Property Maintenance Enforcement Program

Enforcement Process 

A. Identification of Violations

Violations may be identified through:

• Proactive Inspections: Routine patrols by code enforcement officers to locate visible violations.

• Complaint-Based Investigations: Residents may report suspected violations through:

  • The Village website’s reporting portal

  • Phone hotline

  • In-person reports at Village Hall

• Community Partnerships: Community members are encouraged to assist in monitoring and communicating issues to the Village.

B. Common Violations & Fine Structure

The most frequently cited property maintenance violations include:

1. Refuse & Garbage Violations (Uncovered Refuse, Failure to Remove Refuse)

Sections 95.11 and 95.12, both of which include fines regulated in Section 95.99 (A) 

• 1st Offense: $25

• 2nd Offense: $50

• 3rd Offense: $100

2. Dumping of Litter (Disposal of materials on public or private property without authorization)

Dumping of Litter is referenced in Section 95.16, which fines are also regulated in Section 95.99 (A 

• 1st Offense: $25
  
  

• 2nd Offense: $50
  
  

• 3rd+ Offense: $100

3. General Property Maintenance (Overgrown grass/weeds, dilapidated structures, visible debris, vehicle storage, etc.)

First Warning: Written or verbal notification; 10 days to comply.

• Second Violation: no less than $20 but no more than $200 for each offence/each day; 5 additional days to comply.
  
  

• Ongoing Noncompliance: $500 fine, potential lien on property, and legal proceedings.

4. Dilapidated structures - Dilapidated structures are referenced in the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code, which is referenced in Section 150.001; fines are regulated in Section 150.999, which allows $500.00 per offence/per day.

C. Violation Notification & Compliance Procedure

Step 1 – First Warning (10 Days)

• A written notice or phone call will inform the property owner of the violation.
  
  

• Owner is given 10 days to:
  
  

  • Resolve the issue, or
    
    

  • Contact the Village to request an extension with a reasonable timeline.
    
    

• The Village may provide informational resources or technical assistance where appropriate.

Step 2 – Citation and Second Notice (5-Day Extension)

• If the issue remains unresolved after 10 days, a formal citation is issued.
  
  

• The owner receives an additional 5 days to correct the violation.

Step 3 – Final Notice and Municipal Action

• If no resolution is reached after 15 total days:
  
  

  • The Village may contract for abatement and assess the costs to the property owner.
    
    

  • Legal action may be initiated for ongoing or egregious noncompliance.
    
    

  • A lien may be placed on the property to recover municipal costs.

Enforcement Zones & Weekly Inspection Schedule 

To ensure fair and consistent enforcement across the Village, Winthrop Harbor has been divided into four enforcement zones. Each zone will be proactively inspected once per week by our Code Enforcement Officer as part of a rotating schedule.

In advance of inspections, the Village will provide public notice indicating which zone will be reviewed that week. This allows residents and property owners the opportunity to ensure their properties are in compliance and to address any issues before a formal inspection occurs.

Our goal is not to penalize but to encourage voluntary compliance and maintain a high standard of community appearance. This transparent, zone-based approach helps us reach every area of the Village equitably and allows residents to stay informed and proactive.

The enforcement zone map is shown below. Click on the map to enlarge and explore your property’s location.

Report a Property Maintenance Concern 

Your eyes and ears in the community play a vital role in keeping Winthrop Harbor clean and safe. If you notice a property that appears neglected or in violation of Village maintenance standards—such as overgrown lawns, excessive trash, abandoned vehicles, or deteriorating structures—you are encouraged to report it to the Village for follow-up.

We offer several convenient ways to submit a property maintenance concern:

• Online Reporting Form: Use our Property Maintenance Report Form to submit a complaint 24/7. You can upload photos and provide specific details to help our team investigate. Button is below

• Phone: Call Village Hall at 847-872-3846 during regular business hours.

• In Person: Visit Village Hall and speak with our Village Hall staff to file a report.

All reports are reviewed by our Code Enforcement Officer. While you may submit concerns anonymously, providing your contact information can help us follow up if additional details are needed.

Timely reporting helps us respond quickly and maintain a high quality of life throughout Winthrop Harbor. Thank you for partnering with us to protect the health, safety, and appearance of our community.

*NOTE: IT IS UNLAWFUL TO ENTER PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE PROPERTY OWNER. DO NOT TRESPASS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY TO REPORT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CONCERNS.