City of Marengo Public Works Department

The Public Works umbrella is comprised of multiple collaborating departments working together to ensure public services are provided as efficiently and effectively as possible. These departments are coordinated to maximize service and satisfaction in all facets of Municipal services.

• Building Department
• Code Enforcement
• Engineering
• Planning and Zoning
• Streets Department
• Storm Water Management
• Waste Water Treatment
• Water & Sewer Department

Building Department

Permits: The City of Marengo has adopted codes and ordinances to protect the safety and well being of the structures in which we inhabit and properties we use. Most projects require an approved building permit to be issued prior to any construction. Typical permitting processes involve plans and specifications of your project to be submitted for review. The permit applications have the required information that is needed to be submitted. This review time allows staff to review and make notations for code compliance during the course of the project.

Projects not requiring building permits:

Staff: The Building department staff is dedicated to providing the safest, fastest and professional service possible

Jayson Shull
Building Commissioner
Certified Floodplain Manager
815-568-2669
jshull@cityofmarengo.com

Marianne Wayne
Certified Building Inspector
815-568-2669
mwayne@cityofmarengo.com

Permit Applications: Applications for the most requested projects are available for download here.

Inspections: Inspections during the course and upon completion of your project are required to ensure code compliance is achieved. Our friendly inspectors will explain any deficiencies that may be found and work with you to achieve compliance. Please call our office the day before to discuss your inspection needs. We can better serve you by scheduling in advance.

Codes: The Marengo City Council has adopted the 2006 International Building Codes. These Codes are the most recognized codes throughout the country and ensure the highest safety for all our structures. For more information: Chapter 24 / Municipal Code

Fees: The permit fee structure is created to cover the administrative costs of processing the permit and inspecting your project. Fee Schedule: Chapter 24 / Municipal Code

Hours: Building Department Hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Occasional Saturday's spring – fall. Due to our small staff, our phones may go straight to voicemail and our office door may be locked during working hours as we may be out in the field conducting inspections. Even if we are out of the office, our entryway is open and is packed with permit applications and very useful information for your use.

Before you dig, call J.U.L.I.E. at 1-800-892-0123

Code Enforcement

Code: The adopted 2006 International Property Maintenance Code has strict rules and regulations to ensure properties are maintained in a clean and orderly manner. Our Code Enforcement Officer works proactively to reduce the amount of "blight" in our community. Items that constitute property maintenance violation:

Property
Grass in excess of 8"
Noxious weeds
Rotting materials/vegetation
Abandoned vehicles
Property disarray
Public nuisance

Structure
Untreated/unprotected building materials (paint flakes, primer missing, rust etc.)
Broken windows
Rotting building materials
Unsecured premises
Structural failures

File a Code Enforcement concern: mwayne@cityofmarengo.com

Engineering

Information: Engineering services for the City of Marengo is conducted by HR Green Inc. www.secgroupinc.com. They along with City staff are competent to answer your engineering questions and concerns. Whether an existing improvement or a new design, we can assist you needs and address your concern. For questions, please contact Jayson Shull at 815-568-2669 or via email at jshull@cityofmarengo.com. HR Green Inc. Can also be contacted at djohanson@secgroupinc.com.

Inspections: For projects under construction and in need of an inspection, please contact the Public Works Department for scheduling. Two day notice is highly recommended.

Planning and Zoning

Subdivision Code: The City of Marengo has created a Subdivision Code that administers standards for new improvements and subdivisions. The standards ensure the designs and installations are high quality and meet good engineering practices.

Zoning: The City has adopted a zoning ordinance to protect public health, safety, comfort and the general welfare of the people. This ordinance defines allowable uses in each zoning district.

Land Use: The City Council has approved a Comprehensive Land Use Plan that sets guidelines for growth.

Water & Sewer Availability

For additional information or questions, please contact Jayson Shull at jshull@cityofmarengo.com or Marianne at mwayne@cityofmarengo.com or 815-568-2669.

streets department

The Streets Department is in charge of ensuring roads and related infrastructure are safe for vehicular travel. Their duties include, but are not limited to: Snow and ice removal, road paving, pothole repair, stormwtaer conveyance maintenance, street signage, street sweeping, brush pick-up, etc.

Leaf & Brush Pickup: Curbside leaf and brush collection is provided pursuant the the pickup schedule. Limbs no larger then 10" in diameter are accepted.

Mosquito Abatement: The Public Works Department administers pellets to all storm sewer structures and standing water such as ditches and ponds. To help reduce the mosquito population, please eliminate any standing water from your property (ie, tires, birdbaths, buckets, etc.).

Report a pothole, vandalism, theft of street sign, street concern or non-functioning street light to: 815-568-8972 or tzwicky@cityofmarengo.com

Stormwater Management

As Marengo developed over the years, stormwater management was not given much thought. Over time, we have found that altering the natural drainage of the earth and creating hard surfaces has had an adverse impact on our community. Rain, in all its nourishment, can become too much at times and cause problems for proper drainage. The McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance has parameters' and threshold for offsite drainage pertaining to impervious surfaces. For additional information please contact Jayson Shull at 815-568-2669 or jshull@cityofmarengo.com.

Best Management Practices: A large portion of the Marengo area is fortunate to have well drained soils with underlying sand and gravels. These layers allow rainwater to quickly absorb back into the ground and replenish our precious shallow aquifer. There are simple and complex designs that enhance groundwater replenishment from naturally occurring rain. These designs allow rain runoff to percolate into the ground rather than have it runoff and drained off site. These designs can benefit the community in many ways from adding natural vegetation, replenishing groundwater, enhancing water quality, and reducing runoff impacts. Some examples are rain gardens, infiltration trenches, bio-swales, soggy bottom detention, underground perforated tiles, ECT…

Floodplain:www.fema.gov

Groundwater Protection: The underlying soils in the Marengo area are welled draining soils meaning contamination is at a higher risk. The City Council has approved a Groundwater Protection Ordinance to ensure potential contaminants are limited within the protection area.

Wastewater treatment

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility treats all wastewater generated throughout the community. the facility treats over 700,000 gallons per day.

Jay Berman
Waste Water Treatment Plant
815-568-7467
jberman@cityofmarengo.com

water & sewer

The Water & Sewer Department is in charge of providing clean and safe drinking water for the community. They ensure the wells and distribution system is providing excellent quality water and running efficiently. This department also maintains the City sewer collection system. Questions can be directed to mpal@cityofmarengo.com.