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Frequently Asked Questions
Fire FAQs |  | Can the Fire Department help counsel a child who has a problem with setting fires? |  | Yes - The Fire Department has a program entitled Juvenile Firesetters where specially trained firefighters can meet with your child one-on-one. | Back to Top |  |  | Does the Fire Department offer CPR courses? |  | Fire Department CPR Instructors teach CPR at the Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa, Villa Park.
For upcoming classes, please link to the Fire Department FAQ page.
Please call the Fire Department at (630) 833-5350 for more information and schedules. | Back to Top |  |  | Will the Fire Department check my blood pressure? |  | Yes - Stop by Station #3 located at 1440 S. Ardmore or Station #2 located at 102 W. Plymouth between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. | Back to Top |  |  | Can the Fire Department help rescue a distressed animal? |  | No - But ABC Wildlife can help set traps for a fee and can be contacted at (630) 910-0200. Willowbrook Wildlife can care for certain injured animals. Link to Willowbrook Wildlife at http://www.dupageforest.com for more information. | Back to Top |  |  | Does the Fire Department fill swimming pools or pump out basements? |  | No | Back to Top |  |  | Can I use an outdoor grill (gas, propane, charcoal, barbecue, BBQ) on my apartment deck or patio? |  | There are many variables involved in outdoor grill use on apartment decks and patios. There is no one direct answer to this question. Please call the Fire Department Administrative Office at (630) 833-5350 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. for more information. Please note that your landlord may also have guidelines for grill usage on their property. | Back to Top |  |  | Does the Village allow outdoor fireplaces? |  | Yes, if used in accordance with Ordinance # 3126 passed in March 2002, which states the burning of seasoned firewood in an "outdoor fireplace" is allowed but only when the following are strictly adhered to:
- Use of cured firewood only. Firewood must be cut into logs and not freshly cut or "green."
- No burning of any leaves, twigs, or paper products.
- The fireplace must have a secure, suitable cap and suitable screening in place on all sides to prevent embers from flying.
- The fireplace must not be left unattended.
- Be considerate of neighbors and use the fireplace where smoke will not disturb them.
A code official or his designate may prohibit the use of an outdoor fireplace if the products of combustion create or add to a hazardous or objectionable situation. | Back to Top |  |  | Does the Fire Department give individual and group tours of the Fire Station? |  | Yes - Tours of the Fire Department can be scheduled by calling Station #3 at (630) 833-5350 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. | Back to Top |
Smoke Detector FAQs |  | Can the Fire Department help me install a smoke detector? |  | Yes - If you have questions on what type to buy or need help installing call the Fire Department at (630) 833-5350 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Link to Fire Department - Smoke Detectors | Back to Top |  |  | Which smoke detector should I buy? |  | Buy only smoke detectors that carry the label of an independent testing laboratory. Several types of detectors are available. Some run on batteries, household current, "ionization" sensor, or "photoelectric" detection. All approved detectors, regardless of type, will offer adequate protection provided they are installed and maintained properly. Link to Smoke Detectors. | Back to Top |  |  | How many smoke detectors do I need? |  | Install a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. | Back to Top |  |  | Will the Fire Department come out and check my smoke detector to see if it is working properly? |  | Yes - Just call the Administrative Office at (630) 833-5350 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Someone will come out to be sure your smoke detector is working properly. | Back to Top |  |  | Are landlords required by law to furnish smoke detectors in their buildings? |  | Yes - In both multi-family and single-family homes at least one smoke detector is required outside the sleeping areas, and it is recommended that each level has at least one smoke detector. | Back to Top |
Police FAQs |  | Can I park my vehicle on any Village Street over night? |  | There is no parking on any Village Street from 2 am to 6 am. If there are extenuating circumstances, permission can be granted on a limited basis by calling the Villa Park Police Department at 1-630-834-7447.
| Back to Top |  |  | Where can I park my car if I want to take the Metra train? |  | The village provides several parking areas designated for Metra commuters. Daily pay areas are available for $1.50 per day as well as permitted areas. Permits are purchased on a quarterly basis. The quarterly permit is available at the Village Hall for $82.50. Daily permits may be purchased at the Police Department.
| Back to Top |  |  | Where can I pay a ticket I received for a village ordinance violation? |  | You may pay by mail or in person at either the Villa Park Police Department or Villa Park Village Hall. It can also be placed in the drop box located in the Village Hall parking lot.
| Back to Top |  |  | Lost Animals? |  | Animals are picked up by the Village of Villa Park Community Service Officer and briefly detained while efforts are made to locate the owner. If the owner can not be located, the animal is transferred to the DuPage Animal Hospital, located at 377 E. North Avenue, Villa Park, Illinois, 60181.
| Back to Top |  |  | How do I get copies of police reports? |  | Contact the Records Division between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday though Friday. | Back to Top |  |  | Are fireworks legal in the village? |  | Most fireworks, such as roman candles, firecrackers, sky and bottle rockets are illegal in the state of Illinois. While retail establishments may sell fireworks such as sparklers, poppers and snakes, we strongly discourage their use. A sparkler can reach temperatures as high as 1800 degrees, which can cause permanent disfigurement, or even death.
| Back to Top |  |  | What should I do if involved in a minor non-injury vehicle crash? |  | Move the vehicles out of the road to a safe area and contact the police immediately by dialing 911. | Back to Top |  |  | What is the non-emergency telephone number? |  | The telephone number is 1-630-834-7447. | Back to Top |  |  | When is the Police Department open? |  | The emergency functions of the Villa Park Police Department are staffed 24 hours each day for your safety. Administrative services are available Monday—Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. | Back to Top |  |  | Where is the Villa Park Police Department located? How do I get there? |  | The Villa Park Police Department is located at 40 S. Ardmore, just south of St. Charles Road and across from Village Hall and the Jewel Grocery store. | Back to Top |  |  | Will the Villa Park Police Department take my fingerprints for a job application or professional license? |  | The Villa Park Police Department will take fingerprints for job applications, a professional license or immigration purposes for residents of Villa Park or for people who are being fingerprinted because of a business or professions located in Villa Park. Fingerprinting is done by appointment only. For fingerprinting appointments or further information, contact the Villa Park Police Detective Divison at 630-834-7447. | Back to Top |  |  | Can officers search vehicles and people on the street for no reason? |  | Police officers can search individuals and vehicles without a warrant for a number of reasons. Different types of searches are governed by constitutional law and must be reasonable according to the circumstances of the encounter. Villa Park Police officers are trained and updated on latest search and seizure case law.
| Back to Top |  |  | What is bond? |  | When a person receives a traffic ticket or is arrested, they have to post a bail, or a bond. This is a surety that the person will come to court. For a traffic ticket, a person can post $75.00 cash bond ($100.00 cash bond for more serious violations), or a bail bond card. Bond for misdemeanors is $100.00 and a judge must set the bond for felony charges. If you are found innocent, the bond will be refunded. | Back to Top |  |  | When do Miranda Rights apply? |  | Miranda Rights most often seen given on TV, is an individual's Constitutional Right to remain silent and an individual's Constitutional Right to have an attorney present during any questioning. These rights apply when a person is in custody of the police and under arrest. They do not apply if officers are merely asking general questions to find out what happened at an incident.
| Back to Top |  |  | What is court supervision? |  | Court Supervision is the finding of the court, which allows a person to plead guilty to a traffic ticket or minor offense and not receive a conviction on their driving record or criminal record. It is a form of probation where the person must report to the judge and stay out of trouble for a specified period of time. When a person successfully completes court supervision, they will have to pay a fine, but they will not have a mark on their criminal record. | Back to Top |  |  | What about all of the solicitors who want money for the police department, are they legitimate? |  | All of us receive phone calls and fliers from different organizations saying they represent the Villa Park Police Department in fundraisers. Many of these organizations are shadowy solicitors, not authorized by the Villa Park Police Department. The Villa Park Police Department does have an organization, the Villa Park Police Benevolent Association (V.P.P.B.A.) that conducts solicitations. This organization is comprised of officers from the Villa Park Police Department and any funds solicited are for the benefit of its members and not the Police Department. | Back to Top |  |  | Can I call the police on my cellular phone? |  | In DuPage County, if you dial (911) on you cell phone the call will be routed to the sheriff's office and that, in turn, will be re-routed to an Villa Park dispatcher. The Villa Park Police will eventually get the call, although it may take an extra minute or two because of the call transfer.
| Back to Top |  |  | When should I call to report suspicious activity? |  | If you see some activity that you feel is suspicious in nature, please call (9-1-1) as soon as possible, explain the problem, location, and the description of individuals or vehicles. You do not have to leave your name. If you feel it is suspicious activity, it probably is. You are the one who is familiar with your neighborhood. The Villa Park Police will respond as soon as possible and check out the suspicious people in a professional and courteous manner. | Back to Top |  |  | Should I lock my doors on my car or my house or when my car is in the driveway? |  | Many people do not lock their cars or their homes, feeling that it is a very safe community. Villa Park is a safe community, however, many times we find car burglars who will go from car to car and just enter the unlocked cars. Many times people leave money and valuables in the car and, if they had locked the car, the offender would just move on without taking anything. You should also lock your house. Often times a burglar will just reach inside the house and grab a purse by the back door or a set of car keys. So, to deter this type of thievery, you should lock your doors.
| Back to Top |  |  | Is the Villa Park Police Department holding its annual auction this year? |  | Yes, the auction will be held at 28 W. Home Avenue on July 4, 2008 where viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m.
The auction will start at 10:00 a.m. and will last until all items have been auctioned. | Back to Top |  |  | Can I park my boat and trailer on my driveway? |  | Parking a boat and trailer on a residential driveway is permitted when the length is uder 32 feet. The sidewalk may not be obstructed - the total length must be in the driveway without overhang on the sidewalk. | Back to Top |
General FAQs |  | When does yard waste pickup begin? |  | Weekly brush and yard waste pickup begins April 1st and runs through mid December. | Back to Top |  |  | How should yard waste be prepared for pickup? |  | Branches and limbs must be bundled with twine or string only. Bundles should be 18” in diameter by 4’ long or less. Limbs larger than 4” in diameter will not be taken. Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in a 30 gallon can or Kraft paper bag with a yard waste sticker attached. Yard waste stickers are available for purchase at the Village Hall as well as other retail locations. Do not place yard waste in plastic bags.
| Back to Top |  |  | When is the Free Leaf Pickup Program? |  | Residents are allowed to dispose of an unlimited number of Kraft paper bags of leaves without affixing yard waste disposal stickers during a seven week period beginning in late October. Please note that it is unlawful to deposit leaf and debris on to Village streets. The Village of Villa Park does not offer any free leaf pickup in the spring. | Back to Top |  |  | How do you dispose of paint? |  | Latex paint needs to be dried out, with lid removed for disposal at curb. All other paints need to be disposed of at a recycling center. Call Dupage County Hazardous Waste (630) 682-7373. | Back to Top |  |  | Where can I register to vote? |  | The Village Hall and Villa Park Public Library. | Back to Top |  |  | Who do I contact when my garbage or recycling has not been picked up? |  | Call Waste Management at (888) 656-5350 or (800) 796-9696. | Back to Top |
Automated Red Light Enforcement Program |  | How much is the fine? |  | The fine is $100.00 for each violation. | Back to Top |  |  | How much time do I have to pay my Red Light Violation Notice? |  | You must pay the civil penalty on or before the due date on your Violation Notice. The due date for payment is located on the top and bottom right of your Notice of Violation. | Back to Top |  |  | What are my Options? |  | Two Options are available: pay the fine or contest the violation.
OPTION I Pay The Fine
OPTION II. Contest the Notice of Violation:
Please make sure that the basis for your contest is one of the following five options (these are also listed on the back of the notice of violation)
- Police officer already issued you a uniform traffic citation for the same violation (the citation issued by the police officer takes precedence over the Violation Notice)
- Vehicle or license plates were stolen and not recovered at the time of the violation
- Vehicle was leased or rented to another party, and a written affidavit of the lessee of the vehicle and a lease agreement were submitted
- Vehicle was an emergency vehicle or lawfully participating in a funeral procession
Contest by Mail:
- Fill in the CONTEST BY MAIL circle on the notice stub and on the self-addressed return envelope.
- Enclose a letter signed by the registered owner of the vehicle setting forth facts that establish a defense.
- Enclose any supporting evidence, such as affidavits, photos, state vehicle registration, official police vehicle theft/or recovery reports with the Violation Notice Number indicated.
- Be certain these documents are legible and complete. Send copies, original documents will not be returned.
- Enclose all evidence to support your defense as the Hearing officer’s decision is final.
- All Contest By Mail materials must be submitted using the enclosed return envelope and must be received by the Pay or Contest By Date.
Requests to Contest Received AFTER the Pay or Contest By Date:
- The Registered Owner (no one else) must send a document to the Police Department and
- Explain why a reply was not sent prior to the Pay or contest by Date and
- State why the request to contest should be heard.
VILLA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
40 South Ardmore
Villa Park, IL 60181
Request An In-Person Hearing:
- Fill in the IN PERSON HEARING circle on the return stub and on the return envelope. Mail the stub in the return envelope.
- Requests will only be honored if received by the Pay or Contest By Date (within the first 21 days of the initial violation notice).
| Back to Top |  |  | Can a Hearing Date be Re-Scheduled? |  | Yes- a Hearing Date can be re-scheduled once. | Back to Top |  |  | Why has the Village of Villa Park decided to implement
an Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement Program?
|  | According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 2 million crashes occur each year at intersections. In 2005, red light running resulted in 800 fatalities and over 165,000 injuries. It is the Village’s belief that implementation of an Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement Program will reduce the number of red light collisions and injuries associated with such crashes. The goal of this program is to increase traffic safety in Villa Park by reducing red light running violations, red light crashes and red light injury crashes without impacting city funds. | Back to Top |  |  | What is a Red Light Violation? |  | There are Two Types of Red Light Violations:
- Right Turn on Red without coming to a complete stop.
You may be cited with a Red Light Violation if you fail to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before turning right when the light is red. Turning right on red, after bringing your vehicle to a complete stop, is only allowed at intersections that do not have signs prohibiting such turns. For exact wording, please check Illinois’ Rules of the Road, or visit the Secretary of State’s website, cyberdriveillinois.com.
- Entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
Motorists already in the intersection when the signal changes to red, when waiting to turn for example, are not considered red light violators.
| Back to Top |  |  | If I am in the intersection when the light is yellow and the light changes to red, will I receive a Notice of Violation? |  | No. The automated system only becomes active once the red light is showing. It will not capture a vehicle that enters the intersection prior to the light changing to red. If you entered the intersection on yellow, it is legal to clear the intersection if the light turned red while you were still in the intersection. In the violation notice, the first photo shows your car at the white line when the stoplight was red. In the second photo the stoplight was still red when the car proceeded into the intersection. | Back to Top |  |  | Will the red light cameras take a picture of the driver of the vehicle? |  | No. A violation of the Villa Park Ordinance is a civil violation assessed against the owner of the vehicle; it is not a criminal violation. Similar to a parking ticket, there is no need to identify the driver and therefore, no need to capture the image of the driver. This violation will not affect your driving privileges or insurance rates. | Back to Top |  |  | Where can I go to view my video and images? |  | To view your violation video clip and images, log on to redlightviolations.com. To log on to the site you must enter your 16 digit Notice Number and License Plate information located at the top right of your Violation Notice. If you do not have Internet access, you may visit any public library for Internet access to view your video. | Back to Top |  |  | What if I was not the operator of the car at the time the violation took placeam I still liable? |  | Under Illinois State Law, HB 4835 effective May, 2006, the registered owner of a vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur to the vehicle. It does not matter who was driving the car, the law clearly states that the registered owner is liable. | Back to Top |  |  | The car was a rental, why did I receive the Violation Notice? |  | Under the law, the person(s) designated on the rental or lease agreement of a vehicle as the driver(s) of that vehicle is responsible for any assigned violations during the rental period. Your name and address were provided to us by the rental car agency. | Back to Top |  |  | What happens if I ignore the Violation Notice? |  | Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the Pay or Contest Date on the Notice will result in a Determination of Liability being entered against you. You will be given another 14 days to pay, at which time, if payment has still not been received, a Final Determination of Liability will be issued. If the Final Determination of Liability is not paid, a late payment fee will be imposed and the fine increased. If this Second Notice remains unpaid, collections and an entry of a judgment against you may proceed. | Back to Top |  |  | My payment has already been sent; will I still be charged late fees? |  | Payment must be received on or before the Pay or Contest by Date indicated on the violation notice. Postmarked dates are not considered as payment received, and payment extensions are not granted. | Back to Top |  |  | I paid the violation; why did I receive another Violation Notice? |  | The Notice you just received could be for additional violations or it may just be a second notice which crossed your payment in the mail. Payments are posted the same day they are received, but you may call the toll free number on the notice for assistance and to confirm receipt. | Back to Top |  |  | If I pay the fine, can I then contest it or ask for a hearing? |  | No. Once you have paid a fine it is considered an admission of liability and requests to contest or schedule a hearing will not be granted. | Back to Top |  |  | How do I know these violations are valid? |  | Images of your vehicle were captured and recorded by an Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement System. Your images and an actual video of the occurrence are available online for your review at: www.redlightviolations.com.
The images and video passed a two part review process by qualified technicians before being submitted to the Villa Park Police Department for final review and approval. The alleged civil infraction notice was then mailed to you as the registered owner or identified driver. Confirmation of your name, address and vehicle registration information was provided to the Villa Park Police Department by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. You have the option of contesting the Violation Notice either by Mail or by requesting an In-Person Hearing. | Back to Top |
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