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Community FAQs

Show All Answers

1. What is the Village’s Sales Tax Rate?

View the sales tax rate for the village.

2. When do I get billed for water and refuse?

The Village is divided into three water-billing zones. Each zone is billed quarterly with payment due the 20th day of their billing cycle. Payments received after the due date are subject to a 10% penalty. View more about the following zones:

• Zone 1 - February, April, June, August, October, December: All properties east of First Avenue
• Zone 2 - January, March, May, July, September, November: All properties on First Avenue and west

3. Where can I go to pay my water bill?

The Village offers 4 options for the payment of water bills. Residents may pay their water bills directly at the Village Commons during regular business hours, drop their bills off 24 hours at the drop boxes located in both the front and back entrances of the Village Common building, pay online, or at Harris Bank, 9101-09 W Cermak Road, at no additional charge.

4. How do I arrange for a special pickup of large items such as stove or refrigerator?

You will need to call Roy Strom directly at 708-344-5000 and ask to speak with customer service for North Riverside. A customer service representative can arrange a special pick-up for you.

5. How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?

Old latex paint can be put out with the regular garbage only if the pain is completely dried. Information regarding the disposal of all other hazardous waste can be found by calling the West Cook County Hazardous Waste Agency at 708-450-0100.

6. Where can I register to vote and when?

View more on our voter registration page. 

7. Do I need to purchase a village sticker for my vehicle each year?

View more on the vehicle stickers page. 

8. What is the biggest size garage I can build?

The biggest size garage you can build on a lot that is 50 feet or larger is 24 by 24. On a lot that is less than 50 feet, the biggest size garage you can build is 23 by 23. The maximum height allowed for a garage is 14 feet.

9. When is a Building Permit required?

A building permit is required if you are doing any work that is more than $300. The only exception is painting.

10. What is the maximum height allowed for building an addition on my house?

The maximum height allowed for addition is 28 feet.

11. What codes does the Village currently follow?

The codes the Village is currently following are the 1987 BOCA for building, International Mechanical Code 2006, NEC 2008 for electrical, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, Illinois Accessibility Code, and for plumbing the State of Illinois Plumbing Code and North Riverside Amendments.

12. If I would like to do work in the Village, what do I need to do to be registered?

In order to be registered with the Village, all contractors to fill out the application, present a Certificate of Insurance that names the Village of North Riverside as a Certificate Holder and Additional Insured and pay the annual fee of $225. Electricians and plumbers would also need to submit a copy of their current license and a $10,000 surety bond. Roofing contractors would also need to submit a copy of their current license for registration.

13. How long does it take for a permit to be issued?

The permit process usually takes a couple of days before the permit can be issued, longer if the contractor is not registered with the Village. If the permit involves addition or remodeling, then the process takes about 10 business days for the first plan review. Please remember when submitting a permit application for any addition or remodel, the Building Department needs a list of all contractors, four sets of stamped plans, and a total cost of the job (including owner-supplied items).

14. What is the minimum amount of amps required for an electrical service?

For a new electrical service, the Village requires a minimum of 100 amps.

15. Do we rent our parks and facilities?

Yes, contact the Recreation Department at 708-442-5515 for more information about our facilities.

16. Are there any preschools or day cares in the area?

Check out or preschools or daycare page. 

17. What does CO-OP mean in the Recreation Book?

If you see the word CO-OP by any of the classes offered in our book, you would be able to participate in this class at resident rates. We currently have a 4-Community Recreation Co-op with Riverside, Lyons, and Brookfield. This benefits our residents because it allows them to participate in more programs at resident rates.

18. Who can I talk to about Little League?

See “Club Information” in our Recreation Book for details.

19. How can I find out about the clubs and civic groups in North Riverside?

See “Club Information” in our Recreation Book for details.

20. How often is the Recreation Book published?

There are 3 printings per year- May, September, and December. The Recreation book has all of the classes, special events, and trips for youth and adults.

21. Why is my power off?

Please contact ComEd at 800-334-7661. Please do not contact the police department unless you are reporting an emergency.

22. When and where are blood pressure screenings?

Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 pm at the Fire Department.

23. Where can I get a smoke detector?

Smoke detectors can be purchased at the Village Commons for $8. If needed, the Fire Department will install the smoke detector for you.

24. What do I do if I am getting water in my basement?

Don't go in the basement. Contact the Fire Department at  708-447-1981.

25. Where can I get a Medic Alert bracelet?

Call 800-432-5378 or visit their website.

26. How do I sign up for community alert?

Sign up for Community Alerts.

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Police

Show All Answers

1. When should you call 911?

When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention. If you think about calling 911 or wonder if you should call 911, please call 911.

2. What should you do if you see a crime occurring?

Be observant and make mental notes, including asking yourself:

• Are there any weapons involved?
• What is the address?
• Are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, a beard or scars?
• Can you give any clothing descriptions?
• How many people are involved?
• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

Do not try to handle in-progress crimes on your own, instead call 911.

3. Do I have to give my name when I call 911?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential, just tell the communications operator.

4. When is my power going to be restored?

The Police Department has no control over power utilities. During power outages, our dispatchers are very busy. Calling them to ask when your power will be restored may delay an emergency response. Please call 800-334-7661.

5. I received a ticket. Can someone “fix it” at the Police Station?

No. All personal citations are commonly known as moving violations or "tickets" must go before a Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. You must request a court date and go to court on the matter.

6. What is the curfew law and times?

Village of North Riverside Curfew

• Sunday through Thursday 10:00pm to 6:00am
• Friday and Saturday 11:30pm to 6:00am

Applies to any person under seventeen years of age on any public street, alley, or other public place within the Village.

7. How do I become a police officer?

Applicants must pass a written exam, medical exam, psychological exam, physical ability exam, medical screening, background and character investigation. On the day you are hired, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license without restrictions and not have been convicted of a felony.

8. How can I get my fingerprints taken?

The North Riverside Police Department provides fingerprinting services free of charge to North Riverside Residents only; you must provide your own fingerprint card.

9. Does the North Riverside Police Department provide house checks while we are away on vacation?

North Riverside residents may have their residences checked while they are away on vacation.  Report your vacation watch request on Front Line.