Village leaders are weighing whether homeowners should face annual inspections.
Under the proposal, officials would send an inspector through neighborhoods to crack down on home maintenance violations.
The proposal was supported Tuesday night by some Village Board members who believe it would be an improvement over relying on residents to turn in neighbors.
“All we’re doing is saving the neighbor from making that phone call,” Trustee Tim Corcoran said.
The proposal will be brought back to the Village Board during its mid-year budget review.
Several trustees said they fear homeowners would be cited for minor infractions.
Community Development Director William Cooney said a program should be preceded by an education campaign and the village must address financial hardship cases.
Trustees also discussed putting a ban on a building material that as been the subject of controversy over its durability and potential to cause other property maintenance problems.
“Any product that elicits this much conversation about [its failures] shouldn’t be allowed in the village,” said Trustee Paul Hoefert, discussing Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems, a home exterior finish product.
Improperly installed EIFS can trap moisture, which can create structural problems such as rotting, Cooney said. Since the problem is unseen, damage over time can be extensive.
Chicago has banned earlier forms of EIFS that trap moisture but allows use of the newer EIFS with a drainage system, Cooney said.
Village officials will seek legal advice on potential liabilities it faces if it tries to ban the product.
