Police Department FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I park on the street?
  • Parking is prohibited on Village street daily between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
  • Parking is prohibited on Village streets when there is an accumulation of two (2) inches or more of snow and/or ice.
What are the quiet hours?
  • Loud noise is prohibited Sunday through Thursday between the hours of 10:00 PM through 7:00 AM (exclusive of evenings prior to New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).
  • Loud noise is prohibited Friday and Saturday between the hours of 11:00 PM through 7:00 AM.
Do I have to cut my grass?
  • In an effort to protect the health and safety of residents in the Village, property owners are required to keep exterior areas in good repair. All properties, including vacant homes, shall not allow grass or weeds to grow in excess of eight (8) inches in height 95.41
What are the lawn maintenance requirements?
  • Grass and weeds cannot exceed eight (8) inches in height. 
Can I have a bonfire or an outdoor fire pit?
  • Open burning is not allowed within the Village limits. It is acceptable, however, to use an approved device such as an outdoor fireplace or a commercially manufactured portable fire pit. Stationary fire pits may be built in a below-ground pit with a minimum depth of ten (10) inches and surrounded by noncombustible materials. All fires must be attended by a responsible party, over the age of 18, until the fire is fully extinguished. Please reach out to the Wauconda Community Development Department with any questions. They can be reached by phone at 847-526-9609 or by email at cd@wauconda-il.gov
Do I need a sticker to launch my boat in Bangs Lake?
  • Wauconda requires a safety inspection for each boat that utilizes Bangs Lake. Contact the Marine Patrol Unit at maiardo@waucondapolice.com or call 847-526-2421 to schedule an inspection. 
Where should I store my trash and recycling containers?

The Village of Wauconda has an ordinance regarding trash and recycling container storage for days that are NOT a trash pick-up day. Garbage and recycle containers should always be stored in a neat, composed and complementary way. The lists below identify acceptable and non acceptable storage locations:

Places where residents CAN store trash containers:

  • In a garage
  • A rear yard
  • Detached garage
  • Fully enclosed shed
Places where residents are not allowed to store trash containers:
  • On the driveway
  • Front yards
  • In side yards within ten (10) feet of the lot line
What do I do if I receive a red light citation?
  • If you receive a citation in the mail you should follow the instructions on the back. Detailed information is provided on how to pay or contest the violation. Should the individual decide to contest the violation, he/she may do so through the Village’s adjudication program.
  • Payments can be made by phone 866-328-7508, on-line www.redlightviolations.com, or by mailing a check or money order to: Photo Enforcement Program, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite 6658, Chicago, IL 60675-6658
Is the red light citation valid if it was not issued by a uniformed police officer?
  • Yes. These violations will be reviewed and authorized by sworn officers of the Wauconda Police Department. Each Review Officer will be specifically trained in the operation and review process of the Red Light Photo Enforcement Program. These tickets are treated as a civil violation (just like a parking ticket) and will not impact the registered owner’s driving record or insurance rates.
What if I received a red light citation but wasn't driving the vehicle?
Under Illinois State Law, HB 4835, the registered owner of the vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur to the vehicle, regardless of who is operating it.