Frequently Asked Questions

Beginning May 1, 2013, vehicle stickers will no longer be required in Lombard. Please note that the 2012 through 2013 vehicle sticker is valid through April 30, 2013.

If you are moving into Lombard, fill out the Move Into Lombard form.  If you are moving out of Lombard, fill out the Move Out of Lombard. Give ample notice for a final reading; a week is preferred. Please provide the new owner's name to be added to the account.

If you have questions, contact the Water Billing Division at 630-620-5920. If you should reach our voice mail during busy times or after hours, please leave a message with the moving date and new owner information.

The Village of Lombard accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

The sales tax rate for most of Lombard is 8%.

The Village’s Water Quality Report is available at www.villageoflombard.org/waterqualityreport. If you would like a paper copy, please contact Public Works, and one will be mailed to you.

Water Billing is a function of the Village's Finance Department. They can be reached at 630-620-5920.

Call the Public Works Department at 630-620-5740. If you have already contacted a plumber, call Public Works when the plumber arrives.

Street lights are maintained by Public Works with the exception of those on wooden poles, which are maintained by ComEd.

The Village of Lombard has contracted Waste Management to provide refuse, yard waste, and recycling services. Please contact Waste Management at 800-964-8988.

The Public Works Department restores sites where water/sewer repairs are done. Restoration is done by a specific Restoration Schedule (PDF).

By Village Code, the adjacent property owner is responsible for maintenance (mowing, watering, restoration) of the parkway, except when the Village has dug there within the past 12 months.

The Village's Forestry Division, a division of the Public Works Department, maintains the parkway trees.

The Village of Lombard follows an even/odd watering restriction. Even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered days, and vice versa for odd. For example, if you live at 255 Wilson Avenue, you would be allowed to water on the 1st, the 3rd, etc. This restriction is in effect year-round.

The Department of Public Works may allow alternative plants to turf grass in parkways under a right-of-way permit, requested by this form.  These conditions would apply:

1. the majority of plants must be less than 24" high so as to not cause a line-of-sight obstruction; 
2. the area must be kept free of invasive plants and noxious weeds; 
3. drainage and trees must not be adversely effected;
4. following a utility dig or other construction work, the resident must either take responsibility to restore the area with native plants or consent to turf grass; and 
5. the planted area must be kept free of grass longer than 8” within the plants.

Items that are accepted are:

• Aluminum, glass and iron/steel food and beverage containers
• Cardboard and paper without wax liners
• Plastics labeled Number 1 through Number 5

Items that are not accepted and cause contamination include:

• Ceramics and porcelain
• Mirrors, windows, cooking glassware and light bulbs
• Plastics labeled Number 7 or unnumbered including plastic bags
• Tempered steel, including coat hangers, pots, pans and household appliances

The Village of Lombard has contracted Waste Management to provide refuse, yard waste, and recycling services. Please contact Waste Management at 800-964-8988 or home.wm.com/lombard.

Per contract, the holidays observed by Waste Management are:

• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If those holidays fall on a week day, collection will be one day later for the remainder of the week.

You can call the Public Works Department at 630-620-5740.

The sales tax rate for most of Lombard is 8%.

The Village of Lombard receives one of the smallest shares of property tax of any taxing district. The Village's property tax as a percentage of each property owner's total tax bill is less than 8% of the total tax bill, meaning that less than $0.08 of every dollar paid in property taxes will go to the Village in 2012 through 2013.

No, neither transfer stamps nor transfer taxes apply to the sale of real estate in Lombard.

P.A. Crimson Fire Risk Services is located at 920 N. Ridge, Unit C-7 in Lombard. Their phone number is 630-424-3400.

The Lombard Police Department offers a year-round prescription medication drug take-back program for residents at no charge. The disposal box is located in the police department lobby and is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Learn more

If you have a group that would like to tour either of the fire stations, call the Fire Department's Administrative Office at 630-620-5736 during regular business hours. A time will be set up for your group to tour either of the fire stations. If you and your family are in the area and would like to stop in, please do so. The firefighters will be glad to show you around.

Speakers will make presentations to any group in the Village upon request. The Fire Department will try to accommodate your subject matter or provide one of its own. Schedule a speaker by calling the Fire Department's Administrative Office during business hours at 630-620-5736.

The Fire Department will come to block parties if the on-duty companies are available. There is a chance they will be late, have to leave early or not arrive at all depending on the amount of emergency calls received.

Use an A-B-C extinguisher anywhere in your home. Class "A" is for ordinary combustible materials (wood, paper, and most plastics). Class "B" fires involve flammable or combustible liquids (grease, oil, kerosene or gasoline). Class "C" fires involve electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. An A-B-C extinguisher will cover all possibilities. These can be purchased at local hardware stores.

Cooking fires are the number one cause of fires in the home. Stay alert and keep a fire extinguisher close by when cooking and grilling.

• Fire Alarm - Yes
• Burglar Alarm - Yes, if it is hooked up to our Police Department

Any work that requires a structural change such as:

• All electrical and plumbing work
• All fire suppression and detection work
• All HVAC work
• Alterations involving moving or adding walls
• Any types of additions
• Exterior wall mounted signs
• Fences, decks, driveways, patios, retaining walls
• Hot tubs
• Parking lots
• Pools
• Spas
• Windows and roofs

Please click here to apply for permits online

If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact the Building Division at 630-620-5750. The following items do not require a permit: Siding and Private Walks. Tree removal on private property does not require a permit, unless the area is within a Special Management Area (wetlands, flood plain, buffer zones). Then, a stormwater certification or letter of permission is required before work can begin. If you have questions, please call Private Engineering Services at 630-620-5973.

Staff does not recommend proceeding with any project without obtaining the appropriate permit. If you start a project without a permit, and the Village finds out that work is being done without a permit, the permit fees are doubled. You may be asked to take down or remove whatever work has been completed and start the project over in its entirety.

Permit fees depend on the project.  Please review our fee document.

The items vary based on permit type.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

Permits provide the property owner with the following:

1. The contractor chosen to perform the work has the appropriate documentation on file with the Village, specifically, license and insurance. Contractor's required to have specific documentation on file with the Village prior to the issuance of any permit are electrical contractors, excavators, roofers, plumbers, sewer contractors and fire suppression contractors.
2. The required inspections are completed so that the project meets the minimum construction standards required by code.
3. The intended project is designed to meet our codes.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

In most cases a homeowner can do the work on their own home and a permit is still required. Homeowner’s are not permitted to do any electrical service upgrades, a licensed electrician must do the work.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

The type of work to be completed determines the length of time required in issuing a permit. Other factors that play a role on the time it takes to issue a permit are accurate drawings, contractor requirements and accurately completing all necessary paperwork. For more information, please contact the Building Division at 630-620-5750.

Once a permit is issued it is valid for a period of one year. Permits may be extended, depending on the circumstances. For more information, please contact the Building Division at 630-620-5750.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

The property owner is ultimately responsible for obtaining permits or ensuring that the appropriate permits have been obtained before the start of any project. The issue of who actually obtains the permit is between the property owner and the general contractor.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

Any project exceeding $10,000 in construction valuation (cost to build) must have drawings that are signed and sealed by a licensed Illinois Architect or a Structural Engineer. Also, most plans for a commercial project will need to be stamped by a licensed Illinois Architect.

If the cover page refers to each page contained in the set of plans, then only the front page needs to be stamped. If your cover page does not refer to each page in the set, then each page needs to be stamped. Also, if the architect is responsible for all pages, then stamp front sheet. If consultants are responsible their work, they need to stamp their sheets.

We will only accept plans that are stamped off by an architect who has an Illinois stamp.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

An Architect or a Structural Engineer must stamp off on the plans. The plan examiner needs to have confirmation that the foundation and first floor can support the second floor.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

A plat of survey is required, with the deck drawn to scale.

Postholes must be at least 42 inches deep and minimum 8 inches in diameter (deck without roof). For a deck with a roof, the post holes must be a minimum of 12 inches in diameter. Posts to be on top of pier.

Three inspections are required: post hole, rough frame, and final. Rough frame and final can be done at the same time if deck is 24 inches or more above grade. You do not need to be home, as long as the inspector can access the deck.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

1. All aggregate sub-base shall be mechanically compacted.
2. Minimum thickness for drive: 5-inch P.C. concrete on 2-inch compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation) or 2-inch bituminous surface on 6-inch compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation).
3. Driveways shall have a minimum slope of 2% and a maximum slope of 8%.
4. Driveway aprons shall have a minimum slope of 2% and a maximum slope of 5%.
5. Drainage not to adversely effect adjoining lots.
6. Minimum thickness for aprons: 6-inch P.C. Concrete on 2-inch compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation) or 3-inch bituminous surface on 6-inch compacted aggregate sub-base (CA-6 Graduation).
7. No wire mesh allowed in apron.
8. Sidewalk shall extend through the driveway.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

There is nothing in the code, but the rule of thumb is a minimum of 24 inches.

A permit is required. Please bring 3 copies of the plat of survey. The permit is issued over the counter by the Building Division. 

Please click here to apply for permits online.

Yes, the garage has to have electric. The minimum electric requirements for garages are as follows:

• 1 switched entry light at exterior of service door.
• 1 switched interior light.
• 1 GFI duplex receptacle.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

Inspections are geared to the specific project that is being completed. Information about inspections should be attached to your building permit. In order to schedule an inspection please contact the Building Division at 630-620-5750. When scheduling your inspection please provide us with an advance notice of 48-hours (or 2 days), your permit number, and the type of inspection you will need. The Building Division does not automatically schedule inspections. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or general contractor to request an inspection.

Plans must be on-site. If plans are not on-site, a re-inspection fee will be imposed.

You may need to be home, if the inspector needs access to the home. For garage and pool inspections, the electrical inspector needs access to the electric panel inside the home.

Please click here to apply for permits online and to schedule inspections.

• Electricians need to provide a copy of their electrician's license; the license must be from a municipality where they took a test. They also need to provide a certificate of insurance.
• Excavators must give a certificate of insurance.
• Plumbers must give a copy of their Illinois Department of Public Health registration. This registration must have a 055 and 059 number.
• Roofers must give a copy of their State roofer's license.
• Sewer contractors must give a certificate of insurance.
• Sprinkler contractors (Fire) must give a copy of their State sprinkler license.

Please click here to apply for permits online and register as a contractor.

You may choose any style or size Knox box, but we recommend a larger one due to the fact that more keys may be placed in the larger boxes. Knox Box order forms are available at the Building Division Front Counter. Knox Boxes must be ordered from Knox Box company on the order form.

The recommended height off the ground a Knox box should be placed is 5 feet.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

Yes, Schedule 40 waste and vent required.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

Yes, a permit is required to do roofing work. The Village allows for an original layer plus one layer, for a maximum of two layers before a complete tear off is required. Roofing shingles must be at least a 25-year shingle with a minimum 240 weight.

Ice and water shield is required, 24 inches up from the outside wall and 18 inches on each side in the valleys.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

The Township Assessor's Office is the responsible taxing authority for Lombard. If you are interested in determining whether or not your taxes will be increased, please contact the Assessor's Office

Lombard residents are served by three townships: York, Milton and Addison.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

No, staff cannot recommend any contractor. 

Please click here to apply for permits online.

Many activities require notification of JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) before you dig for safe digging in Illinois. Some of these activities, such as tree planting and landscaping, do require a call to JULIE even though they do not require a building permit.

For more information, contact JULIE at 8-1-1 or 1-800-892-0123. You may also make a request online.

Please click here to apply for permits online.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Inc. has confirmed the Lombard Police Department’s re-accredited status. The Lombard Police Department has proudly been a Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredited department since 1991.  By maintaining its accredited status, the Lombard Police Department continues to provide law enforcement service consistent with the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession.  

In order to achieve and maintain CALEA accreditation, Lombard policies and practices were thoroughly reviewed by assessors from outside our agency to ensure that we implement and follow the best practices for law enforcement agencies recommended worldwide. Only 18% of all law enforcement agencies nationwide and 49 agencies (out of 249 municipal agencies) in Illinois are CALEA Accredited. National accreditation through CALEA means the highest standards and best management practices for operations, training, policies, practices, procedures, including those on training, use of force and biased based policing. 

Accreditation through CALEA is voluntary and continued evidence of the Lombard Police Department’s culture of ethics and demonstrated commitment to upholding the highest standards and best practices in law enforcement. The Lombard Police Department opened its files and policies for inspection by a team of assessors, chosen from police agencies across the country. The assessment team found the department to be in full compliance with more than 400 applicable standards.

CALEA was formed in 1979 through the combined efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).  The commission was formed to develop a set of law enforcement standards and to establish and administer an accreditation process through which law enforcement agencies could demonstrate voluntarily that they meet professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.

“This achievement is important to the Village of Lombard’s residents,” said Lombard Police Chief Roy Newton. “Accreditation represents the commitment of all Lombard Police Department employees to constantly improve the quality of service provided to the citizens of Lombard.”

The police department has a public comment portal open as part of the accreditation process. Members of the public can visit https://cimrs2.calea.org/657 to make a public comment. 

For more information about the Lombard Police Department and to view annual reports, visit www.villageoflombard.org/police.

A license is not required for a fire alarm, but a license is required for a burglar alarm.

DuPage County residents may be eligible for a free car seat. For more information, call 630-682-7400.

You can register online for an overnight street parking request.

Residents requesting approval for temporary exemption of overnight parking restrictions may call 911 to do so; however, the Lombard Police Department now offers a convenient online request option.  Enter your information and select “submit" to request overnight parking approval, with a maximum allowance of 4 days per month. If extended time is needed for long term guest or home construction project, residents may call 630-873-4400 and ask for Police Administration.

Yes, solicitors within the Village of Lombard must apply for and be approved for a permit to solicit in the Village.   Solicitors must also adhere to specific guidelines and rules regulating door-to-door solicitation.  A list and photos of the solicitors currently holding a permit to solicit within the Village is listed on the Village of Lombard website at www.villageoflombard.org/solicitors.

Yes, per Village Code, all solicitors should have a Village solicitor’s photo ID badge visible on their outer garment at all times when they are engaged in soliciting within the Village.  If a solicitor does not display and cannot produce a solicitor’s photo ID badge or permit, they may not be licensed to solicit within the Village and may be reported to the Lombard Police Department by calling 911.

The First amendment and the U.S. Constitution protect the rights of door-to-door solicitors and preclude the ability of a community to ban door-to-door sales.   The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld free speech for commercial purposes and the Village’s ability to restrict commercial door-to-door solicitation is limited to local regulations restricting the time, place and manner of door-to-door solicitations.  Homeowners and occupants, however, do have the ultimate right to determine whether solicitors shall or shall not be invited to their residences or property.

Prominently display a no soliciting notice on or near the main entrance by way of a sign measuring at least 3” x 4” in size.   No soliciting notices should read in letters at least 3/8” in height:  

“Only Solicitors or Peddlers Registered in Lombard Invited”
or
“No Solicitors or Peddlers”
or
“Charitable Organization Solicitors Only”
or
“Not For Profit Organization Solicitors Only”

The Village no longer sells pre-printed ‘No Solicitors’ stickers. It is illegal in the Village of Lombard to solicit at a location where proper No Soliciting signage has been posted. With or without a sign, residents should not ever be afraid to exercise boundaries with solicitors by refusing to answer their door or by politely stating ‘no thank you’ or ‘not interested’ and shutting and locking their door. 

Signs may be purchased at home stores or online, or residents may create their own.

Per Village Code, solicitors:

Must cease solicitation upon owner or occupant request;
Must obey posted “No Solicitor” signs;
Must display their photo ID license conspicuously on their outer garment at all times while they are engaged in soliciting;
May only ring bells, knock or engage with residents for solicitation between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (at no time on Sundays or holidays)

Under the Village Code, certain solicitation practices are unlawful and prohibited.   Per Code, solicitors may NOT:  

Continue to solicit upon any premises after having been requested by the owner or occupant to leave;
Solicit upon a premises posted against solicitation or peddling;
Use a plan, scheme or ruse, or make statements to indicate or imply that the purpose of the solicitation is other than to obtain orders or sales;
Cheat, deceive or fraudulently misrepresent while acting as a solicitor within the Village;
Interfere with vehicular, bicycles, or pedestrian traffic on any public right-of-way.

Beyond the restrictions listed above, the Village of Lombard does not directly regulate demeanor or style of individual sales employees or solicitors.  Remember however, that as a homeowner or occupant you may at any time ask a solicitor to leave your property and if they refuse, call 911 for assistance.  Every resident has the right to feel secure in their own home and should you ever feel threatened or unsafe based upon the behavior of a solicitor or peddler, please contact the Police immediately.  Further, citizens who feel they have been the victim of unlawful solicitation or believe a solicitor is violating the law are urged to contact the Police immediately so that officers may locate the individuals involved and investigate.

The Village does not regulate or license door-to-door advocacy of a position or cause, with or without the distribution of pamphlets, handbills or literature, unless the person is otherwise peddling or soliciting for commercial sales or funds.

Residents should specifically be aware of door to door energy supplier sales and solicitations. The Village of Lombard does not send people door to door to register residents for the supply of alternate energy. The Village encourages residents who wish to sign up with their own energy provider to initiate first contact with the provider after comparing all rates and options.  When evaluating energy suppliers, residents are encouraged to visit the Illinois Commerce Commission’s complaint scorecard which tracks and compares the rate of complaints against retail electric suppliers energy providers at http://www.pluginillinois.org/complaints.aspx.

Citizens should never compromise their security by providing utility account information to anyone unless they intend to enroll in an alternate energy program of their own choosing.  The Village recommends that residents carefully protect their account information and energy billing information from solicitors and all other non-account holders.

The Village encourages residents having complaints about aggressive or deceptive practices of a business to file a consumer complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office at (800)243-0618 or online at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/filecomplaint.html. 

If the complaint involves a utility or retail energy supplier, residents are urged to contact the Illinois Commerce Commission Consumer Services Division which regulates energy retailers by phone at (800)524-0795 or online at www.icc.illinois.gov/consumer/complaint.

Beginning April 1, 2022, a yard waste sticker will be required for bundled brush. These stickers are $2.57 a piece and are required for each bundle of brush. These yard waste stickers are also required for paper bags, and cans of leaves and grass.

Stickers are available at participating local stores including Jewel (Lombard & Villa Park), Ace Hardware (Lombard & Villa Park), and Johnson's Lighthouse BP (Villa Park). Stickers are not available at Village Hall. Groups of at least 25 yard waste stickers may be obtained by mail from Waste Management by submitting a request via this link. 

No. The Village’s policy includes free brush collection following a major wind storm (>50 mph sustained ground-level winds and >200 homes with significant tree damage). This policy will remain the same.

About the Village's Storm Damage Policy:
The Village does have policy in place that allows the Village to assist residents in the event of a large scale storm. Under the policy, there are two levels of response. The first is a Localized Response, in which more than 50, but less than 200 homes are impacted by a storm, or a 50 year rain event. The second level is a Village Response, in which 200 or more homes are impacted by a storm, or rainfall that exceeds a 50 year storm event. Although isolated damage has been reported, there have been no such large scale occurrences this year.

In the event that a severe storm should impact Lombard, residents will still be responsible for bundling their own brush, (bundled brush must not exceed six (6) feet in length and fifty (50) pounds in weight and each branch shall not exceed six (6) inches in diameter, with the total diameter of the bundle not to exceed 18 inches), or hiring a company that may work on private property. 

Due to requirements for brush chipping, each bundle must be tied with non-plastic twine or string, cut no longer than six feet, no wider than eighteen inches, and less than fifty pounds.  Also, no limb may be greater than six inches in diameter.

Residents may dispose brush via responsible burning in a backyard fire pit, or by composting under bushes or in yard recesses.

While taxes in Illinois remain some of the highest in the nation, it is important to remember that the Village of Lombard receives less than $0.08 of each property tax dollar to provide for its core services. (Public safety provided by Police and Fire Departments; road, sewer, and water maintenance from Public Works; building and code enforcement from Community Development, and responsible long-term financial planning from the Finance Department.)  Lombard’s percentage of property taxes is 7.36%, followed by the Park District at 5%, the Helen Plum Library at 5.60%, DuPage County at 3.79%, and York Township at 1.09%. The majority of property taxes (77.16% or $0.77 of every dollar) goes to the School Districts.

Streets are an important part of the Village’s overall Stormwater Management System. Both the storm sewers located below the street, or ditches located along the street and the roadway itself, serve to help direct stormwater into designed locations.

In cases of extreme rain or flash flooding, streets are expected to collect water, in efforts to keep this water from entering homes. This temporary storage of water should usually drain within 30 minutes – 1 hour. If it does not, the storm drain might be blocked by debris. If possible and safe, residents may clear debris to quickly solve the problem. You may also contact Public Works. If the storm drains are not blocked by debris and the street is flooded, the system simply needs some time to catch up. Motorists are advised to never drive through standing water, which may be deeper than originally perceived, and could damage vehicles, put passengers in harm’s way, or push water onto properties.

As an older community dating back to 1869, Lombard still has some sewers that carry sanitary waste, as well as rainfall runoff, known as “combined” sewers. As streets are reconstructed and as the budget allows, these sewers are replaced with separate storm and sanitary sewers. Roughly one third of Lombard has combined sewers that continue to drain into a downstream combined sewer.

When the capacity of a sanitary or combined sewer is exceeded, water levels may overflow to the ground level and result in a basement backup. A check valve or overhead sewer system (required in all new construction) may prevent backups.

To help assist homeowners, the Village provides an Overhead Sewer Grant Program, which has assisted nearly 400 residents in helping to protect themselves and their homes from sewer backups. Additionally, the Village’s Clear Water Disconnect Grant has contributed to dozens of homes removing sump pumps and downspouts from sanitary sewers, which helps to not overload the system, resulting in reduction of sewer backups.

If you experience a sewer backup, call Public Works at (630)620-5740. If it is after 4 p.m., or on a weekend, dial 9-1-1. Do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1 if there is a blocked/flooded roadway, water main break, or any time where you feel or witness something unsafe.

A project of this magnitude is beyond the Village’s ability to fund. To replace all of the sanitary sewers at once would cost the Village more than 100 million dollars. To put this into perspective, the Village’s General Fund budget for 2020, used to fund core operations from police, fire, public works (excluding water & sewer), community development, finance and responsible planning and administration is $37.32 million. 

The water and sewer fund is collected separately through a $5 monthly capital fee by water customers, to help fund additional improvements, such as the gradual replacement of combined sewers.

It is important to remember that the Village of Lombard receives less than $0.08 of each property tax dollar to provide for its core services. (Public safety provided by Police and Fire Departments; forestry, road and water maintenance from Public Works; building and code enforcement from Community Development, and responsible long-term financial planning from the Finance Department.) Lombard’s percentage of property taxes is 7.36%, followed by the Helen Plum Library at 5.60%, the Lombard Park District at 5%, DuPage County at 3.79%, and York Township at 1.09%. The majority of property taxes (77.16% or $0.77 of every dollar) goes to the School Districts.

While flooding of any kind is potentially damaging and dangerous, backyard flooding after a rainstorm can be expected in lower lying areas. Your yard plays an important role in protecting your home from flooding. A properly graded yard can minimize minor drainage problems and prevent more serious flooding conditions. The grading plan for your property may also have been part of an overall stormwater plan for your subdivision.

In general, a properly graded yard will have some or all of the following characteristics:

• Ground sloping away from the house – the ground surrounding your home should be graded away from your house’s foundation to ensure that stormwater flows away from the house and not towards it.
• Pavement sloping away from the house – driveways, sidewalks and patios should be graded away from your house’s foundation to ensure that the stormwater flows away from the house and not towards it.
• Drainage path towards the Village’s Stormwater Management System – stormwater runoff from your yard should have an unobstructed path towards the Village’s system. Many residential properties have swales (ditches) in the side and rear yards which carry water towards inlets within the yard, a neighboring yard, or the street. Some properties are graded such that the stormwater can flow directly into a creek, ditch or basin.

While your local government staff can provide technical guidance, the Village follows the standards and practices of most municipalities and only maintains drainage in public easements or within public roads and rights-of-way. Maintenance of drainage systems on private property is the responsibility of the respective property owner.

To help residents that are impacted by chronic backyard flooding, the Village offers a Backyard Drainage Grant. The grant is available for property owners who have flooding that remains for 72 hours or longer which affects at least two contiguous properties. 

The Village Board adopted the Flood Susceptible Homes Redevelopment Program in 2022 to incentivize the replacement of single-family detached homes that have experienced severe and chronic flooding.  The goals are to permanently eliminate flood damages to at-risk homes, improve the prospect of redevelopment in those neighborhoods, and reduce first responders’ time and expense.

Owners of single-family residences that are (a) located within a mapped or otherwise modelled and approved 100-year floodplain with First Floor Elevation as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) below the 100-year floodplain elevation, or (b) meet the DuPage Countywide Stormwater & Floodplain Ordinance definition of “Substantial Damage” due to flooding are eligible for the Program.  Basement flooding solely due to a sanitary sewer backup is not eligible.

The process is as follows:

1. The Community Development Department shall receive and evaluate program applications from property owner(s).  Owner(s) must hold legal title to the property.
2. Approved applicants can receive waived Village permit fees for demolition of the existing house and if applicable, also applicable building permit fees for the replacement home.  In addition, demolition costs shall be reimbursed up to a maximum of $10,000. Approvals may stipulate that reimbursements are pending available budget in any given fiscal year. Approvals shall be valid for a period of four years. 
3. The Director of Community Development or their designee shall be responsible to determine eligibility, and appeals for disputing denial determinations may be made to the Board of Building Appeals.
4. The determination of the First Floor Elevation may be based on building permit records as well as information submitted by a Licensed Surveyor or Professional Engineer.  The 100-yr floodplain elevation is determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps or other information as determined by the Director of Community Development.  The definition of “Substantial Damage” is per the DuPage Countywide Stormwater & Floodplain Ordinance. Photographic evidence of standing water in a yard above the First Floor Elevation may also suffice.
5. The approval includes waiving any fee to increase the water service diameter.
6. The approval to waive building permit fees does not extend to permits required from other authorities, notably DuPage County Stormwater Management.

Contact the Village’s Private Development Engineer at 630-620-5972 or pes@villageoflombard.org to learn more.

Construction activity in Lombard is governed by various international, national, county and local codes. Lombard’s Village Codes are administered by the Community Development Department. Violations of Village Codes are handled by the Code Enforcement Division at (630)620-5757.

It is illegal to grade, excavate or fill in any property without a fill and grading permit to ensure that projects do not cause problems for you or your neighbors. Always check with the Community Development Department before you build on, alter, re-grade, or place fill on your property. Report construction or filling without a permit posted to Code Enforcement at (630)620-5757.

Yes. It is your responsibility, however, to make sure that any downspouts and their runoff are directed away from neighboring properties.

Property owners have an inherent right to develop on land they own, provided that they meet code provisions pertaining to zoning, building and stormwater regulations.  All new construction requires a building permit.  As part of the permit application, the Village will review the required engineering plan to ensure it meets code provisions.

Illinois Drainage Law precludes the damming or blockage of stormwater runoff from higher properties.  However, once on your property, property owners can apply for a grading permit to help address any stormwater runoff concerns.

As record setting storms continue to increase in frequency, the Village continues to invest in stormwater management improvements including:

• Pond modifications have gained a total of 26 acre-feet for flood waters: Terrace View Pond (13 ac-ft), Vista Pond (6.5 ac-ft), Morris Pond (4 ac-ft), and Finley/Charles Lane Pond (2.6 ac-ft). This volume is equivalent to filling a football field 24 feet deep.
• The installation of backup generators at all sanitary lift stations, keeping Lombard’s 14 sanitary pumping stations operable despite electrical outages.
• Increasing the Village’s stormwater pumping capacity by replacing the 40-year-old pump station at Crescent Ave and the East Branch of the DuPage River. In doing so, the pumping rate has increased from 50 to 170 cubic feet per second until the river reaches its 10-year flood stage, wherein the rate reduces to match the former rate in order not to worsen flooding along the river itself.

Much of the Village’s infrastructure, including underground pipes, are between 50-100 years old. To help address this challenge, the Village will require significant infrastructure improvements over the next 10 years. The Village’s Capital Improvement Plan, adopted as part of Lombard’s Annual Budget, includes more than $31 million for sewer improvements and $14.7 million for water system improvements, over the next 10 years. To help fund these necessary infrastructure improvements, water customers receive a $5 monthly fixed capital fee on their bills. This capital fee will be used to help make long term improvements to the Village’s systems.

On a shorter-term scale, the Village continues to seek out opportunities to expand or establish water detention locations throughout the Village. While we cannot control the amount of water that impacts the Village, we will continue to plan ahead and to do our part in helping to improve the Village of Lombard for its residents and business owners.

Lombard Municipal Code 94.04(C) prohibits any person to dump, deposit, store, or place any garbage, rubbish, trash, or refuse upon property within the village.

Section 94.05 (A) requires that garbage may not be placed on the parkway 24 hours before scheduled pick up and must be removed from parkway within 24 hours after pick up.

Section 99.02(F)(2) notes that an inspection of the tree will be done to determine if it is dead or has dangerous branches. If so, the Village will send a notice to the property owner to have the hazard removed.    

According to IPMC Code PM 602.3, every owner and operator of any building who rents or leases needs to furnish heat to the occupants and thereof shall supply heat during the time period of September 15^th of each year to June 1^st of the succeeding year, The heat supply shall have a minimum temperature in all habitable areas of 68 degrees.

Section 155.210(D)(9) notes that no permits are necessary; however, you are limited to only 2 garage sales per year. Please remove signs promptly after your sale is closed.

94.04 (E) (1) To store, cause to be stored, or permit to remain in public view on any premises within the village, inoperable motor vehicles, not located within a garage. For the purpose of this subsection, "inoperable motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle from which, for a period of at least seven days, the engine, wheels or other parts have been removed or on which the engine, wheels or other parts have been altered, damaged or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power or one that for any period of time has been rendered inoperable because it does not have evidence of registration as required by 625 ILCS 5/3-701 et seq., or one which does not display a current license as required by Chapter 70 of the Village Code.

No. Snow in a residential area does not need to be cleared from the sidewalk. Removal in the commercial areas and the downtown is required.

Per Section 90.02, in a single housekeeping unit you can have no more than a total of three dogs, cats, and/or other domestic animals over three months old on any premises.  

Yes, per IPMC 304.3, you need to display the address plainly visible and legible from the street in contrasting color, with Arabic numerals, or alphabet letters at least 4 inches in height and .5 inches in width.

94.04(K) Parking and/or storage of vehicles on residential property, in which any of the following apply:                                                                                                                

a. The vehicle exceeds a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds;

b. Is greater than a one-ton truck;

c. Has a height clearance of greater than nine feet; or

d. Exceeds 22 feet in length.

The Village-wide restaurant week is a community event where multiple restaurants within Lombard will participate in a coordinated promotion for 10 days! The goal is to encourage locals and visitors to dine out, explore new places, and support local businesses.

Open to all restaurants, cafés, breweries and eateries in the Village of Lombard.

• Added marketing exposure
  • Restaurant Week provides extra visibility for your business without the cost of running a separate marketing campaign.
• Reach new customers
  • The event attracts diners who are actively looking to try new restaurants and menu items.
• Increase traffic during slower periods
  • Restaurant Week can help drive additional visits and sales during a time that is often slower for many restaurants.
• Highlight what you do best
  • Use Restaurant Week to feature a signature dish, popular menu item, or special offer that best represents your restaurant.
• Encourage repeat business
  • A positive Restaurant Week experience can turn first-time visitors into returning customers.
• Be part of a community-wide event
  • Participation helps strengthen the local dining scene and shows your support for Lombard’s business community.

You must select at least one of these options to participate.   You will be asked to describe your offerings on the online participation form.

• Option 1: Prix Fixe Menu
  • A fixed-price offer that includes multiple items served together for one set price. This may be a traditional multi-course meal (such as 2-3 or more courses) or a special menu created for Restaurant Week.
• Option 2: Percentage off the Bill
  • A discount that takes a set percentage off the customer’s total bill during Restaurant Week. Please note any exclusions or limits (such as dine-in only or alcohol excluded).
• Option 3: Bonus Offer or Value-Added Offering
  • An added perk included with a purchase, such as a complimentary entrée, appetizer, dessert, beverage, or similar BOGO-style offer. Please describe clearly what is included and any conditions that apply.
• Option 4:  Special Pricing
  • A special price on a specific item or on a bundled combination.   This may include a discounted entrée, beverage, dessert, or a set of items offered together at a promotional price. 

To participate you will need to complete the online participation form, upload high-resolution photos of a signature dish/food, your interior space, and your logo by December 31, 2025.     

Register Here

Trevor Dick

Director of Economic Development and Planning, Village of Lombard

trevord@villageoflombard.org 

Metra sets the station hours and controls when the doors are unlocked and secured. The Village does not control building access.

Metra has adjusted building hours in recent years to help reduce issues such as vandalism and unauthorized use since on-site attendants are no longer present.

No. Metra operates the station, and the Village does not staff or manage daily station operations.

UPRR is responsible for snow removal, as well as maintaining platforms, stairs, ramps and other exterior areas.

The Village handles interior cleaning, general upkeep, and restocking of supplies inside the station.