FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Showing support for a politician is your right, it is appropriate to express support through the use of political signs.

However, there are rules for the placement of these signs. If guidelines are not followed it could result in the removal of the sign and a fine no less than $100. 

For more information check the municipal code at www.sandwich.il.us

ELECTION SIGN REMINDER 

Please be advised that Section 98-204(2) of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code states” 

“It shall be unlawful to: erect or place any permanent or temporary sign on the public way of U.S. Route 34 or city public way. The U.S. Route 34 public way is governed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). A permit must be issued from IDOT for any sign on the IDOT public way.” 

Section 98-208(e) of the Municipal Code further states: “Political signs may be placed without a permit on a lot with the owner’s permission; political signs must be removed within ten days of the voting event; and political signs may not be attached to any public utility pole, tree, fire hydrant, curb, sidewalk or other surface located on or extending into public property.” 

The City of Sandwich may remove signs that are located within the Public Right of Way, and if the individuals that are placing those signs in the Public Right of Way will be subject to fines (as described in Section 98-202(m) which states, “Fines. In addition to any other remedy at law or in equity, a person who violates the provisions of this article or the conditions of a permit shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $750.00". Each day of the violation constitutes a separate offense.” and other penalties if they refuse to stop.

Fox Valley Older Adults Services (FVOAS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing programs and services to improve and enrich the lives of senior citizens allowing them to remain in their homes and participate in community life. Phone 815-786-9404

In order to protect residents from scam artists or pesky salesmen, the City Council has established an ordinance covering Canvassers and Solicitors. An application must be made in writing to the City Clerk and fee of $25/day paid for each solicitor or peddler. The application will be forwarded to the Police Department, whereby the Chief of Police will approve or disapprove the application based on the finger-printed background check. No soliciting is allowed before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

The City provides notary services to its residents. There are notaries available at City Hall for your convenience at no charge. A notary is actually witnessing you sign a document and not verifying the accuracy of the document being signed. Do not pre-sign your document before coming into a notary’s office. A notary cannot “certify” a true copy of your document. That needs to be taken care of at the place of origin of the document.

Although no permit is required, be courteous of your neighbors and remember that posting your signs on public property, such as light posts, telephone poles and other traffic control devices is not permitted, nor is posting signs on private property without getting permission from the property owner. Signs should be removed no more than one day after the event.

Copies of birth and death certificates and marriage licenses from DeKalb County are obtained from the DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, at 110 E. Sycamore Street in Sycamore, or by calling 815-895-7149. For documents from Kendall County phone the County Clerk at 630-553-4104, and from LaSalle County phone the County Clerk at 815-434-8202.

The city’s noise ordinance, Section 50-64, states it is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation within the city to cause unnecessary or loud noises which annoy or disturb the comfort of residents before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on any day of the week. If you experience a problem, call the Police Department at 815-786- 7261.

A No Solicitor sign is available here.

Click, print & post in a visible location near the front of your home.

Parking tickets can be paid at the Police Department, 1251 E. 6th Street.

If you notice a street light that is not working, perhaps it is flickering or completely out, call City Hall at 815-786-9321 and advise us of the location. (After office hours, please leave a message on our voice mail.) We will, in turn, notify the electric company. ComEd has provided “trouble-shooting” forms whereby we can fax the information directly to them.

 In case of a power failure, such as during a storm, call ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 to report the outage.