Code Enforcement & Nuisance Complaints

The Mayor and Board of Trustees are responsible for handling all code enforcement and property maintenance issues in the Village. These standards and regulations are employed to maintain the appearance, safety and quality of life within the Village’s neighborhoods.

Code compliance investigations are initiated on a complaint basis. Potential violations are responded to first by reaching out to the property owner. The goal of every enforcement action is to achieve voluntary compliance.

How to file a complaint

Before filing a complaint, the Village recommends residents to politely approach their neighbor or the property owner to explain the situation and ask for their cooperation in resolving the problem. If this effort fails to remedy the situation, residents are encouraged to fill out a nuisance complaint form (found below), connect via text to 217-963-7177, or contact the Village Office at 217-963-2980 or harritownvillage01@gmail.com.

Necessary information to file a complaint: (Complantees names will remain anonymous)

Please include the following information with your complaint:

• The specific type of complaint or nuisance.
• Your name, address, and telephone number. This information is important if you leave a message, and we need to contact you for more information or clarification regarding your complaint.
• Provide the exact location of the problem. We will need the house number and street name. If there is no address,  provide as much information as possible regarding the location.
• Provide a brief description of the violation or complaint.
• If your complaint is regarding a vehicle, provide the license plate number, make and model, and color of the vehicle. State if the vehicle is on the street or private property.
• If your complaint is regarding debris, provide a brief description of the type of debris. Examples of debris are car parts, building materials, old tires, and garbage.
• If your complaint is regarding an on-going activity rather than a physical violation, provide us with a description of the activity, when it is occurring, and the day and times it occurs.

Complaint Process

Once a complaint is received, the property will be investigated to review the the complaint. If after the investigation, it is determined that a violation has occurred or exists, further action will be taken to resolve the problem. A Notice of Violation will be sent. The Notice will describe the violation and provide a time period for the property owner to resolve the issue.

Every effort will be made to utilize diplomacy, tact, and friendly persuasion to gain cooperation in compliance with the Village codes when a violation is found.

Property Owners

Property owners will have the opportunity to discuss the violations and work in cooperation with the Village to correct problems that exist. If voluntary cooperation to correct the problem is not obtained, necessary steps will be taken to initiate action of the violation, including but not limited to fines. 

Should you receive a Violation Notice and have any questions, or need to request extra time for compliance, you are strongly encouraged to make direct contact with the Village Office.

Correction

Please understand that some violations may take time to correct due to extenuating circumstances. Just because you do not see anything happen immediately, it does not mean that we have not addressed the issue. Please be patient, as we would grant you the same consideration if the violation was on your property.