Frequently Asked Questions

Finance Department- General Information
What is the Finance Department's phone number?
What is the sales tax rate in Deerfield?

Finance Department- Refuse Collection
What do I do if my refuse or recycling is missed?
How do I determine the date of my refuse collection?
Can I change my refuse service (once/twice a week pickup)?
How can I dispose of construction debris?
How can I dispose of larger household items?
What are 'holidays' for refuse collections?
Where are recyclables collected?
What materials may be recycled?
When are yard waste collections?
How much do yard waste stickers cost?
What requires a yard waste sticker?
Where can I purchase a yard waste sticker?

Finance Department- Vehicle Stickers
Do I need to register my vehicle with the Village?
I did not receive a renewal form for my vehicle sticker. What do I do?

Finance Department- Utility Billing
What rates do I pay for water and sewer?
What is 1 unit?
Why was my payment considered late?
Why is the late fee on my bill so high?
What is the quickest way to deliver a payment?
How do I sign up for direct debit?

Public Works Department 50/50 Tree Replacement Program
What is the 50/50 parkway tree program?
Who do I contact regarding the 50/50 tree replacement program?
May I select any kind of tree I want?
May I order a larger tree than the 2" tree you offer?
How many parkway trees may I order?
Will the Village plant a tree that I purchase myself?
Will the Village plant trees for me in areas other than my parkway?
Who takes care of my parkway tree?
May I remove a parkway tree if I decide I don't like it?
Why does my new tree have wrap on it?

Public Works Department Parkway Trees
Is it all right to prune my parkway tree?
Can I put too much mulch around my tree?
When should I water?
Who should I contact if my parkway tree looks sick or dead?

Public Works Department - Water Division
Where does my drinking water come from?
How safe is our drinking water?
Should I buy bottled water?
What rates do I pay for water service?
Can I test my own water at home?
What is the hardness of the water?
Periodically, my water tastes and smells funny. Why does this occur?
What can I do about these taste and odor problems?
Who should I contact if I have questions about my water?
Who should I contact if I have questions about my water bill?
Why do I have sprinkling restrictions and when are they?

Public Works Department- Streets Division, Snow Operations
What is the Village's first step in snow removal?
When does Public Works use salt trucks?
Where does Public Works distribute salt?
How does Public Works determine where snow removal equipment will be utilized?
What is the best way to clear snow from my driveway?
During winter, when can't I park my vehicle on the street?
How and when does Public Works repair snow plow damage?
How can I keep my mailbox from being damaged as a result of the winter weather?
Where should I place my mailbox?

Public Works Department- Streets Division
How often does the Village sweep the streets?
Who do I contact if my street sign needs to be replaced?
What causes potholes?
What material does Public Works use to repair potholes?
When is leaf removal?
How do I dispose of my leaves?
Who should I contact if I notice a burnt out or damaged light pole?

Public Works Department- Sewer Division
What type of sewers does the Village have?
What function do storm sewers provide?
What function do sanitary sewers provide?
Who is responsible for the sanitary services?
Who do I contact if there is a sewer back up in my home?
Why is there an odor coming from my floor drain?

Public Works Department- Wastewater Treatment Plant
What happens to sewage after we flush?
What facilities are at the Treatment Plant?
What does the Village do with treated sludge?
What should not be flushed?
Is the treatment plant regulated?
What can I do to minimize cost for this utility?

Community Development Department
Q: What is the role of the Community Development Department?
A: The Community Development Department is responsible for all aspects of planning, building, and zoning. The Department administers and enforces the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Building Codes. The Department is responsible for providing staff assistance to a number of commissions. The department provides analysis and technical assistance of all items that come before the Plan Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Village Center Development Commission, the Appearance Review Commission, the Electrical Commission, the Board of Building Appeals, and various task forces, as well as coordinating the activities of these commissions. Building plan review, permit approval, inspection services, zoning compliance approvals for new businesses, and maintaining records of approved plans are also provided by the Department.

Q: What is the Comprehensive Plan?
A: The Comprehensive Plan is Deerfield's road map for the future. It is an official public document that provides a long-range guide for land use, transportation, public facilities and natural resources. It serves as a guide for elected and appointed Village officials by providing a framework that can be used to evaluate development proposals and the document will direct the Village's growth in the context of a 20 to 25 year planning horizon. The Comprehensive Plan allows residents and local decision-makers to identify and respond to changing community needs and desires in a proactive way rather than a reactive way. The current Comprehensive Plan was revised over an 18 month period and was approved in October 2004 by the Board of Trustees. The Comprehensive Plan is available by clicking here.

Q: What is a Special Use?
A: A Special Use is a use which is generally compatible with the other land uses permitted in a zoning district but which, because of its unique characteristics or potential impacts on the surrounding neighborhood and the Village as a whole, requires individual consideration of its location, design, configuration, and/or operation at the particular location proposed. A Special Use can only be approved subject to the use meeting all of the standards and conditions imposed upon it by the Zoning Ordinance. See Section 13.11 Special Uses in the Zoning Ordinance, which provides the standards for approval of a Special Use and the procedures for Special Use approval. Special Uses require a public hearing with the Plan Commission and must have final approval from the Board of Trustees. In the Village Center (downtown), there is a handout available from the Planning Department for the procedures for approval of a Special Use, and is also available here.

Q: What do I do if I want to seek a Special Use at a specific location in the Village?
A: The specifics of a proposed Special Use need to be discussed with Village staff. If you want to seek a Special Use please contact Jeff Ryckaert, Principal Planner, at (847) 719-7484 to discuss the proposed Special Use process.

Q: What is a Planned Unit Development (PUD)?
A: A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is an area of minimum size, as specified by the Zoning Ordinance, to be planned, developed, operated and maintained as a single entity under unified ownership or control, containing one or more principal buildings to accommodate one or more Permitted Uses or Special Uses as allowed by the underlying zoning district provisions.

Q: What is a TIF District?
A: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a method for funding redevelopment activities or to renovate planning areas. The technique uses the increase in property tax revenue produced by a redevelopment project to finance the necessary public investment in that project area. The TIF allows a municipality to capture the increase in various local property taxes. It works in the following way: when a redevelopment plan is adopted, the existing total value of all taxable property in the project area is frozen at the current assessment. Once this baseline is established, all future property tax revenues above the base generated by the redevelopment (which normally would be distributed to all taxing bodies having jurisdiction in the area) are allocated to the TIF redevelopment fund. Local taxing bodies (school districts, park district, fire protection district, etc.) continue to receive revenues generated from the current assessed valuation at the time the district is formed. Increases generated beyond this fixed amount (the increment) are paid to the TIF District. It is important to note that the tax base and not the tax revenue is frozen during the tax increment period. As redevelopment proceeds in the TIF District, property owners pay more in taxes in correlation to the rise in their property values each year. But instead of distributing the additional property tax among the various local taxing bodies as usually done, the incremental growth in property taxes is reserved for improvements and expenses in the TIF District only. Deerfield currently has a TIF district in the Village Center. The Lake Cook Road TIF expired in 2005.

Q: What are the rules and zoning regulations for a home based business?
A: Home occupations are businesses or occupations which are compatible with the character of the residential districts of the Village. Click on the link and scroll down to page 2-10 in Article 2.04-A of the Deerfield Zoning Ordinance which addresses the rules and regulations for running a home based business.

Q: How do I register a business?
A: To register a business in Deerfield you will need to fill out a Business Registration form. There is no cost to register a business. Note: Before filling out a business registration form, please check with the Community Development Department to see if the zoning is appropriate for the proposed business location. The completed business registration form must be submitted to the Police Department as they keep the database. (One of the most important items on the business registration form is a 24 hour contact number for the business owner in case of an emergency.)

Q: How do I determine the required setbacks from the property line for a property?
A: You must determine the zoning district for your property. To find out the zoning district in which your property is located, go to the Zoning Map and locate your property on the color coded map. You should call the Community Development Department at (847) 719-7484 and ask a staff member for the setbacks on a property as setbacks and building lines vary by zoning district.

Q: What is the role of the Plan Commission?
A: The Plan Commission holds public hearings for Special Uses, Planned Unit Developments, Text Amendments, Subdivisions, Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, and other land use issues. The Plan Commission is a seven member Commission appointed by the Mayor which meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall. The Plan Commission is a recommending body to the Board of Trustees. When considering a request, the Plan Commission considers its standards, the Comprehensive Plan, the petitioner's proposal, public input, and makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. The Board considers the Plan Commission's recommendation and makes a final decision. The staff liaison to the Plan Commission is Jeff Ryckaert, Principal Planner, who can be reached at (847) 719-7484.

Q: What is the role of the Village Center Development Commission?
A: The Village Center Development Commission (VCDC) has jurisdiction within the Village Center boundaries (downtown Deerfield). The VCDC is a nine member Commission appointed by the Mayor which meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall and is a recommending body to the Board of Trustees. The VCDC deals with all development and redevelopment activities in the Village Center. They serve as a sounding board for ideas and proposals to keep the Village Center as the focal point of the community. The Commission examines ways to promote the downtown and also considers major land use petitions taking place in the Village Center. The Board of Trustees considers the VCDC's recommendation and makes a final decision. The staff liaison to the VCDC is Jeff Ryckaert, Principal Planner, who can be reached at (847) 719-7484.

Q: What is the role of the Appearance Review Commission?
A: The Appearance Review Commission (ARC) has jurisdiction within the Village Center boundaries and in the C-2 Outlying Commercial District. The ARC is a seven member Commission appointed by the Mayor which meets the 4th Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall. Any exterior changes which would require a building permit or a deviation from an approved PUD need a certificate of approval issued by the ARC, including changes to building façades, sites, landscaping, and signs. The staff liaison to the ARC is Jean Spagnoli, Planner, who can be reached at (847) 719-7484.

Q: What is the role of the Board of Zoning Appeals?
A: The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) holds public hearings on requests for variations and modifications to the Zoning Ordinance, which include variations from minimum lot requirements; bulk regulations; off-street parking and loading requirements; nonconformities; and modifications for fences and signs. The BZA has certain criteria that need to be met before a variation or modification can be granted. The BZA is a seven member Commission which meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall. The Board of Trustees considers the BZA's recommendation and makes a final decision. The staff liaison for the BZA is Clint Case, Code Enforcement Supervisor, who can be reached at (847) 719-7484.

Q: What are the current public hearing fees?
A: The public hearing fee is $175 plus the cost of publishing the legal notice in the newspaper and any county recording fees for ordinances and other documents.

Q: What are the guidelines for the community banner poles?
A: You will need to contact Jean Spagnoli, Planner, at (847) 719-7484, to have a banner placed on the community banner pole. The banner pole guidelines are available here. The Village has two community banner poles, one located at the northwest corner of Deerfield Road and Robert York Avenue, and one at the northeast corner of Deerfield Road and Waukegan Road.

Q: How do I find out if my property is in a flood plain or flood zone?
A: To find out if your property is located in a flood plain or flood zone go to http://www.fema.gov/hazard/map/flood.shtm, click "find a flood map online." Go to "product search by address," select "public flood map," type in your address, and click "product search." Click "view" to view the flood map of your area. You can also contact the Village's Engineering Department, (847) 317-2490 with flood plain questions.

Finance Department- General Information
Q: What is the Finance Department's phone number?
A: Residents may contact the Finance Department by calling 847-945-5000.

Q: What is the sales tax rate in Deerfield?
A: The sales tax rate for Deerfield in Cook County is 8.25%, while the portion of Deerfield that is in Lake County is 7%. This includes a .5% home rule sales tax.

Finance Department- Refuse Collection
Q: What do I do if my refuse or recycling is missed?
A: Call the Finance Department at 847/945-5000 to report misses or problems with the waste hauler.

Q: How do I determine the date of my refuse collection?
A: The Village is split up into four quadrants divided by Deerfield and Waukegan Roads. Residents living Northwest of Deerfield and Waukegan receive pickup on Thursdays. Residents Southwest of Deerfield and Waukegan receive pickup on Fridays. Northeast residents receive pickup on Mondays with secondary pickups on Thursday, and Southeast pickups are held on Tuesday with secondary pick-ups on Friday.

Q: Can I change my refuse service (once/twice a week pickup)?
A: Yes, you only can make changes once every 12 months and changes are only made on a quarterly basis (January 1, April 1, July 1, & October 1).

Q: How can I dispose of construction debris?
A: Construction debris must be placed at the curb and amounts are limited. Individual pieces are limited to 50 pounds for collection at the curb.

Q: How can I dispose of larger household items?
A: Items like furniture, carpeting, etc are picked up free of charge at the curb but must be broken down to 50 pounds if possible, and can be no longer than 4' in length and 18" in diameter."White goods" collections must be requested by calling Veolia at 847/272-4145.

Q: What are 'holidays' for refuse collections?
A: Holiday refuse collection occurs when a holiday falls on or before your regularly scheduled collection day. Collection will be 1 day later that week. New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are the holidays that affect the collection schedule.

Q: Where are recyclables collected?
A: Recyclables should be placed on the curb.

Q: What materials may be recycled?
A: Newspapers, magazines, soda bottles, plastic milk jugs, and aluminum cans are all acceptable materials for recycling. Pizza boxes, plastic bags,and packing peanuts are NOT.

Q: When are yard waste collections?
A: Yard waste is collected once per week from April 1st until December 15th.

Q: How much do yard waste stickers cost?
A: Yard waste stickers are $1.80 each.

Q: What requires a yard waste sticker?
A: The Village requires that all grass, leaves, brush and other organic garden and yard waste be placed in a bag with a sticker. Bundled branches also require a yard waste sticker.

Q: Where can I purchase a yard waste sticker?
A: Stickers may be purchased at the Village Hall, Veolia's office at 2800 Shermer Rd. in Northbrook, Deerbrook Jewel at 15 Waukegan Rd, Highland Park Jewel Osco at 1600 Deerfield Rd, Dominick's at 2503 Waukegan Rd, and Walgreens located at 780 Waukegan Rd.

Finance Department- Utility Billing
Q: What rates do I pay for water and sewer?
A: Water and sewer customers pay the following rates:
Water: $3.43 per hundred cubic feet (1 unit)
Sewer: $2.42 per hundred cubic feet (1 unit)

Q: What is 1 unit?
A: 748 gallons

Q: Why was my payment considered late?
A: We have found there are several factors that effect how quickly we receive payment. Be sure to allow 7-10 days for mailing. If you utilize auto bill pay through your bank, be mindful that the day the funds come out of the account is not the day we receive the payment, so please allow time for mailing.

Q: Why is the late fee on my bill so high?
A: Late fees are calculated at 10% of the bill. This is set by Village Ordinance, and has not changed since 1981. Call the Finance Department at 847/945-5000 before the due date to avoid paying a penalty if you have questions about your bill.

Q: What is the quickest way to deliver a payment?
A: Direct debit, or automated bill pay is a great way to ensure your bill is received by the Village in a timely manner. Also, there is a drop box located at Village Hall that is available 24 hours a day. It is cleaned out every business day at 8 AM. It is located in the median on Jewett Park Drive between the Village Hall and the Presbyterian Church.

Q: How do I sign up for direct debit?
A: Residents may sign up for direct debit by filling out this form and returning it to the Village Hall.

Finance Department- Vehicle Stickers
Q: Do I need to register my vehicle with the Village?
A: Yes. Each vehicle garaged or registered with the Village must have a valid vehicle sticker displayed in the windshield at all times. Stickers expire July 1 of each year. The annual fee for the vehicle sticker is $30.

Q: I did not receive a renewal form for my vehicle sticker. What do I do?
A: If you did not receive a renewal form by mail, contact the Finance Department before July 1 and make arrangements to fill out a new form. Stickers purchased, for any reason, after July 1 are subject to a 50% penalty. Renewals are sent out mid May every year.

Public Works Department- 50/50 Tree Replacement Program
Q: What is the 50/50 parkway tree program?
A: In this program, the Village and the homeowner each pay 50% of the cost of a 2" diameter tree which will be planted in the homeowner's parkway (right-of-way) at a spot selected by the homeowner. The tree will be planted by Village personnel (at a current fee of $30).

Q: Who do I contact regarding the 50/50 tree replacement program?
A: The Village Hall handles the replacement program and can be reached at 847/945-5000

Q: May I select any kind of tree I want?
A: A homeowner may select from any of the 30 tree varieties listed by our forester as being appropriate for planting in a parkway. Click Here for List of Available Trees

Q: May I order a larger tree than the 2" tree you offer?
A: Yes, contact the Village Hall at 847-945-5000 to obtain a quote for a tree in the size you desire. However, the Village's financial participation will be limited to the amount it would have contributed for a 2" tree.

Q: How many parkway trees may I order?
A: The Village will participate in the purchase of one tree per year. If a homeowner wishes to purchase additional trees, the Village will plant them but will not share in the cost.

Q: Will the Village plant a tree that I purchase myself?
A: No. The Village will plant and guarantee only trees that we have purchased.

Q: Will the Village plant trees for me in areas other than my parkway?
A: No. This program is limited to trees for the parkway only

Q: Who takes care of my parkway tree?
A: On a rotating basis, Village crews periodically prune parkway trees throughout the Village. Watering, pest control, etc. are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Q: May I remove a parkway tree if I decide I don't like it?
A: All tree removal in the right-of-way must be approved by the Director of Public Works and Engineering who can be contacted at 847/317-7245.

Q: Why does my new tree have wrap on it?
A: After the Village plants a tree an insulation wrap is provided to aid during winter weather preventing damage to the bark on young trees.

Public Works Department- Parkway Trees
Q: Is it all right to prune my parkway tree?
A: Homeowners should not attempt to prune parkway trees. As parkway trees are in the Village right-of-way, they are the responsibility of Public Works. These trees are trimmed to specific specifications. The Village has contractors who trim trees as well as our in-house staff. If a homeowner would like his/her professional to trim their parkway tree at their expense they must contact Public Works at 847/317-7245 for permission.

Q: Can I put too much mulch around my tree?
A: Yes, however, any more than 2 to 3 inches prevents water from getting to the roots of the tree. Also, do not mound the mulch or dirt around the trunk of the tree. This can make the tree vulnerable to diseases and insects. An alternative is to saucer the mulch or dirt around the tree to help capture water.

Q: When should I water?
A: Generally speaking, trees require one inch of water per week When in leaf, either from rain or homeowner. Set a hose to trickle over the area within the drip line and move the hose periodically to cover as much of the root zone as possible. Care must be taken not to over water trees, as too much water can kill the tree as well.

Q: Who should I contact if my parkway tree looks sick or dead?
A: Contact Public Works at 847/317-7245 to have the Village to check out any problems with parkway trees and perform any remedy required.

Public Works Department - Water Division
Q: Where does my drinking water come from?
A: The Village of Deerfield purchases its water from the City of Highland Park, whose water treatment facility collects and processes from Lake Michigan. Processed water is then pumped to one of 4 places; one of three reservoirs or one elevated tank. From there, it is pumped into the water distribution system.

Q: How safe is my drinking water?
A: The water supplied to the Village of Deerfield is very safe as it must meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for safe drinking water.Click here for a copy of the 2007 Water Quality Report

Q: Should I buy bottled water?
A: You don't need to buy bottled water for health reasons, Deerfield's drinking water meets all of the Federal and State drinking water standards. Bottled water may have a slightly different taste than tap water, but it costs up to 1,000 times more than municipal drinking water. In emergencies, bottled water can be a vital source of drinking water if water service is lost. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires bottled water quality standards to be equal to those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for tap water, but the quality of the finished product is not government-monitored.

Q: Can I test my own water at home?
A: Not in a meaningful way. Simple kits are available to test for hardness and some chemicals like chlorine and lead, but a thorough analysis is not possible. The Water Department provides information on water quality, published in our annual drinking water quality report. (May/June issue of the Village's newsletter) Any questions about water quality should be directed to the Water Department at 847/317-7245.

Q: What is the hardness of the water?
A: On average the water hardness is approximately 7 to 8 grains or 134 parts per million.

Q: Periodically, my water tastes and smells funny. Why does this occur?
A: The most common reasons for taste and odor problems with drinking water include chlorine that is added to the water to kill bacteria; Non-toxic algae, bacteria, and tiny fungi grow in surface water sources and give off non toxic, smelly chemicals that cause unpleasant tastes in drinking water. Different algae cause different tastes and odors, for example a grassy, swampy taste. The tiny fungi can cause an earthy musty taste; and Metallic tastes can come from iron rust in iron pipes. Odor poses no health impact and is strictly aesthetic.

Q: What can I do about these taste and odor problems?
A: In-home water filtration systems that employ activated carbon can help reduce or eliminate these tastes and odors. If you purchase such a unit, please remember that it is very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions with respect to maintenance. In addition, cooling water in your refrigerator can help.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about my water?
A: Any questions about water or water quality should be directed to the Water Department at 847/317-7245.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about my water bill?
A: Any questions about your water bill should be directed to the Finance Department at 847/945-5000.

Q: Why do I have sprinkling restrictions and when are they?
A: The Illinois Division of Water Resources requires that municipalities using Lake Michigan water restrict lawn sprinkling between May 15th and September 15th. Accordingly Deerfield's restrictions during this period are as follows: Even numbered addresses may sprinkle on even numbered days from midnight to noon and from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Odd numbered addresses may sprinkle on odd numbered days from midnight to noon and from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Sprinkling is not allowed for anyone between the hours of noon to 6:00 p.m. Fines for violators are $25 per occurrence for residential properties, and $100 for non-residential properties. These restrictions apply only to lawn sprinkling.

Public Works Department- Streets Division, Snow Removal
Q: What is the Village's first step in snow removal?
A: Public works utilizes over 20 pieces of equipment during the winter for snow removal. When the snow starts to fall our salt trucks are the first to respond.

Q: When does Public Works use salt trucks?
A: If less than 2 or 3 inches fall the salt trucks alone are used for snow removal and control. We use 3000 to 4000 tons of salt every year to help keep the streets safe.

Q: Where does Public Works distribute salt?
A: Public Works distributes salt on all major streets and feeder streets. The rest of the streets receive salt at intersections, stop signs, curves and hills.

Q: How does Public Works determine where snow removal equipment will be utilized?
A: When approximately 2-3 inches of snow has fallen the remainder of the snow equipment is called out and put into service. The Village does not have enough equipment to make sure every street is kept clear of snow during the duration of the storm though through careful planning and with dedicated staff, snow operations will continue until every street has been cleared. We have 1 sidewalk plow which is used to clear sidewalks around schools and along Deerfield and Waukegan Roads.

Q: What is the best way to clear snow from my driveway?
A: Shovel as much of the snow from your driveway as possible to the right side as you look out to the street. Snow on the left side could be pushed back into the driveway by Public Works snow plows. Be a good neighbor, if you have a plow service make sure they know where to push the snow so it won't end up in your neighbor's yard or driveway. Click here for an illustration.

Q: During Winter when may I park my vehicle on the street?
A: By village ordinance you cannot park your vehicle on the street for 24 hours after 3 inches of snow has fallen or deposit snow from your property on the street or sidewalk.

Q: How and when does Public Works repair snow plow damage?
A: Public works repairs snow plow damage with black dirt and seed. This is generally performed in early spring when the threat of snow is less likely. Contact Public Works if damage was caused by Village plows. After dirt and seed is put down, homeowner is responsible for maintenance.

Q: How can I keep my mailbox from being damaged as a result of the winter weather?
A: Mailboxes are the responsibility of homeowners to maintain in good condition and in the right location. A mailbox knocked down in a snow storm it is almost always from the weight of the snow and not from the plow making contact with it. Make sure your support posts are not rotting or rusting away and that they are securely fastened.

Q: Where should I place my mailbox?
A: The face of your mailbox should be at least 1 foot behind the curb.

Public Works Department- Streets Division
Q: How often does the Village sweep the streets?
A: Public works has 1 street sweeper to sweep approximately 180 miles of streets. It takes approximately 9 to 14 days to sweep all the streets in the Village. During the sweeping season, which is generally March through November, every attempt is made to sweep every residential street at least once.

Q: Who do I contact if my street sign needs to be replaced?
A: If you are aware of a sign that needs to be replaced, please contact Public Works at 847/317-7245.

Q: What causes potholes?
A: Most potholes develop during the freeze/thaw cycles during the winter and early spring months. Potholes can also be caused by a weakened road base from moisture and heavy vehicle traffic.

Q: What material does Public Works use to repair potholes?
A: Public Works uses high performance asphalt which can be used at any time of year to repair potholes. Street openings, such as sewer repairs or water main repairs, are repaired using hot mix asphalt which is not available during the colder weather.

Q: When is leaf removal?
A: Leaf removal is performed during the 4 weeks prior to the week of Thanksgiving. The dates are available on the Village's web site and in the September/October edition of the Village newsletter, D-Tales.

Q: How do I dispose of my leaves?
A: Leaves can be disposed of in a number of ways. Rake the leaves to the curb in a long neat pile, approximately 4 feet wide, for Public Works vacuum machines to collect. Please do not place the leaves in the street or on carriage walks or sidewalks. Do not rake grass clippings, sticks, rocks, branches or mud to the curb with your leaves. These materials clog and damage the equipment used for collecting leaves. If these items are found, the leaves will not be removed.

You can also place the leaves in paper yard waste bags for Veolia to collect with the weekly yard waste pickup. A landscape waste sticker must be affixed or else the bags will not be collected. You may also have your landscaper take the leaves away to a waste site.

Q: Who should I contact if I notice a burned out or damaged light pole?
A: Streetlights on wooden poles are owned by ComEd and should be reported to ComEd at 800/344-7661 or 800/EDISON 1. Public Works will report the request if you call 847/317-7245. Lights on concrete poles are generally the responsibility of Public Works and should be reported to Public Works at 847/317-7245. When a street light outage is not a burned out bulb, it might be an underground fault. Public Works may have to dig, which may lengthen the amount of time to make proper repairs.

Public Works Department- Sewer Division
Q: What type of sewers does the Village have?
A: The Village has storm sewers and sanitary sewer systems.

Q: What function do storm sewers provide?
A: Storm sewers are designed to collect and direct storm water to storage areas or to creeks. Storm water is not treated. You should never pour unwanted chemicals or other foreign substances in the storm sewer.

Q: What function do sanitary sewers provide?
A: Sanitary Sewers provide direct waste pumping stations that pump to the treatment plant for treatment and discharge to the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Q: Who is responsible for the sanitary services?
A: Section 16-7 of the Municipal Code states that all repairs and maintenance of the services lines from the public sewer, including the connection to the public sewer, to the premises served and in the sanitary sewer system of the building served shall be made by and at the expense of the owners of the premises served.

Q: Who do I contact if there is a sewer back up in my home?
A: Always contact the Public Works Department first at 847/317-7245 (M-F 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM). After 3:30, call the non-emergency number for the Deerfield Police Department at 847/945-8636 and they will direct your call to the Sewer Department.

Q: Why is there an odor coming from my floor drain?
A: Usually this occurs in the winter time as the trap in the floor drain dries out, allowing the sewer odor to enter the house. To fix the problem, add water to the floor drain and the smell should go away. If this method doesn't work, contact the Public Works Sewer Department at 847/317-7245 for further assistance.

Public Works Department- Wastewater Treatment Plant
Q: What happens to sewage after we flush?
A: Sewage is pumped to the Deerfield Wastewater Reclamation facility. The sewage is treated and disinfected and discharged into the West Fork North Branch of the Chicago River. In many cases, the discharged water is cleaner than the water in the river.

Q: What facilities are at the Treatment Plant?
A: The Deerfield Wastewater Treatment Plant consists of grit handling, primary settling, trickling filters, activated sludge, secondary clarifiers and disinfection facilities. In addition, for sludge handling, we have anaerobic digesters, aerobic digesters and sludge drying beds. We also have excess flow facilities, which include settling basins, disinfection and a storage lagoon. This facility is located on a ten acre site.

Q: What does the Village do with treated sludge?
A: After sludge digestion and drying on our sludge drying beds, sludge is stockpiled on site. Once a year, the Village contracts with a licensed sludge hauler, who finds farm fields for land application of the sewage sludge. This is why it is important to flush only human waste to the treatment plant.

Q: What should not be flushed?
A: The following should not be flushed: Oil, hazardous material, medications, plastics, elastic material or towels/clothing, and large amounts of grease

Q: Is the treatment plant regulated?
A: Yes. The Village has permits to treat and discharge to the waters of the State of Illinois. This federal program is called the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Our treatment plant and three bypass storm treatment facilities have separate permits. The IEPA has the right to inspect our facilities and sample at any time.

Q: What can I do to minimize cost for this utility?
A: Do not place home footing drains/sump pumps and roof drains to the sanitary sewers. When rain events occur in Deerfield, dramatic increases in flow occur at the treatment plant. This water which did not need to be treated is pumped, aerated and disinfected at significant expense to the Village for electricity and chemicals.

The Village of Deerfield, 850 Waukegan Road, Deerfield IL 60015 Village Hall hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F Telephone: 847-945-5000