Frequently Asked Questions

The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration or repair, of any building in any residential district or section in any residential district or section, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays- A permit is required for any other times.

Lawn sprinkling is prohibited between Noon to 6:00 PM every day from May 15th through September 15, nor is it permitted on any two consecutive days.  The need for adequate water pressure and water conservation makes this restriction necessary.  Violation of this ordinance may result in a fine.

Please post address numbers clearly on your house or mailbox.  Every second counts during a fire, medical, or police emergency.  Valuable time can be lost if your address number is not clearly posted where emergency personnel can see it.

Please make sure to:

-Post your address number in a well lit area at the front door of your house so as to be visible from the street.

-If you have curbside mailbox, place numbers on this as well.

-Use large 4-inch or larger plain, block numbers.  Script letters are too difficult to read.

Burning of garbage or other debris is prohibited within the City limits.  Outdoor fireplaces are legal to use.  Contact Community Development Department at 847-506-6030 or the Fire Department at 847-397-3352 for more information.

No. The City does not permit residential properties to be used for short term rentals, such as AirBnB or similar services.  Residential rental properties must be leased for a minimum of 30 days to be compliant with the City's rental permitting regulations.

For information regarding disposal of used needles, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's

The IRS or US Marshall will NEVER contact you via telephone and tell you that you are going to be arrested over taxes owed nor will a Rolling Meadows Police Officer come to your door and arrest you for not paying taxes. Federal authorities have said an IRS agent will never call consumers; an alert on back taxes would come in the mail from the IRS. If you do receive this mail contact the IRS directly and not the number in the letter because it also could be a scam. Check out our Facebook and YouTube page for information and videos of actual scam calls.

The short answer is NO or possible, If you sent the money to the scammers via Western Union or Money Gram you can report the situation directly to the business you went to and see if they can help you as long as your money has not been picked up yet. If the scammer hasn't picked up the money, you could possibly get it back. If the scammer did pick up the money unfortunately it is gone and the police department or federal authorities are unable to assist you.

You may call the police by dialing 911 if it is in progress. If it is not in progress and you want to report information you may contact the police department at 847-255-2416. You may call RMPD Crime Stoppers at 847-590-7867 or submit an email to crimestoppers@cityrm.org this email address is encrypted and there is no way to track where it is coming from.

Most property crime can be easily prevented by utilizing some simple crime prevention methods. The majority of crimes that have occurred in Rolling Meadows are thefts from vehicles and entry to open garages. Almost none of these involved any type of force to gain entry such as breaking a window. Residents must close their garage doors when not outside or able to watch the garage. The majority of garages have been entered at night, often just after dark. This has occurred even with parties occurring in the backyard or people home and awake. Vehicles have been left unlocked with valuables such as wallets, GPS systems, credit cards, computers, etc. in plain sight. For younger offenders, we must take the temptation away from them. Lock your vehicles as most thieves do not want to draw attention by breaking glass and making noise. Hide you valuables in your car if you cannot take them into the house. Put items in the trunk where they are not visible.

Please consult the CDC website here: CDC Covid19 response page

Please call the Police Department non-emergency number at 847-255-2416. They will tell you if your dog was picked up and how to retrieve your dog.

Curfew Regulations

Curfew for residents 16 years of age and under is enforced by the City.  Minors may not be in any public assembly, building, place, street, or highway after curfew unless accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult approved by the parent.

Exception

An exception is made for minors who are employed during curfew hours.

Curfew Hours

Monday - Friday,  11:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Saturday and Sunday, Midnight - 6:00 AM

To schedule a tour of the Police Department please call the non-emergency number at 847-255-2416 and ask for Deputy Chief John Sircher

If you received a ticket or were arrested in the 3rd District of Cook County, your hearing will be held at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse at 2121 Euclid Avenue. It is located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Wilke Road, across from Arlington Park Race Track, which is a half mile east of Route 53.

If you are unsure in what district your incident occurred, call the Police Department at 847-255-2416 for assistance.

Contact our Records Division at (847) 255-2416 or if it is for traffic crashes you can go to LexisNexis Reports in all other reports you will need to file a freedom of information request form. By law, there is a nominal fee for copies of reports that exceed a certain amount.

If a complaint is made on a good faith belief of truth and the department member is later exonerated, the case will be ended. However, if it is determined the allegation was false or intended to discredit or embarrass the department member, you may be subject to arrest and face criminal charges and a civil suit may be filed against you.

Police officers spend only a small amount of their time arresting people who violate the law. They spend most of their time patrolling the community and responding to calls for service, which include answering alarm calls, animal control, assisting injured people, or breaking up rowdy groups. Interviewing victims and witnesses of crimes and collecting evidence at crime scenes are also duties of police officers. Agencies with a strong community policing philosophy such as the Rolling Meadows Police Department, have a different range of functions, such as a greater emphasis on problem-solving activities and holding regular meetings with residents and community organizations.

Effective January 1, 2004, people with qualifying arrests and convictions may petition the court of their sentencing county for an expungement or a sealing of their records. Your criminal record can cause many problems in obtaining employment, professional licensing or funding for college. Here is your chance to start over! When your case is expunged or sealed, it becomes off-limits to everybody except law enforcement agencies. It also means that, when you apply for a job, you don't have to disclose that you have been convicted, arrested or charged. If you were: Arrested but never charged; Charged but never prosecuted; Acquitted; Convicted but your conviction was reversed; or Sentenced to supervision, probation or convicted of a qualifying misdemeanor; You may have your record sealed and/or expunged.

An order of protection can be obtained by contacting the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office at 847-818-2326. You may also seek the assistance of the Rolling Meadows Police Department’s Social Worker Natalia Nieves by calling the non-emergency number at 847-255-2416.

The following is prohibited in Rolling Meadows: Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in any hospital, dwelling, hotel or any other type of residence or of any person in the vicinity is prohibited. The playing of any radio, or any musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, hospital or in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence or of any person in the vicinity is prohibited. The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration or repair, of any building in any residential district or section in any residential district or section, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays-permit required for any other times. The creation of a loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers. Commercial loading or unloading activity within 100 feet of residentially occupied premises, schools, or hospitals is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. It is unlawful for any person who is in possession of or is a record owner of a premises to permit guests, tenants, invitees, visitors or trespassers to Create such noise as disturbs and interrupts the peace, quiet and repose of the neighborhood. Unlawful to amplify music or other sounds to disturb the peace, quiet and repose of the neighborhood.

The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration or repair, of any building in any residential district or section in any residential district or section, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays- A permit is required for any other times.

The Rolling Meadows Police Department accepts most major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard for bonds, however there is a fee for that service in addition to any bond amounts that are imposed.

Cars that are impounded by the Rolling Meadows Police Department are towed to Hillside Towing 120 W University Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. However, prior to any vehicle being released. The owner or operator must go to the Rolling Meadows Police Department to provide proof of a valid license and insurance. Furthermore if the vehicle in question was towed due to an arrest the City of Rolling Meadows requires an administrative fee of $500 prior to the release of the vehicle. The owner may request an administrative hearing to waive the fee within 24 hrs but, MUST have the $500 paid prior to the hearing. All or some of the administrative fee may be refunded to the owner.

You can send a letter to Chief of Police John Nowacki at 3600 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. Or you can go to this link and commend online at: Commend police services. If you do not know the Officer’s name please provide as much detail as you can on the nature of the incident you were involved in and the description of the officer. Please list the specific actions or demeanor that impressed you. Mention the location, date and time the incident occurred.

When a citizen has a complaint against a Police Department employee (sworn or civilian), the complaint is directed to a supervisor. You may file a complaint in writing at the Police Department located at 3600 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, You may also file the complaint online using this link: File a complaint against a police officer or civilian employee  If you have questions please contact 847-255-2416 and ask to speak to a supervisor who will assist you in this process.

In general, anytime you need a police officer to respond right away you should call 911 for either emergency or urgent calls. Rolling Meadows Police Officers are dispatched through Northwest Central Dispatch System. In most cases a person requiring any type of assistance by the police will call 911 in Rolling Meadows. However, 911 Emergency calls can include accidents, crimes in progress, medical emergencies, domestic situations, etc. Urgent calls can include suspicious people, neighborhood disputes that are in progress, loud music from a neighbor, etc. In essence, if something is occurring NOW, call 911. If it is a matter that only requires a question or a concern you are welcome to call the non emergency number at 847-255-2416. All other calls should be directed to 911.

The Rolling Meadows Police Department will respond to handle the incident. As with many agencies, the Rolling Meadows Police Department will utilize agreements with other agencies to assist us. For example, the police departments surrounding Rolling Meadows have banded together and formed the Major Case Assistance Team to respond to such incidents. This task force brings experienced investigators and evidence personnel to assist. This task force would work under the direct supervision of the Rolling Meadows Police Department. Rolling Meadows Police also volunteers officers to this task force to reciprocate and may assist other towns in their investigations. In addition, this team will respond and provide evidence and investigative assistance in major instances to Rolling Meadows Police when requested. In addition to the Major Case Assistance Team, Rolling Meadows is also a member of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System which when activated would assist Rolling Meadows in times of disasters or emergencies requiring a large amount of personnel.

This is a common concern that is heard by all police departments. Proper asset management and planning dictates that you must have more squads than you can have patrolling. There are many reasons for this. We must be prepared as squads require constant maintenance and officers must have vehicles available if one is taken out of service for any length of time. Another reason is that with shift changes and calls for service, it is not uncommon for officers to be late coming in at the end of their shift, and the officer just starting needs a vehicle available to get out and patrol and handle calls. What many outside of police work are unfamiliar with is that there are a lot of administrative duties that officers must perform which requires them to be at the station. In fact, these administrative duties can make up about a third of a police officers time.

You can find out where the event is hosted by checking Coffee with a Cop, or the Cities calendar of events at Rolling Meadows Calendar of Events You can also call the non emergency number at 847-255-2416 or email Sgt. John Manfredi at ManfrediJ@cityrm.org or Officer Jason Everett at EverettJ@cityrm.org

You can fill out a survey form located at here: Survey Within the survey you will be given the opportunity to be contacted or only fill out the form. We do request your information as mandatory to keep false surveys from reaching the department.

Yes, The police department has a Facebook page, Twitter feed, and YouTube channel. You can find more information on our  Social Media Page There you will be able to link to each page the department has.

If you can not find the answer you are looking for please use this form located here: General Inquiries A police representative will get back to you based on the communication need you specify. For example, email vs. phone call.

Traffic enforcement is a very important part of the law enforcement function. The top concern that residents convey to our Police Department is for increased traffic enforcement to address such problems as stop sign violations and speeding vehicles. In addition, there is a direct correlation between the number of traffic tickets issued and the number of traffic accidents that occur.

Moreover, it is not just the property damage loss we are concerned about. We know that by enforcing Illinois traffic laws we are preventing injury and loss of life. After all, if we did not enforce the traffic laws, who would?

It is unlawful for the driver or owner of any vehicle to park a vehicle on any street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Exceptions can be made by contacting the 24 hour Police Service Desk at 847-255-2416. The police department utilizes an online parking request server that immediately notifies the officer that your vehicle is on the overnight list. You can request to park overnight here: Overnight Parking Request Please keep your confirmation number in case you are issued a citation in error.

Parking tickets issued only for violating a handicapped parking space is the only ticket you can contest, and may may be contested by utilizing our mediation process. For contesting this violation, bring the parking ticket to our Police Department’s Service Desk and ask the Desk Officer for a Mediation Form. If you wish to print out and complete the form before coming to the Police Department view the forms section of our website to print out a mediation form. After you complete this form and submit it, it will be reviewed by the issuing Officer who will make a decision as to the validity of your reason for the violation. All other parking violations have an adjudication date that you can appear at and contest the violation, otherwise the violation must be paid prior to the adjudication date on the citation. You will be notified of the decision by mail or phone call of the contested handicap violation.  The cost of the ticket will not increase while your handicap parking complaint is being reviewed.

You may pay your parking ticket at Rolling Meadows City Hall located at 3600 Kirchoff Road. You may pay inside during normal work hours at the main desk in City Hall/Finance Department or you may drop off your payment in the citation/envelope at City Hall. You may also pay your ticket by following this link: Pay a P,C, or A Ticket Online here

The answer is NO to both. You will be cited for unlawful operation of a wireless device. Wireless Device Law

The answer is NO. The law specifically states that the driver must be using a headset or blue-tooth type device that is usually installed within newer vehicles.

Consider the following: Getting pulled over by a police officer can be intimidating, frustrating, and even dangerous for the motorist and the police officer. However, remembering some simple steps will help make your traffic stop as safe and as pleasant as possible. The law states that when a police or fire vehicle using emergency lights and/or sirens approaches, drivers must pull over immediately to the right curb and stop. Respond to the red and blue lights and signal your intentions to let the officer and other motorists know what you plan to do. If the roadway is clear and the officer doesn't pass you, assume that your vehicle is the one being pulled over. Once you’ve stopped, roll down your window so that you may hear any verbal directions from the officer instructing you to move to another location he or she deems safer. Be aware that the violation may have occurred one or two miles before the traffic stop. This delay is due to the fact that most departments have developed strict procedures for officers to follow to ensure your safety and theirs. They are required to give the location, vehicle and occupant description, and license plate to the dispatcher. The officer is also trying to locate the safest place to initiate the stop. Remain in the vehicle unless the officer instructs otherwise. That is safest for you and the officer. Distracted motorists have been known to leave the roadway and strike vehicles or individuals at a traffic stop, causing injury or even death. Listen to the officer and comply with instructions. Drivers often assume they are being stopped for a routine traffic matter, but the officer may be stopping you because your vehicle is similar to one just seen leaving the scene of a crime. Additionally, many people have warrants out for their arrest, are mentally unbalanced, or simply don't like police officers. Many officers have experienced verbal and physical confrontations as a result of traffic stops. Consequently, the officer may initially be acting under the assumption that you are a safety threat. Control over the situation can be accomplished by keeping yourself and your passengers in the vehicle with your hands visible. Generally, the officer will need to converse with only the driver. Have your passengers remain in their seats and quiet unless the officer addresses them directly. If it's a case of mistaken identity, you'll be on your way as soon as it's cleared up. If it's a traffic stop, the officer will request your driver's license, registration and insurance card. The officer may allow you to explain your actions; if so, you should speak calmly. If the officer saw you commit the violation, your statement may not be necessary. If your complaint is about the validity of the citation, then it must be handled through the courts. If the contact was unprofessional, complain to the police department. Police departments have procedures for lodging complaints against officers. Departments want to know if there's a problem with an officer. If you comply with the rationale behind an officer's actions by following these steps, a traffic stop can be a pleasant experience.

Under Illinois Vehicle Code section 625 Failure to Yield to Authorized Emergency Vehicle, ANY vehicle, other than the emergency vehicle, must pull over to the right hand edge of the curb, clear any intersection they may be in, and come to a stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Any vehicle making a turn must also do the same when safe to do so to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. Any pedestrian must proceed to the nearest curb and stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed.

The driver of any vehicle should respond to the uniformed person who is waving their arms. There may be some physical damage to the roadway, there may be equipment that is blocking the right of way, there could be overhead wires down in the roadway,measurements are being taken to document a collision, or emergency equipment is responding to the scene, or any other good example, and the uniformed person waving their arms is trying to get your attention.

If you want to report a reckless driver that is in progress – call 911. Try to obtain the vehicle description, registration information, and any information about the driver. If the careless driving is NOT in progress, call the non-emergency number at 847-255-2416 or appear in person at the police department. Again, obtain as much information about the vehicle and driver as you possibly can.

NO

Simply call the non-emergency number at 847-255-2416 and ask to speak to Commander Fior or Commander Spanos

If you received a red light camera violation and you do not wish to contest the violation please go to https://secure.redlightviolations.com/ Please note: Illinois Law dictates the vehicle MUST come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn on red. In other words, if your vehicles tires DO NOT come to a complete stop (not rolling, slowing before turn without stopping, yielding prior to the turn, etc..) this is the reason you received the citation. Be advised that all of the red light tickets are viewed by a police officer, not a company representative. Therefore, if you did not stop like Illinois law requires this is why you received the citation. If you decide that you wish to contest the violation you may appear at an adjudication hearing where an Adjudicator will listen to your case and view the video of your violation. All adjudication hearings are held in the City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 3600 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. at 2 pm on the date you received.

Yes, As of January 2011, Illinois law prohibits any community from charging additional fees.

No, Seeing a flash does not mean a ticket is generated. The camera DOES NOT automatically send out tickets. All digital evidence including video is reviewed by a Rolling Meadows Police Officer. He or she shall decide if a citation is warranted based on the evidence that is presented through the video and if the vehicle came to a COMPLETE stop, or entered the intersection as the light changed to yellow then red.

Traffic studies show that red light violations is a problem at several intersections within the City. The goal of this program is to change driver behavior by encouraging compliance with traffic signal laws through around the clock enforcement.

The Rolling Meadows Police Department is committed to the safety of their students and residents, but no community can afford to police every school bus. This would create a safety hazard for the violator and other person’s inn the area. When the officer would chase the violator who passes the stop arm on the school bus think of the children either boarding or getting off the bus at the time. 

This is a civil penalty so no points are assessed and insurance rates are not affected. Like a Parking ticket, violations are issued to the vehicle’s registered owner regardless of who was driving the vehicle at the time the violation was captured.

Laws regarding rental properties and eviction proceedings can be complicated. Most small property owners operate their rental unit as an investment and may not have the background, information, or experience that would assist them in preventing or dealing with problems on their property. The city has had several cases related to rental condos or rental single-family homes where drug sales, criminal gang activity (including Aggravated Assault/Battery) and severe nuisance problems have adversely impacted the quality of life in the neighborhood and the property owner was unaware or unable to quickly or effectively resolve the matter. One has no way of knowing if the next renter will become a nightmare for you and the community. The Crime Free Multi-Housing program can help you be prepared to prevent problems or be ready to quickly and effectively deal with problems should they occur.

The Crime Free Multi-Housing program was developed in 1992 by the Mesa, Arizona Police Department. The International Crime Free Multi-Housing Program have spread to nearly 2,000 cities in 44 U.S. states, 5 Canadian Provinces, Mexico, England, Finland, Japan, Russia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Puerto Rico.

The information contained in the seminar is a compilation of experience and proven methods from professional rental property managers, lawyers, and police officers.

Seminar topics include:

Explanation of the City of Rolling Meadows residential rental ordinance
Overview of community policing and city resources available to assist you
Explanation of the Crime Free Lease Addendum with samples provided
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) overview
Combating Crime Problems
Dealing with Non-Compliance
Applicant Screening (Background Checks)
Active Property Management and Working with the Police
City of Rolling Meadows rental issues/inspections/miscellaneous ordinances
USB workbook and additional valuable handouts and resource information

In an effort to provide the rental property owner, agent or manager an opportunity to attend the seminar with the least amount of difficulty, we will offer sessions every month.  Seminars are scheduled on Saturdays.  Please visit our website http://www.cityrm.org/formcenter/crime-free-registration-10/crime-free-multihousing-seminaronline-57 to register online.  If you have any questions contact Program Coordinator Officer Jason Everett, at 847-870-2649, or email everettj@cityrm.org.

Not necessarily. If you live out of state, you undoubtedly have a local individual that handles matters for you related to the rental property. With this in mind, the ordinance does state the rental property owner OR agent (manager), shall attend a CFMH seminar.

You (or your agent or designee) need to attend only one seminar regardless of the number of rental units that you own or operate in the city.

No. Thorough applicant screening is recommended and discussed in the seminar, however, the ordinance does not require criminal background checks.

Not necessarily. The ordinance does require the use of a Crime Free Lease Addendum or similar wording in the body of the lease that makes criminal activity a cause for eviction. The ordinance does allow the city to require an eviction based on the severity for one criminal act. It also provides the rental property owner/manager the tool and ability to deal with a problem when needed. The Crime Free Lease Addendum was developed by HUD and is used in section 8 leases utilized by housing authorities. Evictions based on this concept were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 (see Oakland Housing Authority v. Rucker and Department of Housing and Urban Development v. Rucker).

No. The Federal Fair Housing Act, which is discussed during the seminar and contained in the workbook, has seven protected classes. The seven protected classes relate to a persons race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap (disability). A person’s behavior is not a protected class. The ordinance is intended to deal with a tenant’s or tenants friends and associates criminal or excessive nuisance behavior that is impacting the health, safety, or quality of life of a neighborhood regardless of the tenant’s race, ethnic background, or income status. Would you like to live next to a drug dealer, gang member, or renter that has loud and drunken parties every weekend?

A rental property, regardless of size, is in fact a business operation. While the city has the power to declare certain businesses and non-rental residential properties as nuisance, it has the right and responsibility to do the same for troublesome rental properties. The ordinance is designed to provide education and tools to rental property owners that will assist them and empower them to reduce the chances of problems and be prepared to quickly and effectively deal with problem tenants. This will not only assist the city and local neighborhoods, but may also protect the rental property owner from potential loss of rent during a protracted eviction and costly repairs to damaged units.

No. With over 1500 apartments and over 900 single unit rental licenses (condos, single family homes, etc.) it is not possible to track every single incident. However, the units that become excessive in nature by virtue of the type of criminal activity or amount of nuisance activity (as noted in the ordinance) that impacts the quality of life of a neighborhood will be notified. The owners that actively work with the police department in an attempt to resolve the problem should have no concern. The city will not automatically suspend or revoke a rental license for a property that meets the nuisance standard. The city manager, upon specific recommendation, may review the situation and may suspend or recommend revocation for a small percentage of rental property owners who fail to attempt to resolve problems on their property.

YES!!! Crime and drug infested properties around the country have seen dramatic decreases in calls for police service after CFMH was implemented. The City of Rolling Meadows Crime Free Multi-Housing Program was started in 2012. Since then, we have experienced a substantial decrease in calls for police service in 3 of our major rental properties.  It is apparent that the efforts of our CFMH program working with rental property managers along with our beat officers and specialty units have been effective. Additionally, there is a push to have several if not all rental apartment communities either certified or becoming certified in the CFMH program. The program solicits the interest of Homeowners Associations to adopt the principals of CFMH in their rules and regulations to deal with the number of rental (non-owner occupied) units in their associations.

American Heart Association Basic and Healthcare Provider CPR-AED classes are taught the 3rd Wednesday of every month, except December. 

6:00 PM to 9:00 PM  

Fire Station 16 - 2340 Hicks Road

 Cost: $40.00

MEDICAL RECORDS/Patient Care Reports and Ambulance Bills

Patients transported to the hospital by a Rolling Meadows Ambulance can request their Medical Records from the Rolling Meadows Fire Department by submitting a request in writing to FD@cityrm.org.

NFIRS REPORTS/Fire Incident Reports

A request for a Rolling Meadows fire incident report must be made in writing by sending the request to FD@cityrm.org.   

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Rolling Meadows Fire Department at 847-397-3352.

There are several reasons for sanitary sewer laterals and main sewer lines to back-up: These reasons include: tree roots enter through open joints in the pipes; grease can clog sewer pipes and stick to tree roots; flushing items down the toilet, such as, paper towels, rags, wipes, etc.; improper contractor installation; and surcharging of pipes caused by rain events.

The City was developed prior to many of the storm water codes that regulate our areas today.  If you have water in your rear yard and your home is not in danger of flooding, the City requires that you wait 48 hours after the rain event has ended to contact the Public Works Department – if the water is still standing.  If your home is in danger of flooding, please contact Public Works at 847-963-0500, or the Police non-emergency number for after hour calls, at 847-255-2416.  Please note, Public Works will not be typically be able  to respond to standing water issues that are not endangering property (house) until 48 hours after a rain event has ended, due to other priorities caused by the rain event.

Rolling Meadows Public Works observes the following holidays: New Year's Day Memorial Day 4th of July Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

The City of Rolling Meadows has contracted Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) to manage the Cross-Connection Control Program. BSI has experience managing these programs across the country, with many of their accounts being located in the Chicagoland area.

Your backflow prevention device MUST be tested annually. BSI will mail you a letter (to non-residential backflow assembly addresses only) 30 days prior to your due date to remind you of your upcoming required inspection, and once again a day after if they do not receive an inspection report on the due date.

Backflow prevention devices may be tested by a State of Illinois licensed plumber who is also certified by the IEPA as a Cross Connection Device Inspector (CCDI).

Your tester is responsible for returning signed inspection reports to BSI through their website. The inspection report must be submitted within 5 calendar days of when the test was completed. Testers should provide their customers with proof that the reports were submitted.

If your backflow prevention device fails the inspection, it must be either repaired or replaced. In order to replace your backflow prevention device, you are required to apply for a permit from the City’s Community Development Division, located at city hall.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain testing and incur the costs that may come with testing.

In order to remove a backflow device, you must apply for a plumbing permit from the Community Development Division, located at city hall. Public Works officials will then be prompted to inspect your plumbing and determine whether or not you are able to relocate, replace, or remove your backflow device.

If you fail to get your device tested within the annual test date, you shall be summoned to adjudication for violating city code. The ordinances pertaining to Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention may be found on the City website under the “Government” tab, then “Rolling Meadows Code of Ordinances”. Once you have been directed to the Ordinance page, you may scroll down until you find “Chapter 110 – Utilities”, and proceed down to “Article IV. – Water.” followed by “Division 3. – Cross-Connection Control”.

As mentioned previously, you are required to have your device tested once per year in attempt to protect not only the city’s public water supply, but your home’s plumbing as well.

If you find yourself in need of additional assistance, you may contact BSI at (800) 414-4990.

Some street lights are the responsibility of the City and some are the responsibility of other agencies, such as Cook County, the Illinois Department of Transportation, or Commonwealth Edison. As a general rule if the light is mounted to a wooden pole it is the property of Commonwealth Edison, and if the pole is metal it would be owned by the City, County, or State.

In any event, the most convenient way to report a street light out, downed sign, pothole, or other issues is to go the the City’s website, www.cityrm.org and select the Citizen Request https://www.cityrm.org/RequestTracker.aspx in the center/right of the front page, or call 847-963-0500 with the location of the pole.  If you believe it is a Commonwealth Edison light pole, you can contact them at 1-800-Edison1 or at www.comed.com.

The right-of-way (ROW) is public property that includes any public thoroughfare such as a street, road, or alley.  It also usually includes adjacent median, curbs, ditches and culverts, parkways and parkway trees, utility poles, sidewalks, and driveway aprons, which is the section of all driveways between the street curb and the property line. Improvements located underground in the ROW include stormwater mechanisms, water mains, and sanitary sewers, as well as other public utility and cable lines.  The ROW typically starts 12-18” from the edge of the public sidewalk nearest the residence or business and continues to the same point on the opposite side of the street. The exact location of the ROW boundary line can only be determined by locating buried property survey stakes, obtaining the information from your plat of survey, or hiring a licensed surveyor to establish new property survey markers.  Rights-of-way can fall under City, County, or State jurisdiction.  In Rolling Meadows, the following roads are in part or fully NOT within the City’s jurisdiction: Algonquin Road, Golf Road, Euclid Road, Plum Grove Road, Meacham Road, and Hicks Road.

Parkways are generally the grass strips between the roadway curb and the sidewalk located in the ROW.

Permits are required for all work that is to be completed within the right-of-way as defined above. Any time an individual, property owner, contractor, or utility company needs to perform above or below groundwork within the City-owned ROW, a ROW permit is required. In some circumstances, a City building permit may be required instead of a ROW permit.

Utility installation, modification, or repair; such as electric, fiber optics, phone lines, cable lines, gas, or Small Cell wireless antennas.

• Water main (or service)
• Stormwater system or sanitary sewer connection or repair.
• Sidewalk construction or repair.
• Lawn irrigation systems.
• Constructing a new or replacing or reconstructing an existing driveway apron.

Contact Community Development for more information on these types of projects.

Please note, regulations still apply for work performed within the right-of-way, even when a permit is not required.

Obtaining a permit ensures that all new work conducted within the City’s ROW meets all applicable regulations and does not interfere with existing above or below ground infrastructure, or pose a danger to the general public or the individuals performing the work. Permits also ensure that grass and other landscaping is restored to the same or better conditions as before the work was performed. Lastly, the City uses permit data to update its records on what exists in the ROW to avoid unnecessary or unforeseen costs during emergencies and routine maintenance.

Unless it is a small cell wireless application, a completed right-of-way general application must be filled out, as well as the top portion of the general fee schedule document (Work address, applicant’s name, address, phone number, working for, and owner or contractor). Small cell wireless applicants must fill out the Small Cell Wireless Application as well as the top portion of the general fee schedule document (Work address, applicant’s name, address, phone number, working for, and owner or contractor).  

Every applicant must also submit all required supporting documents for the project; including a proposed map or design of where the work is occurring, materials for the project, scope of the project, a copy of the contractor’s certificate of insurance, a traffic plan, and structural calculations stamped by a design professional (if applicable).

There are some areas within Rolling Meadows that the State and/or County own and maintain. City permits for work in those ROWs are not required, but State or County permits may be required.  The website at IL Road Jurisdiction-IDOT provides a color-coded map that identifies who owns and maintains each roadway within the City of Rolling Meadows. City staff can provide further assistance by e-mailing a request to ROWpermits@cityrm.org to assist with the identification of who owns and maintains the street. Be sure to provide the address or any other locational information in your request.

You can submit a permit application electronically via email by sending the application and project documents to ROWpermits@cityrm.org , or you can send them via U.S. mail to:

Rolling Meadows Public Works Department

Attention: ROW Permits

3900 Berdnick Street

Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

All permits are good for 180 days from the issuance of the approved permit. If this timeline cannot be met, the City can consider requests for extensions by sending a request to ROWpermits@cityrm.org.

Each project is different, so City staff will provide information about what inspections are required for each permit. These inspection requirements are noted on the approved permit. Most projects need a pre-and post- (final) inspection.  All inspection requests require a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the desired time. If a project is removing any hardscape such as a sidewalk or a portion of a driveway, a pre-pour and final inspection for the concrete or asphalt will need to be scheduled. Approved construction plans (including traffic plans) and issued permits must be available on-site and accessible to an inspector upon request during an inspection.  Please have the permit number, location, and contact information available when requesting to schedule an inspection. 

To schedule an inspection please call the Community Development Division at 847-506-6030

It is unlawful to injure any public tree located in the ROW parkway.  Any excavation under the overhead tree canopy (drip line) requires approval from the City Forester before any work can begin. A site visit can be scheduled and the City Forester can be reached at 847-963-0500. Please see the Municipal Code for Chapter 14 Vegetation on the City’s Website for more information.

The Director of Public Works or designee shall have the authority to determine the excavation limits and methods to be used, or to grant exemptions from the requirements (when warranted or in his/her discretion is deemed to be an unusual circumstance), and to suspend or terminate construction that deviates from approved plans. The Director of Public Works or designee has the authority to determine when unavoidable damage to tree roots is substantial enough to cause the tree to be unstable and/or hazardous, therefore warranting removal and replacement of the tree at the applicant’s cost.

During certain types of construction work, the applicants may be required to place tree fencing as determined by the City Forester to prevent long-term health concerns or injury to the trees. All tree guards are subject to approval by the City Forester or designee.

No person or utility shall be granted a permit to excavate or open any street or sidewalk from November 15^th of each year to April 1^st of the following year unless an emergency or special condition exists and permission is obtained in writing from the City. Any person or utility wishing to obtain an excavation permit between the aforementioned dates shall first explain fully, in writing, the nature of the emergency situation to the City before permission is granted. If a hazardous condition, which would endanger life and/or property exists, excavation work shall not be delayed. However, a written explanation shall be delivered to the City as soon as possible and an excavation permit obtained for the opening made by the following day.

Yes, any contractor or subcontractor doing work within the City of Rolling Meadows must have an active contractor license with the City of Rolling Meadows before any work commences. This is also needed for companies doing work for utilities under franchise agreements as well.  The contractor’s licenses may be obtained by going to the Community Development Division and filing the appropriate paperwork before any work commences.

Yes. Any contractor doing work in the right of way needs to provide the City a certificate of insurance that meets the following requirements:

• Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury.
• Property damage and $1,000,000 per occurrence for personal injury. The general aggregate shall be twice the required occurrence limit. Minimum General Aggregate shall be no less than $2,000,000 or a project/contract specific aggregate of $1,000,000.
• Owners and Contractors Protective Liability (OCP): $1,000,000 combined single limit.
• Automobile liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
• Compensation limits as required by the Labor Code of Illinois and Employers' Liability limits of $1,000,000 per accident.
• The Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insured under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates of insurance and endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverage for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein.
• The Contractor shall provide an ISO form #CG20-12 or equivalent per insurance company state filing, naming the City of Rolling Meadows as their interest may occur.

A surety bond will also be required to protect the City against failure to restore the right-of-way. The amount will depend on the scope and type of work being completed, and the amount will be communicated as part of the right-of-way permit approval. The bond shall be released to the permit holder upon the expiration of the guarantee period. The guarantee period shall be for a period of two years following the satisfactory completion of the permitted work. During the guarantee period, the applicant shall be responsible for the restoration, repair, and maintenance of their work

No. You will continue to receive a single bill from ComEd each month. “MC Squared Energy Services” will be designated as your supplier in the “Supply” section of your ComEd bill. ComEd will continue to bill you for distribution services and taxes. Payments should still be sent to ComEd at the address provided and how you pay your bill will not change. There is no impact to ComEd services such as Budget Billing, Peak Time Savings and/or financial assistance.

No. There is no termination fee; you are only obligated to pay for services rendered under the contract until your service is terminated. You may cancel at any time by calling MC² at (855) 697-0286, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No. There are no enrollment or switching fees.

State law allows municipalities to "shop" for electricity on behalf of residential and small business customers through a competitive bidding process with alternative energy suppliers (other than ComEd).

ComEd continues to deliver energy to all customers and is responsible for outages, emergencies and other problems.  Call 800-334-7661 or visit www.comed.com.

No.  Electricity provided by MC² is delivered through existing transmissions and distribution systems maintained by ComEd. The switch is seamless.

If the City decides to end the program upon the contract's completion, all accounts served by MC² will revert to ComEd. City leaders may also choose a different energy provider.

MC² is required by law to send letters to all eligible participants to notify them of the new agreement terms and to provide them with the option to "OPT OUT" or "OPT IN" before the City of Rolling Meadows enrollments become effective. 

This is normal and part of the program. If you received this letter, it is either because:

• You participate in a program such as hourly pricing, net metering (for solar panels), or community solar where your pricing or participation may change if you move to MC²; or,
• MC² does not believe it can supply energy for your account more efficiently than ComEd.

You are still supporting our electricity aggregation program even if you remain on ComEd service.

MC² will automatically enroll you in the type of service that is most advantageous to our electricity aggregation program. No action is necessary. If you were not moved to MC² service but you wish to explicitly opt-in to have MC² serve as your electric provider, you must take action to enroll. Visit www.mc2energyservices.com/special (enter promo code "Rolling Meadows") or call (833) 879-0713, Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. If you wish to enroll, you will never pay more than the ComEd rate. There are no enrollment or early termination fees.

If you received an opt-out letter but do not wish to have MC² serve as your electric provider, you must take action. You received a postage-prepaid reply card with your opt-out letter that you can return to MC². You may also call  (833) 879-0713 , Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm or email rollingmeadows@mc2energyservices.com. However, if at any time you wish to return to ComEd service, there is no termination fee.

MC Squared Energy Services, LLC (MC²) is the only vendor endorsed by the City of Rolling Meadows. Any solicitor who comes to your door or calls asking you to switch to a new supplier is not associated with the City of Rolling Meadows' Electrical Aggregation Program, MC² or ComEd.

Marketers may visit your home or call you with the goal of switching you to a different electricity supplier. Some of these marketers may be aggressive and may misrepresent themselves to you, offering a "utility rebate program" that could result in your electricity supply being priced much higher than the ComEd rate after a short-term "teaser" rate. The Illinois Attorney General recently negociated a $2.65 million settlement with a retail energy marketing company based in part on allegations of aggressive marketing claims. 

Here are some simple steps that yo ucan take to avoid becoming a victim of an energy scam:

• Do not give your ComEd bill to anyone at your door.
• Do not tell anyone your ComEd account number at the door or by phone.
• Don't say "yes" to a marketer calling, even if they ask you if this is your name or any other similar question.
• Call the police if you think someone is trying to scam you.
• Do not be pressured. Just shut the door or hang up!
• Place a "No Solicitors Invited" sign on your door.