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Cost-Sharing Programs

Program Information

The City of Elmhurst provides financial assistance to residents who need to take certain preventive measures on their property. View the following information about the cost-sharing programs available to Elmhurst residents:

Public Right-of-Way Concrete Cost-Sharing Programs

These cost-sharing programs are designed to add or repair existing concrete surfaces in the public right-of-way. For more information on these programs, contact the Community Development & Engineering Department at (630)530-3020.

Sidewalk Cost-Sharing

Existing Sidewalks:
What is the Cost-Share? The shared cost for replacement of unsafe existing sidewalk squares is approximately 50/50. The City assumes the entire cost when sidewalk squares are damaged by parkway tree roots and whenever work is adjacent to a corner where handicapped ramps are installed.

What Does the Program Provide? This program provides for replacement of existing sidewalks that may pose a safety hazard. It also provides for construction of new sidewalk on property side yards for the residents with corner properties.

Additionally, owners can elect for the City to replace other sidewalk squares that may not pose a safety threat but that the owner would like replaced for non-safety reasons. These replacements will be done at the cost of the owner.

New Sidewalks (no current sidewalks):
What is the Cost-Share for New Sidewalk installation? In 2012, City Council approved a 50/50 cost share between the City and the property owners for installation of new sidewalks on full blocks where none currently exist. A “block” is defined as one side of a street. Unusual block configurations will require staff review and approval. In areas where it has been determined by the procedure below that sidewalks will be constructed, a Special Service Area (SSA) will be established to support financing for the project. The City will advance 100% of the project cost. The City will over an appropriate period of time be reimbursed for 50% of the project cost by the residents through an SSA via the County collecting the appropriate property tax over that time period based upon assessed value of each lot affected. The Public Works and Buildings Committee and Elmhurst City Council will select and approve the appropriate period of time but in no case shall that period of time be greater than ten years. Additionally, the City would be reimbursed for any interest that the City would forego by providing the “up-front” payment for the project.

Driveway Approach Damage by Parkway Trees

What is the Cost-Share? The City's share is one-third, the homeowner's share two-thirds, and the City covers the cost of the permit fee. The City will cost-share only for that portion of the approach damaged by a parkway tree.

What are the Criteria? There are several criteria necessary for the City to provide assistance in this program, including:
  • Differential settlement of two inches or more that has created a safety hazard
  • Damage created by a parkway tree (cracks alone in driveways are not considered a hazard)

Sanitary Sewer Cost-Sharing Programs

These cost-sharing programs are designed to help repair and make changes to the existing sanitary sewer connections from your home to the City's sanitary sewer. For more information on these programs, contact the Building Department at (630)530-3030.

Private Sanitary Service Line Repair
Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance (including root damage) of the sanitary sewer line from their home to the City’s sanitary sewer main. The City of Elmhurst provides a one-time only reimbursement to homeowners at 50% of the costs for private sanitary sewer line repairs within the City right-of-way, not to exceed $2,000. Homeowners are required to hire their own contractor and obtain applicable permits. Normal root cutting and sewer rodding are not covered.

Sanitary Service Line Repair Application

Overhead Sewer Program
The Overhead Sewer Program was established to provide financial assistance to homeowners who desire to protect their home from flooding during a heavy rain event. Eligible homeowners may qualify for a 50% cost sharing, up to a maximum of $5,000 for installing an overhead sewer system which can protect their basements from sewer backup. Some modified overhead sewer designs may also qualify.
Overhead Sewer Program Application

Check Valve Reimbursement Program
The Check Valve Reimbursement Program was established to provide financial assistance to homeowners who desire to protect their home from sanitary flooding during a heavy rain event or any surge of the main sewer.  Eligible homeowners may qualify for a 50% cost sharing, up to a maximum of $3,000.00 for installing a check valve system which can protect their basements from sewer back-up.  The perimeter drain tile or any source of clear water must be disconnected from the sanitary sewer line.  A sump pump and and pit shall be installed to collect the clear water and discharge it to the front or rear yard.  This is required in order to be eligible for reimbursement under the program.  
Check Valve Reimbursement Application

Stormwater Cost-Sharing Programs

Residential Stormwater Management Incentives
The City supports residents to proactively manage stormwater on their private property by incorporating sustainable stormwater management practices that reduce the stormwater run off to adjacent properties and the storm sewer. This program also helps reduce the standing water due to natural low spots. The incentive program is allocated to help single-family homes and City participation for eligible improvements is 100%, up to $5,000.
Residential Stormwater Management Incentives Application