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Frequently Asked Questions

Residents often call the station, asking questions about what is and is not legal in Joliet, according to city ordinance.  We have listed below some of the most common questions that personnel are asked.  They are indexed according to subject.  If you don't find an answer to your question, please don't hesitate to call the department (724-3100) or email us.   We can provide you with an answer, and post the question and answer on this page.  Also, check out our 2005 Annual Report for police department activities last year.

If the information you need is more specific in nature, (ie., calls for service for a specific address) you may have to complete a Freedom of Information Act Request Form.  Please refer to that page for further explanations.  Also, crime statistics are located on a separate page.

Off-road vehicles

(motor scooters, go carts, motorized skateboards, go-peds, mini-bikes or motor bikes)

First of all, we should define "air rifle".  According to state statute, an "air rifle" means and includes an air gun, pistol, spring gun, spring pistol, B-B gun, pellet gun or any implement that is not a firearm which impels a breakable paint ball containing washable marking colors or, a pellet constructed of hard plastic, steel, lead or other hard materials with such force that reasonably is expected to cause bodily harm.  

There are two state laws and one city ordinance governing the use of air rifles.  The first makes it unlawful for any dealer or other person to sell, lend, rent give or otherwise transfer an air rifle to any person under the age of thirteen.   The exceptions to this law are parent, guardian, or licensed instructor.

The second law makes it unlawful for any person under 13 to carry an unloaded air rifle on public streets, roads, highways or public lands within the state.  In addition, an air rifle cannot be discharged from across any street, sidewalk, road, highway, or public land.  The only legal place that a person of any age can discharge an air rifle is on a safely constructed target range.

City ordinance further restricts the discharge of air rifles by prohibiting their discharge anywhere within the city.  This ordinance also includes toy firearms, toy cannons, or any gun that discharges projectiles either by air, spring, explosive substance or any other force.

The answer is...NEVER.  According to state statute, no person under the age of 21 is allowed to possess alcohol, purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol, or have any alcohol in their blood.  In addition, it is unlawful for any minor to enter onto a licensed liquor establishment, except as a customer in a restaurant, while working as an employee, or when accompanied by his/her parent or guardian.

It is unlawful for any person, including parents or guardians, to sell, give or deliver alcoholic liquor to a minor.  Even if a person does not actually supply the alcohol, but knowingly allows any minor to remain on the premises while consuming or in possession of alcohol is violating city ordinance.

A person under the age of 21 that is found to have any alcohol in his/her blood will have their drivers license suspended.  If that person refuses to submit to a blood test, that person's license will be suspended for an extended period.

There are several different state statutes governing bicycles.  The most important thing to remember is that traffic laws apply equally to persons riding bicycles as well as motor vehicles.  Bicycle riders must observe the same traffic lights, right of ways, and all other laws.  

There are a few additions to these laws, however.  First, bicycles cannot be used to carry more persons than they were designed and equipped to carry, and riders cannot attach themselves to any vehicle on a roadway.  Second, bicycles operating at less than the normal speed of traffic shall ride as close as practical to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway.  Bicycle riders are not allowed to impede the flow of traffic, and are expected to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.  

Since bicycles are not usually equipped with turn signals, hand signals for turns and stops are required.  

Bicycles, unlike cars, are allowed to be parked and ridden on the sidewalk, but the right of way shall be yielded to any pedestrian, and an audible signal (not siren) shall be given before overtaking any pedestrian.  If a rider elects to park his bicycle on the sidewalk, it cannot impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrians or other traffic.

In terms of equipment, bicycles ridden at night must be equipped with a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and a red reflector on the rear visible from all distances between 100 and 600 feet. All bicycles must have a brake.

My subdivision is new, and a lot of construction is still going on.  When are the workers allowed to begin work in the morning?                                                                             

The short answer is 7 in the morning.  The long answer is:  it is unlawful for any person to use a piledriver, shovel, hammer derrick, hoist tractor, roller or other mechanical apparatus operated by fuel or electric power in building or construction purposes between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. within 600 feel of any building used for residential purposes.

It seems like the neighborhood kids are out until all hours.  What are the curfew ordinances for Joliet?                                                                                                          

City ordinance distinguishes between youth that are 16 or 17, and those that are younger.  For 16 and 17-year-olds, curfew is between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.  The restricted places include public assemblies, public buildings, public places, streets, and highways.  The exception is when accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian or other responsible companion at least 18 years of age, and approved by the parent or legal guardian.  State statute makes the drivers license of any person under the age of 17 invalid during the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. on Saturdays, and between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. for the rest of the week.  Any underage driver found out after curfew can be ticketed for "no valid drivers license".

For youth fifteen and under, curfew is between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.  The same exceptions for parental/guardian supervision apply.

If a youth is found out after curfew, he can be fined not less than $100, but not more than $500.  In addition, violation of curfew may result in the minor's vehicle being impounded

We certainly do!  City ordinance prohibits any person under the age of 21 to enter any riverboat casino or engage in any gambling on any riverboat casino that operates from a dock located within the City.  Underage persons are permitted to be employed by the casinos, but cannot perform any function involved in gambling by the patrons.

Yes it is.  It is the duty of the owner, agent, or person in possession of any building in the city to number it in the manner provided in this article.  Numbers must be placed on the front of buildings or on porches, in a prominent position, conspicuous when viewed from the property line in front of a building.  In addition, each of the figures or letters of each number must be at least two and a half inches in height.

There are several different reasons for impounding a vehicle.  Although it may not occur at every incidence, police are authorized to impound vehicles in a variety of situations.  According to state statute, a vehicle can be impounded when a driver is found to be 

• in possession of cannabis;

• in violation of the "controlled substance act", and;

• unlawfully using a weapon.

In addition, city ordinance authorizes the police to impound a vehicle when the driver is found to be

• unlawfully possessing alcohol while a minor;

• engaging in prostitution or soliciting for a prostitute, and;

• pandering and pimping.

It seems like there are a lot of off-road vehicles being driven in my neighborhood, especially at the construction sites.  What are the city ordinances governing their usage?                                                                                                                                  

On November 16, 2004 the following ordinance was adopted by the City of Joliet:

Sec.    19-9,   Unlicensed Motorized Devices Prohibited on Public Property.

            (a)       Definitions:  For the purpose of this section, the words and phrases used herein shall have the following meanings, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context:

(i)         “Unlicensed motorized device” shall be defined as any motorized device or vehicle which is powered by a motor and fueled by stored electricity or any petroleum based fuel, that does not bear the proper registration plates from the Illinois Secretary of State or that is incapable of being registered by the Illinois Secretary of State under the provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code and shall included but not limited to motor scooters, go carts, motorized skateboards, go-peds, mini-bikes or motor bikes.  This section shall not apply to automobiles or “motorized wheelchairs” (as defined by the Illinois Vehicle Code).

(ii)               “Public Property” shall be defined as any public street, highway, sidewalk, alley, parkway, parking lot, bike path, parks or any other property owned or controlled by the City of Joliet.

(b)       No person shall operate an unlicensed motorized device upon any public property within the City of Joliet.

(c)        No person shall operate an unlicensed motorized device upon any private real property within the City of Joliet without the consent of the owner thereof.

(d)       An unlicensed motorized device being operated in violation of this section shall be subject to immediate impoundment in accordance with section 1-10 and section 1-10.1 of this Code.

(e)               The owner of the unlicensed motorized device impounded under this section shall be subject to an administrative penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) plus the cost of towing and storage of the device as set forth in section 1-10.1 of this Code.

Local ordinance prohibits the sale of fireworks and firework novelties.  Firework novelties are defined as "snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices, sparklers, trick noisemakers, "booby traps", "snappers", "trick matches", "cigarette loads", and "auto burglar alarms".  In addition, toy pistols, guns, canes or other devices in which paper or plastic caps containing .25 grain (16.2mg) or less of explosive compound are not to be sold.  State statute limits possession, display, and storage.  These laws are available at:  www.fireworksafety.com/state laws

The open burning of any waste product within the city limits of the City of Joliet is prohibited.  The only exception is for outdoor fireplaces.

There have been many different questions about parking...what is legal, and what is in violation of state statute or city ordinance.  Here is a general list of parking regulations.                                                                                                                          

As a rule of thumb, cars should be parked with the right hand wheels parallel with and within 12 inches of the right hand curb or edge of the roadway.  Parking in the following manners are prohibited:

• On the parkway
• Within 15 feet of a hydrant
• Within 30 feet of an intersection
• Within 20 feet of an alley
• For more than 48 hours without being moved
• For the purpose of displaying "for sale", repairing (except emergency), or advertising
• Unoccupied with the engine running
• Facing in the opposite direction of travel
• On a street or alley in such manner as to impeded the flow of traffic
• In the front yard
• On a sidewalk or blocking a sidewalk
• In front of or blocking a public or private driveway
• On a crosswalk or within 20 feet of a crosswalk
• On a roadway side of any parked vehicle (double parking)
• During snowfall, and for 8 hours after the snow stops falling.  In the even that snow exceeds 3 inches, parking shall be prohibited until snow operations are completed
• In a fire lane
• With an expired registration

In addition to the above regulations, there are also additional restrictions for trucks, semi-trailers, recreational vehicles and buses.  None of these vehicles is permitted to be parked on a city street, except under the following conditions:

1. When loading or unloading, and the vehicle is moved from the street afterwards;
2. A parking permit has been obtained by the owner of the vehicle;
3. The vehicle is properly parked in a location controlled by a parking meter in which the proper coinage has been deposited.

While driving around the city, I can't help but notice pedestrians walking in the street, and not observing the crosswalks.  This is pretty common.  Who actually has the right of way, the car or the pedestrian?                                                                                     

Contrary to popular belief, pedestrians do not always have the right of way.  According to state statute, pedestrians must always walk on the sidewalk, when one is provided.  In areas where a sidewalk is not provided, pedestrians are restricted to walking on the shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway.  When neither a sidewalk or a shoulder is available, the pedestrian is expected to walk as near as practicable to the outside edge of the roadway.

In terms of crosswalks, vehicles are expected to yield to pedestrians when they are crossing.  However, when pedestrians are not crossing at a crosswalk, they are expected to yield to all vehicles on the roadway.  They are also expected to avoid crossing between intersections, and must cross in accordance with the traffic control device.

Noisy dogs, pets running around the neighborhood, and the damage of private property by animals are common complaints to the Police Department.  Here are some city ordinances to use as guidelines.

City ordinance prohibits any person from being cruel to any animal in the following ways:

• By overloading, over-driving, overworking, beating, torturing, mutilating, or cruelly killing any animal or causing or knowingly allowing the same to be done;

• By cruelly working any old, maimed, sick or disabled animal;

• By unnecessarily failing to provide any animal in his/her charge or custody as owner or otherwise, with proper food, drink, shelter'

• By abandoning any old, maimed, infirmed, sick, or disabled animal.

If a person is convicted of cruelty to animals, in addition to a fine, the court may also assess a reasonable charge against the defendant for food, care or shelter of the animal to be paid to the person providing such food, drink, shelter and care.

All dogs must have a collar firmly attached around its neck with a license tag for the current year attached to the collar.  The license can be obtained from Joliet Animal Control, at 2807 McDonough.  Their phone number is 815-725-0333, and hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9-5; Friday, 9-7, and; Saturday, 9-12.  The fee is $5 for a neutered animal, and $10 for an un-neutered animal.  In order to obtain the license, the applicant must have proof of a rabies shot.

No dog is allowed to run at large within city limits.  All dogs found upon a public street, sidewalk, alley or parkway or unenclosed place is considered "running at large" unless the dog is firmly held on a leash or is in an enclosed vehicle.

It is acceptable to keep a dog contained within an invisible fence without a leash, and would be considered "fenced-in".  In fact, this is a good solution for residents who live in subdivisions that restrict the building of fences.  However, it is not a good solution for a big dog that has a tendency to rush at passers-by, or aggressive dogs.  An invisible fence does not reduce the sightline for the dog, or the passers-by, and the dog may rush at them when the walk by, scaring or intimidating them.  When considering installing an invisible fence, please remember that it will not change the behavior of the dog, and neighbors may still complain.

City ordinance prohibits any dog owner from allowing his/her dog to disturb the quiet, peace and peaceful enjoyment on the same or nearby property.  If a dog has been found to be disturbing the peace, or is dangerous, a summons may be issued and directed to the owner or keeper of the dog, commanding him/her to appear before a judge at a time stated in the summons.

On November 16, 2004 the following ordinance was adopted by the City of Joliet:

SECTION 1:      Section 6-28 of the Code of Ordinances is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Sec. 6-28.         Vicious and Dangerous Dogs.

(a)        Definitions.

            (1)        “Attack” means to inflict or attempt to inflict bodily harm to a person or a companion animal, to chase, pursue or to engage in other behavior that would cause a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm.

            (1)        “Companion animal” means a dog, cat or other animal owned by a person for companionship or amusement.

            (2)        "Confined" means restriction of a dog at all times by the owner, or his agent, within an escape-proof enclosure away from other animals and the public.

            (3)        "Dangerous dog" means any individual dog, other than a police dog, that when unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner or custodian behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat of physical injury to a person ora companion animal. 

            (4)        "Dog" means all members of the family Canidae.

            (5)        “Enclosure" means a fence or structure of at least 6 feet in height, forming or causing an enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and suitable to confine a vicious dog in conjunction with other measures that may be taken by the owner or keeper, such as tethering of the vicious dog within the enclosure.  An enclosure must be securely enclosed and locked and designed with secure sides, top, and bottom and designed to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure.  If the enclosure is a room within a residence, the door must be locked. 

            (6)        "Impounded" means taken into the custody of a law enforcement officer or a public animal control facility serving the City of Joliet.

            (7)        "Leash" means a cord, rope, strap, or chain which shall be securely fastened to the collar or harness of a dog and shall be of sufficient strength to keep such dog under control.

            (8)        "Owner" means any person having a right of property in a dog, or who keeps or harbors a dog, or who has it in his care, or acts as its custodian. 

            (9)        "Physical injury" means the impairment of physical condition.

            (10)       "Serious physical injury" means a physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious or protracted disfigurement, protracted impairment of health, impairment of the function of any bodily organ, or plastic surgery.

            (11)       "Vicious dog" means a dog, other than a police dog, that, without justification, attacks a person or a companion animal and causes serious physical injury or death or any individual dog that has been found to be a "dangerous dog" upon two separate occasions. 

(b)        Vicious Dogs.

(1)        Confinement of Vicious Dog Mandatory.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any dog which has been found to be a vicious dog unless the dog is confined in an enclosure.  A vicious dog may only be allowed out of the enclosure (1) if it is necessary for the owner or keeper to obtain veterinary care for the dog, (2) in the case of an emergency or natural disaster where the dog's life is threatened or (3) to comply with the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, provided that the dog is securely muzzled and restrained with a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length, and shall be under the direct control and supervision of the owner or keeper of the dog or muzzled in its residence. 

(2)        Liability Insurance Required to Keep Vicious Dog.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any dog which has been found to be a vicious dog unless the owner of the dog procures and keeps in effect occurrence-based liability insurance with a policy limit of not less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).  The liability insurance shall be issued by a company authorized to do business in Illinois and shall cover claims brought by third parties in connection with physical injury or property damage caused by the vicious dog.  A current certificate of insurance evidencing the coverage required by this Section shall be filed with the City Manager.  The owner shall also file updated certificates of insurance with the City Manager at the time the required insurance policies are renewed.  Proof of liability insurance shall also be a requirement to obtaining a license tag for a vicious dog.

(3)        Sale of Vicious Dog Prohibited.

No person shall sell or give away a dog determined to be a vicious dog.  A vicious dog may be given to an animal control facility for euthanization.

(4)        Vicious Dog Determination.

The City Manager is authorized to declare that an individual dog is a vicious dog in accordance with this Section.  If the City Manager has reason to believe that an individual dog is a vicious dog, the City Manager shall issue notice to the dog’s owner that an administrative hearing will be held to ascertain whether the dog in question is a vicious dog.  Notice to an adult co-owner of a dog shall be sufficient notice to all other co-owners of the dog.  The notice shall be given at least seven days prior to the hearing.  The notice may be given by first class mail addressed to the residence of the owner.  If the owner cannot be identified after reasonable inquiry, notice may be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City or by posting a copy thereof on an entrance to the residence of the owner or the location where the dog is being kept.  The notice shall contain the date, time and place of hearing, a description of the dog, and shall also generally describe the conduct of the dog that constitutes the basis of the investigation.  The City Manager may require that the dog be confined during the pendency of the case.

At the hearing the City Manager may interview any witnesses, including the owner, gather any existing medical records, veterinary medical records or behavioral evidence.  The owner shall also be permitted to interview witnesses and provide relevant information to the City Manager.  Testimony of a certified applied behaviorist, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, or another recognized expert may be relevant to determine whether the dog's behavior was justified.  The City Manager shall keep an audio record of the proceedings. 

If there is clear and convincing evidence that the dog is a vicious dog, the City Manager shall issue an order to that effect and that sets forth the basis for such determination.  A copy of the order shall be served upon the owner.  The order shall also reasonably inform the owner of the right to seek judicial review of the order, the obligation of the owner to confine the dog to an enclosure, the responsibility of the owner to spay, neuter and microchip the dog at the owner’s expense, the procedure for redeeming a dog from impoundment and that the dog may be euthanized if it is not redeemed by the owner in a timely manner.  The order shall also notify the owner that the dog may be euthanized at the expense of the owner if the dog inflicts serious physical harm on a person or companion animal subsequent to its determination to be a vicious dog. 

A dog shall not be declared vicious if the conduct of the dog was justified because:

(a)        the threat, injury, or death was sustained by a person who at the time was committing a crime or offense upon the owner or custodian of the dog, or upon the property of the owner or custodian of the dog;

(b)        the injured, threatened, or killed person was tormenting, abusing, assaulting, or physically threatening the dog or its offspring, or has in the past tormented, abused, assaulted, or physically threatened the dog or its offspring;  or

(c)        the dog was responding to pain or injury, or was protecting itself, its owner, custodian, or member of its household, kennel, or offspring.

No dog shall be deemed "vicious" if it is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties.

If a dog is found to be a vicious dog, the dog shall be spayed or neutered within ten days of the finding at the expense of its owner and microchipped, if not already, and is subject to enclosure. 

            A determination by the City Manager that a dog is a vicious dog constitutes a final administrative decision for the purposes of judicial review thereof in accordance with law.  Upon filing a notice of appeal, the City Manager’s order declaring the dog to be a vicious dog may be stayed in whole or in part by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

(4)        Impoundment of Vicious Dog

Any dog which has been found to be a vicious dog shall be impounded at the expense of the owner until such time as the owner can establish that the dog will be confined in an enclosure on the property of the owner that meets the requirements of this Section.  If the owner of the dog has not requested to redeem the dog, paid all applicable fees and established that the dog will be confined in a proper enclosure, an impounded vicious dog may be euthanized at the expense of the owner after the seventh consecutive day of impoundment.

(5)        Euthanization of Vicious Dog.

A vicious dog may be impounded and euthanized at the expense of the owner if the dog inflicts serious physical harm on a person or companion animal subsequent to its determination to be a vicious dog.  In order to obtain the authority to euthanize a vicious dog under this sub-section, the Corporation Counsel, or any resident of the City of Joliet, shall file a petition with the Circuit Court.  Process shall issue as in other civil cases.  The petitioner shall have the burden to establish by clear and convincing evidence that sufficient grounds exist to impound and euthanize the dog.  The dog shall not be euthanized if the owner establishes to the satisfaction of the Court that the actions of the dog were justified as set forth in sub-section (b)(4) of this Section or if the Court otherwise determines that euthanization would not be in the public interest.

(c)        Dangerous Dogs.

            (1)        Use of Leash and Muzzle Mandatory.

It is unlawful for any person to knowingly or recklessly permit any dangerous dog to leave the premises of its owner unless securely muzzled and restrained with a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length and under the direct control and supervision of the owner or keeper of the dog. 

(2)        Liability Insurance Required to Keep Dangerous Dog.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any dog which has been found to be a dangerous dog unless the owner of the dog procures and keeps in effect liability insurance with a policy limit of not less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars.  The liability insurance shall be issued by a company authorized to do business in the State of Illinois and shall cover claims brought by third parties in connection with physical injury or property damage caused by the dog.  A current certificate of insurance evidencing the coverage required by this Section shall be filed with the City Manager.

(3)                 Dangerous Dog Determination.

The City Manager is authorized to declare that an individual dog is a dangerous dog in accordance with this Section.  If the City Manager has reason to believe that an individual dog is a dangerous dog, the City Manager shall issue notice to the dog’s owner that an administrative hearing will be held to ascertain whether the dog in question is a dangerous dog.  Notice to an adult co-owner of a dog shall be sufficient notice to all other co-owners of the dog.  The notice shall be given at least seven days prior to the hearing.  The notice may be given by first class mail addressed to the residence of the owner.  If the owner cannot be identified after reasonable inquiry, notice may be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation or by posting a copy thereof on an entrance to the residence of the owner or the location where the dog is being kept.  The notice shall contain the date, time and place of hearing, a description of the dog, and shall also generally describe the conduct of the dog that constitutes the basis of the investigation.  The City Manager may require that the dog be confined during the pendency of the case.

At the hearing the City Manager may interview any witnesses, including the owner, gather any existing medical records, veterinary medical records or behavioral evidence.  The owner shall also be permitted to interview witnesses and provide relevant information to the City Manager.  Testimony of a certified applied behaviorist, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, or another recognized expert may be relevant to determine whether the dog's behavior was justified.  The City Manager shall keep a record of the proceedings.  If there is clear and convincing evidence that the dog is a dangerous dog, the City Manger shall issue an order to that effect that sets forth the basis for such determination and serve a copy thereof upon the owner. 

A dog shall not be declared dangerous if the conduct of the dog was justified because:

(a)        the threat, injury, or death was sustained by a person who at the time was committing a crime or offense upon the owner or custodian of the dog, or upon the property of the owner or custodian of the dog;

(b)        the injured, threatened, or killed person was tormenting, abusing, assaulting, or physically threatening the dog or its offspring, or has in the past tormented, abused, assaulted, or physically threatened the dog or its offspring;  or

(c)        the dog was responding to pain or injury, or was protecting itself, its owner, custodian, or member of its household, kennel, or offspring.

If a dog is determined to be dangerous, the City Manager may order one or more of the following as deemed appropriate under the circumstances and necessary for the protection of the public:

(d)        evaluation of the dog by a certified applied behaviorist, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, or another recognized expert in the field and completion of training or other treatment as deemed appropriate by the expert.  The owner of the dog shall be responsible for all costs associated with evaluations and training ordered under this subsection; or

(e)        direct supervision by an adult 18 years of age or older whenever the animal is on public premises.

            A determination by the City Manager that a dog is a dangerous dog constitutes a final administrative decision for the purposes of judicial review thereof in accordance with law.  Upon filing a notice of appeal, the City Manager’s order declaring the dog to be a dangerous dog may be stayed in whole or in part by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

No dog shall be deemed dangerous if it is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties.

(4)        Euthanization of Dangerous Dog.

A dangerous dog shall be impounded and euthanized at the expense of the owner if the dog inflicts serious physical harm on a person or companion animal subsequent to its determination to be a dangerous dog.  In order to obtain the authority to euthanize a dangerous dog under subsection (c)(4) of this Section, the Corporation Counsel, or any resident of the City of Joliet, shall file a petition with the Circuit Court.  Process shall issue as in other civil cases.  The petitioner shall have the burden to establish by clear and convincing evidence that sufficient grounds exist to impound and euthanize the dog.  The dog shall not be euthanized if the owner shows by clear and convincing evidence that the actions of the dog were justified as set forth in sub-section (c)(4) of this Section.

(d)        Enforcement.

(1)        Violations and Penalties.

Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $750 pursuant to the provisions of Section 1-8 of the Code of Ordinances, or such higher amount permitted by law.  Every day that a violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.

(2)        Civil Enforcement.

The Corporation Counsel may commence any appropriate action at law or in equity to enforce the provisions of this Section or any order of the City Manager and to protect against any violation thereof.  A showing of inadequate remedy at law or irreparable harm shall not be needed to obtain and injunction or restraining order.  These remedies shall be in addition to the penalties set forth elsewhere in this sub-section.  In the event the City of Joliet prevails in such an action, it shall be entitled to a judgment for court costs and reasonable attorneys fees. 
SECTION 2: Chapter 6, Article II, Division 1 is hereby amended with the addition of the following as Section 6-30 as follows:

Sec.6-30.          Negligent Control of an Animal.

It shall be unlawful for a person having ownership, possession or custody of a dog or other animal to fail to exercise reasonable care with respect to the control of the animal if as a result of such failure, the animal;

(a)        inflicts physical injury to a person or a companion animal;

(b)        causes a reasonable person in a public place to fear an imminent threat of physical injury to the person or a companion animal;

(c)                 damages the property of another; or

(d)                 runs at large in public or on the private property of another without the consent of the property owner;

SECTION 3:      This Ordinance shall be deemed severable and the invalidity of any portion hereof shall not be deemed so as to invalidate the remainder.

SECTION 4:      This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the home rule powers of the City of Joliet and is intended to supercede and preempt any concurrent or conflicting provision of State law.

SECTION 5:      This Ordinance shall take effect upon its passage.

No more than two dogs are allowed per household unless that residence is zoned for a kennel.

It is unlawful for the owner or any person in charge to permit or suffer any dog to defecate upon or injure any roof, walkway, flower, grass plots, shrubs, vegetable or flower garden in any private lot or any other private property within the city.

There are several different regulations.  First, in terms of clearing snow away, there are a few restrictions.  Ice or snow cannot be deposited onto the land or another, sidewalk, or parkway of another without their consent.  In addition, it cannot be thrown or deposited upon the street or any vehicle parked on the street.

In terms of parking during snowstorms, or after the snow has fallen, the following regulations apply:

Once the snow operations have been completed, parking on the street can resume on the even side of the street on days with even calendar dates.  For the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses, parking can resume on days with odd calendar dates.  When allowed to park on the street, the hours of valid parking are between 12:00 noon and 12:00 noon the next day.

The best place to ride a snowmobile in the City of Joliet is on private property with the permission of the owner.  Like dirt bikes and atv's, it is best to get that permission in writing to avoid any confusion.  Snowmobiles are NOT permitted on city streets or highways, in nature preserves, or on frozen public water.  In addition, snowmobiles cannot be operated within 100 feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6 a.m.

It seems like I constantly have people trying to sell me magazine subscriptions or alarm systems.  What are the ordinances governing soliciting?

It is unlawful for anyone to solicit upon the public streets or sidewalks, in a public place or door to door within the City of Joliet for subscriptions, sales or any other purpose, without first having secured a permit.  This permit must be in the possession of each and every solicitor is limited to the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  Solicitors cannot conduct business on Sundays or legal holidays.  Church groups and other non-profit groups are exempt from the permit ordinance.

In order to prohibit solicitors, a "no soliciting" sign can be posted at the entrance to a dwelling or other place of business or residence measuring at least 4" by 2".

Not only are vendors prohibited from selling tobacco or tobacco products to persons under the age of 18, but the transfer of tobacco products to minors by any person, including parents, is also illegal.  Persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from possession of any cigar, cigarette, smokeless tobacco or tobacco in any of its forms.

Officers often get questions about procedures, and especially what types of modifications or equipment is legally required.  Here is a list of answers to the most common questions:

1. Drivers license and proof of insurance must be carried and displayed, if requested by a police officer;
2. A vehicle will be impounded if the driver does not have a valid license and fails to meet the mandatory insurance requirements when stopped;
3. The drivers license of a minor out after curfew is not valid;
4. Every vehicle (except motorcycles) must be equipped with two license plates that are securely affixed, with one in the front and one in the rear;
5. License plates cannot be covered with any foreign material, including tinted plastic covers.  Clear plastic covers are now allowed as long as they remain clear and cannot be covered by a license plate frame;
6. The license plate sticker must be visible and properly placed in the bottom center portion of the rear plate.  It cannot be vertical, and it cannot be covered by a license plate frame;
7. Every vehicle (except motorcycles) must be equipped with two headlights and two taillights;
8. The Secretary of State must be notified within 10 days for a change of address for both vehicle registration and drivers license;
9. Any person transporting a child under the age of 4 in a non-commercial vehicle must secure that child in a child restraint system;
10. A child between the ages of 4 and 6 must be secured in a child restraint system or seat belt;
11. Passing on the shoulder is permitted only if the shoulder is paved and wide enough to accommodate two vehicles;
12. Drivers are not allowed to wear headphones, with the exception of motorcycle riders using an intercom system;
13. The driver and front seat passenger must use seat belts;
14. Sound amplification systems in a vehicle are unlawful if the sound is audible 75 feet or more outside the vehicle;
15. Excessive muffler noise is prohibited;
16. Tinted windows are prohibited;
17. Transportation of open alcohol in a motor vehicle is prohibited;
18. It is unlawful to allow an unauthorized person to drive;
19. If the traffic lights are not working, the intersection becomes a 4-way stop.

It seems as if drivers never yield the right of way to buses and emergency vehicles.  What are the actual laws governing these situations?

Drivers must always yield the right of way for emergency vehicles.  Upon the approach of an emergency or police vehicle, making use of audible and visual signals, drivers shall yield the right of way and immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge of the road to permit safe passage of the emergency vehicle.  The driver shall remain in such position until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

In terms of passing a school bus, it is illegal when the the stop arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.  This includes both sides of the street for a two-lane road.  Only the traffic proceeding in the same direction as the stopped school bus must stop on a four-lane road.

• You may only water your lawn between 6am and 10am or 6pm and 10pm at even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days, and at odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days.  There is no lawn watering allowed outside the hours mentioned above.
• The only exception to this is for homeowners or businesses who have laid sod, or will be laying sod.  Sod permits will be issued based on overall water supply and temperature projections.  Sod permits are available from the Department of Public Works and Utilities by calling 815-724-4220.

I have heard that it is against the city ordinance to have amplified music outside in Joliet.  What are the specifics of this ordinance?  I'm not sure if the city allows music to a certain decibel level, or if all amplified music is completely banned.

The City of Joliet actually has two ordinances governing sound. The first is Section 19-7, Sound amplification system, and states the following:

(a) No driver of any motor vehicle within the city shall operate or permit operation of any sound amplification systems which can be heard outside the vehicle from seventy-five (75) or more feet when the vehicle is being operated upon a street, highway, roadway alley, unless such system is being operated to request assistance or warn of a hazardous situation.

(b) This section does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles or to vehicles in which the driver or occupants or someone acting on their behalf have secured a license for operation required by section 3-14 of this Code.

The second one is Section 21-7, loud or unnecessary noises prohibited; examples; exception.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise or any noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, within the city.

(b) The following acts are examples of the noises prohibited by this section:

(1) The throwing or propelling of any firecrackers, Roman candles or rockets of any type, or any articles of any explosive nature, intended to be used as firecrackers.

(2) The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle, motorbus, or other vehicle on any street or public place of the city, except as a danger warning or the creation, by means of any such signaling device, or any unreasonably loud or harsh sound or the sounding of any horn or signaling device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time or the use of any signaling device, except one operated by hand or electricity or the use of any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust, and the use of any such signaling device when traffic is for any reason held up.

(c) Section 21-7(b) (1), (2), of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joliet shall not apply to the Fourth of July celebration which is held upon Joliet park district property commonly known as Joliet Memorial Stadium.

I've received phone calls asking for money on behalf of our local police department.  Are these people legitimate?

The Joliet Police Department has received numerous calls from Joliet residents regarding telephone solicitations they received from police organizations asking for donations. According to Joliet Police Chief David Gerdes, “The Joliet Police Department does not engage in telephone fundraising drives, and residents should use caution when contacted by any organization requesting donations.”

Chief Gerdes further advised that the Joliet Police Department has not been contacted by any legitimate organizations that have indicated their intentions to raise funds that would directly benefit the Joliet Police Department.

I recently purchased neon lights for my windshield wipers, and the underside of my car, and was told that they are illegal in Illinois.  Is this true?

They are illegal under ILCS 625 5/12-201. All vehicle lights visible from the front must be clear or amber. Vehicle lights from the rear must be red, excluding reverse lights( white) or turn signal lights (amber). 625 5/12-201 states lights for license plates must be white. Neon hinders the visibility of plates and can be cited under 625 5/3-413 (b). Fines for the above violations are $75.00. The neon lights would be ok under the dash inside the vehicle, however. Placing neon lights under the car is also illegal, as only one running board light is allowed, and must be amber in color. If the vehicle is parked and the lights are lit it would be ok, but when the person pulls out onto the road and leaves them on, they would then warrant a citation. 

Those outdoor fireplaces seem to be pretty popular, and I'm thinking of getting one this summer.  What are the ordinances governing these items?

Recently the City of Joliet has been having some problems with open burning, mostly nuisance complaints about smoke.  Here is the lowdown:

• Outdoor fireplaces must be on legs, attached to a steel bottom, with wire mesh sides and a top.  The complete unit must remain intact during usage.  Most commercially-sold outdoor fireplaces that have all these items are approved.  In addition, existing old time brick fireplaces have also been approved.  No other home-built fireplace is approved.

• The only acceptable fuel include wooden logs, tree branches, or artificial logs that you would burn in an indoor fireplace.   Unacceptable items include wooden pallets, treated deck wood, garbage, or leaves.

• All fuel must fit inside the confines of the wire mesh, and the top must remain in place.

Please remember that even though you may be using an appropriate fireplace, using the accepted fuel, if the fire is objectionable due to smoke, flames, sparks or odor emissions, you can still be fined.  ($75)  When using an outdoor fireplace, please be considerate of your neighbors and surroundings.

Our Department gets all kinds of calls about the crime rate in Joliet, many from people interested in moving into a particular area.  Click on the links below for crime rate information...

At this time, the City of Joliet does not release more specific crime rate information to the general public.  There are several important reasons:  First, it is not the position of the City of Joliet, nor the Joliet Police Department to steer potential residents toward or away from specific neighborhoods.  Second, much of the statistics requested are subjective.  City of Joliet employees cannot judge what is a "safe" or "unsafe" neighborhood.  For example, if a person comes from the inner city of Chicago, their idea of acceptable crime levels may vastly differ from those of someone that lived in downstate Illinois.  Click here for other tips on how to find out what the living conditions of the City of Joliet are.  If you want to obtain more specific information, you must submit a Freedom of Information Act form in person, at the City Clerk's Office (150 West Jefferson, 724-3780)  

My neighbor has a swimming pool, but hasn't put up any fence around it.  I think that's dangerous.  What are the ordinances governing fences around swimming pools?

Under Article IX, Family Swimming Pools, any family swimming pool must enclose either the entire pool, or the lot on which it is located, with a fence or wall with a minimum height of 4 feet.