Newcomers
…a village in a natural setting committed to its tradition of residential neighborhoods, citizen involvement, local shops and educational excellence.
As a newcomer to the Village, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty that brought early settlers to the area and prompted its founders to name the new community “Winnetka,” a Native American word meaning “beautiful land.” Whether you are considering making Winnetka your home or have already moved here, we want to provide you with all the information you need. The following are areas of interest to new residents, with brief explanations and links to further information.
- Important Regulations & Permits
- Public Meetings
- Refuse / Yard Waste Pickup
- Staying Informed
- Utility Services
- Village Programs
- Safety
- Village Policies
- Contacts
Vehicle Stickers
- Village license windshield stickers cost $40 per vehicle and must be renewed on a calendar year basis. A transfer to replace an assigned sticker during the year can be purchased for $1.
Pet Regulations/Licensing
- A dog license must be displayed on each Winnetka dog over six months of age on a calendar year basis.
- Dogs are required by ordinance to be on a leash at all times, unless they are confined on the property of their owner.
Required Construction Permits
- It may be necessary to obtain building and other permits for the following:
- Additions
- Air conditioners
- Demolition
- Fences
- Interior remodeling
- A new deck
- Patios
- Replacement driveways
- Swimming pools
Construction Activity
- Prohibited on:
- Sundays and holidays
- Saturdays: before 9 AM and after 6 PM
- Monday through Friday: before 7 AM and after 7 PM
Noisy Landscaping
Noisy landscaping activity may only occur:
- Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday and holidays 10 AM to 7 PM
Gas Powered Leaf Blowers
In Winnetka, the use of gasoline powered leaf blowers is only allowed during the following hours, and only between October 1 and May 31:
- Monday through Friday 8 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 AM to 6 PM
Yard Maintenance
Property owners are responsible for routine maintenance of the public parkways (generally the area between the curb and the sidewalk) adjacent to their properties. This includes mowing, trimming weeds, etc. In addition, tree limbs and bushes on or adjacent to parkway areas should be kept trimmed so that they do not block visibility or encroach upon sidewalks.
Snow Shoveling
Residents are asked to shovel their walk after snowfalls of less than 3 inches and keep sidewalks clear so that ice does not accumulate. After storms depositing more than 3 inches of snow, the Village will plow residential sidewalks.
Parking
- On street parking is prohibited in the Village between 2 AM and 6 AM.
- Parking permits are required for Village lots as well as for parking at Metra stations.
Garage Sales
- Permits are not required, but the Winnetka sign ordinance prohibits the display of garage sale signs on premises other than those on which the sale is conducted.
- Are permitted one temporary sign, which cannot exceed 10 square feet in size.
Signage
Residents may display one political, civic, philanthropically or religious sign, only on their own property (not in the parkway or Village right-of way), and not to exceed eight square feet.
Notices listing the dates and times of all Village meetings can be found on the Village’s website as well as on the bulletin board at Village Hall. The annual meeting notice also provides a listing of the regular meeting schedule for the Village Council and all lower boards/commissions for the full year.
Village Council Meetings
The Winnetka Village Council holds its regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, and a study session on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. All regular and study session meetings are held at Village Hall beginning at 7 PM. View upcoming agendas and past meetings in our Governance section.
- View our refuse collection schedule in our Public Works section
- Yard waste tags are required ($2.50 each)
- Learn more about Village recycling programs and composting options
- The Village has multiple seasonal cleanup programs
New residents can easily stay informed about Village news and events:
- We distribute a weekly email newsletter to residents (sign up here)
- Interacting with us on social media: view our Facebook and Instagram
- The Winnetka Report: our quarterly print newsletter is mailed to residents. View past editions.
Smart911
Residents can sign up to receive text message alerts or calls when emergency conditions exist. Register landlines and cell phone numbers through the Smart911 website.
Cable Television
- AT&T: 855-634-9517
- Comcast: 866-594-1234
Natural Gas
- Alternate supplier information
- North Shore: 866-556-6004
- Northern Illinois (Nicor - Indian Hill only): 888-642-6748
Sanitary Sewer, Village of Winnetka
- Report emergency: 847-716-3568
- After hours: 847-501-2531
Water & Electric service, Village of Winnetka
- Request service: 847-446-9550
- Billing: 847-446-9550
- Report emergency: 847-501-2531
Voter Registration
- Register after living in Winnetka for 30 days. View information on how to register or update your voter registration at the Cook County Clerk’s website.
Special Fire Department Programs
- Acceptance and disposal of unused/expired medication and “sharps”
- Blood pressure screenings
- Educational tours of the Fire Station
- Home safety surveys
Special Police Department Programs
- Bicycle registration
- Engraving tool for items of value
- Home security surveys
- House Watch List
- Police Station tours
Vacation Watch
If you are going on vacation and would like the Winnetka Police Department to keep an eye on your house periodically, please call 847-501-6034.
Vehicle Safety
Please do not leave keys or key fobs in vehicles, as this can significantly increase the risk of theft of your vehicle and/or its contents.
Coal Tar
Coal tar is a waste material generated during coal processing that contains high levels of chemical compounds shown to be harmful to aquatic life and pose a potential risk in humans, and its use is banned in Winnekta.
The ban requires all contractors and multi-family property owners to obtain a Pavement Sealant License through the Public Works Department. Single-family homeowners applying sealant themselves do not need a Pavement Sealant Applicators License. Contact 847-716-3550 for more information.
Phosphorus
To protect water quality by reducing phosphorus runoff, Winnetka bans the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers. State law already prohibits the application of phosphorus-containing fertilizers by commercial applicators. The Village’s ordinance complements the state law, and allows exceptions for the Park District and residents when phosphorus doesn’t naturally occur at high enough levels or is otherwise low; and for newly sodded or seeded lawns.
While phosphorus is an essential nutrient for healthy plant growth, it is already present in efficient levels in our local soils. The application of excess phosphorus degrades water quality by causing excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, depleting dissolved oxygen and reducing biodiversity. Phosphorus-free and organic fertilizers are an effective alternative that can be found at most hardware stores. Contact 847-716-3550 for more information.
Solicitors
Residents and businesses may display "No Solicitors or Peddlers" signs on their property. Solicitors not heeding the signs are subject to arrest. Every solicitor is required to carry a permit issued by the Village. Concerns about solicitors should be reported to the Police Department by calling 847-501-6034. Winnetka residents who do not wish to have solicitors visit them can request to have their homes included in a register maintained by the Police Department. There is no charge for this service.
Common Village contacts are:
Police/Fire/Paramedics emergency: 911
Police (non-emergency): 847-501-6034
Fire (non-emergency): 847-501-6029
Electric or water outages: 847-501-2531
Refuse or recycling collection: 847-716-3568
Manager/Finance department: 847-501-6000
Public Works department: 847-716-3568
Utility billing services: 847-446-9550
Community Development department: 847-716-3576