FAQs • As a residential property owner, I am going to cut my

As a residential property owner, I am going to cut my own tree branches. Do I need a permit?: Yes, but you will not be charged unless someone else is doing the work (Sec. 48-103).

Code Compliance

1. What does the Code Compliance office oversee?: Code enforcement oversees: compliance with city ordinances, nuisance violations, residential and commercial building permits, peddlers and solicitors, and zoning issues.

2. How do I get a copy of a City Ordinance?: City Ordinances are codified through Municode Corporation. They can be found online under Codes & Ordinances. Municode's Website, Code of Ordinance

3. Who is responsible for the maintenance of my trees growing into the overhead utility lines?: The property owner on which an easement is located is responsible for keeping that easement clear of any debris, vegetation tree, shrub, landscaping or structure (Sec. 40-238).

4. How much brush can I set out?: No more than the equivalent of three 32-gallon garbage cans and cannot be more than three inches in diameter or more than five feet in length. For more details on Brush and Leaf collection, see the Collections Schedules page from Public Works.

5. How many bags of leaves can I set out?: Residential collection of leaves will be restricted to ten bags per week, no larger than 30 gallons each, to be collected on Monday for residents South of 410 and on Tuesday for residents north of Loop 410. For more details on Brush and leaf collection, see the Collections Schedules page from Public Works.

6. How many signs can I set out for a garage sale?: You may have two on-premises signs that do not exceed four square feet in surface area. The signs cannot be attached to utility poles, streetlight standards or other public facilities (Sec 10-29).

7. What if I am in the process of coming into compliance but will miss the Comply-By-Date?: Call the Code Compliance Officer for a limited extension. Extensions will be considered by the complexity of the violation and visible forward-progress towards compliance.

8. Why did I get a Municipal Court Summons for a Code Violations?: Several reasons: you did not come into compliance by the date on your initial Letter of Violation; your violation impacts a public safety or health; you have received other Letters for the same (or several other) violations within a year (Sec 28-22)

9. As a residential property owner, I am going to cut my own tree branches. Do I need a permit?: Yes, but you will not be charged unless someone else is doing the work (Sec. 48-103).

10. As a business owner, how many ground signs/banners can I have?: Generally, you may have one temporary ground sign or swooper flag for special events or one temporary banner (affixed to the exterior of the building facade) while waiting for your permanent sign. For advertising purposes, you may have one temporary ground sign or swooper flag or one temporary banner as follows: 4 temporary signs per year broken down into 1 sign per quarter. Each temporary sign is good for 30 days after which time a new sign permit must be purchased. Please refer to Sec 34-8, 9, & 11 for additional information.