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Voluntary Inspection Program
VOLUNTARY INSPECTION PROGRAM
Section 18-291 Owner-Requested Property Maintenance Inspection for Single Family Dwelling Units
Owners of a Single-Family Dwelling Unit may request an inspection of their home for purposes of determining compliance with the building code's property maintenance requirements by:
1. Submitting an application for voluntary inspection
2. Paying an inspection fee of $100.
The property maintenance inspection requested under this Section for a Single-Family Dwelling Unit is valid for 180 days after the property maintenance inspection.
If the owner obtains a signed and dated sales contract within the 180-day post-inspection time with a buyer who intends to occupy the property, the inspection results would be considered a certificate of occupancy inspection valid under the requirements of Section 18-255. All requirements in Section 18-255 would then be administered.
The Village of Park Forest Inspection Program (Section 18-255) is a visual and functional inspection. Violations that are found at the time and place the inspection takes place are noted in a violation letter. Basically, this means that at the time the inspector goes to the home, anything he/she sees should be working as it is intended. For example, there is no ordinance that states a home must have air conditioning; however, if an air conditioner is present, it needs to be in working condition. Technical inspections are not performed by the Village inspector. A heating certificate is required to be provided by a contractor who is licensed by the Village. Fireplace certifications are also required. Other certifications may be required, depending upon what is found during the inspection: electrical, plumbing, roofing, exterminating, etc. It is highly recommended that a buyer obtains a private professional inspection to protect their interests.
If a signed and dated sales contract is not secured within 180 days of the date of the voluntary property maintenance inspection, the inspection will expire on the one hundred eighty-firsts (181st) day after the inspection. A new inspection application and fee payment would be required pursuant to Section 18-255 for any change in occupancy.
Interior items include but are not limited to:
- smoke detectors
- carbon monoxide detectors
- windows work properly
- no exposed electrical wires
- sinks, tubs, faucets, handles, and drain pipes are leak-free
- shut-off valves on gas supply lines
- furnaces and water heaters function properly
- electrical services panel boxes (fuse or breaker) are identified
- verify minimum 100 amp service
- GFI outlets within six feet of every water source and all exterior outlets
- proper sump connection and discharge
Exterior items include but are not limited to:
- no chipped, peeling or flaking paint
- siding or brick mortar tuck pointing is not damaged
- roof and shingles in good condition
- chimney is capped
- property is free of debris, yard waste, branches
- driveways and walkways are not deteriorated
- grass/weeds are not more than eight inches high
- fences are secure and structurally sound