Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement works with citizens to resolve issues that impact the quality of life in St. Charles, including violations of the Zoning Ordinance and Property Maintenance Code. Enforcement is accomplished by routine inspections of commercial and residential areas, as well as by responding to citizen complaints. Typical issues addressed by Code Enforcement include signs, vehicles parked illegally on private property, accumulation of trash/garbage, lack of building maintenance, tall grass or weeds, and work without a building permit.

Violation Notices are issued by Code Enforcement to advise property owners of items observed that do not comply with City Code. Violations that are not corrected in a timely manner may be sent to the City’s Administrative Adjudication hearing where a fine may be assessed.

Filling out the Code Enforcement Service Request Form is a convenient way to report a code violation to the City. When you fill out the online form, it will be assessed by our Code Enforcement team. 

     

Adjudication Hearing Process

When a code enforcement complaint has been verified by City staff a violation notice will be sent to the property owner with a compliance date clearly stated on the letter. Once this compliance date passes and the violation has not been brought into compliance, a Summons, or citation, will be mailed asserting the property owner must appear at the Adjudication Hearing. 

This hearing is presided over by a certified Hearing Officer that will hear the case and determine whether the property owner is liable or not.  If found liable, the Hearing Officer will apply fines to the property owner with a possible max fine of $750 a day, per violation. 

Hearings are held the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM at 1515 W. Main St, the City of St Charles Police Station. Information on the hearings can be found on the Adjudication Hearings page.

More information and specific codes related to the Municipal Adjudication Process can be found in the link below.