Berkeley was incorporated on May 20, 1924 and has grown increasingly over the years.  As of the 2000 census, Berkeley had a population of 5,245.

Municipal services are centrally located including the Village Hall, Public Works Police and Fire Departments which are located at 5819 Electric Avenue.   The Village is located in Proviso Township and Cook County.

The Village of Berkeley has a Village President - Trustee form of government.  The Village Board is composed of eight elected officials - Village President, 6 Trustees, and a Village Clerk.  Each is elected to a four year term ; so that there is a major election every two years.  Village Board meeting are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month starting at 7:30 p.m. Committee of the whole meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of every month beginning at 7:30 p.m. All Board and Committee Meetings are held in the Village Hall Bicentennial Room which is located at 5819 Electric Avenue.

There are may opportunities to become involved with the Village of Berkeley.  Residents can serve on a number of appointed and volunteer Boards and Commissions.

-Planning and Zoning Commission            -Police Pension Board                        -Neighborhood Watch

-Police and Fire Commission                        -Youth Commission                        -Friends of the Library

 The Village Board welcomes all residents to their meetings and is interested in any opinions, suggestions and questions any resident may have.

 The Village of Berkeley has a wide range of shopping activities: 2 banks, grocery store, specialty shops, hair salons, barber shops, Mexican, Italian, and American style restaurants.  Berkeley is close to numerous major shopping malls such as Oak Brook Center, Yorktown Mall, North Riverside Mall, Stratford Square and Woodfield Mall, which are all within 30 minutes from the Village.

 The Village of Berkeley has a parking lot available for commuters taking the Metra train to Chicago or Geneva. The lot is located north of St. Charles Road off of Taft Avenue.  A daily fee of $1.00 is required and parking is available on a first come first serve basis.

 The Village of Berkeley has both public and private schools available to our residents.  Click here for a listing of schools available to you whether you decide on a public or private school for your child(ren).

 The Village of Berkeley has three parks.  All residents living east of Wolf Road are in the Memorial Park District (708-547-3900).  Residents living west of Wolf Road up to Calvin Avenue are in the Berkeley Park District (708-544-1935) and homes on Calvin and High Street are in the Elmhurst Park District (630-530-0960).  All park districts have activities and programs that appeal to old and young alike.

 The Berkeley Public Library is located at 1637 Taft Avenue and has a wide selections of books, video and audio cassettes.  The library has many child and adult programs available to all Berkeley residents. A free library card is available with proof of residency. For further information contact  the Library at 708-544-6017.

 VILLAGE SERVICES

Brush Collection

The Village picks up branches and tree trimming according to a schedule established by our Public Works Department. They will remove brush trimmings from your parkway from April through November. Specific guidelines and dates are published in the Berkeley Matters during the appropriate season.

 Grass and yard waste will be removed by our garbage collector according to the refuse disposal schedule provided in this packet. Clippings must be put into biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) or your own 30 gallon garbage container with no liner. Please refer to the enclosed brochure for additional information.

 Cable Vision

Comcast has the franchise for the Village of Berkeley cable television system.  Their sales department telephone number is 1-866-594-1234.

 Garbage/Recycling Collection

The Village of Berkeley has one of the finest residential scavenger services in the area.  Residential garbage is picked up weekly and the resident is billed by the Village on the monthly water bill.  All garbage cans should have a capacity of not more than thirty(30) gallons and have suitable handles.  No trash containers should be placed in any parkway prior to 6:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled pick up. Empty cans should be removed from the parkway within a reasonable time after pickup. Please refer to the enclosed brochure for your specific trash pickup day. The garbage contractor will empty an unlimited number of garbage cans, and one large item such as a couch, chair, or dresser per week.  No building materials such as gutters, bricks, storm windows or roofing materials will be removed nor will automobile parts such as engines, tires or motor oil.  The garbage contractor will not pick up AWhite Goods@ such as appliances or air conditioners in the weekly collection.  Arrangements for a special pickup should be made by calling Roy Strom at 708-344-5000. There will be a nominal fee charged by the garbage contractor directly to the resident. Please refer to the enclosed brochure for additional information. The Village has a recycling program and all recyclables are picked up on your garbage pickup day.  The Village provides one recycling bin per household and additional bins may be requested. Please refer to the enclosed brochure for additional information.

 Parkway Tree Replacement Program

The Village will maintain all parkway trees (trimming, cutting, replacing) at no cost to the resident.  This is for parkway trees only. Residents are responsible for maintenance of all trees on private property.

 Sidewalk Replacement

The Village will replace public sidewalks on an Aas needed@ basis annually at no cost to the resident. Residents are encouraged to call the Village Hall if the public sidewalk in front of your property is in need of repair/replacement.  The Public Works Superintendent will assess the damage and make any necessary recommendations and/or repairs.

 Snow Removal

Village streets typically are plowed after 2 or more inches of snowfall. Residents are asked to clear the snow from the fire hydrants if one is on your property and to refrain from Aon street parking.@

 Village Hall

The Village Hall accepts payments for vehicle stickers, animal licenses, and water bills.

 You can register to vote at the Village Hall. Two forms of identification are required with your Berkeley address on them. One must be a photo i.d. such as a driver=s license. Individuals need to be 18 years of age prior to the date of the election. Individuals born outside of the United States will need to provide the location and date of their naturalization. Notary services are also available to all Berkeley residents at the Village Hall.

 Water

Pumps that service the Village of Berkeley and neighboring Village of Hillside supply Lake Michigan water to the area via Chicago.

Bills are sent out on a monthly basis and include water, sewer and garbage billing. All water bills can either be paid at the Village Hall, at the drop box in the parking lot directly across from the Village Hall or sent in the mail.

SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Legion Post #1016 invites all local Armed Forces Veterans to join their post. For additional information about joining, please call Bill Morrison at 708-544-0888 or visit their web site at www.berkeley.il.us/americanlegionhome.html.

American Legion Post #1016 Auxiliary invites any current female member of the American Legion or a spouse of any deceased veteran to join their post. For additional information, please contact Auxiliary President, Judy Morrison at 708-544-0888.

The Berkeley Business Association is made up of local Berkeley businesses. The association plays an active role in the community. If you are a local business and are interested in joining, please call Hanne Alajoki at the National Bank of Commerce, 708-544-5500.

Berkeley Neighborhood Watch helps residents to become more aware of the steps they can take to make their homes more secure against crime. Meetings are at 6:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month at the Village Hall.

Berkeley Senior Social Club is for Berkeley seniors 60 years and older. The group meets every Thursday at the Village Hall (second floor) from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Refreshments are served for a minimal cost. A powered chair lift is available for those needing assistance to the second floor. The group sponsors parties, social outings, and tours.

Berkeley Youth Commission consists of both a youth and adult advisory board. All Berkeley teens in grades 8-12 are invited to participate. Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of every month.

 VILLAGE ORDINANCES

 

Curfew

Young people less than 17 years of age must be home by 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights and by 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.  The Berkeley Police Department strictly enforces the curfew law.

 Parking

Overnight parking on public streets between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited.  The overnight parking ban is strictly enforced.  Emergency situations which require a motor vehicle to be parked on a public street during these hours should be reported to the Police Department (708-449-8716) to obtain permission.

 Parkway

The Village owns the parkways, which in residential areas is the land between the curb and the sidewalk.  Residents benefit from the green area and are expected to mow the lawns and maintain the parkways in front of their homes.  Having a neatly trimmed law is important to the appearance of your neighborhood.

 Sprinkling

During the months of May through September, The Village may restrict outdoor water use. When a ban is in effect, even-numbered addresses may sprinkle on even days, odd-numbered addresses on odd days (i.e. 1202 Taft would water on July 2^nd, 4^th, 6th...). 

PERMITS/ LICENSES REQUIRED

 

Animal Licenses

All cats and dogs must have a valid animal license.  The license application, obtainable at the Village Hall, must be accompanied by proof of annual rabies vaccination which you receive from your veterinarian.  Village Ordinance states that it is unlawful for an owner to permit any dog/cat to go onto any property other than the animal owners.  All animals must be leashed when not in their yards. Owners who allow their pets to run at large or to become a public nuisance will be issued a citation and fines. Only three animals (dogs/cats) are allowed per household. Animals must have their current Village tag displayed by February 15th.  Village tags go on sale annually from December 1st through February 15th for a fee of $3.00. Fees increase on February 16th to $5.00. 

Block Parties

Block parties are a great way to meet your neighbors.  The Village encourages residents to participate in block parties and will assist residents with barricades to block off the street on the day of the event.

Building Permits

Before building any new construction or making any additions/changes to any existing building, residents are required to apply for a permit. For more specific information about your project, please refer to the enclosed pamphlet, Your Guide to Home Improvement in Berkeley, or you may call the Building Department at 708-449-8840. 

Garage Sales

A Permit is required to have a garage sale.  The cost of the permit is $2.00. Applications are available at the Village Hall. The Village will supply three signs for your garage sale. These are the only signs that will be permitted. A $20.00 deposit will be required at the time you apply for the garage sale permit. The deposit will be refunded after the signs are returned to the Village.  Village signs may be posted 24 hours prior to the sale. Garage sales are limited to two per year and cannot exceed three consecutive calendar days in a thirty-day period.

 Vehicle Stickers

Current vehicle stickers must be displayed.  New residents must apply within thirty days after moving into the Village.  Stickers are $10.00 for cars and truck stickers range in price from $18.00 to $35.00 depending on the gross weight of the truck. Residents will need to bring their current vehicle registration in, reflecting their Berkeley address.  Vehicle stickers go on sale annually from December 1st though February 15th.  Vehicle sticker fees double on February 16th.  Senior citizens age 62 and older are entitled to one free sticker per household with proof of age.

AREA  PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AREA  PRIVATE SCHOOLS

AREA CHURCHES

AREA HOSPITALS