The zoning official has primary responsibility for enforcing this zoning ordinance. All departments, officials, agencies, and employees vested with the authority to review, recommend or issue zoning and other development approvals, permits or licenses must act in accordance with the provisions of this zoning ordinance. (Ord. 2025-1446, 10-9-2025)

Unless otherwise expressly allowed by this zoning ordinance or state law, any violation of a provision of this zoning ordinance-including any of the following-are subject to the remedies and penalties provided for in this zoning ordinance.

   A.   To use land, buildings, or other structures in any way that is not consistent with the requirements of this zoning ordinance;

   B.   To erect a building, sign, or other structure in any way not consistent with the requirements of this zoning ordinance;

   C.   To install or use a sign in any way not consistent with the requirements of this zoning ordinance;

   D.   To engage in the use of a building, structure or land, the use or installation of a sign, or any other activity requiring one or more permits or approvals under this zoning ordinance without obtaining such required permits or approvals;

   E.   To engage in the use of a building, structure or land, the use or installation of a sign, or any other activity for which a permit or approval has been granted under this zoning ordinance or under previous zoning regulations of the village in any way inconsistent with such permit or approval or any conditions imposed on the permit or approval;

   F.   To violate the terms of any permit or approval granted under this zoning ordinance or under previous zoning regulations of the village or any condition imposed on the permit or approval;

   G.   To obscure, obstruct or destroy any notice required to be posted under this zoning ordinance;

   H.   To violate any lawful order issued by any authorized public official;

   I.   To establish, maintain or conduct in any business, establishment or activity that causes or results in a nuisance by reason of dust, smoke, vibrations, fumes, noise or any other factor harmful to the general health and welfare;

   J.   To continue any violation after receipt of notice of a violation. (Ord. 2025-1446, 10-9-2025)

Each day that a violation continues constitutes a separate violation of this zoning ordinance. (Ord. 2025-1446, 10-9-2025)

In enforcing the provisions of this zoning ordinance, the village has all remedies and enforcement powers allowed by law, including all the following:

   A.   Fines:

      1.   Any person or entity who violates the terms of this zoning ordinance is subject to a fine in accordance with the village code and any schedule of fines established by the village.

      2.   If a person or entity to whom a fine is imposed fails to settle or pay the fine within the prescribed time, or within a period of time specified in a final notice, then the police officer or the designated village employee is authorized to cause a notice to appear to be served upon the alleged violator by personal service or certified mail, return receipt requested, and is authorized to file a complaint and to prosecute the same pursuant to the administrative adjudication process in section 1-6-7 of the village code or in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

   B.   Liens: The village may file liens against a property for failure to pay levied fines or fees and to cover any expenses incurred by the village for remedying violations of this ordinance.

   C.   Withhold Permit:

      1.   The zoning official may deny or withhold all permits, certificates, or other forms of authorization on any land or structure or improvements upon which there is an uncorrected violation of a provision of this zoning ordinance or of a condition or qualification of a permit, certificate, approval, or other authorization previously granted by the village. This enforcement provision may be used regardless of whether the current owner or applicant is responsible for the violation in question. The zoning official may deny or withhold all permits, certificates, or other forms of authorization for failure to pay an assessed fine for a zoning ordinance violation.

      2.   Instead of withholding or denying a permit or other authorization, the zoning official may grant such authorization subject to the condition that the violation be corrected.

   D.   Revoke Permits:

      1.   A permit, certificate or other form of authorization required under this zoning ordinance may be revoked by the zoning official when the zoning official determines:

         a.   That there are unapproved significant, material departures from approved plans or permits;

         b.   That the development permit was procured by false representation or was issued by mistake; or

         c.   That any of the provisions of this zoning ordinance or approval previously granted by the village are being violated.

      2.   Written notice of revocation must be served upon the owner, the owner's agent, or contractor, or upon any person employed in the construction of the building or structure for which such permit was issued. If no such individuals can reasonably be served with notice, the notice must be posted in a prominent location.

   E.   Revoke Plan or Other Approval: Where a violation of this zoning ordinance involves a failure to comply with approved plans or conditions to which the approval of such plans was made subject, the zoning official may, upon notice to the applicant and other known parties in interest (including any holders of building permits affected):

      1.   Revoke the plan or other approval; or

      2.   Condition its continuance on strict compliance with this zoning ordinance or the provision of security to ensure that construction is completed in compliance with approved plans, or such other conditions as the zoning official may reasonably impose.

   F.   Stop Work: With or without revoking permits, the zoning official may stop work on any building or structure on any land on which there is an uncorrected violation of a provision of this zoning ordinance or of a permit or other form of authorization issued under this zoning ordinance or previous zoning regulations.

   G.   Injunctive Relief: The village may seek an injunction or other equitable relief in court to stop any violation of this zoning ordinance or of a permit, certificate or other form of authorization granted under this zoning ordinances or previous zoning regulations.

   H.   Forfeiture and Confiscation of Signs on Public Property: Any sign installed or placed in the public right-of-way or on other public property, except in compliance with the regulations of this zoning ordinance will be considered forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation by the village. In addition to other remedies and penalties of this chapter, the village has the right to recover from the sign owner or person who placed the sign, the full costs of sign removal and disposal.

   I.   Abatement: The village may seek a court order in the nature of mandamus, abatement, injunction or other action or proceeding to abate or remove a violation or to otherwise restore the premises in question to the condition in which they existed before the violation.

   J.   Denial of Utility Service: No permit for connection with or service from any village-operated water distribution system or other utility may be issued for connection with or service to any building or premises used or maintained in violation of this zoning ordinance.

   K.   Other Penalties, Remedies and Powers: The village may seek such other penalties and remedies as are provided by law.

   L.   Continuation of Previous Enforcement Actions: Nothing in this zoning ordinance prohibits the continuation of previous enforcement actions, undertaken by the village pursuant to previous valid ordinances and laws. (Ord. 2025-1446, 10-9-2025)

The remedies and enforcement powers established in this zoning ordinance are cumulative, and the village may exercise them in any combination or order. (Ord. 2025-1446, 10-9-2025)

The owner or tenant of any building, structure, premises, or part thereof, and any architect, builder, contractor, or agent, or other person who commits, participates in, assists in, or maintains such violations may each be found guilty of a separate offense and be subject to penalties, remedies, and enforcement actions. (Ord. 2025-1446, 10-9-2025)

   A.   Non-Emergency Matters: In the case of violations of this zoning ordinance that do not constitute an emergency or require immediate attention, the zoning official must give notice of the nature of the violation to the property owner by personal service, certified mail (return receipt requested0 or by posting notice on the premises. Notices of violation must state the nature of the violation and the time period for compliance and may state the corrective steps necessary and the nature of subsequent penalties and enforcement actions should the situation not be corrected.

   B.   Emergency Matters: In the case of violations of this zoning ordinance that constitute an emergency situation as a result of public health or safety concerns if not remedied immediately, the village may use the enforcement powers available under this zoning ordinance without prior notice, but the zoning official must attempt to give notice to the property owner simultaneously with beginning enforcement action.

   C.   Appeals: A determination made by the zoning official or other administrative officials that a zoning ordinance violation has occurred may be appealed by the affected party in accordance with Section 10-12-5J. (Ord. 2025-1446, 10-9-2025)