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1. How can I make a complaint?

You can come to the Kankakee County building at 189 East Court Street, 2nd floor, and file a written complaint or call 815-937-2940 to file a complaint. All complaints will remain anonymous.

2. How long will it take for Code Enforcement to investigate my complaint?

The Code Enforcement Officer will try to perform an initial investigation within 48 hours of receiving your complaint. Complaints are prioritized with the health and the safety of our County getting first priority.

3. I filed a complaint three weeks ago. Why has nothing been done to rectify the problem?

In all cases, the responsible party must be provided notice that there is a problem. They must be provided with a reasonable time period in which to correct the violation(s). This notice may be as simple as a visit from the Code Enforcement Officer, or sending notice via certified mail. Please, be rest assured that your complaint is important and is being handled in an appropriate manner.

4. Is it Illegal for someone to have an unlicensed / inoperable vehicle on his or her property?

Yes: I.M.P.C. Section 302.8: No inoperative or unlicensed vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled.

5. The house across the street has trash and debris scattered through out the yard. Can anything be done to clean up this property?

Yes: I.M.P.C. Section 307.1: All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.

6. My neighbor refuses to mow his lawn. It is up to my knees. Can anything be done?

Yes: I.M.P.C. Section 302.4: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10’ inches.  All noxious weeds shall be prohibited.  Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation.

7. I received a notice from the Code Enforcement Department, but I can not correct the violation in the time prescribed. What can I do?

Contact the Code Enforcement Department immediately and request an extension. Depending on the circumstances involved of your case, you may receive a one-time extension.

8. My neighbor is in violation of our neighborhood covenant. Can your department enforce the covenant?

No: The restrictive covenant is a contract between homeowners in a specific area and the developer. The County is not party to that contract. Complaints should be directed to the Homeowners Association.

9. How much can I be fined for violating a property maintenance code?

You can be fined up to $500 a day that the violation(s) exists.

10. My neighbor planted six bushes on my property. He claims they are his property. Can your department have him remove them off my property?

No: Our department does not involve itself in property line disputes. This is a civil dispute. If you can not resolve this problem, you should seek legal advice from an attorney.