Code Compliance

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational changes, Building & Code Department services are available online and by appointment only.  

All rental and interior inspections are cancelled until further notice.

In order to continue providing service to the public please submit all of your inspection requests, applications and questions via email to CODE@WAUKEGANIL.GOV

A staff member will respond in order of receipt. All requests will be monitored by Building and Code Supervisors. 

Emergency calls will be handled via phone. Contact the City’s non-emergency line if you need immediate assistance after hours at 847-599-2608 in cases of no hot water or heat. 

Your patience and cooperation is appreciated during this time.

Code Enforcement

The City of Waukegan has adopted city codes specifically designed to address blight, nuisances, and to maintain a clean environment for all citizens in our community. We help maintain and improve the quality of our community by administering a fair and unbiased compliance program to correct violations of municipal codes.

Code officers provide essential and beneficial services that ensure quality of life in neighborhood communities. As population density and economic constraints place ever greater pressures on communities, the need and demand for code officers continues to rise.

Code requirements are those minimum standards designed to secure the interests of public safety, health and general welfare throughout the City of Waukegan.

Code Officers

The primary role of the code officer is to eliminate hazards that could affect public safety. This includes:

  • Blight on private property (garbage, debris and/or exterior storage)
  • Building code violations
  • Grass and weed growth over 8" inches
  • Hazardous property conditions
  • Housing code violations (minimum standards for safe, sanitary housing)
  • Illegal parking (on private property)
  • Inoperable and abandoned vehicles on private property
  • Rental License Inspections
  • Vacant Structure Registration & Monitoring

Tools Used by Code Compliance

The Code Compliance Department utilizes a variety of tools in an effort to achieve compliance. We will help educate individuals who may be unaware they have a violation. We will work with the responsible person and provide a time frame to resolve the issue without penalty. If however education does not resolve the condition, the Code Compliance Inspector may utilize:

  • Administrative Citation

    This remedy is designed to address the violations in front of a Hearing Officer. Fines can be accessed up to $750 per day

  • Abatement

    This remedy is used when the city needs to abate the public nuisance. Any and all unpaid fees could result in a property lien plus administrative fees

  • Vacant and Foreclosed Property Registration

Register here

All foreclosed and vacant properties located within the City of Waukegan must be registered

Residents may file complaints by calling 847-625-6860, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by emailing Code Compliance. Complainant's information is not public information and will not be shared with violators of City Ordinance.

For after hour emergency complaints, please call the Waukegan Police Department Communication Center at 847-599-2608.

Resources


If you require general info about the Waukegan Code Compliance Department, please call 847-625-6860 or email Code Compliance.