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9-1-1 Center

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1. When should I call the non-emergency number?

The non-emergency number can be used for many reasons, but should mainly be called for inquiries. The 9-1-1 center non-emergency phone number is (847) 587-3100.

If you feel you are in danger, someone is injured or you see suspicious activity please call 9-1-1 immediately.

2. Why do 9-1-1 operators ask so many questions?

Our goal is your safety and the safety of the responders. To achieve this goal we need to have a clear picture of what is occurring. We start off every call with the basic questions:

• Where is the incident taking place
• What is the problem - tell me exactly what happened
• What is the phone number you are calling from

Based on the incident type it is likely that more questions will be asked. Please be patient, as safety for all parties involved is our goal.

3. When I call 9-1-1 on my cell I am not always connected to the right community. Why is that?

When calling 9-1-1 on your cellular phone your call is received by a cellular tower. The call will be sent to the 9-1-1 center that specific tower location is pointing at. If the tower is busy the call with be picked up by one of the non-busy towers. This is done to ensure that your call is being answered. A 9-1-1 operator will ask your location and if a transfer is needed they will do so quickly.

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Administration Department

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1. What are your hours of operation?

The Village of Fox Lake is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

2. Who does our garbage service?

Waste Management is our contract Waste Hauler Company. If you have any questions, regarding the garbage service, including problems with the service, schedule a special pick up, or you would like to know what day your garbage will be picked up you can contact them directly at 800-796-9696.

3. When are the Village Board Meetings?

The Village Board Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. The meetings start at 6:30 pm in the Council Chamber at the Village Hall.

4. Where can I register to vote?

Voter’s registration can be done in-person at the Village Hall. Please bring one photo ID and one ID with your current address and the Deputy Clerk will register you for voter registration. For more ways to register click here.

5. How do I file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?

FOIA request forms are available online and in the lobby of the Village Hall, 66 Thillen Drive. Once completed, they may be submitted in person, via fax 847-587-2237, via mail or via email at FOIA@foxlake.org

6. How many animals are allowed per household?

The Village ordinance states a maximum of two (2) dogs and four (4) cats of an age greater than four (4) months may be owned, kept or harbored in an individual residence. Additionally, no more than four (4) hens shall be allowed for each single-family dwelling, except if the lot is one acre or more, then eight (8) hens shall be allowed.

7. How much is it to park at the train station?

Daily paid parking is $1.50 a day. We do offer monthly and quarterly parking passes for $30.00 and $90.00 respectively. Applications are available online as well as at the Village Hall.

8. Do I need a dog license?

Yes. You can purchase one through the Village Hall for $5.00. The village tags are valid from July 1 of the current year to June 30 the following year. Any dog over the age of 4 months needs to have the rabies tag number in order for us to issue the dog tag.

9. Can I have a garage sale?

Yes. You are allowed two (2) garage sales per calendar year. They can be held up to three (3) consecutive days.

10. Is a permit required for a garage sale?

Yes. You can request a garage sale permit at the Village Hall. The cost is $5.00 for each sale.  

11. Can I get a Handicap parking placard ?

No the Village is not an authorized agency. You can contact Grant Township at 847-740-2233 or Antioch Township at 847-935-3378 for assistance.

12. Where do I park to ride the train?

We currently have four parking lots for Fox Lake and one for Ingleside. The lots are located at 23 South St, the corner of Oak St. and Nippersink Blvd, along the tracks on Nippersink Blvd and across E Grand Ave on Nippersink. Ingleside has only the parking at the train depot.

13. Do I need a Business license in Fox Lake?

In a business or commercial location you will need a Business license. Currently the Village does not license a home business, there is a process in place for approval of home businesses through the Plan Commission. Applications are available at the Village Hall. The business packet contains the application letter, business security form, application and the business registration form. The business registration form needs to be completed and approved by the Building Commissioner for verification the zoning is appropriate for the business. Upon approval the Administration Office will accept the business application for processing.

14. Do I need a license for a Taxi company?

Yes, a license is required and approvals are required by the Fox Lake Police Department.

15. Where can I acquire a Tag Day license?

Submit completed, notarized application to the Deputy Clerk’s Office located within the Village Hall at 66 Thillen Drive. Please contact the Deputy Clerk at 847-587-3947 with any questions.

Tag Day Application

16. Where can I obtain a Liquor license?

Liquor License availability, requirements and application packet are available from the Office of the Deputy Clerk located within the Village Hall, 66 Thillen Drive. Contact the Deputy Clerk at 847-587-3947 with questions.

17. What facilities are available for renting?

Visit the facility rental page for information or call Village Hall at (847) 587-2151

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Community Development and Building Department

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1. How can I obtain a building permit?

Miscellaneous building permits can be obtained from our application and forms portal. For new construction or additions, please obtain a building packet from the Building Department: 66 Thillen Dr. Fox Lake, IL 60020 Please allow at least one week for permits to be processed. New construction and addition permits will have a longer processing time.

2. How long is a build permit good for?

Building permits are good for six months. Permits can be renewed for an additional six months, provided that construction began within the first six months, and it is renewed prior to the expiration date of the original permit. There is no charge for the first renewal.

3. How will I know when my building permit is approved?

The Building Department will contact you once the permit is approved. The permit can then be paid for and picked up.

4. What forms of payment are accepted by the Building Department?

The Village of Fox Lake accepts cash, checks, Visa or MasterCard.

5. What are the Building Department's hours of operation?

The Building Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

6. Where is the Building Department located?

Fox Lake Building Department
66 Thillen Dr.
Fox Lake, IL 60020

7. What is the Building Department phone number?

The Building Department direct phone number is (847) 587-3176.

8. Does the Building Department have a copy of my plat of survey?

The Building Department may have a copy of your plat of survey. Please contact our office to verify at (847) 587-3176. For new construction and addition permits a new plat of survey must be submitted with the application. The Village of Fox Lake is not responsible for permit applications submitted with an outdated plat of survey.

9. Is my property in a flood plain?

Property owners may use the following toll-free numbers to obtain information about flood mapping:

• (877) 336-2627 – Flood mapping questions


• (800) 358-9616 – Map Service Center


• (800) 358-9620 – Fax line


• (800) 427-4661 – Flood insurance questions

10. How do I file a complaint about a property?

To file a complaint about a work site or property, please call the Building and Community Development Department at (847) 587-3176.

11. Does the Village of Fox Lake require a real estate transfer tax or inspection?

No, the Village of Fox Lake does not have a real estate transfer tax or inspection requirement.

12. What hours are construction work allowed?

Work shall not commence prior to seven (7:00) A.M. and shall cease at eight (8:00) P.M. Monday - Saturday, and ten (10:00) A.M. to five (5:00) P.M. on Sundays/legal holidays.

13. Can a homeowner be their own general contractor?

Yes, a homeowner can act as their own general contractor and a homeowner can complete work on his or her property. No bonding requirements or certificate of insurance is needed. The homeowner assumes all liability for the project.

14. What requirements are needed for a renter to apply for a building permit?

The renter needs a handwritten and notarized approval form from the property owner to submit with the permit application.

15. What are the requirements for contractors?

Electrical contractors must supply a copy of their License and an original Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) listing the Village of Fox Lake. Plumbing contractors must supply a copy of the ’055 License, Letter of Intent and an original Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) listing the Village of Fox Lake. Roofing contractors must supply a copy of their License and an original Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.) listing the Village of Fox Lake. All other contractors must supply an original  Surety Bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.). 

16. Do I need a permit for a dumpster?

No, but the dumpster must be located on private property. Dumpsters on public property or in the parkway can be cited with an ordinance violation.

17. When can I burn yard waste?

Burning of leaves and branches is allowed from April 1 to June 1 and September 1 to December 1. All burns must be located at least 30 feet from any structure.

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Public Works Department

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1. When does the Street Department pick up brush and branches?

Brush pick up will begin when Spring weather permits, and will be picked up every Friday until Fall. The branches must be from trimming done by the homeowner, not a tree service. Please call the Street Department at 847-587-8570 to be placed on the list for pickup. Please follow the guidelines below:
All cut ends facing the street.
No limbs longer than 6 feet in length.
No limbs larger than 6" in diameter.
Stacked neatly at the curb, not piled into a messy heap; stacked piles of brush cannot exceed 4’ x 6’.

2. How should I dispose of my used paint / electronics?

For information about disposing used paint and electronics, please contact SWALCO at (847) 336-9340.

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Water / Sewer / Refuse Billing

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1. What do I do if I am selling or buying a home in Fox Lake?

If selling your home, please click on the link below and submit the Final Bill Request. Additionally, you can have your realtor or attorney contact us directly at 847.587.3945 and we will provide them with the form via email or fax. Completed forms can be emailed to utilitybilling@foxlake.org, faxed to 847-587-2237 or dropped off at the Village Hall. Please provide information at least 2 days prior to closing.

2. How, when & where can I pay my bill?

We offer many modes of making payment to your account. We accept cash, check, Visa, Master Card, Discover, Money Order, Certified Check or Cashiers Check. 

• Pay through the mail to: Village of Fox Lake 66 Thillen Drive, Fox Lake, IL 60020. 
• Pay online through this website. Click Online Bill Pay from the homepage. 
• Pay in person Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the Village Hall. 
• Pay 24 hours a day/7 days a week using our Night Drop Box, located in front of the Village Hall or by calling the PSN automated system at 877-885-7968.  
• Sign up for Direct Debit and we can automatically debit your checking account on the exact due date that your balance is due. Please submit the Direct Debit paperwork to the Utility Billing Clerk at the Village Hall to get signed up.

3. How often am I billed for my utility services?

Utility bills are sent out on the 15th of the month for a two month service period. Volo residents are billed for a four month period.

4. What services am I being billed for?

Refuse service is available to all residential units, therefore it is billed accordingly. The location of the property will determine whether your are billed for water, local sewer, regional sewer and/or the Excess Flow Surcharge.

5. Is my bill for actual water usage, estimated or something else?

All bills are based upon an actual water usage reading. However, from time to time the Water and Sewer Department may have trouble retrieving a reading from your meter and as such an estimated reading is necessary. If that is the case, your bill will indicate that the consumption being reported is an estimate. Under these circumstances, a follow-up letter is sent to the property owner requesting an appointment to inspect the water meter.

6. When is my bill due?

Each bill is due by 5:00 PM 1 month from the date that you are billed. For example, if you are billed on January 15th then your payment is due in full by February 15th..

7. How do I sign up for automatic Direct Debit payment?

Stop by the Village Hall, pick up an application, complete it, attach a voided check and return it right there, or complete the direct debit application,then return it via mail, drop box or in person at the Village Hall. 

* Please remember to include a voided check.

Direct Debit Application

8. What do I do if I have to change my billing information?

Please provide all change of address requests in writing.
- You may notate on the payment stub when you make payment to your account.
- You may fax your request to 847.587.2237
- Mail requests to the Village of Fox Lake at 66 Thillen Drive Fox Lake, IL 60020
- E-mail requests to utilitybilling@foxlake.org

9. What do I do if I am renting out my home?

We can only bill the owners of the property. However, renters can still make payments to the Utility account and sign-up for Direct Debit as well.

10. What do I do if my bill seems too high?

If your bill seems too high, please first check for running water, leaks, or dripping faucets. A leak of only 1/8 inch can produce a daily loss of 2,800+ gallons of water. If it doesn’t appear as if there is a reason for the high water usage, then please contact the Utility Billing Department immediately at 847.587.3945.

11. Why am I billed for sewer service from Lakes Region Sanitary District and water service from Fox Lake?

In some areas of Fox Lake Lake County provides sewer service. They bill their customers directly for the sewer service. The Village of Fox Lake then bills for water. The Lake County number is 847-377-7500.

12. Why am I billed for water service from Volo and sewer service from Fox Lake?

Residents from the Village of Volo do not have a sewage treatment plant and therefore have contracted with the Village of Fox Lake to receive sewer service.

13. How do I get a duplicate copy of my bill?

You may call or stop by the Village Hall to request a copy of a particular bill.

14. Who do I contact if my garbage or recycling isn’t picked up?

Refuse and recycling pick-up service is provided by Waste Management. You may reach Waste Management at 800.796.9696.

15. What happens if I do not make my payment by the due date?

If your payment is not received in our office by the due date, then a 10% penalty is added to the balance. If the payment continues to remain unpaid 30 days after the bill due date, another 10% penalty of the current charges balance will be added to the account balance. If the account remains delinquent, then a hearing occurs and an additional $50.00 fee is added to the account balance as well as a $25 administrative fee applies. After the Termination Notice deadline has passed, Water and/or Sewer service may be discontinued and a disconnection fee of at least $200 may be added to the balance as well as other associated fees.

16. How may I contact the Utility Billing Department?

We are located at the Village Hall at 66 Thillen Drive, Fox Lake.
Telephone: 847.587.3945
Fax: 847.587.2237
Email: utilitybilling@foxlake.org

17. How can I view my current bill?

Your account balance can be viewed online. Select On-line Bill Pay from the home page. You will be prompted to enter your account number and owner name. This will allow you to view an account with a balance due.