Lost Pets – The Police Department frequently retrieves lost pets. If a pet has a license, as required by the Village, pet and owner are quickly reunited (owners are assessed a $35 fee for lost pets). Please call the Police nonemergency number, 708/246-8540, regarding lost pets.
Wild Animals - The Village does not collect or destroy wild animals. Dead animals in the street or parkway will be picked up by the Public Works Department. For assistance in the collection of a dead animal, please call 708/246-1800, Ext. 200. 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.
The State of Illinois prohibits persons under the age of 21 from drinking or possessing alcohol. Violators may be fined. Additionally, any person under age 21 who is stopped by police for drinking and driving may lose their license
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 click this link to 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.
If you are planning on live entertainment at a block party, the following rules must be observed:
No live band or amplified music or public address system should be used after 10:00 p.m.
Consideration for neighbors should govern the volume of any amplified sound system.
If the Police Department receives a complaint regarding amplified sound systems disturbing the peace of neighboring residents, officers will notify the block party host and provide an opportunity to turn down the music to an acceptable level.
A second or subsequent complaint will require that the music or amplified sound system be discontinued.
Bicyclists riding on the streets of Western Springs must obey motor traffic regulations. These include stopping at stop signs and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. Bicyclists may not ride on the sidewalks within the business district. Violators may receive a ticket and/or fine.
The Western Springs Police Department encourages the registration of all bicycles. The lifetime registration fee of just $1 can help police to quickly identify an injured bicyclist or a lost child; expedite the recovery of a stolen bicycle; and ensure the prompt return of a recovered bicycle to its appropriate owner.
To protect the health and safety of residents, the Village of Western Springs has developed a series of design and construction standards. To ensure that these standards are met, building permits are required for a variety of projects. Visit the Department of Community Development for a detailed list of projects requiring a permit and how the process for obtaining a permit works.
The Fire Department provides training on how to resuscitate and care for someone until medical assistance is available. For more information on CPR training, please call 708/246-1800, Ext. 182.
Grand Avenue Preschool & Day Care - Programs offered are Preschool, Day Care, Before and After School Care, Extended Preschool Care and Summer Camp. They care for children ages 3-10. The school is located in the Historic Grand Avenue Community Center, 4211 Grand Avenue, Western Springs. For further information contact 708/246-2270.
Kensington School of Western Springs - Programs are provided for children aged 3 months to 5 years. The infant room is well suited to providing infants with nurturing, consistent care. The program is located in the Recreation Center, 1500 Walker, Western Springs. For more information, call 708/246-3491.
Montessori School of Western Springs - Programs available are preschool, extended day and full day, half and full day Kindergarten. Program is located in the Recreation Center. For more information, call 708/246-9696.
State of Illinois curfews are in effect Sunday through Thursday, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from midnight to 6 a.m. After curfew, children younger than age 17 have restricted driving privileges. Please refer to cyberdriveillinois.com for details on the restrictions.
Outdoor Warning Sirens – The Village will sound its three sirens in the event of a tornado or funnel cloud sighting, a potential enemy attack, or other emergency situation requiring residential notification. Sirens are located at the Western Springs Fire Department (4353 Wolf Road), Forest Hills School (5020 Central Avenue), and the shopping area at 55th Street and Wolf Road. Sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
Emergency Media – In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to monitor the local television and radio stations. If you have a weather radio, you can monitor the NOAA National Weather Service at 162.55MZ. Information will also be posted on Cable Channel 6 and on the Village’s Web site, www.wsprings.com and relayed through the Reverse 911 System.
Reverse 911 System - The Reverse 911 System relays recorded messages containing important emergency information to Village residents by contacting the telephone numbers contained in the Reverse 911 database. Only landline telephone numbers are in the database.
Residents may hold garage sales up to four times each year. Signs for a garage sale may be erected only on the day of the sale. Signs must not exceed six square feet and 42 inches in height.
To help police, fire and other public service officials to quickly locate homes, especially in an emergency, the Village asks owners to prominently display house numbers—either directly above or on the side of the front door. The numbers should be at least three inches in height and easily visible from the street.
Each spring, the Village tests hydrant water flow and pressure. Water discoloration may occur during the testing process; however, the discoloration is harmless. Running water from a fixture located in the lowest level of your home, until it is clear, should alleviate discoloration. Avoid doing laundry or using the dishwasher until the water is clear. Hydrant flushing is scheduled by neighborhood association and daily updates are available at 708/246-1800, Ext. 305.
State law requires, when sidewalks are present, pedestrians, including joggers, to use the sidewalk. When sidewalks are not present, pedestrians, including joggers, may use the street.
Residents owning a dog or cat must register the animal within 10 days of acquiring the pet. The fee is $10, paid annually by April 1 of each year. No penalty fee is assessed for late renewal of pet licenses. To obtain a license, owners must show proof of a current rabies vaccination. The license may be purchased online or print the form and return it with payment to Village Hall, 740 Hillgrove, Western Springs, Il 60558.
Bicycles can be registered with the Village for a one-time fee of $1. Bicycle licenses can be obtained at the Western Springs Police Department or Village Hall.
Police Department staff will make a daily telephone call to residents who live alone. Through the “I Live Alone” program, cards containing pertinent information on a resident’s friend(s), relative(s), doctor, and medical concerns/conditions will be maintained at the Department of Law Enforcement Services. Click here to submit the card online or visit the department to fill out the card. For more information on Medic Alert, or if you know of someone who could benefit from this program, please call the Police Department at 708/246-8540.
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.
The Village does not have a separate ordinance regarding motorized scooters. State law prohibits them from being operated on a sidewalk or in the street. The only places to legally ride a motorized scooter are on your own property or on other private property with the owner’s permission.
Mulch is available year-round to residents at the Public Works Garage, 1440 Hillgrove. If supply permits, truckloads of mulch (approximately three yards) are available for delivery in the spring. For more information, please call the Public Works Department at 708/246-1800, Ext. 200.
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 information regarding membership, please contact Village Hall, 708/246-1800, Ext. 203.
Two newspapers serve the Western Springs area. Suburban Life (630/368-1100) publishes on Wednesday and Saturday and The Doings (630/887-0600) publishes on Thursdays. The two regional papers are the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times.
If you wish to prevent door-to-door solicitors from disturbing you at home, a NO SOLICITING ALLOWED decal is available for display on your door or other easily seen location. The decal can be obtained at the Village Hall.
The Village limits the use of heavy construction and lawn maintenance equipment during the overnight and early morning hours. Snow blowers are not restricted.
Heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, jackhammers, pile drivers, cement mixers, tractors, and other power equipment, may be used:
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Construction equipment may not be used on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Lawn maintenance equipment may be used:
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Parking between 3 and 6 a.m., except with special approval from Law Enforcement Services
Parking when snowfall exceeds four inches
Truck Parking Trucks, including sport utility trucks, having a gross weight of 8,000 lbs or less are allowed to park in residential areas. Trucks that have ladder racks, boxes, writing or other evidence of commercial use are not allowed to park in residential areas.
Business District
One-, two- and four-hour parking is available. Parking time limits are not enforced on Sundays and U.S. holidays.
Commuter
Metered and permit parking is available along the Burlington railway. There is always a waiting list for a commuter parking space permit and you may call 708/246-1800, Ext. 100, to have your name placed on the list. Meters are available on a first come basis at $2.00 for 12 hours. On weekends and holidays, commuters may park in the metered area for no charge, and in the permit area without a permit.
Diseased Trees – Parkway trees that are diseased or stressed should be reported to the Department of Public Works at 708/246-1800, Ext. 200. A forester will examine the tree and determine an appropriate course of action. If a tree dies, the Village will remove it and grind out the stump.
Tree Replacement – The tree replacement program allows residents to replace parkway trees and share the cost with the Village. A parkway tree replacement form needs to be completed and submitted in early February to ensure an April planting.
Tree Trimming – Parkway trees greater than 7 inches in diameter are trimmed of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable and weak branches, every five years by a private contractor. Smaller trees are regularly trimmed by Village crews. For more information, please call 708/246-1800, Ext. 200.
Dog and cat licenses must be purchased and displayed on pet collars by April 1 of each year. Pet licenses cost $10 and are available at Village Hall. No penalty fees are assessed for late renewal. Dogs and cats are not allowed to run free on residential or public property, and must be kept on a leash no longer than seven feet at all times. Residents should not let dogs bark or howl. Dog owners must carry appropriate equipment to immediately clean up their animal’s waste. The total number of animals permitted in any residence may not exceed three. The license may be purchased online or print the form and return with payment to Village Hall, 740 Hillgrove, Western Springs, IL 60558.
Weekend picnic kits are available at the Recreation Department, 708/246-9070. Each kit contains a volleyball set, kickball, softball equipment, and horseshoes. Kits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for a $10 fee with a $25 deposit. Kits must be picked up by 10 a.m. on the Friday reserved and returned by 10 a.m. the following Monday.
With 160 to 200 trains passing through the Village each day, railroad safety is a serious concern in Western Springs. Illinois State Law imposes a mandatory $500 fine, or 50 hours of community service, for drivers and pedestrians failing to obey railroad crossing signals—walking or driving under or around lowered guard gates at railroad crossings. Western Springs, like many Chicago-area communities, has multiple, adjacent railroad tracks. A leading cause of railroad fatalities is pedestrians disregarding the lowered railroad gates once one train has passed, and crossing the tracks into the path of a second train.
Allied Waste (BFI) is the garbage contractor for the Village. To initiate service or file a complaint, residents should call Allied Waste Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 708/345-7050. For complete details, please refer to the solid waste and recycling program reference guide.
Curb or Back Door Service – Residents may choose to have their garbage picked up curbside or at their back door. Back door service is for refuse in containers only; all bulk items, recyclables and yard waste are collected from the parkway (cans are not allowed on the street or parkway). Garbage, recycling or yard waste shall not be placed in the parkway prior to 6 p.m. the day before pickup.
Prepaid Stickers – All refuse bags at the curb must have a prepaid waste sticker attached. Stickers are available at Village Hall, Dominick’s, Jewel, True Value, Vaughan’s, and the White Hen stores on Wolf and Hillgrove.
Recycling Bags– Allied Waste 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.
Collection Schedule
Refuse, recycling and yard waste are picked up once a week on Tuesdays except south of 55th Street, where collection is scheduled for Friday.
If a holiday falls on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, regular Tuesday service is delayed until Wednesday.
If a holiday falls on a Friday, regular Friday service is delayed until Saturday.
The annual holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Christmas.
Household Spring Cleanup Day – Each year the Village hosts an annual 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; however, each household will receive an additional $5 charge on their water bill.
Household Hazardous and Electronics Waste – Special collections for household hazardous waste and electronics are available. For more information, please call the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency at 708/405-0100.
Yard Waste – Yard waste is collected from April 1 to November 30. Yard waste must be placed in a biodegradable bag, and sticks should be bundled with string or twine; both need a prepaid waste sticker clearly affixed to the outside. Grass clippings should not be blown into the street as they can clog sewers and cause street flooding.
Storm Damage Cleanup – Following a severe storm, residents are urged to immediately move fallen branches to the curb for pickup. All regular tree trimmings must be disposed of through the yard waste program.
Leaf Removal – The Village removes leaves from residential streets in late October. In early October, an informational postcard is mailed to residents explaining the leaf removal program and schedule. Only leaves are raked into the gutter (no branches, please). Also, residents parking on residential streets should exercise caution during this time as hot automobiles can easily ignite large piles of leaves. For more information, please call the Leaf Hotline (during the month of October) at 708/246-1800, Ext. 305.
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit for all residential streets is 25 miles per hour (mph). The speed limit in school zones, when children are present, is 20 mph.
Drop-In Center – The Western Springs Senior Drop-In Center, located at the Grand Avenue Community Center, operates from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. All residents age 55 and older are welcome to participate in the center’s various activities. For more information on the Drop-In Center, please call 708/246-3299.
Western Springs Seniors – Western Springs Seniors offer a variety of social and educational activities. The group meets at 1 p.m. in the Recreation Center on the second Monday of each month. For more information on Western Springs Seniors, please call 708/246-9070.
Taxi Service – Taxi service is available for seniors age 65 years and older and persons with disabilities. Coupon books for the senior taxi program cost $5 and may be purchased at the Senior Drop-In Center. The coupons can be used only by Western Springs’ residents, and the cab ride must begin or end in Western Springs.
Medic Alert – Police Department staff will make a daily telephone call to a resident living alone at the request of the individual, their friends and/or family. (Please see earlier “Medic Alert" listing.)
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.
The Village will replace damaged sidewalks on a cost-sharing basis with property owners as funds are available. For more information, call the Public Works Department at 708/246-1800, Ext. 200.
Real estate signs and pennants are not permitted on parkways or public trees. Temporary political or event signs may be erected no more than 30 days prior to an event or election, and must be removed within three days of the event. For garage sale sign restrictions, please see “Garage Sale” section.
Skateboarding and rollerblading are prohibited on the railroad platform or any other place with signs posted prohibiting such action. The Village also prohibits the use of ramps or jumps on any public sidewalk or street. Skateboards and rollerblades are permitted on streets and sidewalks with some restrictions.
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.
Solicitors must display a permit card obtained from the Village, except for certain groups or organizations that are exempt from the permitting requirements because of State or Federal Law or Court Decisions (religious groups, political group and companies selling books, magazines, newspapers or other publications). With a permit, solicitors may operate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Residents may post a sign on their front door—available at Village Hall—stating that they do not want solicitations. Please report any solicitation without a permit, or during non-solicitation hours, to the Police Department at 708/246-8540.
Tree planting is prohibited on parkways without first obtaining permission for the specific location, spacing and species. Pruning, trimming, spraying and other interference of parkway trees are also prohibited.
Police Department staff will check homes while residents are on an extended trip. Forms requesting information on the resident’s length of absence and emergency contacts are available at the Police Department or click here to fill out the form online.
New residents should register vehicles within 30 days of moving to Western Springs. Vehicle stickers are also required for trucks and motorcycles. The sticker expires on March 31. Renewal notices are mailed each year in January. If you are moving in from another town with a valid vehicle sticker, it is not necessary to purchase a new sticker until the valid sticker expires. The license may be purchased online or print the form and return with payment to Village Hall, 740 Hillgrove, Western Springs, IL 60558.
The license fee structure is as follows:
Automobiles - $35
Motorcycles/Mopeds - $35
Recreational Vehicles - $40
Dog or Cat License - $10
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.
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. Illinois law does not allow voter registration during the 30 days preceding an election. For more information on Voter Registration see the Cook County Web site at http://www.voterinfonet.com.
The Department of Public Works is available to repair water main breaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you know of a possible water main break during business hours, please contact Public Works at 708/246-1800. After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at 708/246-8540.
The Village of Western Springs derives its water from its own wells. Each year, the Water Department serves more than 4,400 customers, by pumping water from local wells to the treatment plant at 614 Hillgrove. The water is softened and purified before it is pumped into the distribution system for consumer use. There are no restrictions for water usage during the summer months; however, residents are asked to voluntarily observe conservancy.
