Common Code Issues

Batavia recognizes the benefits of home-based businesses. Regulations regarding home businesses are in place to protect the residential character of neighborhoods. Home-based businesses should not be visibly apparent from the exterior and is operated in its entirety within the single unit and only by the person(s) maintaining the dwelling unit. Commercial vehicles must be stored indoors or screened from nearby residents. (10.4.502)

• There cannot be any signage advertising the business, or open storage of equipment.
• Other than family members residing within the dwelling unit located on the lot or parcel, there shall be no other employees working at the home occupation.

Noise issues should be directed to the Police Department. In order to file a noise complaint, an officer must be notified at the time of the disturbance. Batavia has automotive regulations against vehicles causing excessive noise, as well as regulations against operation of loud machinery.

Outdoor amplification of sound is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday (4-4-5). Animals causing a high or prolonged level of noise can be ruled a disturbance. Any person in possession of such an animal can be charged with disturbing the peace (5-4B-5). To report nuisance noise during non-business hours contact the Batavia Police Department.

The City of Batavia has the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code with amendments. These rules apply to the exterior and interior conditions of buildings along with the surrounding property. These regulations are in place to provide safe and desirable living condition of residents and to prevent dilapidated properties from negatively impacting nearby properties. All necessary permits should be applied for in any maintenance project.

• All buildings must display their assigned numbers in a manner that is viewable from the street. Numbers should be at least 4 inches tall (9-9-1).
• All buildings and accessory structures should be kept in good repair. Peeling paint, missing siding, rotting posts and walls are not acceptable (302.7, 304.1, 304.2).
• Sidewalks should be kept in a safe manner. Missing or broken sections should be replaced (302.3).
• All roofs should be kept in good repair, and not leak. Water from gutters should not be discharged into the septic or sanitary system.
• Fences should be kept in good repair. Broken or missing sections must be replaced. No permit is needed for fence repair. Fence replacement requires a permit (302.7).
• There are strict regulations regarding the discharge of sump pumps. Sump pumps cannot discharge into public streets. Sump pumps also cannot discharge into the septic or sanitary system (9-8-16).

Batavia has a comprehensive sign ordinance. Section 10 Chapter 8 of the municipal code fully outlines all acceptable and unacceptable signs.

• No signs of any kind may be placed on trees or utility poles or placed in the right of way (10.4.402.P).
• Contractors working on existing homes can display a sign only while work is occurring. Signs must be removed at the end of the workday. Signs at new home construction sites must be removed once an Occupancy Permit has been issued (10.4.402.D).
• Signs with flashing lights or attention getting devices are prohibited (10.4.402.P).

The Code Compliance Officer is responsible for insuring that all vehicles on private property have a certain level of roadworthiness. All vehicles are required to display current licenses. Vehicles that have been disabled by the removal of components or damage may not be stored outdoors.

• All Vehicles parked in the City of Batavia are required to display a current vehicle license tag (4-4-1).
• Any vehicle in non-operable condition may not be stored outdoors (4-4-1).
• Parking regulations, including overnight parking can be found at the Batavia Police Department.

For general questions regarding garbage pickup, call Advanced Disposal Customer Service at 630-587-8282.

• It is not permissible to store refuse, waste or any other materials outdoors (4-4-2, 10-2.106.J).
• Open burning of garbage is not permitted (Open Burning Regulations).
• Garbage is not to be placed at curbside until the day before the schedule collection (4-5-7).
• Empty waste containers must be removed from curbside as soon as possible, but in no event no later than 8:00 pm the day of collection (4-5-7).

The Code Compliance Officer enforces the water conservation ordinance. This ordinance is in effect year round.

• All properties with even numbered addresses may use water for restricted purposes on even numbered days. While odd numbered addresses may use water on odd numbered days. Watering can only occur between 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (8-2-16, Ordinance 88-41).
• Seed and Sod Permits can be obtained to allow the watering of newly placed sod or seed without regard to restrictions. These permits may be obtained at the Community Development Department Office at 100 N Island Avenue

Property owners should maintain their yard to prevent undesirable species and hazards weeds and or grasses. City regulations limit the acceptable height of weeds and or grasses and prohibit invasive species.

• Weeds, grasses and undergrowth are not allowed to exceed 8 inches (4-4-2).
• Weeds, such as jimsonweed, burdock, ragweed, thistle, cockle-bur and other similar species are a nuisance. It is unlawful to allow these weeds on your property (4-4-2).
• Yards should not be used for outdoor storage. Junk vehicles, and other materials should not be stored in a yard (10-2.106.J).