3110 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL 60047
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 am – 4:30 pm
Telephone:
847-634-9440
May 10, 2023
RE: Code Compliance/Enforcement – Signs, Accessory Structures, and Outdoor Dining/Beverage Service
Dear Long Grove Business Owners and Operators –
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and within days states began to implement shutdowns. In Illinois, Governor Pritzker’s executive orders and declarations afforded local leaders the flexibility to suspend areas of code enforcement and permitting requirements. This action, coupled with resources from federal and state agencies, aided in the survival of many small businesses.
On May 11, 2023, all declarations were officially lifted. Consequently, the time has arrived for our various businesses and business districts to return to compliance with items related to signage, accessory structures, and outdoor service.
In September 2022, I held a meeting at Village Hall open to all Long Grove’s businesses. At that meeting, I encouraged all in attendance to begin taking steps to comply with Village Codes in preparation for lifted declarations. While some of those businesses have, others have not. On May 15, 2023, the Village will begin noticing violations and working toward compliance.
The purpose of this code compliance/enforcement initiative is to ensure that the businesses located in the Village present themselves in a manner that preserves the special qualities inherent in Long Grove, which attracts tourists and residents alike, and that are the basis of the Village’s economic stability and growth.
I have taken the liberty of providing links to the relevant areas of the municipal code.
If your business has since March 2020 erected, constructed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or replaced any structure that is
Outdoor Dining/Beverage Service:
If your business has since March 2020 started outdoor dining and or beverage service that is ancillary to the primary business use, that operation is required to be permitted as a temporary use subject to requirements of the Village Code. You are required to cease outside service or begin the permit/licensing process.
Mid to late last year you may have received communication from my office regarding property maintenance. Those issues are separate compliance/enforcement efforts.
Please know that Village staff is not looking for penalty, but instead compliance. I ask that you do not hesitate to reach out to Village Hall with any questions or for assistance. If required permitting /licensing processes are not underway by October 10, 2022, enforcement measures will be taken on any code violations observed.
Note: Any person who shall violate, disobey, omit, neglect, or refuse to comply with, or who shall resist enforcement of, any provision of these titles shall be subject to a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $750.00 for each offense; provided, however, that, if service of summons is made by certified mail pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/1-2-9.1, the maximum fine shall not exceed $200.00 for each offense. Each separate provision of this title that is not complied with shall constitute a separate violation. Each day a violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Sincerely,
Gregory Jackson, MPA, ABD
Village Manager