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Building and Zoning

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1. Why do I need a permit?

A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. Permits allow the enforcement of the codes which have been adopted as law. The permit also provides the means for the Village to inspect construction to ensure that standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

No matter what the specific project may be, the enforcement of codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Before any construction or remodeling work may begin, a permit must be obtained.

If you have any questions or are in doubt that the work you will be doing requires a permit, please call the Department of Building and Zoning at (847) 459-2530.

Building Permit Application

2. Do I need a permit to hold a garage sale?

The Village of Buffalo Grove does not require a permit to hold a garage sale.

Garage sales shall be permitted for a maximum of three consecutive days between the hours of 9:00 am and sunset each day. Not more than three garage sales shall be conducted on the same premises or by the same person(s) within any calendar year. It shall be unlawful for any person to use the public sidewalk or the public right of way for the purpose of a garage sale or to display personal property for such sale.

All signs pertaining to garage sales shall not be placed on public property or public right of ways. Any signs located on public property or on the public right of way, will be confiscated and will not be returned.

3. Do I need a permit to replace an existing water heater, furnace, or air conditioner?

Yes. Permits are required to replace these appliances. After the installation of the new appliance, we want you to call the Building and Zoning Department at (847) 459-2530 for inspection, to ensure that the appliance was installed correctly.

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Commission for residents with Disabilities

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1. I have a medical condition and use a handicap placard or license plate. Can I still park on the street during a snow storm?

No. The potential for a medical emergency does not warrant priority parking treatment during a snow storm. Anyone needing an ambulance in a medical emergency should contact the Fire Department by calling 9-1-1.

2. Where can people with disabilities park their vehicle?

Parking for persons with disabilities is provided in areas designated as Handicapped Accessible. These spaces are located throughout the Village on both public and private parking lots.

3. Are there locations that I may not park even with a placard or handicapped plate?

Yes, handicapped placards or plates do not allow the driver to park in restricted parking areas and in front of fire hydrants, bus stops and loading zones. This also includes zones restricted as “No Parking” during specific hours.

4. Is parking permitted in the marked lane next to a Handicapped parking space?

No, parking is not permitted in access aisles. This is the space marked with diagonal lines next to a space which accommodates disabled parking.

5. : Is it necessary for the person who is disabled to be in the vehicle to use the handicapped space?

Yes, the person with the disability must exit or enter the vehicle while it is parked in the designated disabled parking space for it to be authorized use of a handicapped permit.

6. What is the fine for violating a handicapped parking restriction?

The minimum fine for this violation is set by the State of Illinois Statute at $250.

7. Can disabled parking privileges be revoked?

Yes, handicapped license plates and placards will be revoked if abuse occurs. If you are aware of any abuse, please contact the Buffalo Grove Police Department.

8. Do the police investigate misuse of handicapped license plates and placards?

Yes, the police patrol public and private handicapped parking spaces to assure handicapped plates and placards are being used in accordance with local and state laws.

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Connect CTY

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1. What is Connect-CTY?

The Village has contracted with a company, Connect-CTY, to provide prompt information to Buffalo Grove residents and businesses relating to major incidents and other exigent events affecting the public health, safety, and welfare. The Connect-CTY service allows authorized Village employees to create and rapidly disseminate time-sensitive, emergency messages to every telephone number stored in the notification database. With the Connect-CTY service, authorized users can send thousands of messages to Buffalo Grove residents and businesses in minutes.

2. How does Connect CTY work?

Authorized Village employees will record a voice message and/or send an email that is then delivered quickly to Buffalo Grove resident and business telephone numbers and email addresses in the notification database.

3. What types of messages will be sent using Connect CTY?

Authorized emergency messages regarding the safety or welfare of our community would be disseminated using the Connect-CTY service. Examples would include a boil order; extraordinary flood warnings; natural disasters; confirmed terrorist threats or activity; road closures with anticipated limited access to properties as a result of scheduled construction; missing persons/Amber Alerts affecting Village residents; imminent danger from fire; hazardous material incidents affecting Village business or residents; bomb threats, after assessment of risk; hostage situations and any other situation that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of our citizens.

4. Does the Connect-CTY service replace other communications systems?

This system is a significant enhancement to existing means of communication and is supplemental to, not a replacement for, the systems we have used in the past.

Village Hall at 847-459-2500, and the Police Department non-emergency telephone number at 847-459-2560, will still be available in an emergency situation. The Village’s cable Channel 6, radio and our Village web site (www.vbg.org) will continue to display important announcements. If you need emergency assistance at your home or business, always dial 9-1-1 first.

5. Is my telephone number included in Connect CTY?

Connect-CTY creates the notification database which includes every published phone number in Buffalo Grove (resident/business). It is our intention and hope that every residence and business in our community will provide additional information in the database. Each user will have the opportunity to provide three telephone numbers, two email addresses, and one SMS number which provides for text messaging. You can enter additional information from any computer with web access – go to the Village’s web site at www.vbg.org and click on “Connect CTY, Emergency Notifications” on the top right side of the page. Follow the prompts thereafter. If you do not have access to a computer, a computer is set-up in the lobby of Village Hall for your convenience, or you can call the Village at 847-459-2500 to provide us your contact information.

6. May I use a cell phone as my notification with Connect CTY?

Yes, we can accept cell phones in the database and encourage you to request that your number be included.

7. What precautions are being taken to protect personal information in the Connect CTY database?

Connect-CTY® is a service of The NTI Group, Inc. (NTI). NTI takes security and privacy concerns very seriously and does not sell, trade, lease or loan any data about our clients to any third party. From a technical perspective, they utilize multiple physical and virtual layers of firewalls to maintain data security. NTI only utilizes secure transmissions with its customers. No confidential information is ever transmitted between NTI and its customers using e-mail or FTP, but rather always utilizes either a VPN tunnel or SSL. Data is hosted in state-of-the-art facilities which require photo identification, thumb-print recognition, keyed access, and are manned 24/7 with full-security personnel. All data is encrypted prior to being placed on tape for offsite storage. NTI also retains an external, independent security firm to perform annual security audits.

8. Will there be a way to positively identify incoming calls which are made by the Village using Connect CTY?

The caller-ID number for calls generated by the Connect-CTY service will be: 847-419-0012, and “Village Alert”. If you want to call the Village to confirm the information or ask questions, you may dial the calling number, 847-419-0012, or the Village’s main telephone number at 847-459-2500. The only Village employees authorized to send a message to the community are the Village Manager, Deputy Village Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Public Works Director.

9. Will the Connect-CTY service work if I have a call screening system on my phone?

There are several varieties of call screening devices which use differing protocols for screening. In general, the system has been found to work with these devices; but, some may require some type of pre-programming to allow our Village’s telephone number to pass through. We may conduct tests from time to time to ensure that messages are being delivered to numbers in the notification database.

10. If I am a non-resident home or condominium owner, what phone should be listed with Connect CTY?

For non-residents or owners who reside out of our community, please include your contact information into the system and identify the address of the property that you own and/or maintain. You may provide a phone number to be included in our database so you are contacted during certain situations. In general, calls are sent to the primary number only, but we also have the ability to call multiple numbers for each resident or business.

11. If I have provided more than one phone number to Connect CTY, when will they be called?

Should a situation arise that requires us to contact residents or businesses at multiple phone numbers, we can activate the system to place a simultaneous call to all of the numbers within the database. In most cases, we will be sending calls only to one phone number – the primary number.

12. My primary phone or my second listing is a cell phone with a non-local area code. Will the Connect-CTY service call numbers outside the area?

Yes. The area code does not impact whether or not a call is made.

13. How does the Connect-CTY system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

For busy signals, the call will be repeated several times in an attempt to reach you. The same is true for No-answer and Call-waiting. If the phone is answered by a message recorder, the message will be left on the answering device. If, after several attempts the call does not successfully go through, the system will stop attempting to call.

14. I am receiving Connect CTY notification calls at my fax or my secondary phone line. Can I switch to have the system call my primary phone number?

Yes. You may update your contact information anytime here on the Village web site (link is on the Home Page), or you may contact us at 847-459-2500.

15. I was not able to listen to the entire Connect CTY call. Is there a way to repeat the message?

Yes, at the end of the message playback, simply press the star (*) key on your telephone to have it repeated in its entirety.

16. The Connect CTY message continues to repeat when I answer. How can I hear the whole message?

Repeating or looping of messages happens when the system detects excessive noise in the background. This can be caused by loud radio/television volumes, people talking, or busy traffic noise. When you receive the next call, say “hello” once and turn down the volume of your radio/television or press the mute button on your telephone to allow full message delivery.

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Finance Department

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1. Do I need a vehicle sticker?

As of May 1, 2008 vehicle stickers are no longer required in the Village of Buffalo Grove.

2. How do I purchase an animal tag?

Animal tags are purchased through the Finance Department. They are $10 and are required for dogs and cats that are four months old or older. The tags must be purchased within 10 days of acquiring the pet or 10 days of becoming a resident of the Village. You must have proof that the pet has been inoculated for rabies.

The tags run the Village's fiscal year, which is May 1 of the present year to April 30 of the following year.

There are special restrictions that apply to Rottweilers and Pit Bull Terriers. For a copy of these restrictions, please contact the Village Health Department at (847) 459-2530.

Return the completed application to:
Finance Department
50 Raupp Blvd.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Pet License Application

3. How do I purchase a parking pass?

To purchase a bimonthly parking pass for the Village's commuter parking facility, fill out the parking pass form and submit it to:
Department of Finance and General Services
50 Raupp Blvd.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Parking Pass Form

4. How do I pay my water bill?

The Village's EZ-Pay utility bill processing system is a quick and convenient way to pay your water bill. For information call the Water Billing Department at (847) 459-2515. The process involves a direct deposit to a designated checking account eliminating the need to write a check or come to Village Hall in person to pay the bill. Payments are processed on the due date designated on the bill received. The program is available for both residential and commercial customers.

There is also a drop box on the north side of Village Hall at 50 Raupp Blvd. for water bill payments. Payments put in the drop box are not guaranteed for posting that day.

5. How do I request copies of records?

To request copies of records, fill out a Freedom of Information Request form and submit it to:
Village Clerk's Office
50 Raupp Blvd.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

FOIA Information

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Fire Department

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1. Do you have CPR classes?

The first Thursday of every month is certification for Heartsaver CPR with AED. It is a two-year certification and the cost is $50.

The second and third Thursdays of every month are BLS for the Healthcare Professional Training.
The second Thursday is for new certifcations. It is for a two-year certification and the cost is $50.
The third Thursday is for Re-Certification for BLS for the Healthcare Provider. This can only be attended by those who have a card that is within 30 days of expiration.
There is reciprocity for those who have a Red Cross CPR card. Again expiration can be no longer than 30 days prior to the class. The cost for re-certiifcation is $35.

Heartsaver First Aid and Pediatric First Aid, (which is required by DCFS for daycare providers), is offered periodically through the year. The cost is $50.

For more information, contact the Fire Department at (847) 537-0995.

View the Fire Department Calendar

2. Can I go to the hospital of my choice if I call the ambulance?

By State law, the ambulance must transport all unstable patients to the closest hospital.

If a patient is stable and medical control approves, the ambulance will transport to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Condell Hospital in Libertyville, Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, or Highland Park Hospital in Highland Park.

Transports to Lutheran General Hospital would only be done for certain trauma patients, or other special situations.

If you wish to be transported to any other hospital the BGFD paramedics will contact medical control for permission and call a private ambulance to transport you to another hospital.

3. Can I burn leaves or garbage at my house and have an outdoor fireplace?

You can not burn any leaves or garbage within the Village limits.

Commercial outdoor fireplaces are allowed in Buffalo Grove, but only logs or charcoal may be used in them.

4. How can I get a copy of my ambulance report?

Patients only may receive a copy of their ambulance report for free. An authorization form must be filled out. The form may be filled out at Fire Department Headquarters, 1051 Highland Grove Drive; Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm or downloaded and sent in. Report request form

5. How do I get a copy of my fire report?

You may fill out a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Form and send or bring it to:
Fire Department Headquarters
1051 Highland Grove Dr.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

There is no charge for a copy of the report.

FOIA Information

6. What does an ISO Rating of 2 mean?

The ISO Rating is a measure of the level of fire protection provided to the residents of Buffalo Grove.

ISO Class 2 Rating

7. My child has been playing with matches or lighters, what do I do?

The Buffalo Grove Fire Prevention Bureau has a Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program. Contact the Bureau at (847) 520-1533 or (847) 537-0995 and ask for Inspector Skip Hart.

Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention

8. Where can I get my blood pressure taken?

The Fire Department provides free blood pressure screenings 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. They are only provided at the headquarters because personnel at the other stations might be out on calls, training, or on other assignments.

Fire Department Headquarters
1051 Highland Grove Dr.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

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How Do I?

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1. How do I purchase an animal tag?

Animal tags are purchased through the Finance Department. They are $10 and are required for dogs and cats that are four months old or older. The tags must be purchased within 10 days of acquiring the pet or 10 days of becoming a resident of the Village. You must have proof that the pet has been inoculated for rabies.

The tags run the Village's fiscal year, which is May 1 of the present year to April 30 of the following year.

There are special restrictions that apply to Rottweilers and Pit Bull Terriers. For a copy of these restrictions, please contact the Village Health Department at (847) 459-2530.

Return the completed application to:
Finance Department
50 Raupp Blvd.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Pet License Application

2. How do I pay my water bill?

The Village's EZ-Pay utility bill processing system is a quick and convenient way to pay your water bill. For information call the Water Billing Department at (847) 459-2515. The process involves a direct deposit to a designated checking account eliminating the need to write a check or come to Village Hall in person to pay the bill. Payments are processed on the due date designated on the bill received. The program is available for both residential and commercial customers.

There is also a drop box on the north side of Village Hall at 50 Raupp Blvd. for water bill payments. Payments put in the drop box are not guaranteed for posting that day.

3. How do I volunteer?

To volunteer for the Village, you must fill out a Talent Bank Application. When openings occur, a replacement is chosen from the Talent Bank Applications. To learn more or to get an application, visit our Volunteer! section.

Volunteer!

4. How do I request copies of records?

To request copies of records, you may fill out a Freedom of Information Request form (link below)or by letter, personal delivery, fax or e-mail. Verbal requests may be made to inspect or copy a public record. Please direct inquiries to:

Village Clerk's Office
50 Raupp Blvd.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-459-2500

Freedom of Information Request Form

5. How do I purchase a parking pass?

To purchase a bimonthly parking pass for the Village's commuter parking facility, fill out the parking pass form and submit it to:
Department of Finance and General Services
50 Raupp Blvd.
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Parking Pass Form

6. How do I recycle my computer or electronic devices?

You can recycle your computer equipment or electronic devices at a community event. For event information, visit SWANCC or SWALCO.

7. How do I purchase Symphonic Band tickets?

Tickets are available at the door for $12 (adults) and $8 (62 and over or students), or in advance at Village Hall about 2 weeks before the concert. Seniors 62 and over and students pay $8. Adults $10 in advance.

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Human Resources

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1. Where can I find out what jobs you are currently hiring for?

Please go to the Employment Opportunities section of this website to see what positions the Village is currently recruiting for.

For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at (847) 459-2549.

2. How do I apply to be a Police Officer?

We will be conducting the next Police Officer testing process in Spring 2009. See the Recruitment Information for more details.

3. How do I apply to be a Firefighter / Paramedic?

We will be conducting the next Firefighter / Paramedic testing process in Spring 2010.

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Planning and Economic Development

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1. How do I find out the zoning classification for a specific property?

Contact the Division of Planning Services at (847) 459-2518 and provide staff with either an address or a property index number (PIN). You can also view the Zoning Map to determine the zoning classification of the property.
You can search the address information database for zoning information.

Zoning Classification Information: Address Search

2. What land uses and types of buildings are allowed on a specific property?

Contact the Division of Planning Services at (847) 459-2518. For general information concerning land use, refer to the Future Land Use Map.

3. Are there new or proposed residential developments in the Village?

Check out the Current Residential Developments information under Planning and Economic Development.

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Police Department

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1. When should I dial 9-1-1?

In Buffalo Grove, we dial 9-1-1 whenever we need a police, fire, or ambulance dispatched to our location for any reason on both landlines and cellular/PCS. When the nature of your call requires an emergency medical response, you will be serviced by an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD).

When you dial 9-1-1 to report a medical emergency or accident, the EMD dispatcher will ask you:
• Your location
• Your phone number
• What is the problem?
• How old is the person(s) involved? (approximate age will do)
• Is the person conscious?
• Is the person breathing?

When there are trained medical personnel with the patient at your location, the dispatcher will ask you to call back 9-1-1 if the patient's condition changes. This is important information for the responding paramedics. When there are no trained medical personnel on the scene, the dispatcher will ask the caller a short series of questions. This allows the dispatcher to ascertain what the specific nature of the problem is and to provide appropriate and medically approved intervention until the paramedics arrive.

2. What are the curfew laws in Buffalo Grove?

It is unlawful for a person less than seventeen years of age to be present at or upon any public assembly, building, place, street or highway at the following times:
1. Between one minute after twelve am and six am Saturday
2. Between one minute after twelve am and six am Sunday
3. Between eleven pm on Sunday to Thursday, inclusive, and 6:00 am on the following day.

The exceptions are:
1. When the juvenile is accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian
2. When the juvenile is accompanied by another responsible companion at least eighteen years of age, approved by a parent or legal guardian
3. When the juvenile is engaged in a business or occupation which the laws of this State authorize a person less than seventeen years of age to perform
4. When the juvenile is participating in, going to or coming from a religious event or school-sponsored activity or event
5. When the juvenile is participating in, going to or coming from an activity involving the exercise of the juvenile’s rights protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, or Article I, Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, or both, such as freedom of speech and right of assembly.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a police report and how long will it take to process?

According to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act guidelines, we are allotted no more than seven (7) working days. There are several ways to obtain a report:
1. You can fax a request which should include your name, address and phone number. Also, be specific about the report you are requesting – including the case number (if available) and date and time of occurrence. Please make sure sign the request and add a copy for your photo ID if you wish to have the report faxed back to you. Fax the request to our Records Division at (847)279-0619.
2. You can fill out the online form and either fax the form to the Records Division or drop off your request 24 hours a day at the Police Department front desk.

FOIA Information

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Public Works

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1. Who should I call in the event of a power outage?

Call (800) Edison-1 and report the outage.

2. Who should I call for floodplain information?

The Engineering Department maintains the current floodplain maps and can assist you with questions concerning floodplain information. Please call (847) 459-2523.

3. A tree on the parkway in front of my house was removed. When will a new one be planted?

Any tree that has been removed by the Village is added to a tree replacement list. The Village budgets to replace approximately 100 trees during the Fall months of October or November.

4. When will the trees on my street be trimmed?

All trees within the Village are scheduled to be trimmed on an eight year cycle. If branches are hanging low, broken, or dead please call the Public Works Department at (847) 459-2545) or email us and a work order can be created to take care of the situation.

5. Will the Village repair snow plow damage to my parkway?

Notify the Public Works Deptartment as soon as possible as parkways are scheduled to be repaired prior to Memorial Day weekend. The Village will water the seed or sod when it is put down, then it becomes the resident’s responsibility to water and maintain. Village employees will hand out watering permits and instructions for watering at the time of the repair. For more questions you may call the Public Works Department at (847) 459-2547 or (847) 459-2545.

6. What is the hardness of Buffalo Grove water?

When you purchase some appliances that require water for operation (such as dishwasher), most manufacturers suggest that you find out the hardness of your drinking water. The hardness of Buffalo Grove drinking water is 7.6 grains per gallon (gpg).

7. Why is my water pressure low?

Low water pressure can be indicative of several problems or situations. If water pressure is lower than usual at one source (faucet, tub, hose, etc.) but sufficient in the rest of the building, it is safe to assume that the fixture itself and / or the pipe feeding the fixture needs to be repaired or replaced at the property owner’s expense. It could also be something as simple as a clogged faucet screen. If water pressure is lower than usual over the entire building, this could indicate a water meter problem, aging or undersized plumbing (including the service line), or a significant leak on the service line. The Water Department should be contacted should you experience a decrease in water pressure over the entire building. Please call (847) 459-2545 to arrange for a time when maintenance personnel can assess the situation.

8. Who is responsible for maintenance of the drinking water service line to my property?

Underground water service lines and buffalo boxes to individual buildings are not owned by Village of Buffalo Grove, but are owned and maintained by the property owner. Underground water mains that service entire neighborhoods are part of the Village's distribution system, and the Village is therefore responsible for their maintenance.

9. Why is my water cloudy / milky?

Cloudy water is usually caused by the release of dissolved air from water. This is quite common and harmless. When watched closely, the dissolved air (cloudiness) slowly travels upward. Cloudiness can also be caused when natural minerals in water come out of solution.

10. Why is my water bill so high?

The most common causes of a high water bill are a leaky toilet, humidifiers, and water softeners. Most water meters have leak detectors on the face of the meter. If all your water is shut off at the sink, bathtub, washing machine, sprinkler, etc., and the leak detector is still spinning, then you have a leak. Reading your meter at night and in the morning for a few days to see if any anomalies show up, can be helpful.

To check your toilet to see if it is leaking, remove the tank cover and see if the water is overflowing into the full tube after the toilet has finished filling. Adjusting the float can solve this.

Our water technicians are available to assist our residents. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (847) 459-2545 between 7:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday – Friday.