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1. What is the Citizens Police Academy?

The Citizen Police Academy is a 30 hour block of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of the practices, policies, and procedures governing, the Waukegan Police Department, consists of ten three hour sessions conducted on a weekly basis. The comprehensive instruction covers different areas routinely addressed by local law enforcement. The sessions have been designed to incorporate an interactive format. providing the participants with a "hands on" experience whenever practical. Instructors are certified police officers, Supervisors, and other personnel with expertise in various areas.

2. When is the next Citizens Police Academy class offered?

Typically Citizens Police Academy classes are offered during our "slower" times of the year. The fall and winter are ideal for the 9-week classes. The next Citizens Police Academy starts on Thursday, October 13, 2022.  Applications must be turned in by Friday, September 30, 2022 at 4pm.  

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1. Who is my code compliance officer?

Assigned areas change frequently. Please contact 847-625-6860 with any concerns or questions for code staff to assist you. 

2. Where do I register Vacant/Foreclosed Properties?

• Vacant and Foreclosed Property Registration

  All foreclosed and vacant property locations within the City of Waukegan must be registered. Our vacant registry program is managed by Hera Property Registry.  Register on their website

3. Who do I contact for Garbage Removal Services?

Until November 30th, 2023, please contact Waste Management at 847-623-3780 for all questions regarding garbage service or visit them on their website at WASTE MANAGEMENT WEBSITE

Starting December 1st, 2023, the City of Waukegan has contracted LRS for all garbage removal services. They can be reached by calling 844-Need-LRS or contacted on their LRS CUSTOMER PORTAL

To make a complaint regarding garbage on private property, please contact the Code Department at 847-625-6860 during standard hours of operation or submit your complaint to the City's ONLINE COMPLAINT FORM for follow up. For after hour emergency complaints, please call the Waukegan Police Department Communication Center at 847-599-2608.

4. Garbage Cans - When can I have my Garbage cans on the parkway?

Garbage cans must be placed on the parkway no earlier than 5 pm on the day before your garbage pick up date. All garbage must be removed from the parkway no later than 6 pm on the day on the of service. Garbage cans can NOT be stored in any front yard and must be stored on the side or rear of your property. 

5. Tall Grass - When is my lawn in violation?

All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of eight (8) inches.

6. Seasonal Decorations - How long can I keep seasonal decorations displayed?

Seasonal decorations, including items of a primarily decorative natures associated with national local or religious holidays are to be removed within 30 days after the holiday.

7. Notice - Why am I receiving a notice?

All notices sent from the Code Compliance Department have the officer phone number and contact information if you have any questions. 

If you cannot locate a direct number to your officer, our main phone number is 847-625-6860 and department email is code@waukeganil.gov 

8. Citation - Do I have to attend my hearing date?

All respondents MUST APPEAR to your scheduled hearing date. If you are not able to attend on that day a petition for continuance must be filled with the clerk. If you have missed your hearing date, you have 21 days to file a petition to set aside with the clerk to obtain another hearing. Being in compliance on your hearing date is not an exception. Any respondent not present at the hearing will receive a default judgement and maximum fine. Citations can be issued every day a property remains in violation.

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1. How can I get a map of the city water and sewer near my property?

You can get a map of city utilities near your property by calling the City of Waukegan Engineering Division at 847-625-6858 or use the utility map request form.

2. Do you have plans for my house?

Most plans in the City of Waukegan Engineering Division (WED) files are for site grading. The Building construction plans for specific structures are not retained by WED. For more information you can call us at 847-625-6858 or call the City Clerk and inquire about filing a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request.

3. How do I report a streetlight outage?

Your first step is to examine the light pole. If the pole is wood then its likely maintained by ComEd in which case you can call 800-EDISON1 800-334-1661 or Call the Engineering Department at 847-625-6858 to report the outage. Otherwise for non-wood poles, use our online form to report the outage location.

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1. How much are taxes in Waukegan?

Please visit for more info: Illinois Tax Rate Finder

2. Does Waukegan have real estate transfer tax?

No.

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1. Fire Alarm, Sprinkler, and other Fire Permits

Go to Required Permits for fire alarm, sprinkler, and other fire permits.

2. Does the Waukegan Fire Department offer CPR classes?

Yes, the Waukegan Fire Department does offer CPR classes?  

Please call (847) 249-5410 to have your name and phone number sent to our CPR director, who will then reach out to you with further information.  

3. Contact Animal Control?

The phone number for Waukegan Animal Control is (847) 599-2690. In case of animal emergency please dial 9-1-1.

4. Fire Station Phone Numbers

Fire Station 1
1101 Belvidere Road
847-249-5410

Fire Station 2
4505 McGaw Road
847-599-2964

Fire Station 3
216 N. Lewis Avenue
847-599-2684

Fire Station 4
825 Golf Road
847-599-2681

Fire Station 5
3221 N. Green Bay Road
847-596-5490

In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.

5. Non-Emergency number for the Waukegan Fire Department

The non-emergency number for the Waukegan Fire Department is (847) 249-5410. In case of an emergency please dial 9-1-1.

6. How do I receive a copy of a Fire/Ems/Billing report?

To obtain information and/or copies of fire/EMS/billing reports, call Fire Station 1 at 847-249-5410.

7. Freedom of Information Request

FOIA request must be submitted via the City's FOIA system.

8. How do I obtain a smoke detector?

To obtain information or a smoke detector request form, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-249-5410.

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1. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What is the zoning of this property?

The zoning of property can be fairly dynamic, meaning that the zoning of property can change from time to time, depending on whether there were any applications for a map amendment (rezoning) filed by the property owner with the Planning & Zoning Commission. Contact our office at (847) 625-6878 for the zoning of any property within the City of Waukegan. If the property address has a five-digit number, it is most likely property that is in unincorporated Lake County. In that case, please contact the Lake County Department of Planning, Building & Development at (847) 377-2600.

2. What kind of fence can I install in my yard?

Residents, and businesses alike, are restricted to ornamental fences in the front and corner side yards and a maximum height of four feet (4'-0"). The types of fences that are considered ornamental would be picket fences, wrought iron fences, and split rail fences, just to name a few. Chain link fences do not qualify as an ornamental fence. Ornamental fences cannot be more than 50% opaque. Fences in interior side yards and rear yards can be of any type, including chain link and stockade, and are restricted to a maximum height of six feet (6'-0").

Click on the link "Fence Placement" to see a representation of where a fence can be erected in your yard.

Fence Placement

3. Where can I get a Plat of Survey for my property?

The Department of Planning & Zoning does not maintain a database of Plats of Survey for properties throughout the City of Waukegan. Please check your mortgage and closing documents. A Plat of Survey is a document that you should have received when you purchased your home. If you do not have a Plat of Survey, you will need to contact a surveyor to have a Plat of Survey prepared for you.

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1. How do I report a lost or found animal?

If you have lost or found an animal you may contact Animal Control at 847-599-2690, Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). After hours you may contact the Waukegan Police Department non-emergency number: 847-599-2608. You may also post photos of lost or found animals on our Facebook page: Waukegan Police Animal Control Facebook Page

2. Who do I call if I have a complaint about an animal (e.g. barking dog, dog running at large, well being check)?

If you wish to make a complaint about an animal you may contact Animal Control at 847-599-2690, Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). After hours you may contact the Waukegan Police Department non-emergency number: 847-599-2608.

3. How do I retrieve my animal after it has been impounded by Animal Control?

If your animal has been impounded by Animal Control you may come to Animal Control, located at 1698 N. McAree Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085, or call Animal Control at 847-599-2690, Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays) to determine what fees need to be paid in order to retrieve your animal.

4. What are the fees charged by Animal Control in order to reclaim my animal?

Impoundment: 1st - $25; 2nd - $50; 3rd - $200
Boarding: $10 per day, per animal
Transportation: $25  Animal Violation Citations: Fine varies by violation.

5. What vaccinations do you offer for animals at Animal Control and what is the cost?

We offer parvo and distemper shots for dogs/puppies for $10 and feline rhino shots for cats and kittens for $10.

6. Do you offer microchipping of animals at Animal Control?

Yes, we do perform microchipping of animals at a cost of $15 per animal. MIcrochipping can be an important tool in locating, identifying and reclaiming your lost dog or cat. If you wish to have your animal microchipped please stop by Animal Control.

7. What do I do if I cannot keep my animal anymore?

We take in owner surrenders for $25 per animal. You must be a resident of the city of Waukegan, and you must make an appointment with Animal Control 847-599-2690.

8. Where can I find the city ordinance that regulates animals in the city of Waukegan?

All ordinances pertaining to the city of Waukegan can be found on the city ordinances link. Ordinances pertaining to animals is located in Chapter 4. You may also call Animal Control and verify any animal ordinance. City Ordinances of the city of Waukegan

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1. I filed a police report about a crime, how do I follow up?

For follow up on a non-traffic related investigation, you can contact the Criminal Investigations Division three (3) business days after the report was originally filed at 847-599-2528.

2. How do I obtain an Order of Protection?

Please visit the Lake County States Attorney's website for more detailed information on this important topic:

Order of Protection Instructions

3. Where can I report a crime that occurred on the internet?

You can report internet crimes here: Internet Crime Complaint Center

4. What should I do if my identity has been stolen?

If you believe your identity is being used by someone else, use this guide to assist you: Identity Theft Guide

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1. What are the application age limits and do they apply to certified police officers and veterans?

You must be at least 20 years old and less than 35 years of age at the time of the written exam.  You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

The age limit does not apply to any applicant over the age of 34 with prior full-time work experience as a peace officer. Currently there is not an exemption for veterans.

2. Do you take lateral transfers?

Yes!  Check under the lateral transfer tab for the application.

3. What are the requirements of the P.O.W.E.R. test?

Click here for P.O.W.E.R. test information.

4. Do I need a P.O.W.E.R. test card prior to picking up an application?

No. However, a P.O.W.E.R. test card must have been obtained from one of the three approved sources and not be older than one year from the date of the written exam.

5. Where can I obtain a P.O.W.E.R. test card?

There are three locations approved by the Waukegan Police Department where you can test to obtain a P.O.W.E.R. test card. 

• Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA)
• Joliet Junior College
• Triton College

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1. What are the loud music laws?

This is our City Ordinance:

Sec. 11-34. Excessive noise; penalty.

(a)

No person shall play, use, operate or permit to be played, used or operated, any radio, tape recorder, cassette player, compact disc player, mp3 player or other device for receiving broadcast sound or reproducing recorded sound if the device is located on the public way or in any motor vehicle on the public way if the sound generated by the device is audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the device.

(b)

No person, for purposes of entertainment or communication may generate any sound by any means that it is audible at a distance 50 feet or greater from the point of generation.

(c)

This section shall not apply to any of the following:

(1)

Sound generated in conjuncture with a city-sponsored event;

(2)

A person participating in a parade, public assembly or athletic event for which, a permit has been obtained pursuant to chapter 15, article V of this Code;

(3)

An emergency warning device or alarm sounded for emergency purposes;

(4)

Sound generated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in construction, demolition or repair work;

(5)

Sound generated in construction, demolition or repair work of an emergency nature or in work on public improvements authorized by a governmental body or agency;

(6)

Sound generated by an aircraft or generated in connection with the operation of any airport; and

(7)

Sound generated by church bells.

(d)

The penalties for violating sections 11-34(a) and (b) shall be as follows:

8:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. .....$150.00

8:00 p.m.—8:00 a.m. .....$300.00

Each additional offense shall incur an additional penalty of $100.00 per occurrence.

2. Are barking dogs illegal?

Please read our City Ordinance:

Sec. 4-8. Excessive animal noise.

(a)

Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following words, terms, and phrases shall have the following meanings.

Excessive noise means any continued, repeated or habitual barking, whining, crying, howling, whimpering, crowing, or other loud noise common to an animal's species that occurs repeatedly throughout the day or night, and is louder than the average conversational level at a distance of 50 feet or more.

Any other person means a reasonable person.

(b)

Conduct prohibited. It shall be unlawful for a person who owns, controls, has possession of, or is charged with the responsibility for caring for any dog or other animal, to allow such animal to make excessive noise in a manner that unnecessarily disturbs the comfort, quiet, peace or repose of any other person in the vicinity.

(c)

A citation for a violation of this section may be issued based on either:

(1)

Personal observation of a violation by any city officer or employee charged with enforcement of this section; or

(2)

A complaint alleging a violation of this section, signed by a witness and specifying the date and time of the violation.

(d)

Penalty. Any person who violates this section shall be fined $25.00 for the first offense, $50.00 for the second offense, and $150.00 for the third or any subsequent offense. Any costs are to be assessed in addition to this fine. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

3. What time is curfew?

Sec. 15-16. Curfew.

(a)

Age. It is unlawful for a juvenile to be present at or upon any public building, place, street or highway in violation of the following curfew hours unless accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible companion at least 21 years of age approved by a parent or legal guardian or unless the juvenile is engaged in conducted which is enumerated in subsection (b):

(1)

The curfew for persons younger than 14 years of age: Between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. each day of the week;

(2)

The curfew for persons at least 14 years of age but younger than 16 years of age: Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. each day of the week;

(3)

The curfew for persons at least 16 years of age but younger than 18 years of age:

a.

Between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., Saturday;

b.

Between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., Sunday; and

c.

Between 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6:00 a.m. on the following day.

(b)

Exceptions. If a juvenile offers one of the following assertions, the officer must take reasonable steps to investigate the validity of the juvenile's assertion:

(1)

Participating in, going to or coming home from a business or occupation which the laws of this state authorize a person less than 18 years of age to perform;

(2)

Participating in, going to or coming home from a school sponsored event;

(3)

Participating in, going to or coming home from a religious activity or event; or

(4)

Participating in, going to or coming home from an activity involving the exercise of the juvenile's rights protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, or article I, section 4 and 5 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois or both, such as freedom of speech and right of assembly.

4. Can I find out about crime in my neighborhood?

Yes. The City reports to crimereports.com. Please check that website for your area and see a list of things that the police have responded to.

5. How do I obtain an Order of Protection?

Please visit the Lake County Sheriff's website: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/1918/Order-of-Protection

6. How do I obtain a Concealed Carry Permit?

You can go to the Illinois State Police website @ http://www.isp.state.il.us/ for all the information on concealed carry information. ISP Website

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1. Where and when can I file a police report?

You can file a police report 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the police desk at 101 N West St, Waukegan, IL 60085: Map to Police Department

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Report copies may be picked up after three (3) business days at City Hall at the Records Department window, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (excluding holidays). There is a $5.00 fee required for in-person requests, and a $10.00 fee for mail-in requests. Map to City Hall

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Report copies may be picked up after three (3) business days at City Hall at the Records Department window, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (excluding holidays). There is a $5.00 fee required for in-person requests, and a $10.00 fee for mail-in requests. Map to City Hall

2. How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

In an effort to improve the processing and delivery of accident reports, the Waukegan Police Department switched to an all electronic accident reporting system on January 1, 2015. To obtain a copy of an accident report written on or after January 1, 2015, please go to the following website: https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/, complete the online registration and you will be able to obtain and print a copy of the report in the comfort of your own home. Copies can also be obtained at the Police Records & Traffic Division, located on the first floor of City Hall, 100 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). Copies of accident reports written prior to January 1, 2015 are not available on the website, but are available for in-person pick up at the Police Records & Traffic Division counter. Requests for accident reports can also be mailed-in to the Police Records & Traffic Division with a check or money order made out to the "City of Waukegan" for $10.00 - please include return name and address. Reports picked up in-person require a $5.00 payment.  

Accident Report Website

3. How do I report a broken parking meter?

Broken or inoperable parking meters can be reported between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Mon-Fri., either in person at the Traffic Division, located on the first floor of City Hall at 100 N. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave., or you can call the Traffic Division at 847-599-2636. Please provide the address and meter number (usually located on the post of the meter) when reporting a broken or inoperable meter.

4. Are there specific FAQ's for Red Light Photo Enforcement?

Yes, we do have specific FAQs for Red Light Photo Enforcement. They are available by viewing this document

5. How do I file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?

All FOIA requests must be submitted through the City's FOIA System.

FOIA Request Form

6. Traffic / Records Division location, telephone numbers and hours?

The Traffic & Records Division is located on the first floor of City Hall at 100 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085. Telephone: 847-599-2627; Fax: 847-360-9861. Hours: Monday thru Friday (excluding holidays) 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Map to Waukegan City Hall

7. Do you accept credit card payments by telephone?

No, at this time we do not accept credit card payments by telephone. If you wish to pay by credit card you may do so in person at the Records & Traffic Division or via ePayment on the city's website: ePayment

8. Does the Waukegan Police Department offer fingerprinting services to citizens?

Yes, fingerprinting services are available Monday thru Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If payment is required, it must be made at the Records & Traffic Division located on the first floor of City Hall, 100 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085. After payment is made you will be directed to the police department, which is directly across from City Hall. If payment is not required, you may go directly to the Bureau of Identification, located in the police department at 101 N West St., Waukegan, IL 60085; go to door# 5. The following link has additional information regarding fingerprinting services offered by the Waukegan Police Department: Fingerprinting Services Information

9. What methods of payment do you accept at the Records & Traffic Division?

For in-person payments at the Records & Traffic Division we accept: cash, money order, certified check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and debit cards. An ATM is also located on the first floor of City Hall.

For mail-in payments we accept certified checks and money orders.

For internet/website based payments we accept: MasterCard, Discover & American Express (we do not accept Visa via the website). Online payments are accepted at: ePay - Credit Card Payments

10. Where are the photo enforced red light cameras located at in Waukegan?

The red light photo enforcement cameras are located at the following intersections:
1). Lewis Ave. and Glen Flora Ave.
2). Lewis Ave. and Sunset Ave.
3). Green Bay Rd. and Grand Ave.
4). Green Bay Rd. and Belvidere St.
5). Green Bay Rd. and Washington St.

11. What is the 3 year analysis for accidents in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Belvidere St. and Green Bay Rd.?

The information for the 3 year analysis of accident data in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Belvidere St. and Green Bay Rd. can be found in this link:

Belvidere St. & Green Bay Rd.

12. What is the 3 year analysis for accidents in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Grand Ave. and Green Bay Rd.?

The information for the 3 year analysis of accident data in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Grand Ave. and Green Bay Rd. can be found in this link:

Grand Ave. & Greenbay Rd.

13. What is the 3 year analysis for accidents in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Lewis Ave. and Glen Flora Ave.?

The information for the 3 year analysis of accident data in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Lewis Ave. and Glen Flora Ave. can be found in this link:

Lewis Ave. & Glen Flora Ave.

14. What is the 3 year analysis for accidents in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Lewis Ave. and Sunset Ave.?

The information for the 3 year analysis of accident data in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Lewis Ave. and Susnet Ave. can be found in this link:

Lewis Ave. & Sunset Ave.

15. What is the 3 year analysis for accidents in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Green Bay Rd. and Washington St.?

The information for the 3 year analysis of accident data in relation to the red light photo enforcement program at Green Bay Rd. and Washington St. can be found in this link:

Green Bay Rd. & Washington St.

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1. Where can I mail my water bill payment?

City of Waukegan
P.O. BOX 2602
Bedford Park, IL 60499-2602

2. How can I pay my water bill?

Water bills can be paid through by mail, at City Hall, or online:

City of Waukegan Water Payment