Frequently Asked Questions

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Job openings are listed on the Job Postings Page.

No. We only accept applications and resumes for open posted positions.

Yes. You must submit a separate application for each posted position in which you are interested.

No. Due to the volume of applications we receive, and the need for current information, we do not keep applications and resumes on file. If you recently applied for the same job, you will be required to submit a new application and resume for the new posting.

Most job postings include a closing date when applications will no longer be accepted. After the closing date, Human Resources will screen applicants for the minimum qualifications. Qualified applicants will be reviewed with the department hiring manager. Candidates whose qualifications best meet the department's needs will be contacted for testing and / or interviews. The process may take 2 to 4 weeks from the closing date to the scheduling of testing and/or interviews depending on the number of applications received and other factors. Only candidates selected for testing and/or interviews will be contacted.

No. Due to the volume of applications we receive and our available resources, only those candidates selected for testing and/or interviews will be contacted.

No. Due to available resources and the volume of applications we receive, it is not feasible to give every qualified candidate an opportunity to test and/or interview. Departments select only those candidates they feel are the best qualified and most closely meet the needs of the position.

Applications will continue to be accepted for the position until a suitable candidate is selected and accepts an offer of employment. For these positions, it is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible since applications are reviewed as soon as they are received and the vacancy may close without any advance notice. These positions may take more than 4 weeks before candidates are contacted for testing and / or interviews.

Individuals needing disability-related accommodations for testing or interviews should request them at the time you are contacted or by contacting the Human Resources Department at 779-348-7155.

No. All applications and resumes must be submitted to the Human Resources Department for consideration via the online application program. Applications and resumes received by departments are forwarded to Human Resources. The additional step may result in an application being received after the closing date.

The Human Resources Department is located at City Hall, 1st Floor, 425 E State Street, Rockford, IL 61104.

In the interest of your health, safety, and welfare, permits allow the enforcement of codes which have been adopted by law by the State or City through plan review and inspections of your project. If the construction or remodeling in your home or business does not comply with code requirements, your investment and your health, safety, and welfare may be reduced. City of Rockford inspectors and plans examiners are trained and certified through a nationally recognized certification program for the duties they perform. Because of training and occupation, inspectors and plans examiners maintain current and specialized knowledge of code requirements, unlike any other profession.

42 inches below grade.

30 per square foot.

No more than 2 layers of any kind of roofing, other than wood shake, slate, clay or cement, which permit only 1 layer.

Construction documents provide details of equipment and systems to be installed. Review of documents allows determination if code requirements will be met before construction begins. Modifications to documents requires less time and is less expensive than revisions to completed installations.

Detached single family dwellings and two family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories plus a basement in height are not required to have construction documents prepared by a design professional. New construction (including additions) for all other types of structures are required by State law to have construction documents prepared, sealed, signed and dated by an Illinois licensed design professional. Alterations and change of use/occupancy in other than 1 and 2 family dwelling projects that result in a life safety or structural change are required by State law to have construction documents prepared, sealed, signed and dated by an Illinois licensed design professional.

The model codes adopted by the City of Rockford are written on the national level by not-for-profit model code agencies, some of which were established prior to 1900. Generally, every three years new issues of model codes are published after thousands of code changes are proposed by any concerned person (even you) and then discussed at public hearings, voted upon and incorporated into new code text. Generally within 1 to 2 years of new model code publication, the City of Rockford reviews these codes with up to 7 volunteer committees composed of local members of the design, ownership, and building construction industry. Based on these reviews, the committees contribute to what is referred to as local amendments that are adopted as City Ordinance. The amendments modify, clarify, add or reduce requirements of the model codes to address local conditions or practices.

• One-story detached accessory structures used as decks, tool storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2) and is not supported by another structure.
• Oil derricks.
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from grade at the bottom to grade at the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
• Sidewalks and patios not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.
• Swings and other playground equipment.
• Awnings supported by an exterior wall and not extending into a City of Rockford right-of-way.
• Non-fixed Movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1733 mm) in height.
• Replacement of doors or windows provided the size is not changed and a fire rating is not required.
• Repair or replacement of interior or exterior wall and ceiling coverings provided: 
  • Not more than 50% of coverings in a room is removed
  • Coverings are not part of a fire rated assembly
  • Structural elements in a hazardous condition are not exposed

Yes, if they reside in the single family dwelling, otherwise the work must be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor.

Yes, if they reside in the single family dwelling, otherwise the work must be performed by a licensed mechanical contractor.

Construction documents provide details of equipment and systems to be installed. Review of documents allows determination if some code requirements will be met before construction begins. Modifications to documents require less time and are less expensive than revisions to completed installations.

If the construction or remodeling of your home or business does not comply with code requirements, your investment and your health, safety, and welfare may be reduced. Work started without a permit is also subject to a fine that is substantially larger than the cost of a permit.

Permits are not required for:

• The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that it does not require the resizing or rearrangement of any defective trap or pipe.
• The clearing of stoppages, removal of fixtures or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, provided such repairs do not involve or require the resizing or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
• The repair or replacement of fixtures, water softeners or water purifiers in the same location, provided that it does not require the resizing or rearrangement of any trap or piping.
• Repair or replacement of interior or exterior wall and ceiling coverings provided: a. plumbing systems in a hazardous condition are not exposed, or b. plumbing systems are not being resized, rearranged or extended.

Permits are not required for:

• Portable heating appliances.
• Portable ventilation appliances.
• Portable cooling units.
• Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
• Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
• Portable evaporative cooler.
• Self-contained refrigeration systems package-type equipment containing 10 pounds (4.54 kilograms) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (764 watts) or less in which all components of the refrigeration system are located within a single enclosure without the requirement for on-site assembly or piping of any kind whatsoever.
• Portable fuel cell appliances that are connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
• Self-contained portable refrigeration appliances.
• Repair or replacement of interior or exterior wall and ceiling coverings provided: a. Mechanical systems in a hazardous condition are not exposed, or b. Mechanical systems are not being resized, rearranged or extended.

Pay $25.00 or show proof of a license or registration with another Illinois municipality and complete an application at the Building Department.

Yes, if they reside in the single family dwelling, otherwise, work must be performed by a registered electrician.

Electrical permits are not required for: Minor repair work, including:

• Temporary cord and plug lighting, provided they are not within a tent requiring a permit.
• Replacement of plug and switch receptacles, light fixtures or ceiling fans weighing less than 35 lbs. provided wiring and the junction box is not altered.
• Repair or replacement of branch circuit over-current devices.
• Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental testing laboratories.
• Wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25v and 50w.
• Low voltage wiring and systems not associated with fire alarm or other life safety systems.
• Repair or replacement of interior or exterior wall and ceiling coverings provided:
  • Not more than 50% of coverings in a room is removed,
  • Framing is not exposed to the extent where smoke alarms are required to be wired to the building’s electrical system and be interconnected by section 907.2.10,
  • Electrical wiring in a hazardous condition is not exposed and the minimum standards for receptacles, light switches and light fixtures established in sections 604 and 605 of the International Property Maintenance Code as amended have been met,
  • Electrical systems are not being resized, rearranged or extended.

Yes, we do ask that you allow the landlord a reasonable amount of time to respond before we step in to investigate the needed repair.

Yes. Call Neighborhood Standards of the Community Development Department 779-348-7160.

Yes. All complaints are confidential. We never give any information as to who the complainant was. We may ask for your contact information in case we need further information, but that information is only used by the staff of Property Standards and the complaint will still be handled if you choose not to disclose that information.

An inspector examines the complaint and reviews the property in question. Once this has happened only the owner of record for the property can be given any further information regarding any violations.

A complaint can be filed by calling Neighborhood Standards of the Community Development Department 779-348-7160. If someone is inside of an abandoned/vacant house, call the Police Department at 815-966-2900 (non-emergency).

You can find the zoning of your property by looking at the City of Rockford Zoning Map or contacting the Zoning Office 779-348-7158.

The Home Occupation section of the Zoning Ordinance allows some types of businesses in residential areas. It is advisable to contact be made with the Zoning Office at 779-348-7158 prior to beginning any such endeavor.

A fence permit is required for new fences and the replacement or major repair of existing fence. Fence permits are required so that the property owner is protected from the costs and inconvenience of having to comply with the Ordinance after the fence has been constructed or repaired.

The Rockford Police Department has a full-time training division and certified training staff that provides training to all of our personnel throughout the entire year. Rockford Police Officers receive continuous training using examples of what constitutes reasonable force under varying circumstances.

The Rockford Police Department is a certified law enforcement agency and now holds an ILEAP (Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program) certification.

Accreditation is the ongoing process whereby agencies evaluate policy and procedure against established criteria and have compliance with those criteria verified by an independent and authoritative body. The independent and authoritative body for ILEAP is the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Council. The criteria, or standards, are policy development guidelines that represent a level of quality service delivery. The true indicator of compliance, however, lies with an evaluation by trained, independent professional peers. The establishment of meaningful and professional standards and an evaluation for compliance with those standards are the two fundamentals of an accreditation program. 

In November 2018, the Rockford Police Department adopted the Ten Shared Principles developed through collaboration between the NAACP and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. The Ten Shared Principles were created in 2018 and represent treating everyone with dignity and respect, rejecting discrimination, building trust and strong relationships within our communities, endorsing the values of community policing, and supporting diversity within our organizations.

Yes. The Rockford Police Department trainers teach de-escalation techniques and incorporate them into many of their training courses, including, arrests, use of force, and crisis intervention. The trainers provide scenario-based training where they evaluate an officer's ability to verbally de-escalate situations and provide immediate feedback and additional training when needed.

Yes. Officers are required to de-escalate when appropriate.

The Rockford Police Department prohibits the use of chokeholds, strangleholds, neck holds, sleeper holds, the carotid control technique and the lateral vascular neck restraint (LVNR). The Rockford Police Department prohibits the use of ANY technique where a person's breathing or blood flow is restricted in any way. Officers who use a prohibited technique will be subject to discipline and could face possible suspension from duty or termination from employment.

The Rockford Police Department prohibits the use of "hog-tying" or ANY restraint technique that places a person in any position which restricts or interferes with a person's breathing in any way. Officers who use a prohibited restraint technique will be subject to discipline and could face possible suspension from duty or termination from employment.

Yes. The Rockford Police Department requires officers to intervene in situations where other officers are subjecting a civilian to unreasonable force.

Officers who fail to follow this policy and intervene when required, will be subject to discipline and could face possible suspension from duty or termination from employment.

No. The Rockford Police Department does not use a use-of-force continuum. Rockford Police Officers are required to use reasonable force when any force is used to accomplish lawful objectives. Rockford Police Officers receive continuous training using examples of what constitutes reasonable force under varying circumstances. The Rockford Police Department demands all officers abide by the objectively reasonable force standard established by the United States Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor. Rockford Police Officers are required to de-escalate force to a lesser level when the lesser level of force becomes appropriate. Officers who use excessive or unreasonable force will be subject to discipline and could face possible suspension from duty or termination from employment.

GRAHAM V. CONNOR

The standard used to determine objectively reasonable force is articulated in the United States Supreme Court decision, Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). The Graham decision holds that the reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, without regard to the officer's underlying intent or motivation. The determination of reasonableness must be based on the totality of circumstances and must include a consideration that police officers are often forced to make split-second decisions in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving. The determination of reasonableness is not based on the 20/20 vision of hindsight. Personnel is not required to use the least assertive option and shall consider the following criteria when determining which level of force to use: 1. The officer's legal justification for stopping the suspect; 2. The severity of the crime known to the officer at the time force was used; 3. Whether the subject was an immediate threat to the officers or others; 4. How the subject was actively resisting arrest; and 5. How the subject was attempting to evade arrest by flight.

No. Officers are always prohibited from using excessive or unreasonable force.

Officers who use excessive or unreasonable force will be subject to discipline and could face possible suspension from duty or termination from employment.

No, the law does not prohibit police officers from shooting at moving vehicles. Rockford Police Officers are required to use reasonable force when any force is used to accomplish lawful objectives.

The Rockford Police Department demands all officers abide by the objectively reasonable force standard established by the United States Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor.

Rockford Police Officers are required to de-escalate force to a lesser level when the lesser level of force becomes appropriate.

GRAHAM V. CONNOR

The standard used to determine objectively reasonable force is articulated in the United States Supreme Court decision, Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). The Graham decision holds that the reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, without regard to the officer's underlying intent or motivation. The determination of reasonableness must be based on the totality of circumstances and must include a consideration that police officers are often forced to make split-second decisions in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving.

The determination of reasonableness is not based on the 20/20 vision of hindsight. Personnel is not required to use the least assertive option and shall consider the following criteria when determining which level of force to use: 

1. The officer's legal justification for stopping the suspect
2. The severity of the crime known to the officer at the time force was used
3. Whether the subject was an immediate threat to the officers or others
4. How the subject was actively resisting arrest; and 5. How the subject was attempting to evade arrest by flight.

No, the law does not require police officers to exhaust every possible option before using deadly force. Rockford Police Officers are required to use reasonable force when any force is used to accomplish lawful objectives. 

The Rockford Police Department demands all officers abide by the objectively reasonable force standard established by the United States Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor. 

Rockford Police Officers are required to de-escalate force to a lesser level when the lesser level of force becomes appropriate. 

Officers may only use deadly force when they reasonably believe that the action is in defense of human life, including the officer's own life, or in defense of any person in imminent danger of serious physical injury.

No, the law does not require police officers to give a verbal warning to civilians before drawing their firearm. Officers may draw their firearm and present deadly force when they reasonably believe that the action is necessary to defend human life, including the officer's own life, or in defense of any person in imminent danger of serious physical injury

No, the law does not require a verbal warning before shooting. Officers may use deadly force (shoot) when they reasonably believe that the action is in defense of human life, including the officer's own life, or in defense of any person in imminent danger of serious physical injury.

No, the law does not require police officers to exhaust all other means before using deadly force. Officers may only use deadly force when they reasonably believe that the action is in defense of human life, including the officer's own life, or in defense of any person in imminent danger of serious physical injury

Yes. Rockford Police Officers must report all uses of force against civilians.

Yes. Rockford Police Officers must report all uses of force against civilians, including the pointing of firearms. 

Yes. Rockford Police Officers must report all uses of force against civilians.

All uses of force are reviewed by a supervisor and the commander of the department's training division.

All officer uses of force are recorded and tracked with an early intervention system which helps identify officers who may have used unreasonable force.

Comprehensive reviews of any officer identified as exhibiting behaviors potentially requiring intervention are conducted.

Officers who are identified as being deficient with use of force techniques are required to attend additional training to correct all deficiencies.

Officers found to have engaged in any misconduct are subject to discipline and could face possible suspension from duty or termination from employment.

Yes. The Rockford Police Department does use body-worn cameras. We also use vehicle-mounted cameras (dash cameras) in our fleet of squad cars.

When transporting civilians who are under arrest, officers are required to do the following:

• Perform all transports with the safety of the civilian being of primary importance at all times
• Ensure all vehicles used to transport civilians are in safe operating condition
• Ensure civilians are seat-belted in accordance with applicable state law
• Ensure restraints do not aggravate or cause any injury or any undue pain or discomfort
• Be particularly mindful of and accommodating to civilians of advanced age, persons with a physical handicap, individuals who are sick or injured, or anyone with a disability

Yes. Officers are trained to provide medical aid and/or summon professional medical assistance as soon as practical for any subject with an apparent injury or any subject who complains of an injury after force has been used upon them.

Yes. The Rockford Police Department conducts an in-depth background investigation of all candidates, eligible to be hired, before offering them a position as a police officer.

• Substantial increase in real estate taxes after construction
• New construction or substantial rehabilitation
• Adding building square footage
• Low present real estate value
• Vacant buildings or land

• Cosmetic work (i.e. painting)
• Largely interior work (i.e. redecorating)
• Minor repairs
• Small or no increase in real estate taxes after completion
• Roof work
• Parking lot work

• Generally no more than the actual increased real estate taxes generated by your project
• Only the funds necessary to make your project feasible at reasonable market rates of return
• TIF funds are usually a small portion of project funding in the range of 20% to 40%

• Firm constructions costs
• Sources and uses of funds (Pro Forma)
• At least a 15 year cash flow statement
• Site control (Purchase Contract, Option to Purchase, Deed)

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful will occasionally host used medication collection drives for these items. Prescription and other pharmaceuticals may also be disposed of for free in a 24-hour secure drop box located in the lobby of each Rockford Police Department District stations and City Hall at the addresses listed below. The Rockford Police Department's Drug Collection Unit sites are open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Citizens may drop off a single 1-gallon bag per visit, once a week. Medications shall be removed from the original container and placed in a clear, self-closing disposable bag, provided by the citizen.

• District 1 - 1045 W. State Street, Rockford, IL 61102
• District 2 - 1410 Broadway, Rockford, IL 61104
• District 3 - 557 S. New Towne Drive, Rockford, IL 61108
• City Hall - 425 E State Street, Rockford, IL 61104

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has authorized some local pharmacies and businesses to collect unused or expired medicines. These collection sites safely and securely gather and dispose of your unused or expired medicines, including those that contain controlled substances. These collection sites may offer on-site medicine drop-off boxes; mail back programs; or other in-home disposal methods to assist you in safely disposing of unused or expired medicines. A list of local pharmacies offering this service can be found here.

Building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits are handled by the Construction & Development Services Division of the Community & Economic Development Department. For all permits, you can call 779-348-7158.

The Neighborhood Development Division of the Community and Economic Development Department sponsors a federally funded program for home rehabilitation in the city of Rockford. To find out if you are eligible, call 779-348-7162 or email the Housing Department. Please note the rehabilitation program is for owner-occupied homes only (no rental properties or contract buyers). Eligibility criteria and more information can be found on our Home Repairs page.

Financial assistance on utility bills is provided by the Human Services Department providing funds are available. Contact Human Services at 779-348-7185.

Financial assistance on rental payments is provided by the Human Services Department or Rockford Township, provided funding is available.

• Human Services Department: 779-348-7185
• Rockford Township: 815-962-8855

The Neighborhood Development Division of the Community & Economic Development Department administers homebuyer down payment assistance programs in the city of Rockford. As this is a federally funded program, financial assistance depends on the availability of funds. To find out eligibility requirements and other information regarding this program, call 779-348-7162 or visit the Home Repairs page.

The Economic Development Division of the Community & Economic Development Department offers a variety of financial assistance programs for designated areas of the city. Economic Development also offers documentation for starting your own business that can be very helpful for new business owners. We encourage you to visit the Economic Development page. You can also contact Economic Development at 779-348-7162.

No, the City of Rockford does not provide foreclosure lists. Local Realty Agencies could provide you with that information.

Lien information is kept through the Winnebago County Recorder's office, at 815-319-4325. City of Rockford policy prevents the City from providing lien information.

Although any department in the City can tell you who your alderman is, you may contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 779-348-7162. You can also visit the Alderman page.

Visit the News and Calendar section of our website for information about events taking place in Rockford. The links are visible from the top horizontal navigation bar.

Historic Preservation questions can be answered by Scott Capovilla from the Construction & Development Services division of the Community & Economic Development department. You can contact him at 779-348-7447 or email Scott Capovilla.

All water questions can be answered by the Customer Service. For questions on your water bill, service, or quality call 779-348-7300.

If the tree is located in the area between the street and sidewalk (called the right-of-way), contact the Public Works Department Forestry Division at 779-348-7260. If the tree is located on private property, the City does not have authority to assist. You would need to contact the property owner.

To report pot holes within the City of Rockford, contact customer service at 779-348-7300 or report a pothole by submitting a service request.

For information on submitting a bid or getting on the bidding list for City Projects, visit the Central Service division of the Finance department website.

Questions regarding trash or lawn refuse should be directed to the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic Development department. Most of your questions can be answered from their sanitation web page. You can visit the Neighborhood Standards page or call Neighborhood Standards at 779-348-7160.

We encourage you to view the Neighborhood Standards division’s sanitation web page, which has a full list of acceptable hazardous waste items, hours of operation, and the location of the facility. You can also email Neighborhood Standards or 779-348-7160.

Code Violations are handled by the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic Development Department. Call 779-348-7160. In order to direct your call to the appropriate inspector assigned to your case, please either give us the name of the inspector listed on the first page of the Notice of Code Violation you received, the code violation number, or the address of the violation. Inspectors spend most of their day in the field performing inspections so the best time of day to reach them in person is between 8 am and 9 am in the morning or between 4 pm and 5 pm in the afternoon.

Sanitation Code Hearings are handled by the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community & Economic Development Department. Please call 779-348-7160.

The Rockford Board of Election Commissioners handles all voting matters. You can call them at 815-987-5750 or visit the Vote Rock Ford website.

Your hazardous material can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 3333 Kishwaukee Street (the same location as Rock River Water Reclamation District) from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Noon to 4 pm on Sunday. For information concerning what is acceptable, we encourage you to visit the sanitation web page for the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic Development department.

Rockford residents can dispose of household hazardous waste at the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Center at 3333 Kishwaukee Street (Rock River Water Reclamation District), Saturdays 8 am to 4 pm and Sundays noon (noon) to 4 pm, excluding holidays. We encourage you to visit the Household Hazardous Waste Facility web page for detailed information and a list of acceptable items.

Any questions regarding street lights, please submit a service request.

Questions regarding trailers on residential property can be answered by the Neighborhood Standards Division of the Community & Economic Development Department at 779-348-7160.

Garbage cans and/or bags should be placed at the curb or alley no earlier than 3 pm the night before your regularly scheduled pick-up day and no later than 6 am the day of pick up. For more information on sanitation, please visit our sanitation page. You can also contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic Department at 779-348-7160.

All trash containers must be removed from the curb or alley and returned to a storing location by 8 a.m. the day following pick-up. For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community & Economic department at 779-348-7160 or view the sanitation page.

Garbage pickup does not occur on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Garbage will be pushed forward a day if it falls on a holiday. For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community & Economic department at 779-348-7160 or view the sanitation page.

Rockford residents are not required to recycle; however, the City encourages all residents to take advantage of the recycling program. Each household is furnished with a blue recycling bin from Rock River Disposal. If you need a recycling bin you can contact Rock River Disposal at 815-965-2489. A complete list of recyclable materials can be located on the Rock River Disposal website.

For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community & Economic department at 779-348-7160.

If you need a recycling bin you can contact Rock River Disposal at 815-965-2489.

Recyclables will be collected on your regular garbage day. Rock River Disposal has a separate truck for recycling. If you have any questions call Rock River Disposal at 815-965-2489. For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community & Economic department at 779-348-7160 or view the sanitation page.

Leaf burning is prohibited in Winnebago County and in the City of Rockford. You can either place your leaves in a garbage container that has been marked with a large “X” on the front or in compostable paper bags. For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community & Economic department at 779-348-7160 or view the sanitation page.

There could be a number of reasons your trash or yard waste was not picked up. Branches must be in bundles no more than 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter. You should use twine or rope to bundle branches (no metal or plastic). Lawn waste in compostable paper bags must not be broken or overfilled. No bag, can or bundle can weigh more than 50 pounds when loaded. Yard waste cannot be mixed with regular garbage nor placed in plastic bags for pickup.

For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community & Economic department at 779-348-7160 or view the sanitation page.

Bulk items are household items that are too large to be placed in a garbage can or bag. Items containing freon (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, etc.) will be accepted only if they are certified freon free by a licensed refrigeration technician.

Building and remodeling materials, automobile parts, oil, tires, liquid waste, and paint thinner will not be accepted. Bulk items will be collected each week on the same day and placed as refuse. Bulk items are also subject to the bulk refuse rates listed in the City's Fee Schedule that can be found here.

For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic department at 779-348-7160 or view the Fee Schedule (PDF)

Refuse containers and garbage bags should be stored in a garage, shed or other inconspicuous areas not visible from the street until they can be properly placed at the curb for pickup.

For more information, you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic department at 779-348-7160 or view the sanitation page.

Garage, Yard or Rummage Sale signs cannot be larger than 2 feet by 2 feet (4 square feet). Signs can only be displayed on private property for no more than 4 days in any 6 month period. Such signs shall be removed the day following the sale.

Garage, Yard or Rummage Sale Signs are limited to one per zoning lot in residential districts. Such signs are not permitted on property not used for residential purposes. Balloons, banners or other such advertising devices are not allowed under City ordinances. Questions regarding garage sales? Contact Neighborhood Standards at 779-348-7160.

Residents of the City of Rockford do not need a permit to have a garage sale. Residents are allowed up to 2 garage sales per year. Garage sales can last up to three consecutive days in a row. We suggest you review the Ordinance Violations brochure at the Neighborhood Standards page or you can contact Neighborhood Standard at 779-348-7160.

Neighborhood Standards addresses vehicles, boats or trailers that are located on private residential property. The Rockford Police Department addresses these vehicles when they are located on the street. Please contact Neighborhood Standard at 779-348-7160 or the Rockford Police Department by their non-emergency number 815-966-2000.

If you believe the overgrown area is 10 inches tall or higher, you can contact the weeds hotline at 779-348-7161. You can also report the violation on the Online Customer Service website. Neighborhood Standards will see that the property gets mowed. Please make sure you have exact address.

Depending on the type of business, you may or may not need a permit. Some businesses cannot be run from home. For more information on home run business regulations, view the Neighborhood Standards brochure

If you still have questions you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic Development Department at 779-348-7160.

There are many regulations regarding fencing on private property. We recommend you review the fencing portion of the Neighborhood Standards Brochure.

If you still have questions you can contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic Development department at 779-348-7160.

Yes. If the animal waste has become excessive and offensive, please contact the Neighborhood Standards division of the Community and Economic Development Department at 779-348-7160 or email the NS Complaints.

Contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 779-348-7162.

Tax Increment Finance (TIF) is a tool used by the City of Rockford to finance public improvements and assist private development projects within targeted neighborhoods. For more information, we encourage you to visit the Economic Development web page. If you still have questions you can contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 779-348-7162.

You can call Community and Economic Development to find out if you are in a TIF district at 779-348-7162.

No, the Community and Economic Development department does not ask for your personal information, does not record your information in the computer systems, and will not inform the property owner of the individual who reported the violation.

Neighborhood Development is a division of the Community and Economic Development Department that is responsible for administering housing rehabilitation programs, home ownership programs, and providing assistance to neighborhood and community service organizations. To that end, we are always looking for qualified home rehabilitation contractors.

If you are interested in becoming one of our rehabilitation contractors, please contact the Residential Properties Inspector at 779-348-7162.

Contact Customer Service at 779-348-7300.

Properties in Rockford are serviced by Rock River Disposal Services, Inc. When you contact Water Customer Service to set up your account, you will automatically be set up for garbage service. You will be billed for garbage removal on your water bill each month. If you have any problems or questions regarding your garbage service, call Rock River Disposal Services, Inc. at 815-965-CITY 815(965-2489).

The City contracts with Rock River Disposal for a variety of services.

View a list of acceptable trash and alternate dumping sites for hazardous materials on the Rock River Disposal Service, Inc website.

View a page dedicated to finding information about major projects.

Call the CIP division at 779-348-7176.

Please contact the Pothole Hotline at 779-348-7260 or use our portal to report a pothole.

To request a handicapped parking space in a residential area, please call Traffic Engineering in the Department of Public Works at 779-348-7173. Staff will investigate the situation to determine whether or not the location will be safe for both the vehicle parking there as well as for the vehicles using the street.

Yes, all vehicles and dumpsters parked within the public right-of-way for more than two hours must obtain a permit. The charge is $8 per day, excluding holidays and Sundays. View the permit application (PDF).

To request a permit to park in a municipal parking lot, please call ABM at 815-968-5294.

If you have a dangerous sidewalk, call 779-348-7176 or report it.

To request a street light in a residential area, please call the Engineering Division in the Department of Public Works at 779-348-7174. Staff will investigate the situation to determine whether or not facilities are available for a street light installation.

The majority of street lights in Rockford's residential areas are on wood poles and are serviced by Commonwealth Edison. To request repairs to one of these street lights, please call 1-800-Edison-1. 800-334-7661. The majority of street lights located on Rockford's arterial routes are on metal poles and are serviced by City crews. To request repairs to one of these street lights, please call the Engineering Division at 779-348-7174. You may also submit an online Service Request form.

For Average Annual DT: State of Illinois Getting Around Illinois Average Annual Daily Traffic – you may contact the Traffic Engineering Division at 779-348-7173 or visit the Illinois Department of Transportation website.

To place a complaint about traffic-related issues, please call the traffic engineering division at the Department of Public Works at 779-348-7173.

Contact the Traffic Engineering Division at 779-348-7173. These types of requests must be brought before the Traffic Commission for approval. This can be done by submitting the request in writing to the Traffic Division, Department of Public Works, 425 E State Street, Rockford, IL 61104. The request will be researched and forwarded to the next Traffic Commission Meeting which convenes on the second Wednesday of every month.

To request repairs to either a traffic sign or signal, please call Public Works Operations at 779-348-7178 and 779-348-7179, respectively.

To place a complaint about the timing of traffic signals, please call the Traffic Engineering Division at 779-348-7173.

For Average Annual DT: Visit the State of Illinois Getting Around Illinois Average Annual Daily Traffic web page.

Yes, all companies wishing to travel City streets with over-dimensional/overweight loads must obtain an Over-dimensional/Overweight Load Permit. For more information, or to apply for a permit, contact the Winnebago County Highway Department, Centralized Agencies Permitting Services (CAPS) at 815-319-4002 or visit the Winnebago County Illinois website.

The right to cross land is known as the 'right-of-way'. This right can be on any land. If the right is granted to everyone, it is a 'public right-of-way'. The land is owned, or interest therein acquired, by the City and dedicated for travel purposes and utility placement. For Right-of-Way Permit, click on the following link: ROW Permit Application (PDF).

Wayfinding is a systematic network of directional signs to guide the traveling public from major highway gateways to key civic, cultural, regional, and commercial destinations. It can be designed to coincide with regional tourism marketing.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s and are (or have been) found in many consumer products like cookware, food packaging, and stain repellants. The first PFAS were invented in the 1930s and were the main ingredients in nonstick and waterproof coatings, according to the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC). Development of these chemicals increased in the late 1960s after a deadly fire aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal, in 1967. The fire resulted from the accidental launch of a rocket into armed planes and loaded fuel tanks. This blaze nearly destroyed the ship and killed more than 130 people. PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, airports, and military installations that use firefighting foams are some of the main sources of PFAS. PFAS may be released into the air, soil, and water, including sources of drinking water. PFOA and PFOS are the most studied PFAS chemicals and stopped being produced in the United States in the early 2000s, though they are still present in the environment.

PFAS can be found in:

• Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS, or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water.
• Commercial household products, including stain and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams (a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs).
• Workplace, including production facilities or industries (e.g., chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery) that use PFAS.
• Living organisms, including fish, animals, and humans, where PFAS have the ability to build up and persist over time.

There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health issues in humans. If humans, or animals, ingest PFAS (by eating or drinking food or water than contains PFAS), the PFAS are absorbed and can accumulate in the body. PFAS stays in the human body for long periods of time. As a result, as people get exposed to PFAS from different sources over time, the level of PFAS in their bodies may increase to the point where they suffer from adverse health effects.

Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animal studies. The most consistent findings from human studies are increased cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to:

• Infant birth weights,
• Effects on the immune system,
• Cancer (for PFOA)
• Thyroid hormone disruption (for PFOS)

If you have specific health concerns, please consult your healthcare professional.

There are a variety of ways that people can be exposed to these chemicals and at different levels of exposure. For example, people can be exposed to low levels of PFAS through food, which can become contaminated through:

• Contaminated soil and water used to grow the food
• Food packaging containing PFAS
• Equipment that used PFAS during food processing

204 South First Street
Rockford, IL 61104

779-348-7171

The Rockford Fire Department uses a third-party vendor to bill for our ambulance transports. If you have a question concerning your bill, please contact Andres Medical Billing at 877-618-0943.

Visit the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 

Class 2

There are 11 fire stations located throughout the city.

Engines- 9; Ladders- 4; Ambulances- 7. The department also has specialty vehicles for rescue and Hazmat operations.

Our main concern in any medical emergency is to provide support as quickly as possible. All fire suppression companies are equipped with at least one ALS-certified personnel. Because there are only 7 ambulances to cover the city, by sending a fire truck we can ensure that Advanced Life Support is on the scene in a timely manner.

If the hydrant needs painting or maintenance, contact the City of Rockford Water Department at 779-348-7300. The Fire Department will not open a hydrant for kids to play. This significantly reduces the water pressure in the area and could jeopardize firefighting efforts. We also recommend that during the winter season, snow be removed in a 3-foot radius around the hydrant.

We will generally not respond unless there are extreme circumstances. We recommend setting the food out and calling the cat. This could also be directed to Winnebago County Animal Control.

For leaks or odors, contact Nicor at 888-642-6748. Call 911 if you are experiencing any symptoms.

We will respond to a lock out if there is an immediate danger. Otherwise, you should contact a locksmith.

View the Alarm Permits and False Alarm Fines page for the City’s false alarm policy.

The Fire Department currently has 3 certified Car Seat Technicians.  Follow the link below to sign up for additional information or to schedule an installation with our Department. 

The Fire Department does not provide CPR classes.

If you would like the Fire Department to attend your event please fill out a Community Outreach/Public Education Request. Or you can call the Fire Prevention Division at 779-348-7172.

By city ordinance, open burning and campfires are not allowed in the City of Rockford. Permits are issued for special event bonfires and prairie/ecological burns. Fines for violating this ordinance may be issued. View the Open Burning Guidelines to learn more about the open burning ordinance.

You can contact the American Red Cross at 815-963-8471 for assistance.

Once the Knox Box is installed, we will come and install the keys and cover. Contact the Fire Prevention Division at 779-348-7172.

Contact the Fire Prevention Division at 779-348-7172 to schedule an inspection.

Water Quality is a very serious matter. You need and desire clean, safe drinking water. The City of Rockford Water Division's number one priority is to provide Safe, Clean Drinking Water. Chemists, Lab Technicians, and Plant Operators conduct approximately one hundred and eight analytical tests each day, that is about 40,000 tests per year, on the water that is delivered to your home before you receive it.

To not only meet but also exceed the Drinking Water Standards that are set by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for microbiological and chemical content.

Yes.  The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) also conducts tests on your water.

• Groundwater Quality Protection
• Source Water Quality Assessment/Protection

It is important to constantly monitor your water to ensure that it is consistently safe.

Among few of the items that are tested include:

• Calcium
• Lead
• Lead/Copper
• Iron
• Radium

• Fluoride is a naturally occurring ion that is present in water.
• Fluoride’s effect is topical. It keeps the tooth enamel strong by preventing the loss of important minerals.

• Public health institutions like CDC and ADA conclude that extensive research conducted over the past 50 years has demonstrated that fluoridation of public water supplies is a safe and effective way to reduce the incidence of tooth decay in a community.
• A detailed review by the National Research Council in 1993 found no links between low-level fluoride ingestion and occurrences of cancer, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, immunological disorders, reproductive effects, genetic disorders, or bone fractures.
• While exposure to high levels of fluoride over a long time can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that leads to mottled tooth enamel, discoloration, and in some cases erosion the gum line, the fluoride content in your drinking water is limited under federal law and the levels are very low.

For More Information on Fluoridation, please follow the link to the American Water Works Association for Straight Talk on Fluoridation.

For liquor or tobacco licenses within the City of Rockford, please call Shelia Alexander at 779-348-7383. For information about State of Illinois liquor licenses, call the Illinois State Liquor Control Commission at 312-814-2206 or visit their website.

No.  The City of Rockford does not permit ownership of any type of fowl.

You may find your Circuit Court date at this website.

You may find your Code Hearing date by calling 779-348-7154 and having your name, case number, or property address ready for our personnel to look up your info.

Information on Park Rockford tickets can be found at this link. Park Rockford tickets are administered by ABM, not the employees of the City of Rockford.  You can contact ABM at 815-968-5294 with any questions.

The City of Rockford Department of Law, by ordinance, may only represent the City of Rockford officials and employees in their formal capacity. We cannot provide legal advice to the general public. The Winnebago County Bar Association has a lawyer referral site to assist in the selection of a private attorney.

Complaints about a tow vehicle improperly towing your property may be addressed to the City of Rockford.  Dial 779-348-7154 to inform the City of any towing contractor or parking lot not in compliance with City ordinances.

The City of Rockford is not involved in State Liquor Licensing. Please visit the Illinois Liquor Control Commission or phone them at 312-814-2206.

Call 312-814-6200 or visit the website for the Illinois Department of Human Rights.

The City of Rockford Department of Law is not responsible for collecting taxes. Please visit the site for the Winnebago County Treasurer's Office or call 815-319-4400.

Voter registration is handled by the Rockford Board of Elections, or call 815-987-5750.

Copies of the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances can be found online, in the Department of Law's main office on the 7th floor of City Hall, in the Winnebago County Law Library, and at the main branch of the Rockford Public Library. Copies of the zoning ordinance can be found in the Zoning Office on the first floor of City Hall. Copies of various building codes can be found on the Building Codes & Ordinances page or on the first floor of City Hall. The Traffic Division of Public Works on the fifth floor of City Hall maintains a record of traffic ordinances and schedules. The Fire Prevention Bureau maintains a copy of the fire and life safety codes at 204 S First Street. For general information on city laws, contact 779-348-7154.

The City has a contract with Winnebago County Animal Services, or phone them at 815-319-4100.

The City of Rockford Department of Law does not issue raffle licenses. Call 815-319-4250 or visit the Winnebago County Clerk site. The City of Rockford has an agreement with the County Clerk to handle raffle licenses throughout Winnebago County.

The City of Rockford Department of Law does not maintain marriage licenses. If you were married in Winnebago County, call the Winnebago County Clerk at 815-319-4250.

The City of Rockford Department of Law does not maintain birth certificates. If you were born in Winnebago County, call 815-319-4250 or visit the Winnebago County Clerk website. If you were not born in Winnebago County, you should be able to obtain your birth certificate from the County in which you were born.

The Department of Law acts as legal counsel to the City of Rockford, its’ elected officials, officers, and employees (in their official capacity). The responsibilities of the department include: general legal advice to the City Council and all City Departments, litigation support, annexation support, contract drafting and review, ordinance, resolution, and committee report drafting and review and municipal code violation enforcement. The Department also processes liquor licenses for the Mayor’s office. Staff provide land acquisition services for various city departments and projects. The Legal Director serves as ex-officio City Clerk and Keeper of the Records for the City of Rockford. The department also houses the City Council Clerk and is the repository of official city records.

The Main Office phone number is 779-348-7154.

The Department of Law's main office is on the 7th floor of City Hall, 425 E State Street in downtown Rockford.

View our Claims page.

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Winnebago County Courthouse
Room 108
400 West State Street
Rockford, IL 61101

or

visit the Pay My Traffic Ticket page.

815-319-4900 or visit the Winnebago County page.

View the claims page.

View the snow and ice page.

View the submit a service request page.

Visit the Winnebago County, Illinois page.

Accreditation is a comprehensive assessment and evaluation model for fire and emergency service organizations. The accreditation process helps to determine community risks and fire safety needs evaluate the performance of an agency, and provides a method for continuous improvement. The accreditation and certification bodies change requirements over time, requiring accredited agencies to continue to evolve and improve.

The commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) is governed by an 11-member commission representing a cross-section of the fire service industry, including fire departments, city and county management, code councils, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the International Association of Firefighters. The full commission meets bi-annually to review all agencies applying for accreditation or re-accreditation status.

• Because it was the right thing to do. Conducting a comprehensive assessment and identifying areas where we could improve was a responsible course of action. Having a detailed evaluation for our use provides a basis for good decision-making.
• Reassures the citizens we serve and ultimately protects their interest and investment in City services.
• Provides the internal and external review of the services we provide to the community.
• The promotion of excellence in our organization is an initiative that both management and labor are fully committed to. Accreditation was a recognized framework to guide this endeavor.
• Accreditation provides assurances to our stakeholders that we are doing a good job. Stakeholders in our organization include the citizens we serve, city governments, businesses, neighboring agencies, and others.
• Accreditation allows us to showcase our capabilities and quality. Assessments of our agency have the transparency of external peer review.
• Fosters pride within our organization
• Because the timing was right. Our organization has always focused on the most important task at hand. A pause in growth and other challenges at the time allowed for a top to bottom review of our current practices.
• Expanded the District’s organizational knowledge, including its business operations.
• Assists us in maintaining our ISO rating; creates the environment to pursue a rating improvement and ensures the lowest fire insurance rates possible in the community we protect.
• Provides a long-lasting shared knowledge of the organization and provides a foundation for sound succession management.
• Brought our membership together to build a better organization.
• Determined the Department’s strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and opportunities for improved service.
• Provided a method to analyze the services provided by the Department and how best to deliver those services.

No. CFAI is the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. ISO is the Insurance Services Office. ISO ratings are somewhat limited in their application because they are related mostly to firefighting operations. As noted in the ISO's Fire Suppression Rating Schedule, "The Schedule is a fire insurance rating tool and is not intended to analyze all aspects of a comprehensive public fire protection program. It should not be used for purposes other than insurance rating."

CFAI accreditation takes a far broader look at an organization. Within the accreditation, the model are ten categories that fire agencies use as the basis to benchmark and evaluate performance. These categories are:

• Assessment and Planning
• Essential Resources
• External Systems Relations
• Financial Resources
• Goals and Objectives
• Governance and Administration
• Human Resources
• Physical Resources
• Programs
• Training and Competency

The ISO is a national insurance engineering service organization that assigns a public protection classification (PPC) to jurisdictions based on fire agency services. Insurance companies typically establish insurance rates for individual occupancies or groups of occupancies based on the PPC. The PPCs are established using the ISO's Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). once widely used by fire departments to evaluate system performance, the FSRS's use is somewhat limited in that it only evaluates fire protection (not EMS or wildland fuel modification, for example). Also, the FSRS does not consider efficiency (e.g., how many resources are deployed in comparison to the number of actual calls). Though not as widely used today, ISO ratings are still appropriate to consider as part of a more comprehensive system performance review. Combined with other assessments, ISO standards are useful, but not by themselves.

To analyze a community's fire protection, the ISO uses a grading system of 1 to 10. A community protection factor of 1 is the highest possible grade with insurance rates likely to be lowest for the community (rating increase by 1 for every 10 credits, eg., Class 1 = 90 plus credits, Class 2 = 80 to 89.99, Class 3 = 70 to 79.99, etc.). A community with a Class 10 rating means that there essentially is no recognized fire protection system or availability of water for fire suppression. Only a very small number of communities with very effective water distribution systems and highly capable career fire departments are able to achieve a rating of 1. The Rockford Fire Department is currently an ISO Class 2 and is vigorously pursuing a Class 1 PPC.

The three components evaluated by ISO in making a final determination of PPC are:

• Fire department: fire station locations, number of engines/trucks, staffing levels, training, etc. (50%)
• Water supply (40%)
• Emergency dispatching and communications (10%)

Self-Assessment is a discovery process that provides the ability to evaluate programs and activities in relation to improving the quality of the organization by increasing the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of the District. There are 45 specific criteria used to sub-categorize the 244 Performance Indicators within the ten measured categories. 77 of the 244 Performance Indicators are Core Competencies and must be met without exception to achieve accreditation.

Many of the hearing impaired have a TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) connected to their telephone. When dialing 911, TDD users should hit the space bar on their keyboard once to signal the call. The 911 Telecommunicator will have the ability to communicate with the caller by engaging the TDD/Keyboard.

For non-emergencies, TDD callers should dial 815-966-2900

The 911 Center uses the "Language Line", a service that provides a translator for non-English speaking callers. The translator will remain on the line throughout the call to relay information between the caller and the 911 Telecommunicator.

It's about public safety and healthy neighborhoods, not about punishment

• The ordinance allows police officers to manage rental properties that disrupt your quality of life.
• The ordinance allows the City to work with landlords to find solutions for problem tenants.
• The ordinance empowers landlords to be kept informed of problem activity on their property.

It's about your tenant, not your house guest

• The updated ordinance addresses individuals that live in a property that you own that is not your residence.
• The updated "Lets" vs. "Rent" language allows better management of tenants who don't pay rent or have difficulty proving they pay rent.
• The ordinance does not in any way, shape or form question your ability or require you to register to have a house guest or family member who is visiting or lives with you in your own home.

It's about managing problem property, not about big government

• The ordinance contains chronic nuisance enforcement provisions that may be initiated if arrests occur or citations are issued at a property on three separate occasions within a 120-day period.
• The ordinance targets tenants that aren't good neighbors and aren't contributing to your quality of life.
• The revised ordinance is about offering solutions at the request of Rockford Apartment Association (RAA) due to its frustration of the original narrowly focused ordinance and at the request of citizens who are constantly dealing with neighborhood disorder caused by poor behavior.

It's about inclusion, not exclusion

• The City worked with the RAA, at its direction, on the original 2013 ordinance.
• The City met with the RAA last month and, based on feedback, developed a new ordinance and provided it to RAA members for review.
• The new ordinance addresses the challenge RAA landlords indicated the original ordinance prevented them from engaging in actionable and impactful measures to eradicate problem properties.

You will receive automatic emails from the City whenever there is a Police or Fire incident at your rental property. You will also receive an email of a notice of pending inspection for Code Enforcement activities.

As a part of the Residential Quality Support Ordinance, the registry is mandated by law.

Any residential rental property within the City limits. A rental registry property is any property on which one or more dwelling units are located that the owner thereof rents, either entirely or in part, to another person for occupancy as a dwelling unit.

Fines ranging from $50 to $750 per day for each property can be imposed.

June 1, 2024

Friends, family, public libraries and community centers are often good resources for computers with internet access.

There is no cost to use the system.

• Property address
• Number of dwelling units
• Name, address, email address, and telephone numbers of the property owner, property manager or custodian, and tenant

ATVs on our streets are a safety concern for not only the riders but everyone they share the streets with. By declaring illegal ATVs nuisances under our ordinance, we are able to provide better clarity to our residents and officers and provide better tools for enforcement.

There is no cost.

Residents would only need to register an ATV once. If the resident moves or has new contact information or the ATV is sold, the information would need to be updated by sending revised information to the Vehicle Registration email.

The ordinance specifically allows officers to impound nuisance ATVs from private property. Those are ATVs that have been used unlawfully on public streets or that are unregistered. Officers will be required to follow the proper legal process, including seeking a warrant from a judge.

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count designed to record each resident in the United States. The 2020 decennial Census revealed population shifts between the wards within the City of Rockford, and as such, state law requires adjustments to the current ward boundaries prior to the next City election.

The Redistricting Committee - a bipartisan committee made up of 4th Ward Alderman Kevin Frost, 7th Ward Alderwoman Janessa Wilkens, 10th Ward Alderman Frank Beach, and 14th Ward Alderman Mark Bonne - created the new map based on input from aldermen and the community. The redistricting committee meetings were published as public meetings and open to the public. Upon drafting the proposed map, it was published for additional public comment and available for review on the City's website and in person at City Hall, as well as the East Branch, Montague Branch, and Hart Interim Branch of the Rockford Public Library.

The new map will be effective during the next aldermanic election, which will occur in 2025. Prior to then, citizens and properties will remain represented by their existing Alderman.

Not Here

https://rockfordil.gov/200/How-to-Recover-Property-Vehicles