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Official website for the City of Aurora, Illinois. Mayor Tom Weisner

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register a property maintenance code violation complaint with the division?
Complaints can be called in to the office at any time. It is best to call during regular business hours so that as much information as possible can be reported directly to a customer service representative or inspector. In order to lay a good foundation for a proper investigation, it is important to report accurate information such as an exact address, a clear description of what is alleged to be wrong at the property, etc. Please have patience as the customer service representative or inspector asks for clarification. The Division of Property Standards needs to obtain enough information, including name and phone number of the complainant, to assure that a proper inspection is performed and good public service and follow-up can be provided. Names are kept confidential as part of the inspection process.
2. How long can it take before junk and trash is cleaned up from a vacant lot or a lot containing an abandoned building after we notify the City?
The Property Maintenance Code gives the City the ability to expeditiously remove junk and trash from these types of properties. There is a general notice that appears once a year in the Beacon News informing owners and those in control of these vacant properties that if they fail to keep the premises clean of junk and trash, the City reserves the right to hire a hauling contractor who will clean the premises. The owner is then billed for this cost and if it is not paid, a lien is placed against the property. The property can be inspected within twenty four hours to verify the presence of junk and trash and the clean up may occur as soon as three days after your call.
3. How long can it take before tall grass and weeds is cut at a vacant lot or a lot containing an abandoned building?
The Property Maintenance Code also gives the City the ability to expeditiously cut grass and weeds that exceed 8 inches in height at such properties. The process is much the same as that noted above. The tall grass and weeds must be verified by a site inspection.
4. What process is used to cite owners for property maintenance code violations?
The violations must first be verified by a field inspection. The Division of Property Standards makes every effort to actually speak to the owner of the property at the time of the inspection. Any violations are then made part of a formal violation notice, which is then mailed to the owner, by proof of mailing. Except in cases of severe life/safety violations, lack of proper heat, accumulations of junk and trash and similar instances, the City does not instantaneously require that the repairs be made. A time frame is developed that recognizes the amount of work to be completed, the effects of the weather, etc. Reinspections are completed to assure that the work is being completed in the agreed upon manner. Many times work on the interior is being completed until the proper weather arrives for the completion of exterior work such as scraping and painting.
5. What happens if a building is posted as unfit for human occupancy?
Buildings are posted as unfit due to serious violations of the Property Maintenance Code. Such violations may include no running water, no heat source during the winter, non-functioning toilets, excessive accumulations of filth, garbage and trash, and other severe circumstances which endanger the life, safety or health of the occupants. The City will cite the owner of the building directing that the necessary repairs be made. To protect the safety and health of the occupants, the City may require that the occupants leave the building if the necessary repairs or actions are not taken. The City Inspector can not physically remove the occupants. This may only be done by court order after the owner refuses to make the repairs and the occupants have not moved out.