(for Fire, Rescue, & Inspectional Services)
Q. What is the village’s Insurance Rating?
A. Hazel Crest’s fire insurance rating is a Class 4. That rating is established by the Insurance Service Office.
Q. Does the Fire Department offer CPR classes?
A. With South Suburban Hospital located in the Village, the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Inspectional Services directs residents to the classes offered through South Suburban Hospital. For more information, call 799-8000, ask for the Education Department.
Q. How do I pay for Ambulance services?
A. In the event an ambulance is needed, the resident will be sent an invoice. The Department of Fire, Rescue and Inspectional Services uses a private service for its’ billing, no payments will be accepted at the Fire Stations. Payment can also be made at the Village Municipal Center located at 3000 West 170th Place.
Q. Do I need an Alarm System Permit?
A. Did you know that the Village of Hazel Crest Municipal Ordinance requires that all alarm systems operating in the Village must have an annual alarm permit issued by the Village. Fees for an alarm permit are listed as follows: Initial Alarm Permit (New Installation) - $25.00 / Annual Renewal (Due every May 1) - $10.00 . Failure to obtain or renew an alarm permit could result in the issuance of court citations and potential maximum fines in the amount of $750.00. Alarm permit applications and additional ordinance information can be obtained through the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services.
Q. What about the Codes and Ordinances of the village?
A. The Village of Hazel Crest enforces different local laws (ordinances) that affect the residents and visitors of our community. The laws have been established in order to set forth basic requirements to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the members of our community. The Department of Fire & Inspectional Services has been charged with the responsibility of uniformly enforcing the laws that affect property maintenance, building construction, and fire prevention in the Village. The Department enforces the 1993 Building Officials & Code Administrators (BOCA) model codes (Building, Fire Prevention, Property Maintenance, Plumbing, Mechanical), the 1993 National Electrical Code, 1992 CABO One and Two Family Code, and special local laws (amendments) that are tied in with the model codes.
Information regarding Village of Hazel Crest Codes and Ordinances can be obtained through a variety of resources. Residents interested in the codes that apply to property maintenance, building construction, and fire prevention are encouraged to contact the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services. Residents can visit Fire Station #2 (175th & Stonebridge) to review the model codes. The Department maintains three copies of each code in it's library for the purposes of public review. The books are the property of the Village and can not be removed from the Fire Station but visitors are welcome to stay and preview the books. Inspectional Services staff members are available to assist visitors with their review. Personal copies of the code books can be obtained direct from BOCA by contacting (708) 799 - 2300. The Department of Fire & Inspectional Services has handout copies of the local amendments available upon request.
Q. What are the Village's requirements for Construction activities?
A. The Village of Hazel Crest Municipal Ordinance requires a permit application to be submitted prior to the commencement of the following activities:
It is difficult to list every activity that may require a permit, but the following information is a brief listing of projects which require permits:
New Buildings, Building Additions, Garages, Sheds, Decks, Fences, Concrete Work, New Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Installations, Roof Replacements, Satellite Dishes, Lawn Sprinklers, etc.
As you can see, the list is quite detailed. The best action a homeowner can take before starting a project is to either call or stop into the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services to verify permitting requirements. The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Residents and contractors who fail to obtain proper permits will be subjected to court actions and maximum fines in the amount of $750.00 per violation. Residents and contractors are encouraged to contact the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services for additional information regarding permit applications, submittal processes, review requirements, and applicable fees.
Q. What are the Contractor Registration requirements?
A. Did you know that the Village of Hazel Crest requires that all outside contractors performing work in the Village Limits be registered with the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services. The intent of this program is verify the legitimacy of outside contractors by screening their insurance coverages and applicable licenses / certifications. The actions of this screening process help to protect our residents from contractors that may have the wrong intentions. Contractors can register through the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services by completing a registration application, supplying the proper insurance documents and licenses, and paying a $25.00 fee.
In addition, a Contractors Registration List is maintained by the Department of Fire and Inspectional Services and copies are available to the public upon request. Residents and contractors with questions regarding the " registration " process are encouraged to call or visit the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services. (See also "Inspectional Services".)
Q. What are the Occupancy Inspection requirements?
A. Residential properties located in the Village of Hazel Crest are required to be inspected at various times. All " Rental " properties (properties not owner occupied) are required by Village Ordinance to be inspected on an annual basis or prior to a change in occupancy. Also, property owners selling property are required to arrange for a Point of Sale inspection prior to the closing of the sale. In either case, a Certificate of Occupancy would be issued upon total compliance of any identified code deficiencies. The minimum fee for either of the inspections is $25.00 which covers an initial inspection and a re inspection. Additional $25.00 fees may be assessed for additional re inspections, additional rental units inspected at the same time as the primary unit, or if access is not permitted at the time of the scheduled inspection.
Residents and property owners interested in obtaining further information regarding occupancy inspection applications, fees, or inspection procedures are encouraged to contact or visit the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services. In addition, the Department has copies of a "Property Maintenance Self Evaluation Checklist" available upon request or click here to obtain a copy on-line.
Q. What are Business Operations permit requirements?
A. All businesses (including residential based operations) are required to apply for a Business Operations Permit in order to legally operate within the Village. The Department of Fire & Inspectional Services administrates this permit procedure. The minimum fee for a Business Operations Permit is $50.00 and it must be renewed on an annual basis. Applications for this permit can be obtained at Fire Station #2 (175th & Stonebridge).
Parties with questions regarding this permit process are encouraged to contact or visit the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services for specific details. In addition, the Department has copies of permit procedure forms available upon request.
Q. What are the Requirements for Garbage and Refuse Disposal?
A. The Village of Hazel Crest requires that all properties within the Village arrange for weekly garbage service with a Village licensed scavenger service. The Village does not provide pick up services for garbage or refuse. In addition, the following general requirements are enforced : all properties must be free of debris; all properties are required to provide proper garbage storage containers which have tight fitting lids; and garbage shall not be placed out for pickup earlier than 7:00 p.m. of the day before scheduled service. Garbage violations are punishable by court citations and maximum fines in the amount of $750.00. The Village has taken a very firm stance towards garbage issues. The requirements have been established to help keep Hazel Crest a beautiful place to live!
Residents with questions regarding garbage matters are asked to call the Department of Fire & Inspectional Services. Informational handouts which highlight the Village's garbage requirements are available upon request.
Q. Are there other services provided by the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Inspectional Services?
A. The Department of Fire & Inspectional Services not only provides inspection related services but it also responds to all fire, rescue, and medical emergencies in the community. The Department's emergency services can be requested by dialing 9 - 1- 1 for medical and / or fire related emergencies. The Department operates out of two fire stations (Station #1 @ 170th & Dixie - Station #2 @ 175th & Stonebridge). Emergency services are provided continuously by both career and Part-Time firefighters / paramedics.
In addition to the emergency services and inspectional activities, the Department also promotes an award winning public education program. The Department's well rounded program has been designed to meet the needs of all age groups in our community. Activities include Senior Fire Safety Awareness, Juvenile Learn Not to Burn Curriculum, Informational distribution via media resources, Home Fire Drill Training, and much more. The Department stocks a variety of handout materials which are available to the public upon request. It also utilizes hands on training equipment which include a Mobile Fire Safety Trailer, Fire Extinguisher Training Equipment, and various video programs. Community members interested in finding out more about the Department's Public Education Program or about obtaining informational materials are asked to contact or visit Fire Station #2.
Q. How does the Fire Department's Part-Time program work?
A. The Hazel Crest Department of Fire, Rescue, & Inspectional Services is staffed by both career and Part-Time men and women. The Part-Time members are Hazel Crest residents, your neighbors, who are taking their available time to help the community. A Part-Time Firefighter receives the same training as a career firefighter and has the same responsibilities for providing emergency services to our residents. Part-Time members are an important part of our Department's operations and services.
The Fire Department regularly recruits Part-Time members. If you have ever thought about becoming a firefighter or if you have the desire to get involved with an exciting community service, then this may be a great opportunity for you. Residents interested in becoming a member of our team are encouraged to contact or visit Fire Station #2 to obtain further information. Informational handouts are always available and staff members are always willing to answer your questions. We hope to meet with you soon!! The department is an equal opportunity employer. (Click here to link to "Part-Time Employment" information.)
Q. How do I contact the Hazel Crest Department of Fire, Rescue, & Inspectional Services?
A. You may contact the Hazel Crest Department of Fire, Rescue, & Inspectional Services at the following:
Telephone: (708) 335-9630
FIRE STATION #2
2903 West 175th Street
Hazel Crest, IL. 60429
BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday - Friday / 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Last Revised: July 28, 2005 08:51 PM
