Information and Services for Residents

Automatic Wellness Check/Emergency Notification
The City participates in a resident/employee notification system that can be used to notify citizens by telephone in emergencies or to provide citizens with important announcements. The system will also allow the City to conduct automatic wellness checks of senior citizens or disabled residents. Residents who sign up for the wellness check program receive daily calls to check on their well being. If the person doesn't answer, a follow up call will be made, and if there is again no response, a police officer will be sent to check on the resident.

Bicycle Registration
Residents may register their bicycles at no charge with the Park Ridge Police Department. Bring your bike to the Police Station entrance at 200 Vine Avenue, or go to the Cashier's Desk in City Hall and fill out a registration form. You need to know the brand name, the model style and the size of the bike. A tag will be issued to place on your bike and you will receive a copy of the registration. Bicycle registration greatly increases your chance of recovering your bike if it is ever lost or stolen.

Block Parties
The City requires groups to fill out an application, available at City Hall, for a street closing, and requires the signatures of all neighbors, indicating their cooperation. A request for a special visit by a Fire Department vehicle should be made at least a week prior to the event by calling 318-5283. The Fire Department can only attend six block parties per day and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. (If an emergency occurs, the fire vehicle may not be able to make an appearance.) Residents may also rent a sports equipment picnic kit from the Park District (692-5127) for $10; a returnable deposit of $50 is required.

Consumer Protection
The City of Park Ridge does not operate a consumer protection bureau to respond to complaints associated with Park Ridge businesses. Unless the complaint is about a matter governed by City ordinance, consumer protection is handled by the Illinois Attorney General’s office and complaints may be filed by calling 312-814-3580. If you have a complaint that relates to a health issue, call 847-318-5460.

Curfew
Persons under the age of 18 may not be on the street without a parent or guardian between midnight and 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, or between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Flooded Basements
The City's brochure, "A Homeowners Guide to Flooded Basements," explains the problem and possible solutions, talks about precautions to take after a flood, and gives tips for cleaning up. Call 318-5228 for a copy.

Garage Sales
The City requires residents to get a garage sale permit for every garage sale. There is no charge for the permit.  No more than three permits will be issued for the same location in any calendar year. Each permit will be good for a garage sale of not more than three consecutive days and only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The permit must be displayed at the location of the garage sale. Conducting a garage sale without a permit will result in a fine of not less than $50.
All Garage Sale applications must be filled out on-line. Click here to open the Garage Sale application and print your permit. Garage Sale application, rules and permit.

Handicapped Parking Program
Red temporary disability parking permits, valid for up to 90 days, are available on a same-day basis at City Hall, township offices and driver services facilities. An application form and a physician's certification form is also required. The permit authorizes the handicapped card owner to park in spaces designated for use by handicapped individuals. Blue permanent and long-term disability parking placards can be issued only by the Secretary of State’s Springfield office, and are valid for up to four years. Applicants must have their physician complete a certification attesting to the applicant’s eligibility under new state guidelines. Forms are available at City Hall or township offices.

Misuses of the permit can result in a fine up to $1,000 and a 30-day driver’s license suspension. Motorists illegally using a permit to park free in a metered space can be fined $100. Police are now authorized to enforce parking laws on private property, including malls and grocery store lots. For further information call City Hall at 318-5200.

Home Repair Assistance
The City participates through the North West Housing Partnership (NWHP) in the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program. The program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners to make home improvements or energy enhancements to their homes. Qualified homeowners would be eligible for a 0% interest deferred loan, up to the maximum amount of $25,000, with no monthly payments as long as the homeowner lives in and retains title to the home. To qualify for a loan, applicants must live in Park Ridge, must own and live in the home they wish to repair, have insufficient funds to pay for the needed repairs, and have a total family income (before deductions) not higher than the amounts set by HUD. Repairs covered include basic structural repairs, roofing, door and windows, electrical, plumbing, heating and weatherization. For more information or an application form, residents should call the North West Housing Partnership at (847) 348-3024.

House Numbers
Each house, business or apartment building must display a house number in a conspicuous location at or near the entrance to the building. These numbers assist police and fire vehicles responding to emergency calls. Numbers must be at least three inches in height and of contrasting color so they can easily be seen from the street.

Leaf Raking
Raking leaves into the street is not permitted in Park Ridge. A violation carries a $50 minimum fine. Leaves should be placed in approved yard-waste bags or yard-waste carts.

Parkway Policy
In all residential districts, only grass and trees may be placed in the parkways. Grass shall be maintained by the abutting property owner and trees will be maintained by the City. Other materials pose a safety hazard. Materials such as boulders, cobblestones, logs or railroad/landscape timbers are not allowed. Call 847-318-5228 for further information.

Payments
The City accepts Discover, Master Card and Visa for payment of any bill due the City, such as water bills, vehicle/pet licenses, traffic fines, building permits or damage to City property. Charge cards are only accepted when the card is presented in person by the purchaser. No phone or mail credit card charges will be accepted.

Public Safety Education/CPR and First Aid Classes
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) classes, first-aid classes, fire extinguisher demonstrations, fire safety presentations, fire station tours, and Fire Safety House training tours are available through the Fire Department. Call 318-5312 for further information.

Outdoor Water Restrictions
Outdoor water restrictions are in effect from May 15 through September 15. Residents may use water outdoors only on even or odd-numbered calendar days, corresponding with the last digit of their house number. Zero is considered an even number. Outdoor water use includes use on lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs and for washing vehicles. A special permit for watering newly installed sod, valid for two weeks, can be obtained at the Public Works Department at City Hall. Call (847) 318-5228 for more information.

Raffle License Application
It is necessary to obtain a one-time license to conduct any raffle in the City of Park Ridge. Only non-profit, fund raising organizations are eligible for raffle licenses. Selling tickets for a drawing to be held outside the City does not require a Park Ridge license, but may require a license from another jurisdiction. Raffle license application forms may be obtained at City Hall and must be submitted to the City Clerk at least fifteen days prior to the date of the drawing. The fee is $15.

Residential Solicitors
To prevent door-to door solicitors from calling at your home, a “No Soliciting Allowed” sticker, available from the Administration Department at City Hall, must be displayed. Any organization wishing to solicit in residential areas is required to obtain a Certificate of Registration from the City Clerk’s office, and residents should check to see that a solicitor is wearing the appropriate badge.

Senior and Handicapped Citizens Taxicab Service
Park Ridge residents over the age of 62 and the handicapped are eligible to participate in the City's subsidized taxicab program. This provides a discount of $1.50 on all taxicab rides using Park Ridge Taxicab, Inc. Subsidy cards are available at City Hall with proof of age and residency. For further information call 318-5200.

Share-the-Cost Parkway Tree Planting Program
Each year the City offers a spring and fall share-the-cost tree planting program for parkway trees. The City offers 27 varieties of trees, 2" in diameter. Larger trees are available at a higher cost. Trees are planted by the City and are guaranteed for two years. The deadline for applications for spring planting is December 31. The deadline for fall planting is August 1. Call the City Forester at 318-5231 for more information.

Smoke Detectors
Every single and multi-family residential building must be provided with at least one smoke detector mounted within 15 feet of a sleeping area. Detectors must be installed in an approved manner and be maintained in working order at all times.

Snow Parking Restrictions
Parking is prohibited on both sides of streets designated as snow routes, after 2” of snow has fallen, until 24 hours after the snow stops. Residents may call 318-6101 for a recorded message as to whether snow parking restrictions are in effect. Most main streets are posted as snow routes. Vehicles parked here during snow parking restriction times will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Parking is also prohibited as posted on the north and west sides of all other residential streets after 2” of snow has fallen, until 24 hours after the snow has stopped. If snow falls during the night, vehicles parked in violation of snow parking restrictions will be ticketed.

Tree Removals Parkway Tree Removals - Parkway tree removals are performed by the City of Park Ridge. If you are concerned about the health of your parkway tree please call the Forestry Division at (847) 318-5242.

Private Tree Removals - A permit is required for any private tree removal 10 inches or greater in diameter (measured 45 inches from the ground). A tree removal application may be applied for in the Building Department. For any tree removal questions, please call the Forestry Division at (857) 318-5242.

Truck and Recreational Vehicle Parking
Trucks and recreational vehicles, including motor homes, campers, trailers, boats, etc., are subject to various parking restrictions in residential areas. Owners of such vehicles should contact the Department of Community Development for regulations regarding these vehicles.