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.

Learn More About Your Community and Services Around Your Property

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Property Address:

  1. Important Regulations & Permits
  2. Public Meetings
  3. Refuse / Yard Waste Pickup
  4. Staying Informed
  5. Utility Services
  6. Village Programs
  7. Safety
  8. Village Policies
  9. 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.