Code Compliance Post Pandemic

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.

Signs:

  • If your business has since March 2020 located (placed a new sign), erected, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, replaced, or altered any sign without issuance of sign permit or review from Long Grove Building Department staff you will be required to remove the sign or exercise the option of beginning the permitting process. In the B1 (Historic Downtown Business District) that may include an Architectural Commission hearing.
  • The Village Manager or Village Planner can temporarily authorize temporary banner signs and sandwich board signs. However, a permit, review, and formal approval is required.

Accessory Structures:

If your business has since March 2020 erected, constructed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or replaced any structure that is

  • (1) subordinate in purpose, use, and floor area to the principal structure;
  • (2) customarily incident to the principal structure; and
  • (3) contributes to the comfort and convenience to those being served by the principal structure. You are required to remove the structure or exercise the option of beginning the permitting process. Please know an accessory structure includes any such that is or has been used for outside dining/beverage service, whether permanently or temporarily placed on the property.

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

 

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