Wilmette Engineering

Headed by the Director of Engineering and staffed by 6 full-time employees and 2 seasonal interns, the division of Engineering is responsible for a variety of tasks. Engineering is responsible for the design and inspection of all public construction within the right-of-way, which includes streets, curbs, sidewalks, street lights, sewer and water lines, and storm sewers. This division is responsible for issuing permits for work to be done in the public right-of-way, issuing dumpster and grading permits, coordinating traffic and parking studies, and providing engineering assistance to other Village departments.

The staff also provides assistance to Wilmette residents with concerns or questions related to these topics. In addition to these duties, the Engineering staff provides administrative support to the Municipal Services Committee, the Transportation Commission, the Ad Hoc Bike Task Force, and the Sewer Commission.

Building & Grounds

The Building & Grounds division is staffed by 3 full-time employees and 1 permanent part time employee. Building & Grounds provides routine, preventive and emergency maintenance of Village owned facilities, which include the Village Hall, Village Yard, Police Station, Fire Stations and Historical Museum. The Building & Grounds division also constructs wooden racks for securing residential refuse containers that are located in alleys. These refuse racks are effective in preventing animals from opening or tipping the garbage cans, and can be purchased for a nominal fee. For more information, contact the Village Hall at (847) 251-2700.

Plan Review

The Engineering Department reviews plans for new construction and provides inspections for drainage and foundations for private homeowners, developers and contractors.

Right-Of-Way Permits

Any work which is to be performed in the public right-of-way requires approval by the Village. For projects such as driveway, sidewalk and curb and gutter repairs, the placement of a dumpster or scaffolding, or installation of a sprinkler system on the right-of-way, residents and contractors should contact the Engineering Department at (847) 853-7660. The current cost for right-of-way permits for driveway aprons, sidewalks, etc. is $51. In addition, a refundable deposit of $1000 and a certificate of insurance, naming the Village as certificate holder and as additional insured for the contractor is required.

Dumpster Permits

Each year, many residents undertake home improvement projects. Many of these projects require the use of a dumpster to collect waste. Before placing a dumpster, residents must obtain a dumpster permit at a cost of $37 from the Department of Engineering.  $125 surcharge will be added for dumpsters without permits

Dumpsters are not permitted on a Village street and may only be placed on the Public Right of Way (ROW) if there is no space available on private property. The dumpster must be placed on the driveway, front, rear or side yard before placement on the ROW will be considered. ROW dumpster requests require an inspection to verify that there is no other available space on Private Property.

Residents may use the services of any dumpster company. The business that is providing the dumpster must have a valid business license and Certificate of Insurance on file with the Village. The Village has pre-printed forms of companies licensed and insured in the Village.

If the dumpster is approved for location in the Village ROW, a $400 refundable deposit will be required. The deposit is to ensure that there are funds available to repair any damage to Village property caused by placement of the dumpster.