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1. When will my alley be graded?

The Village attempts to grade each of its 65 miles of alley every year. Weather, in particular rain, can cause alley grading to be delayed, as the alleys need to be clear of standing water prior to grading. For more information, visit our Streets & Alleys page.

2. My backyard floods - what can the Village do to help me?

The Building Division offers a backyard flooding assistance program. Building staff will work with property owners to assess the situation and design a drainage solution. While the cost of the installation is borne by the property owner, Building Division staff will assist by designing a solution. Visit our Community Development page for details.

3. Are all streets in the Village under Village jurisdiction?

No, some streets are under the jurisdiction of Skokie, or Cook County or Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). For a complete list of the jurisdictions, visit our

Exempt Streets page.

4. Who do I report a damaged or a burnt out street or alley light to?

Different entities are responsible for different street and alley lights in Skokie. If you have a damaged or burnt out street or alley light, you can report it to the Village’s Engineering Division at 847-933-8231 and they will ensure the proper entities are notified.

5. Will the Village provide lighting for the alley behind my home?

Yes. If you are interested in having a light placed in your alley, please call the Engineering Division at 847-933-8231. Public Works staff will then determine if your alley has the necessary infrastructure to support a light. If the necessary infrastructure is in place, an alley light will be installed and you will be billed a flat fee of $95 annually. This fee covers the costs of the light, its installation and the electricity supply.

6. Do you have any advice on how I can avoid or deal with frozen pipes?

During freezing conditions, homeowners should take the following precautions to prevent their pipes from freezing:

 • Allow a continuous trickle of water to flow through faucet(s) to help minimize the chances of freezing pipes.

• Seal any leaks around doors or windows to reduce drafts that could lead to pipes freezing. 

• Open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow the heat from the house to circulate.

 • Wrap interior piping running along outside walls with pipe insulation or heat tape. 

A sign that your interior piping may be frozen is evident when there is a reduced trickle of water from your faucet. Do not attempt to thaw a frozen pipe yourself using an open flame. Contact a qualified plumbing contractor to do the work.

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1. Does the Village prune the parkway tree in front of my home?

Yes. The Village maintains all trees on public parkways. Each parkway tree is pruned every five to seven years during winter months from November through March. This work is performed by a qualified contractor. Trees are pruned in order to remove hazardous deadwood, eliminate interference with low limbs, clear stop signs, street lights and buildings, reduce the effects of wind and ice on branch stability and repair storm damaged limbs. Parkway tree pruning is vital for the continued growth and health of a tree.

2. Does the Village have a parkway tree planting program?

Yes. Residents with an open planting space on their parkway are invited to contribute to the Village's urban forest by planting a new tree in their parkway. The Village pays 50% of the costs to plant a new tree. The homeowner may select from a list of suitable parkway trees that are offered for both the fall and spring planting seasons. Click here for more information.

3. Is Dutch Elm Disease active in Skokie?

Yes. Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is an aggressive pathogen that kills trees and is considered the most costly shade-tree disease. Unfortunately, the disease is still active in Skokie because there are still more than 400  susceptible parkway elms. The good news is that DED can be managed so that minimal trees are impacted. The removal of infected or dead elm wood is the most important control of DED. Elm bark beetles that spread the disease breed in this old wood. If you spot an American elm that is  losing its leaves, wilting or turning yellow well before the fall, please call the Forestry Division.

4. Does the Village provide any cost sharing to treat Dutch Elm Disease?

Yes. The Village provides a 50/50 cost share fungicide treatment program  for parkway elms to help control the disease. Residents who have an  American elm are eligible to participate in this program. The treatment consists of injecting a liquid fungicide into the water-conducting  tissue of the tree. It has a very good success rate in preventing DED infection from the feeding of elm bark beetles for up to three years. After three years, the tree must be retreated for continued protection from DED. Residents with a private elm may contact the Village's contractor to have their tree treated for the same cost.

5. What is the Village doing to control the Emerald Ash Borer?

In summer 2006, the destructive insect was found in several nearby towns, and Skokie is in the quarantine area established by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). In April 2007, the IDOA confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer in a tree at Crawford and Grant Avenues in northeast Skokie. Skokie has approximately 3,000 ash trees, representing 12% of the Village's 24,000 trees growing on public property. Each year, Village foresters perform a systematic survey of all parkway ash trees. Those determined to be in poor condition or with evidence of emerald ash borer infestation are marked with white paint for removal. Residents are notified if a tree on their parkway will be removed. The Village does not offer financial assistance for the removal of trees on private property. Residents concerned about an ash tree on their property are encouraged to call an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist who has signed the "Emerald Ash Borer Compliance Agreement" with the IDOA.

6. How often should I water my trees during dry periods?

If you have a new or young tree in your parkway or on your property, keep it healthy by watering it during dry periods. New trees need about one inch of rain per week to become established. If they do not receive this rain, provide a deep soak by gently running the hose at the base of the tree for about an hour. Maintaining a ring of mulch around the base of the tree two to three inches deep will keep the soil moist longer. However, do not pile or place mulch against the trunk of the tree; this will cause the bark to rot and decay, which will eventually kill the tree.

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1. What should I do if my refuse or recycling cart is damaged?

Please contact the Public Works Department, who will determine if cart patching is possible, or if replacement of the lid, body or both components is necessary. The Refuse Collection Division replaces carts systematically and does not replace carts on a call-in basis.

2. When will my refuse cart be emptied?

Collections are made twice per week for residents who reside in single-family homes. Residents who live north of Greenleaf have their  containers emptied on Mondays and Thursdays. Residents that live south of Greenleaf have their containers emptied on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3. When is yard waste collected?

Brush and yard debris are collected every Wednesday from early April through mid-November, and requests are no longer required for collection. Yard waste must be set out in 30-gallon, biodegradable paper bags; brush can be tied in small bundles with biodegradable twine or string, not exceeding four feet in length. The Village of Skokie does not collect grass clippings, dirt, or logs. On weeks with a Monday holiday, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, and sometimes Fourth of July, yard waste is collected on the Saturday following the holiday.

4. How should materials be prepared for collection?

General household refuse must be drained of surplus liquids, bagged and securely tied. Yard Waste must be contained in paper yard waste bags. Small and large brush must bagged or bundled. Each branch cannot exceed three inches in diameter and cannot extend longer than five feet in length. Yard waste bags may not exceed 40 pounds per bag. Construction waste, except for small do-it-yourself jobs, is not collected. Any waste from small, do-it-yourself jobs must be placed in boxes or waterproof bags, no heavier than 40 pounds. Household hazardous waste can be collected in small amounts if it is contained in sealed containers. Paint is collected as long as it is dried prior to collection. Needles are also collected, but must be placed in a sharps container. The Village does not collect motor oil and lead batteries. Recycling materials must be placed in the recycling cart for collection. All cans, cartons and jars must be rinsed prior to disposal. Motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and charcoal lighter fluid containers are not accepted.

5. Where can I recycle my CFL bulbs?

You may recycle used CFL bulbs at the Skokie Health Department, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For specific information, please call the Skokie Health Department at 847-933-8252.

6. Does the Skokie Health Department offer recycling opportunities?

Yes, the Skokie Health Department has a variety of recycling/disposal programs available to residents. These include:  

• Compact fluorescent light bulb recycling
• Expired / unused medicine disposal
• Household battery recycling
• Used syringe disposal

Call the Health Department at 847-933-8252 for more information about these programs.

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1. When does the Village plow my street? Sidewalk? Alley?

Public Works plows Village-owned or maintained streets when snow accumulation reaches at least two inches. Sidewalks are the next priority. The sidewalk plow fleet is deployed when snow accumulation reaches at least four inches. Alley plowing is the last priority, alleys are cleared when snow accumulation reaches six inches.

2. What should I do with my car if it is parking on the street while I'm on vacation or at work and it snows?

Residents who do not have off-street parking facilities such as a garage, driveway or slab need to make arrangements to either have their car moved by a friend or neighbor, or have their car stored at a garage during winter vacations to ensure that they are not in violation of the Alternate-Side Parking Program.

3. Can I park on either side of the street once the street is plowed?

No, even after the street is plowed, vehicles must remain parked on the designated side of the street until 6 p.m. This allows Public Works to plow a second time if necessary. At 6 p.m., a siren will sound notifying residents that vehicles may be parked on either side of the street.

4. My vehicle was towed due to a violation of the alternate-side parking program. Where can I pick it up?

If your vehicle has been towed due to a violation of the Village's snow ordinance, contact the Skokie Police Department at 847-982-5900.

5. Why is snow pushed into my driveway by snowplows?

As the plows pass driveways, snow will roll off the edge of the side-discharge snowplow into the driveway, producing an unavoidable result.

6. Every time a snowplow comes down my alley, it plows the snow up against my garage and I have to shovel out. Why does this happen?

V-shaped snow plows are used to clear alleys of snow. These type of plows distribute snow evenly to both sides of the alley. It is not possible for the driver to pick up the plow in the middle of an alley.

7. I have a serious medical condition. Can you plow my street first in case there is an emergency and an ambulance needs to get through?

Anyone needing an ambulance in a medical emergency should call the Fire Department by dialing 9-1-1, and all necessary emergency steps will be coordinated. The potential for a medical emergency, however, does not warrant priority snow removal treatment. If a medical emergency occurs, the Public Works and Fire Departments will work together to provide immediate emergency help to the patient.

8. My garbage has not been picked up yet, even though it's my regular collection day. When will it be picked up?

During snow removal operations, crews and equipment might not be available to pick up garbage until later in the day or, during heavier snow, later in the week. The Village will pick up your garbage as soon as possible.

9. Are all streets in the Village under Village jurisdiction?

No. The following is a list of streets showing which jurisdiction they belong to: Skokie, Cook County or Illinois Department of Transportation, (IDOT).

Skokie is responsible for the following streets:

• All side streets in Skokie as well as all alleys
• Gross Point Road (Main Street to Church Street)
• Howard Street (New Gross Point Road to East border)
• Main Street (border to border)
• Niles Center Road (Lincoln Avenue to Main Street)
• Niles Center Road (Dempster Street to Skokie Boulevard)
• Oakton Street (from Long Avenue to Skokie Boulevard)
• Woods Drive (Golf Road to Old Orchard Road)

Cook County Highway Department is responsible for:*

• Church Street (Linder Avenue to Gross Point Road)
• Crawford Avenue (Jarvis Avenue to Golf Road)
• Frontage Roads
• Harms Road (Old Orchard Road to North border)
• Lockwood Avenue (Old Orchard Road to Central Avenue)
• Lorel Avenue (9500 block)
• Oakton Street (Skokie Boulevard to McCormick Boulevard)
• Old Orchard Road (Harms Road to Gross Point Road)
• Old Orchard Road (Gross Point Road to Crawford Avenue) - maintained by Evanston

The Illinois Department of Transportation is responsible for:*

• Church Street (Gross Point Road to McCormick Boulevard)
• Crawford Avenue (Golf Road to Old Orchard Road)
• Dempster Street (East to West border) - maintained by Skokie
• Gross Point Road (Church Street to Old Orchard Road)
• Golf Road (West border to McCormick Boulevard)
• Gross Point Road (New Gross Point Road to Oakton Street)
• Howard Street (Lehigh to New Gross Point Road)
• Lincoln Avenue (Linder Avenue to Jarvis Avenue)
• McCormick Boulevard (Touhy Avenue to Golf Road)
• New Gross Point Road (Howard Street to Gross Point Road)
• Niles Center Road (Main Street to Dempster Street)
• Niles Center Road (Skokie Boulevard to Church Street)
• Niles Center Road/Carpenter (Pratt Avenue to Lincoln Avenue)
• Oakton Street (Lehigh to Gross Point Road)
• Skokie Boulevard (Jarvis Avenue to Central Avenue)
• Touhy Avenue (West border to Edens at Lamon Avenue)
• Touhy Avenue (Hamlin Avenue to East border)

*These streets are exempt from the Village's Alternate Side Parking Program.

10. Are there streets that are exempt from snow parking provisions?

Yes, view a list of exempt alternate-side parking on Saturdays, Sundays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

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1. How often are streets swept?

The street sweeping program normally begins in March and runs through mid-December (weather permitting). The Village uses three street sweepers Monday through Friday on staggered schedules.

2. How often are the residential streets swept?

The Public Works Department makes every effort to sweep residential streets every five to seven days. Delays sometimes occur due to inclement weather, equipment repairs and holidays.

3. When will the street sweeper be in my area?

It is difficult to determine exactly when a particular street or concrete alley will be swept due to external factors or weather uncertainties that influence the schedule, but the Public Works Department makes every effort to sweep residential streets every five to seven days.

4. Will my paved alley be swept?

Yes. The Public Works Department makes every effort to sweep concrete alleys depending on time and operational needs on a monthly basis. Delays sometimes occur due to inclement weather, equipment repairs, and holidays.

5. How often are the multi-family areas swept?

The Public Works Department makes every effort to sweep multi-family residential areas monthly, beginning the first full week of the month on Wednesday and Thursday, except in the month of November. Delays sometimes occur due to inclement weather, equipment repairs and holidays.

6. I live in a multi-family area. Will I receive notification about street sweeping?

Yes. The days and times of street sweeping in multi-family areas will be posted on parkway trees with cardboard signs at least 24 hours prior to sweeping. The sweeping will occur on one side of the street on one day, with the alternate side swept the next day.

7. If I live in a multi-family area and don’t move my car, will I be ticketed?

To ensure that street sweeping is effective, multi-family areas residents must remove parked vehicles from the street during scheduled street sweeping days. Vehicles not moved from multi-family areas by 9 a.m. will be ticketed.

8. Does the Village sweep any other areas besides the residential and multi-family streets?

Yes:

• Oakton Street, the Lincoln Avenue Business District and Village parking lots are swept every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 
• Crawford Avenue, Dempster Street, and Gross Point Road are swept every Tuesday. 
• Main Street is swept every Wednesday. 
• Skokie Boulevard, Old Orchard Road, and Golf Road are swept every Thursday. 
• Touhy Avenue, Niles Center Road from Howard to Pratt Avenue, and the industrial areas are swept once a month on a Thursday.  
• Medians on Main Street, Crawford Avenue, Old Orchard Road, and Skokie Boulevard are swept as time and weather permit.

9. How do I get my leaves collected in the fall?

There are two ways to dispose of your leaves. You may rake your leaves to the curb where they are collected once per week. Every street is scheduled for a weekly collection.  However, collection schedules vary due to leaf volume and weather. If you prefer to bag your leaves, Village crews will collect yard waste bags on Wednesdays through mid-November. For additional information, please call the Public Works Department at 847-933-8427.