FAQs • Lockport, IL • CivicEngage

I want to regrade my yard. Do I need a permit?: A Grading Permit is needed and can be obtained through the Engineering Department. The city will not allow any grade changes to be made at the property lines without submitting a complete plan for approval.

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Engineering

State-Maintained Roads - Illinois Department of Transportation - 815-722-6652

County-Maintained Roads - Will County Highway Department - 815-727-8476

City-Maintained Roads - Public Works Department - 815-838-0549, option 8

2. Do you have a list of survey benchmarks?: The City of Lockport utilizes FEMA and Will County benchmarks. Benchmark information can also be obtained from the National Geodetic Survey website; select Illinois and Will County.

3. Who do I contact regarding the city's Sidewalk Program?: If you would like to participate in the City's sidewalk program, please submit a service request on our website. The sidewalk program is offered on a first come, first served basis provided your sidewalk meets the minimum criteria for replacement.

4. My final grading is not approved. Why can't I install a fence / pool / shed?: The Engineering Department spends a lot of time and energy to ensure that final grading is performed per the approved plan. If the final grading is not constructed per the approved plan, it will be rejected and the builder will be required to correct any deficiencies. It is very important that the homeowner does nothing to disturb their yard prior to approval of the final grading. If the yard is disturbed or altered, it becomes very difficult for the city to force the builder to correct any problems. If the disturbance is caused by the homeowner, the builder will refuse to correct the problem. We advise homeowners not to do any landscaping or install any items in their yards until the final grading survey is approved.

5. My neighbor's sump pump is discharging onto my property. How can I make them stop this?: The City of Lockport's ordinance states that the drainage of roofs, paved yards, yards and courts, and other open areas on the premises, and sump pumps, shall not discharge in a manner that creates a nuisance to adjoining properties. The city advises property owners to redirect their sump pump discharge to an area that will not cause a nuisance to neighbors. For questions or to file a complaint, please contact Code Enforcement at (815) 838-2132.

6. I want to regrade my yard. Do I need a permit?: A Grading Permit is needed and can be obtained through the Engineering Department. The city will not allow any grade changes to be made at the property lines without submitting a complete plan for approval.

7. Is my final grading approved?: Before calling the city, check with your builder to verify that the final survey has been submitted. If the survey has been submitted, your next step would be to contact the Building Department to check the status of the survey. When the Building Department receives the survey from the builder, it is sent to the Engineering Department. The survey is then marked "Rejected" or "Approved." If the survey is rejected, it is up to the builder to correct the problems and then submit a new survey. The Engineering Department will not make another inspection until a new survey is received. For questions, please contact the Engineering Department at (815) 838-0549, ext. 2313.

8. I want to tie my sump pump into the storm structure in my rear yard. Do I need a permit?: Many homeowners prefer to tie their sump pumps into the storm sewer. You will need a permit to perform this work and the tie-in to the storm sewer will need to be inspected. To schedule an inspection, please contact the Public Works Department at 815-838-0549 option 8 24 hours in advance.

9. I am experiencing a drainage problem. What do I do next?: Subdivisions are designed to convey stormwater through storm sewer and overland flow routes to the detention ponds. Many lots are designed with swales through the side yards and rear yards to collect storm water run-off. These areas are designed to be wet during storms. If these areas are wet or soggy during and immediately after rainfalls, then dry up within several days, they are operating correctly. If the areas remain wet for weeks after the last rainfall, there may be a drainage problem. It is important that homeowners do not obstruct overland flow routes or swales with landscaping, sandboxes, sheds, or other items. If the swales are obstructed, it may cause standing water in the yard or lead to other drainage problems.

10. How can I determine if a property is within a floodplain?: FEMA determines if a property is in a floodplain. FEMA regularly publishes maps that show the locations of floodplains. For more information, visit FEMA's website.

11. Has my landscaping been approved? When will I receive my refund?: Once your landscaping has been completed, please contact your Builder. Once approved by your Builder, the City will be notified to complete our inspection. Once the inspection has been performed and approved (usually 5-7 workings days after request), the bond will be refunded. Refund time is typically 4 - 6 weeks from date of final approval. If your landscaping has been rejected, you will be notified by mail of the outstanding issues. Once those items are corrected, please call for a reinspection of the property.