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General

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1. When do I need a building permit?

The Building Permit Guide is a useful guide to find out if you need a permit, where to get your permit, how long the process takes, what inspections are required and when to request an inspection.

2. What do I have to do to have a Block Party?

It is necessary for the Village to be aware of the date, time and location of a block party in order to provide for the safety of the attendees, as well as contingency plans, if an emergency arises in which the street on which the party is held would be ordinarily used for access.

Current Village policy requires that any block desiring to hold a block party obtain a permit not less than one week in advance of the event. The permit is granted simply by filling out the block party Consent Form and paying the $50 deposit. The form is available at the Village Hall or online here. Print the Consent Form, get it filled out by your neighbors and return it to the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department will process the permit, notifying the Fire and Police Departments of the scheduled event. The $50 deposit is required for the orange cones and will be returned when the cones are picked up by the Public Works Department. On Friday afternoon preceding the weekend event, the Public Works Department will deliver the necessary orange barricade cones to a designated person for use during the block party. The cones will be picked up by the Public Works Department on Monday morning following the event. Any further concerns should be directed to 708-246-1800, Ext. 200.

3. Who collects my garbage?

Republic Services is the garbage contractor for the Village. To initiate service or file a complaint, residents should call Republic Services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (708) 345-7050. For complete details, please refer to the Household Waste, Recycling & Yard Waste Reference Guide.
Reference Guide

4. How do I apply for employment?

Please view Employment Opportunities for all job postings with the Village of Western Springs.

5. Does the Village collect dead or wild animals?

Dead animals on Village streets, sidewalks or parkways will be picked up by the Public Works Department. If an animal is located on Ogden Avenue, 55th Street or 47th street, residents must call IDOT at 217-782-2937. If an animal is located on Wolf Road, residents must call the Cook County Highway Department at 708-448-8006. For assistance in the collection of a dead animal from a Village street, sidewalk or parkway, please use Report a Concern.

The Village does not collect or destroy wild animals. Traps are available at the Police Department for residents to use in trapping squirrels, possums, raccoons, etc.; however, residents are responsible for removal and disposal of live animals.

6. Who handles mosquito control?

The Village of Western Springs is within the boundaries of the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District, a separate taxing authority within Cook County that handles mosquito control efforts. Regular spraying diminishes the mosquito population and limits the spread of mosquito-carrying diseases. For more information, please call the district at 708/447-1765. Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District

7. Does the Village pick up branches?

The Village only picks up branches following a severe storm. Fallen branches should be moved to the curb no later than 48 hours following a storm. If branches have not been picked up residents should follow up with the Public Works Department no later than one week following a storm event.

If branches are moved to the curb as a result of a snow storm, residents should contact the Public Works Department as soon as possible to notify the location of the branches.

All regular tree trimmings must be disposed of through the yard waste program. Refuse & Yardwaste Guidelines

8. Is there a public swimming pool in the Village?

The Village’s outdoor swimming pool is operated by a private organization that offers annual memberships for a fee. The pool is not open to the public on a daily basis. For more information, please write to WSSC, P.O. Box 82, Western Springs, IL 60558 or wsscmanager@hotmail.com or visit the club's web site Western Springs Service Club

9. Is there a Newcomers Club in Western Springs?

The Newcomers Club is open to all residents interested in becoming acquainted with both their community and fellow villagers. You need not be "new" to Western Springs to join. Newcomers basic purpose is to provide social activities that will help members get-to-know their neighbors, wherever they may live in town. Activities are planned from September to June. The club membership is open to men, women, singles and families. For more information, please contact the club at westernspringsnewcomers.com.

10. What and when is the household spring clean up?

Each year on a Saturday in May, the Village hosts a Spring Cleanup Day, allowing residents to dispose of household items including clothing, draperies, books, furniture, scrap metal, and appliances (household garbage, landscape waste, liquids, tires, batteries, medical waste, and construction and demolition debris are not eligible). No registration is required for this service. All items for disposal must be on the curb by 6 a.m. the morning of collection day. Please check the May calendar for the exact date of the cleanup.

11. Can I register to vote at the Village Hall?

Residents can register at the Village Hall any day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All that is necessary to register is residency of 30 days and two pieces of identification. One piece of identification must show a current Western Springs address and one must have a photo. Cook County Clerk's Office

12. What are the parking restrictions during snow removal?

When snow begins, residents should make every effort to remove parked cars from streets. Clear streets allow Village staff to salt, and later plow when snow accumulates beyond two inches. It is illegal to park on any street for 12 hours after a snowfall of four or more inches.

13. What are the hours for the Village Hall?

Western Springs Village Hall's address is 740 Hillgrove Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558 and the telephone number is (708) 246-1800. Village Hall is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00. In addition, the Village Hall is open on the last two Saturdays in March to accommodate residents wishing to purchase vehicle stickers. The Village Hall also observes different operating hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Those hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30-5:00 and Friday 7:30 to Noon.

14. What do I do if my sewer backs up into my home?

If a home is experiencing a sewer backup into the basement, the Public Works Department will respond by checking the main sewer line for any blockages or problems. If the main sewer line is free of blockages, then the department will recommend the homeowner contact a licensed plumber to investigage the backup in the property sewer connection. During business hours (M-F/8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), please contact Public Works at (708) 246-1800 x 200. After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at (708) 246-8540.

15. Is there a drop box for water bill and parking fine payments?

Parking fine and water bill payments may be left in a specially designated drop box at the Village Hall.

16. What are the Halloween hours?

Trick-or-treating takes place on October 31, from 3 to 8 p.m.

17. How often are the blue bags for recycling distributed?

Republic Services delivers 50 blue recycling bags to each residence, two times each year. Additional bags are available at a nominal cost at Village Hall, 740 Hillgrove Ave.