Frequently Asked Questions

Community Preservation and Development
- International Building Code (IBC), 2015 edition. Published by the International Code Council, Inc. Chapter 11 is deleted; see Illinois Accessibility Code. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 2 for local amendments.
- International Residential Code (IRC), 2015 edition. Published by the International Code Council, Inc. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 3 for local amendments.
- International Mechanical code (IMC), 2015 edition. Published by International Code Council, Inc. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 4 for local amendments.
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 edition. Published by International Code Council, Inc. Used per State of Illinois Administrative Code.
- International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2015 edition. Published by International Code Council.
- National Electrical Code (NEC), 2014 edition. Published by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 5 for local amendments.
- International Fire Code, 2015 edition. Published by the International Code Council, Inc. Also Municipal Code Article 7, Chapter 1 for local amendments.
- Life Safety Code NFPA 101, 2015 edition. Published by the National Fire Protection Association. Also see Municipal Code Article 7, Chapter 1 for local amendments.
- Illinois State Plumbing Code and any future revisions or amendments. Published by the State of Illinois. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter for local amendments.
- Illinois Accessibility Code (IAC), 2018 edition. Published by the State of Illinois Capital Development Board. Accessibility, Chapter 11 of the International Building Code is deleted. Also see Municipal Code Article 15, Chapter 2, Section 9 for local amendments.
To purchase these books, contact the International Code Council at: 800-214-4321 or www.intlcode.org.
The City of Park Ridge amendments to the above adopted codes are in the City’s Municipal Code, Chapter 15.
Complete the building permit application and submit the required materials. Click here to see requirements.
Click here for a list of permit guides
- The removal of any wall or portion thereof
- The removal or changing of any structural beam or bearing support
- The removal or changing of any required means of egress
- Rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements
- Construction or resurfacing of driveways and off street parking facilities
- Construction of all flat work
- Installation of siding in excess of one hundred (100) square feet
- Deck, porch, stair or stoop construction or replacement
- Installation of or alteration to an elevator
- Exterior door or window replacement or installation involving structural changes
- Addition to, alteration, replacement or relocation of any standpipe system, water supply, plumbing, sewer, drainage, gas, soil waste, vent or similar piping, electrical wiring, heating, air conditioning, or other mechanical components
- The construction of any fence, sign, shed, garage or accessory structure
- Altering any land grade or to remove a tree with a 10 inch diameter at breast height (DBH) or greater
- Installation of a swimming pool or a solar collector
- A permit is not required for any repairs to a building or structure that will not result in the installation or relocation of any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system or for any decorating of any building or structure.
- Monday - Friday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday and holidays: Prohibited, except construction work that does not require fencing around the construction site may be performed on Sundays and holidays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The above restrictions do not apply to any construction operation by any governmental agency or governmental contractor.
- Construction hours (including deliveries and any type of noise) are Monday through Friday, 7 am – 7 pm; Saturday, 8 am - 5 pm. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and holidays, even if the work is done entirely indoors.
- Exception: Construction work that does not require fencing around the construction site may be done on Sundays and holidays between 8 am - 5 pm.
- Fencing: All demolition and new construction shall have a six-foot high chain link fence installed and maintained around the perimeter of the construction site. Plastic snow fencing may be used to enclose the construction area for room additions and other minor construction projects and to encircle trees being protected.
- Address numbers shall be posted on each and every unit (front and back) and on fences so they can be seen from all the streets.
- Site, city sidewalks, city streets, etc. shall be kept clear, clean, orderly and unobstructed. Dust is prohibited; demolition shall be sprayed with water. Sidewalks shall have pedestrian protection, if open.
- Review your contract
- Consult your attorney
- Submit a complaint in writing to the Building Administrator
The Zoning Ordinance permits fences to be erected in residential districts to a height of five feet above the existing grade along any side, rear or corner side yard. Open fences four feet in height may be erected in the corner side yards of reversed corner lots. Fences are prohibited in front yards. In some instances, fences can be installed to a height of six feet for a distance not to exceed 25 feet. A permit is required for any fence. Requests for variances to the fence regulations may be submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Fire
While every attempt is made to keep the information online as current as possible, you must check with the Fire Marshal at 847-318-5286 and the Community Preservation and Development Department at 847-318-5291 before making any plans.
Contact the Park Ridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-318-5312.
Yes, the Fire Department has a staff of firefighters who can speak on various fire, safety, and first aid topics during regular business hours. Please call 847-318-5313 for more information.
Fire Station 35
901 Devon Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Fire Station 36
1000 N Greenwood Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Additionally, the Fire Department administrative staff is located at City Hall:
505 Butler Place
Park Ridge, IL 60068
The Park Ridge Fire Department is not able to provide transportation service for a non-emergency or transport request, because our firefighter/paramedics must be available to respond to emergencies.
No, open burning is prohibited by city ordinance. The burning of leaves and yard waste is also prohibited.
Sprinklers are required in all new buildings and in some additions as well as in existing buildings that undergo a change in use. While we attempt to keep the information online as up to date as possible, please do not make any plans or decisions without consulting with the Fire Marshal at 847-318-5286 and the Community Preservation and Development Department at 847-318-5291.
Forestry
The City will pick up large branches that have fallen from parkway trees if the Forestry Division is notified.
Twigs and small branches can be broken up and placed in large paper yard bags (not plastic) or in special landscape/yard waste carts. If you wish to purchase a landscape/yardwaste cart, contact Groot Industries at 800-244-1977. Branches must be bundled and securely tied with biodegradable twine not exceeding 2 feet in diameter and 4 feet in length per bundle. Larger branches or full tree removals will require that you contact a tree service company or landscaper to arrange for removal.
If the tree is located on City property and is dead, the City will remove it.
As trees grow and develop they are not aware of property lines. The city doesn’t get involved in such private property issues. If a tree on your neighbor’s property is encroaching onto your property, or hanging over the property line, it’s best to first talk to your neighbor to work out a solution that is acceptable to both of you. Limbs that extend over your property line do not automatically warrant removal if it’s not causing interference. If you feel that the encroaching branches are a hazard you are within your rights to prune them as long as pruning is in accordance with ANSI A300 Standards.
A resident who wants to prune a parkway tree at their own expense may apply for a Forestry Right of Way Work Permit. If approved by the Forestry Division, pruning must be in accordance with ANSI standards and by a Certified Arborist.
The city removes dead trees on city property. If you think your tree is dead, complete the online contact form on this website or call the Forestry Division and your tree will be evaluated and removed if necessary. Your address will automatically go on a list for a replacement tree.
If you have not had a tree recently removed from the parkway but would like to participate in the cost-share program, please contact the Forestry Division to be added to the reforestation list.
If you would like to plant a tree before you become eligible for the City’s tree planting program or if you wish to have a larger diameter tree, you can apply for a Forestry Right-of-Way work permit and if approved, you can plant a tree at your expense.
If you do not wish to participate in the City’s tree planting program or if you wish to have a larger diameter tree, you can apply for a Forestry Right-of-Way work permit and if approved, you can plant a tree at your expense. Trees must be 2” caliper (measured 6” off of the ground) or greater and only approved species will be permitted to be planted on City parkways.
The city will not remove a parkway tree for root/sewer conflicts. Additionally, private property tree removal permits will only be issued if necessary sewer repairs are needed. Generally, tree roots found in sewer lines do not warrant the removal of a healthy, protected tree as it does not fix the underlying sewer problem. Trees are important pieces of the city’s infrastructure that provide many benefits to the city and its residents including storm water flow reduction and absorption, increased shade to reduce energy costs, reduced pollution by cleaning the air, and increasing property values, to name a few.
The Forestry Division does not inspect or make any recommendations for any trees, grass or shrubs located on private property. Please contact a certified arborist to help diagnose tree issues and to make any maintenance recommendations for your trees.
Private Tree Removals - Tree removal on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. A permit is required for the removal of any private tree that is 10 inches or greater in diameter, measured 4.5 feet from the ground. Please call the Forestry Division at 847-318-5231 with any tree removal questions.
The permit application is available here or at City Hall and should be submitted online via the Online Permit Portal. Permits may also be submitted at City Hall in the Public Works Administration office. There is no charge for the permit.
In certain cases, as determined by the Forestry Division, if the tree you wish to remove is a healthy, thriving tree, you will be required to replant one, two-inch caliper tree for every 10” of diameter removed and place into escrow an amount of money equal to the tree replacement value ($375 per 10” removed). The money will be returned to you when the new trees are planted. If you choose not to plant new trees, the escrow will be deposited in to the City’s Tree Bank and will be used to plant trees on public property in the city.
Per the Park Ridge Municipal Code 15-18-5, permits authorizing the removal of trees may be issued in accordance with, but not necessarily limited to, the following conditions:
- The tree is dead, dying, diseased or within the Buffer Zone (12’ of the principle structure).
- The tree is damaged or injured to the extent that is it likely to die or become hazardous within three years.
- Removal of the tree is consistent with good forestry practices in consideration of the species, location, condition, age safety and historic/aesthetic value of the tree to be removed.
- Removal of the tree will enhance the health of one or more trees, of greater relative value, within the immediate vicinity of the tree being removed.
- Reasonable efforts have been undertaken in the architectural layout and design of the proposed development or improvement to minimize tree damage and/or removal.
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) cyclically prunes trees around electrical lines that go from pole to pole every four-years. Residents are notified by ComEd prior to any pruning activities. Call 1-800-EDISON-1 for any tree/wire conflicts. Utility poles often carry more than just electricity lines. Other utilities are not responsible for maintaining trees around their lines. You may be able to get a private contractor to do the work at your expense. Utility companies are not responsible for pruning around lines that go from their utility pole to your house.
General
Animal regulations can be found here.
118 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60602; 312- 603-7790
5600 W Old Orchard Road, Room 149, Skokie, IL 60077; 847- 470-7233
2121 Euclid Ave, Room 238, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008; 847- 818-2850
Cook County Clerk's Office - Birth Certificate Information
To schedule an appointment or make an inquiry about car seats, please call 847-318-5200 ext. 3824.
In order to respond promptly, your name as well as your day and evening phone numbers are required.
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 the City Health Department at 847-318-5281.
Under the provisions of the City's Fair Housing Ordinance, Chapter 14 of Article 14, you should call the City Manager at 847-318-5205.
Online Payment Options
The City’s online payment option provides our residents and customers with a reliable and secure way to pay from the convenience of their office or home. Just CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED.
In PersonPayments can be made Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, in the Finance Department
Questions? Call Accounts Receivable at 847-318-5218
Contact the Cook County Tax Assessors Office at 847-470-7237 or visit their website for information about Appeals, Exemptions and the Required Forms.
There is a transfer tax on any change in ownership of real estate. The seller must pay a property transfer tax of $2.00 dollars per $1,000 dollars of value or fraction thereof.
The following information must be provided before a transfer tax will be processed.
- PTAX-203 or MyDec Form
- Photo of Water Meter for Final Reading
- Closing Date
- Contact Name, Phone Number, and Email Address
City of Park Ridge
Attn: Finance Department
505 Butler PL.
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4182
Questions- 847-318-5222 option 4
NOTICE: A Transfer Tax Certificate will be issued upon payment of the applicable real estate transfer tax fee, in addition to, any and all other taxes and fees owed to the City including the final water bill. Payment for the transfer tax and any outstanding obligations can be made by cash, cashier’s check, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or Attorney’s check. The processing fee for an exempt transfer certificate is $25.00.
Yes, but only non-profit, fund raising organizations are eligible for a one-time raffle license. 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.
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 that wants to solicit in residential areas is required to register in the Clerk's office in order to obtain a badge in the Police Department. Residents should always check to see that a solicitor is wearing the appropriate badge.
To report a street light outage or street light problem to contact the Public Works Service center at 847-318-5240. Repairs may take up to 6 weeks to complete as the street lights are maintained by either Com Ed or the City's contractor.
Click here for full information on voter services.
Contact the Cook County Tax Assessor's Office website or call 847-470-7237.
Used CFL bulbs and mercury thermometers are also accepted.
**Please note: Batteries are not accepted**
Also, please be aware that there is a collection box for solid forms of prescription medication located inside the lobby of the Police Department at 200 S. Vine. Absolutely no sharps or liquid medication can be deposited into this box.
Historic Preservation
Applicants must complete a Park Ridge Landmark Designation Application form, which can be obtained at City Hall, in the Department of Community Preservation & Development on the second floor. The form can also be found online HERE. Upon preliminary review and approval of the application, a public hearing will be scheduled. The nomination must then be recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission. Final approval is granted by the City Council.
The Commission is responsible for many things, including identifying sites having historic significance; recommending the designation of landmarks, recommending the designation of historic districts; reviewing proposed alterations to landmarks and structures within historic districts; and educating the public about historic preservation. The Commission meets monthly and its meetings are public.
Click here to see the HPC webpage.
The purpose of designation of a district is to protect significant buildings within its boundaries from unnecessary or insensitive destruction, alteration or removal. Recognition of the special historic, architectural or cultural qualities that make Park Ridge a unique and desirable place is another benefit.
The benefits of owning a local landmark are recognition and protection of the landmark as a significant Park Ridge historic, architectural or cultural resource. Other benefits include participation in the nationwide effort to preserve the character of local communities, possible owner benefits through the State of Illinois, and a renewed civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, thereby enhancing the City’s appeal to visitors.
The HPC webpage has a link to the latest meeting schedule.
Nuisances
If a neighbor complains about the noise emitted from an outside unit, an Environmental Health Officer will check the unit location and determine whether it is operating properly. If it is determined that the unit is located less than the required distance, the owner may be required to move the unit.
A vehicle which has been abandoned on any public property or public way may be removed at the direction of a police official, provided that notice of intent to remove has been issued to the registered owner of the vehicle at the owner's last known address, advising that the vehicle must be removed within seven days, and that an appearance may be made before the Chief of Police to contest the removal. If the owner fails to present valid reasons why the vehicle should not be removed, it may be towed immediately to any public or private storage facility and the cost of such towing or storage charged to the owner in addition to any fine imposed.
"Abandoned vehicle" shall mean any motor vehicle or trailer which remains on public property for a period of seven days or more while being in inoperable condition due to having one or more flat tires, or lacking any structural or mechanical component necessary for normal operation, or lacking valid state or local registration or licensing, or is incapable of moving under its own power, or is uninsured.
Complaints about construction debris accumulated around buildings should be directed to the Building Department. The Building Department will investigate the complaint and require the company to clean up the debris.
If the noise disturbs the peace of the neighborhood, it is considered a nuisance and the Police Department 847-318-5252 should be notified to restore peace.
To notify the City, please complete a Citizen Request or call Environmental Health at 847-318-5281 and leave a detailed message.
To notify the City, please complete a Citizen Request or call Environmental Health at 847-318-5281 and leave a detailed message.
The Fire Chief is authorized to issue permits for external fires when a public purpose can be shown for the fire and upon proof that the proper permits have been obtained from the proper authorities of the State of Illinois and County of Cook. The Environmental Health Officer responds to complaints regarding smoke, fumes and odors. That number is 847-318-5281.
Any questions regarding the storage of recreational vehicles on private property in other locations should be referred to the Building and Zoning Administrator.
An "inoperable motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle, machinery, implement or mechanical equipment which is incapable of moving under its own power, or has one or more flat tires, or lacks any structural or mechanical component necessary for normal operation, or lacks valid state or local registration or licensing, or is raised on blocks.
Parking
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 of 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 847-318-5200.
Most main streets are posted as snow routes. Vehicles parked there 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.
Police Department
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.
The curfew for the Pickwick Plaza (the pedestrian plaza between Northwest Hwy and Summit Ave on the east side of buildings fronting Prospect Ave) is 9 pm - 6 am for everyone under the age of 18.
We do NOT do fingerprinting for immigration/naturalization purposes. For a designated print service call 1-800-375-5283.
You can complete the vacation watch form online or you can print it out complete the form by hand, and fax to (847-318-5308) or mail it to the Park Ridge Police Department, 200 S. Vine, Park Ridge, IL 60068. We will need to know the dates you will be gone, if you have automatic timers on your lights, emergency contact information (local), and the license plates of any vehicle that will be left at your residence in your absence. We also have light timers available (up to two per household) at no charge at the police department. If you have questions, feel free to contact the police department at 847-318-5252.
If you find a lost animal, check for any tags. If there is a name and number on the tag, you can contact the owner of the pet directly. If you cannot locate an owner, you may call the police department and we will dispatch an officer to pick up the animal. The animal is then impounded at the Northwest Animal Hospital, 2024 S River Rd, Des Plaines, 847-296-3112, until an owner comes to claim it.
All requests will be processed and responded to within five business days of the date the request is received. All fees for copies of reports are listed on the Freedom of Information Act request form and all checks should be made payable to the City of Park Ridge.
Police FOIA Request Form
How do I Obtain a Copy of A Crash Report?Copies of traffic accident reports for crashes that occurred on or after August 1, 2014 can now be purchased online at www.buycrash.com. LexisNexis is our eCommerce vendor that makes it possible to quickly access and download a copy of a report without leaving your home or office, usually within 48-72 hours of the accident. There is a convenience fee assessed by the eCommerce vendor, however these reports will still be available for purchase at the Park Ridge Police Department for the standard fee of $5.00.
To obtain a copy of a traffic accident report for crashes that occurred prior to August 1, 2014, please contact the Park Ridge Police Records Bureau at (847) 318-5307. It is recommended that you contact the Records Bureau to confirm the availability of a requested report before arriving at the police station.
Payments may be sent to:
Attn: Department Number 0125
Photo Enforcement Program
P O Box 5905
Carol Stream, IL 60197-5905
- If the officer who issues the ticket also gives you a Court Diversion Envelope, you have three options:
-
- You may plead guilty and pay the citation, either by mail or in person at the courthouse.
- You may plead guilty and attend traffic safety school, if eligible (it's explained on the envelope). If you pass the class, the conviction will be considered a supervision and not be entered on your driving record at the Secretary of State's Office. If you fail the class or do not attend the class, then a conviction will be entered upon your record.
- You may also mail the envelope in to request a court date to contest the ticket.
- If the officer who issues the ticket assigns a court date and the MUST APPEAR box is also checked, then you must appear on the date and time assigned to you. The officer has no discretion on these violations as this is mandated by law.
- If the officer who issues the ticket assigns a court date and the MUST APPEAR box is NOT checked, then you may either appear on the date assigned or pay the ticket at the courthouse prior to the assigned court date.
Recycling
Resident Information
If an alarm system is installed in your home or business, it must be registered with the Police Department. There is a one-time registration fee of $50. To receive a registration packet, you may call the police desk (847-318-5252) to have one mailed to you, or you may pick one up at the police station at 200 S Vine.
Only local streets as identified on the Street Classification System Map and selected collector streets as approved by the City may be closed for block parties. In no case shall any arterial street closing be approved. Applications for street closings for private events (examples graduation parties, weddings, birthday parties) will not be accepted.
The City requires groups to notify all residents on the block of the date of the street closure and submit an application. For questions, please call 847-318-5240 (TDD 847-318-5252).
A request for a special visit by a Fire Department vehicle should be made at least a week prior to the event by calling 847-318-6721. 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.
Enjoy a visit to your block party by the Park Ridge Police Department! To schedule an appearance, please provide the necessary information on the City application.
Residents may also rent a sports equipment picnic kit from the Park District Call 847-692-5127.
According to Article 14 of the Municipal Code, it is unlawful for anyone to camp on any public street, sidewalk, in a public park, building or on any public property.
The Municipal Code, Article 14 provides for City agents to enter upon any private property that has a tree with the appearance of Dutch Elm disease to remove samples to determine if the tree is infected with the disease or is dead. If it is, the property owner will be notified and the tree will be required to be removed by and at the expense of the owner within 10 days of notice. If the owner cannot be found or refuses to remove and destroy the tree, the City will remove it and the owner will be billed. Parkway trees infested with the disease are marked and the tree and stump are removed by the City.
You may have up to three garage sales a year, and each can be for three consecutive days, between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.
Residential waste collections are provided weekly for residents living in single family and multi-unit dwellings through a private scavenger. For complete information about residential waste collections, click here.
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.
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.
- Signs cannot exceed six square feet in area, nor five feet in height
- Not more than 20 square feet of total temporary signage is permitted on any zoning lot
- No temporary sign is permitted within any public right-of-way, including the parkway
- No signs may be attached to a tree or utility pole
- No inflatable signs or tethered balloons are permitted
- Signs are to be posted on private property only, and only with the permission of the property owner
Problems and questions should be referred to the Cook County Assessor’s office.
At their website you can also find information about appeals, exemptions and the required forms.
All repairs to the water service pipes between the buffalo box and the premises are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Water meters are maintained by the City.
All public sidewalk construction, including sidewalks constructed on a parkway between the regular sidewalk line and the curb line, must be approved by the City Engineer. A permit must be obtained for such construction except when the work is performed under the City’s annual Sidewalk Removal and Replacement Share-the-Cost Program.
Residential districts are plowed simultaneously with the snow routes, but without the same intensity of resources. The time required to complete the fourteen districts will vary depending upon the duration of the snow storm. The goal is to have all districts plowed 12-24 hours after the snow has stopped. The City does not salt the entire length of residential streets so a bare pavement is not expected. However, the approaches to intersections on residential streets are salted (150 feet on each side).
Parking lot areas are plowed generally after the streets are plowed and are done overnight, when the lots are empty.
Snow removal is practiced only in the major business areas and City parking lots after the initial emergency has passed and only when the accumulation is deemed significant.
Snow Plan Priority List
Shoveling or plowing of snow into the street is not permitted in Park Ridge. A violation carries a $50 minimum fine.
The City is using a control measure of heavily pruning and trimming trees annually in those areas of the City where starlings are known to roost. Other measures may be used if required.
A permit to solicit on public ways must be obtained from the City Manager. Except as provided in Article 14-7-7 of the Municipal Code, permission is not granted for use of City streets. A permit is issued for tag days on public sidewalks in the business districts and on arterial streets only. Click here for a Tag Day Application form.
Search your address on the City Ward Map.
Traffic Regulations
All bicycles operated on City streets, alleys or sidewalks must be licensed and the license must be attached to the bicycle. The licenses are permanent and provided without fee. Also, bicycles must be locked when left unattended. Violation of any of these regulations should be reported to the Police Department for appropriate action. Police non-emergency may be called at 847-318-5252.
If the request does not comply with recognized standards, the petitioner will be so advised and given the reasons for denial. The petitioner will also be advised that his appeal procedure is to the Public Works Committee, which will either reaffirm the staff decision or recommend alternative action to the City Council.
Water Billing
Online: https://parkridgeil.watersmart.com
By Mail:
City of Park Ridge
PO Box 4793
Carol Stream, IL 60197-4793
Detach the lower portion of your bill (turn it over) and place it inside the windowed envelope that was provided with your billing statement. Please make check payable to the City of Park Ridge.
In-Person:
City Hall Finance Department
505 Butler Place
Park Ridge, IL 60068.
City Hall is open Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Exterior Drop Off: Use the white payment box located in the visitor parking lot on Courtland Ave.
Automatic Payments: Please print the autopay application. Return completed application along with a voided check to 505 Butler Place Park Ridge, IL 60068. This will draft payment automatically from a checking or savings account on the due date. You will continue to receive a paper statement.
To cancel your Auto-Pay enrollment, please click here. This application must be received at least five business days before the next scheduled due date.
Final Water Bill: If you are selling your property please take a photo of your water meter and email to transferstamp@parkridge.us
More information regarding this process can be found on the Real Estate Transfer Tax page.
Click here to view current water and sewer rates.
- Water accounts are automatically placed into the buyer's name.
- You will receive a bill every other month.
- Water service is not shut off during property transfers.
- If you do not have running water - check the internal shut-off valve.
- If you are a residential tenant, you cannot place your name on the water bill.
- Please discuss how to pay the water bill with your landlord.


Water Smart is a free online service where you can pay and view your bill, monitor water use, and set up leak alerts. If your home has a smart water meter, Water Smart will display your hourly/daily consumption. WaterSmart can alert you to the presence of continuous or atypical usage and help you identify the source. Alerts can be sent by email, text, or voice. To set up leak alerts go to Settings/Communication Preferences.
- For after-hours emergencies please call: 847-318-5252 (Police Department)
- For general shut off requests please contact Public Works Service Center: 847-318-5240.
We have the following fixed charges:
- Flat Water Fee (tiered pricing based on meter size)
- Flat Sewer Fee
- Utility Tax
To determine whether a toilet is running:
- Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank.
- Do not flush.
- Wait at least 1 hour.
The property owner is responsible for all water consumed on the premises, even if the cause was unintentional.
No earlier than 5 days before your closing date:
- Email a photo of water meter to transferstamp@parkridge.us
- Reference service location and your closing date
Questions? Call 847-318-5222 and select option 4 to speak to the cashier desk.
Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Certified Check, Money Order, or Attorney’s Check.
You may call us at 847-318-5223 to confirm your payment was received.
Other reasons for water shut off include:
- Failure to submit payment.
- Denial of access to inspect, repair, or replace water meter.
If water services are disconnected due to a delinquent utility account, the full outstanding balance plus a $50 turn-on fee ($250 outside normal business hours) is required before water services will be reinstated. If water services are disconnected due to failure to provide a meter reading or failure to provide access, compliance plus a $50 turn-on fee ($250 outside normal business hours) is required before water services will be reinstated. Personal checks cannot be accepted for payment. Only Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Certified Check, or Money Order. You may contact Water Billing at 847-318-5223 for assistance.
The City of Park Ridge does not turn off water when a property transfers ownership. If you are a new homeowner without water service, water is most likely turned off inside. There is a water shut-off valve next to the water meter. If water is turned off at the street, please contact Public Works at 847-318-5240 to have water services restored.
- Call Water Billing at 847-318-5223.
- Visit City Hall at 505 Butler Place. (Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm)
- Email us at utilitybilling@parkridge.us (Please include your service address)