Des Plaines aldermen voted 7-0 Monday to rework an ordinance that requires homeowners to pay for sewer repairs between residences and sewer mains.
“The current ordinance is probably the best-kept secret in Des Plaines and it’s in need of a major overhaul,” said local activist Vince Powers, who brought the issue before the City Council.
About 160 residents attended the meeting and at least a half-dozen speakers criticized the existing ordinance. Only a few area communities now pay for so-called lateral sewer repairs–any pipes between the home and the mains–said city engineer Tim Oakley.
City officials now grant permits for 35 to 41 lateral sewer projects a year, which represents a potential $50,000 to $200,000 tab if the city were to pay for all such projects.
Staff members are expected to return to the City Council in August with detailed outlines for a possible new ordinance. Questions to be addressed include how far into private property, if at all, the city would be responsible for maintaining and how to deal with fences, greenery and sheds in the way of a line.
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