Sidewalks

Bellwood continues to offer the popular 50/50 Sidewalk Program to residents of homes, apartments and businesses. Property owners may apply to replace the sidewalks in front of their property. The estimated cost for replacing each sidewalk square is $80. The property owner pays $40 of the replacement cost. After measurements are taken, the property owner is billed for their share of the repair. Payment is due prior to the beginning of the work. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. This program is administered through the Village Clerk’s office. Applications are due no later than July 10. Applications are accepted throughout the period of time that funds earmarked for this program remain available. For more information or an application, contact the Village Clerk’s office at (708) 547-3500 Ext.1100.

Business owners and business tenants are required by Village Ordinance 99.016 to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their building or lot of ground. Most sidewalks are 5’ wide. In this case, the entire 5’ width must be cleared. If the sidewalk is greater than 5’ wide, a 5’ path clearance must be free of snow and ice. If the ice is frozen so hard that removal would cause injury to the pavement, a suitable material must be strewn in the area. Materials such as ashes, sand, sawdust or other like materials are acceptable. As soon as the weather permits full clearance of ice and snow, the sidewalk should be thoroughly cleaned and cleared. The removal should take place within three hours of the snowfall during the daytime. Overnight snow and ice should be removed by 10 a.m. the following day.

Flooding

Many Bellwood residents currently live in a flood plain. Flood plains are designated by the Federal Emergency Management Association. Bellwood has no control or input in flood plain designation. The Addison Creek Restoration Commission is an Illinois state agency that has been studying the impact of Addison Creek on seven communities including Bellwood. Engineering studies and solutions are being sought to mitigate flooding in the village and the region that have traditionally been burdened during heavy rainfalls and quick thawing periods. The commission hopes to achieve a decrease in the areas designated as flood plains. The engineering solutions are phased processes that include a comprehensive series of projects in many of the seven communities. For more information, visit www.acrc.illinois.gov or www.fema.gov

Below are a few trouble-shooting guidelines for yards, basements and homes. If you suspect a water main break or another circumstance where the village equipment may be damaged or may be the cause of flooding, contact the Village of Bellwood Public Works Department at (708) 547-3540.

Yard Flooding

Basement Flooding

Overland Flooding Into House

Permits

Building permits are required for all construction activities. The Village may provide a list of qualified providers of technical assistance.