. Violations of the code include, but are not limited to: broken windows, neglected lawn maintenance, deteriorating paint, dead trees, improper trash storage, gutters, siding, fences, and sheds in a state of disrepair. Below is a brief summary of common Village ordinances regarding property maintenance.
EXTERIOR STRUCTURE MAINTENANCE
General: The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare. All exterior walls shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting material; and maintained weatherproof and property surface-coated where required to prevent deterioration.
Roof and Drainage: The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight, and not have defects which might admit rain. Roof water must not be discharged in a matter that creates a public nuisance.
Street Numbers: Each building to which a street number has been assigned shall have such number displayed in a position easily observed and readable from the public right-of-way. All numbers shall be at least 3 inches high.
Accessory Structures: All accessory structures including detached garages fences, pools and walls, etc., shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.
Windows/Screens/Doors and Frames: All window hardware, etc. shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and water tight. Exterior doors and hardware must be maintained in good condition.
Decorative Features: Decorative features such as shutters, flower boxes, etc., shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.
Building Permit: A building permit is required prior to commencement of any work to construct, alter, improve, move, wreck or demolish the whole or part of any building or structure, sidewalk or street. If the cost of work is $500 or less,no building permit is required.
Rental Inspection: Any dwelling that is leased or rented shall be subject to an annual inspection to determine whether that dwelling is in compliance with all property maintenance ordinances. The owner of a rental dwelling must inform the Village with written notice that their dwelling is being rented / leased.
Point of Sale Inspection: When selling a home, the seller must arrange for a Village inspection to determine if there are any code violations. If none are found, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued which allows the buyer to move in.
EXTERIOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Sanitation: All exterior property and premises shall be maintained clean, safe, sanitary and free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
Trash Storage and Pick-Up: Improperly stored garbage is a common
nuisance which not only creates an eyesore, but attracts unwanted vermin into residential areas. If trash is stored outside, care should be taken to place the entire accumulation in garbage containers with tight fitting lids. These containers should be placed at the curb for collection no earlier than 6 p.m. (during daylight savings time and 4 p.m. during standard time) the evening prior to the pick-up date, and must be returned to a suitable place that is not visible from the street, by 6 p.m. the day of the pick-up.
Sidewalks and Driveways: All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways,
parking spaces, and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair.
Weeds: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of 6 inches.
Recreational Vehicles (campers,boats,etc.): Trailers, campers, boat trailers or other such vehicles used for hauling cargo of any kind, cannot be parked in excess of seventy-two (72) hours within a seven-day (7) period in any parking area, whether public or private, or on any residential or private lot.
Signs: Only one “For Sale” sign is permitted per lot: for corner lots two signs are permitted. Signs stating a home is protected by a security service, are not permitted.
Dog Care: A dog is not permitted to defecate or urinate on any property other than that of its owner. However, immediately cleaning up any feces is a defense to a citation for such a violation. Dog licenses are required by the Village.
Inoperative Vehicles: All vehicles must have current registration and be fully operative and not in a state of disrepair. Such vehicles may be stored in a garage out of sight.
Parking: All vehicles of residents and non-residents, must have all
four wheels parked on a hard surface, weather public or private property.
Note: This is not meant to be a complete list, but some of the things that you may want to look at and correct before the inspection or make arrangements to have corrected.
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