Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director of Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 16 (“Nuisances”), Article 3 (“Criminal Nuisance Abatement”), Section 16-3-1 (“Defintions”) of the Oak Park Village Code
End
Overview
Overview
Staff is recommending that the Ordinance be adopted to protect tennants that contact authorities in situations of domestic violence, sexual violence, or when disabled tenants are involved. The State of Illinois recently passed an act specifically mandating such protections.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance.
Fiscal Impact
NA.
Background
On December 9, 2013 the Board amended chapters 12 and 16 of the Village Code to create a Crime Free Housing Program. The program gives rental property owners a tool to ensure the safety tenants and neighbors. As adopted, the program already has strong protections for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Chapter 13 also enumerates protections for the disabled.
On August 21, 2015, the State of Illinois enacted Public Act Number 99-441 (the “Act”) which makes it unlawful for Home Rule Municipalities to enforce crime-free or chronic nuisance ordinances in a manner that would penalize tenants for contacting police or other emergency services in domestic abuse and sexual violence situations or where disabled tenants have contacted police or emergency services. The Act goes into effect on November 19, 2015. Staff is recommending that the Board adopt this Ordinance to align chapter 16 of the Village Code more closely to the Act. A separate Ordinance is also on the Board meeting agenda which to amends section 12-2-12 (“Crime Free Housing”) among other sections of chapter 12 (“Housing”) of the Village Code in this regard.
Alternatives
Subject to the Village Board’s discussion, staff will prepare any necessary amendments to the Village ordinances. Alternatively, the Village Board could choose to conduct a second reading on November 16. Staff recommends adopting the amendments before the Illinois statute takes effect on November 19.
Previous Board Action
On December 9, 2013 the Board amended chapters 12 and 16 of the Village Code to create a Crime Free Housing Program.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
NA.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
NA.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
NA.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
The Neighborhood Services Division is committed to working with all appropriate Village Departments to protect the fair housing rights of residents.