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Village History

The Village of Fox Lake is centrally located in the "Heart of the Chain O' Lakes". Incorporated in 1907, the Village has a long history as a resort and recreation community, nestled in the middle of one of the most popular waterways in the Midwest.  Through the years, it has been one of the Chicago area’s favorite destinations for fishing, hunting, boating and vacationing.

In recent years, the summer cottages and small resorts have been replaced by year-round residences, with people taking advantage of the miles of shoreline and recognizing that it is a good place to live and raise a family.  Fox Lake's population now exceeds 9,000 – representing a dramatic increase in just the past few years.  The influx of new permanent residents is driving a new era of change in the community. A downtown revitalization project is in progress.  The transition from resort to residential continues.  The schools are building additions and new stores are opening.  Fox Lake is experiencing an exciting period of growth and family living.

Village Regulations

VEHICLES

• Off-street parking should be provided for all vehicles. 
• All cars and trucks regularly parked overnight in the Village must have current Village vehicle stickers.  Stickers go on sale May 1^st and are due June 30^th ($15.00 cars & pickup trucks, $7.50 seniors, $22.50 "C" class trucks, $7.50 motorcycles, $10.00 RV). Fees double after June 30^th. 
• Registering a vehicle at a different address or under another's name does not exempt the vehicle from this requirement. Inoperable vehicles are not to be kept in one's yard.

BUILDINGS

• Buildings must be maintained in good repair and safe condition (BOCA 1996)
• Broken windows must be repaired and wooden surfaces painted.
• Building permits required for:
  • Roof replacement or repair
  • Any interior or exterior structural changes.
  • Any electrical or plumbing change (This is to protect any future owner).
  • Fences, signs, swimming pools, tree removal and driveways.
  • Call Building Department to inquire.

 PROPERTIES

• Grass must be kept cut on both occupied and vacant properties.
• Grounds must be kept free of junk and debris at all times.
• Boats, Rv's and trailers must be stored in the back or side yards or in the driveway.
• Rental units need to be registered and inspected.

 GARBAGE AND REFUSE

• Garbage bills are on a bi-monthly basis, and could be included in on your sewer and water bill.
• Village ordinances call for weekly pickup of unlimited cans per household (no building materials included).  Each home has one recycling bin.
• Cans should be no larger than 32 gallons and in good condition with tight fitting covers.
• Garbage receptacles cannot be placed curbside until the day before scheduled pickup, and must be removed by the next day.  They should not be stored in front of residences or be visible from the street.
• Apartment buildings (3 or more units) and businesses are responsible for arranging for their own garbage pickup.
• For special pickups (e.g. Furniture, carpeting, etc.) Call Waste Management at 1(800) 796-9696.  For a small extra fee they will pick up large household items in quantity as long as they are notified in advance.
• White Goods Pickup:  1(847) 973-0103 or Waste Management 1(800) 480-4337
• SWALCO (disposal of hazardous waste) 1(847) 336-9340
• Yard Waste: Can be handled by Waste Management as a separate collection service.
  • A commercial tree removal firm should handle large cuttings.
  • Burning of leaves and branches must be 30' from any structure (Ref: Village Code 4-1-1-7) is allowed between April 1 - June 1, September 1 - December 1,  and by special permit (call (847) 587-3176)

Village Department Numbers

 

EMERGENCY   911

Other Numbers

Schools

Utilities