What is the law for children passengers in automobiles?
Effective January 1, 2004

Public Act #83-8, The Child Passenger Protection Act, has been in effect in Illinois since July 1, 1983. The law, amended effective January 1, 2004, requires anyone who transports children in Illinois in non-commercial vehicles to do so in the following manner:

§ Children under the age of eight years must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system; more commonly called a child safety seat. Child safety seats include infant seats, convertible seats (rear-facing for infants and forward-facing for toddlers) and booster seats that are used with the vehicle lap and shoulder belt system.

§ Children weighting more than 40 pounds may be transported in the back seat of a motor vehicle while wearing only a lap bet if the back seat is not equipped with a lap and shoulder belt system for booster seat installation.

§ Children and young people eight and up to 16 years of age must be secured in either a child safety seat or seat belt in any position in the vehicle.

§ The parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of eight years is responsible for providing a child safety seat to anyone who transports his or her child.

§ Every person under the age of 18 years who transports a child eight years of age or older (up to 18 years) is responsible for securing that child in a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt or child safety seat.

Those found in violation of the law the first time will be fined $50, which is waived upon proof of possession of an approved safety seat. Subsequent violations are punishable by a $100 fine. Children with physical disabilities that prevent the use of standard safety seats are exempt from the provision of the law if the disability is duly certified by a physician.

This information summary is provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety, located at 3215 Executive Park Drive, P.O. Box 19245, Springfield, IL 62794-9245, 217-785-3038.

Can I burn leaves?
The City of Belleville ordinance for OPEN BURNING is as follows. No person shall cause or allow open burning, except leaves and household yard waste in small amounts between April 15th and May 15th and October 1st to December 15th. Burning hours shall be 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. All fires shall be extinguished by 4:00 P.M. No person shall leave any fire unattended. In addition, the burning of leaves is banned on all public streets, sidewalks, and alleys.

When is curfew?
It is unlawful for a person less than seventeen (17) years of age to be present at or upon any public assembly, building, place, street or highway at the following times, unless accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible companion at least eighteen (18) years of age, approved by a parent or legal guardian or unless engaged in a business or occupation which the laws of this State authorize a person less than seventeen (17) years of age to perform:

1. Between 12:01 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. Saturday;
2. Between 12:01 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. Sunday; and
3. Between 11:00 P.M. on Sunday to Thursday, inclusive and 6:00 A.M. on the following day.

It is unlawful for a parent, legal guardian or other person to knowingly permit a person in his/her custody or control to violate curfew.

Also, the driver's license of a person under the age of 17 is not valid after curfew.

When must an "occupancy permit" be obtained?
According to the Housing Code, as approved by the City of Belleville, an "occupancy permit" (certificate of occupancy) is required at the time that a person or family moves into a residential dwelling unit within the corporate limits of Belleville.

Who must obtain the "occupancy permit?"
The person(s) moving into the residence being a tenant or a homeowner must obtain the "occupancy permit" before the unit can be occupied.

Is there a cost in obtaining the "occupancy permit?"
There is a fee for each "occupancy permit" issued by the City, which is valid, as long as the person(s) listed on the permit continues to occupy the premises. If there is a change in the number of people residing in the residence, the information needs to be provided to the City with the "occupancy permit" updated.

As of May 1, 2004, the fees are as follows:
Occupancy Inspection $50.00
Occupancy Permit $40.00
Copy of occupancy permit: $10.00 (must be on occupancy permit and have photo ID)

What information do I need in order to obtain an "occupancy permit?"
The occupant must provide proof from the owner or owner's agent that you are the tenant and authorized to move into the housing unit and the number of occupants allowed. Documentation can include a copy of the lease or letter from the owner stating that the property is leased or rented and other specifics.

In addition, the occupant applying for the "occupancy permit" must present a photo ID (i.e. driver's license, state identification card, employee identification card, etc). The occupant must provide information on each of the occupants, including relationship to the head of household, age, and sex.

The "occupancy permit" must be applied for in person at the Belleville Public Service Building located at 213 South Illinois. The hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Under what conditions will the City refuse or deny an "occupancy permit" to be issued or revoked?
The City can deny the issuance of an "occupancy permit" for several reasons, including: The housing unit has been inspected and found to be in violation of minimum health and safety standards; failure of the tenant to obtain documentation from owner regarding authority to occupy housing unit; housing unit too small for number of occupants; an outstanding sewer bill.

How will the City coordinate issuance of "occupancy permit" with Illinois Power Company?
At the time an "occupancy permit" is issued, the occupant will be given a sticker, which will be required to be affixed to the electric meter box. This sticker will have the address and the date that the "occupancy permit" was issued. The occupant is then advised to contact Illinois Power Company to establish service. The sticker must be placed on the meter before IP will establish service. The sticker is valid for ten working days only. Should the tenant not arrange for the service to be established within that time period, THE Illinois Power crew will not connect service without notification to the City.

What if I lose or misplace the sticker before I place it on the meter?
In the event the sticker is lost, another sticker will be issued at a cost and will be placed on the meter by the housing inspector.
What are the penalty provisions for not complying with the City of Belleville Housing Code Program?

The city administration is aggressively enforcing the Property Maintenance Code throughout the community. The Code does provide for penalty provisions to ensure that compliance is achieved. Any owner or occupier of any premises violating the code shall be subject to a fine of $500, with each day the violation exists considered a separate offense.

For further information, or examples of items the City of Belleville Housing Inspectors will be visually inspecting, contact:
Health, Housing, Building and Zoning Department
Housing Inspection Division
213 South Illinois Street
Belleville, IL 62220
618-233-6817

What are abandoned cars?
The definitions used by the City of Belleville shall have the meanings ascribed to them as follows:
Inoperable Motor Vehicle means any motor vehicle which, for a period of at least seven (7) days, or any greater period, fix by ordinance; the engine, wheels or other parts have been removed; or in which the engine, wheels or other parts have been altered, damaged, or otherwise so treated, that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power. Inoperable Motor Vehicle shall not include a motor vehicle, which has been rendered temporarily incapable of being driven under its own motor power in order to perform ordinary service or repair operations.

Derelict Vehicle means any inoperable, unregistered motor vehicle.Declaration of Nuisance. All inoperable/derelict motor vehicles, whether on public or private property in view of the general public, are hereby declared to be a nuisance.

Residents with inoperable and/or derelict vehicle(s) are given a 7-Day Notice to remove the vehicle(s) from their property. The Police Department may authorize a towing service to remove and take possession of the vehicle(s), if the vehicle(s) are not disposed or housed. No tarps are allowed to cover vehicles. The simple test is can the vehicle be legally driving on the street, i.e. registration, equipment, etc.

Are there parking rules for Belleville?
It shall be unlawful to park any motor vehicle on any private property without the consent of the owner of the property. Violators of this ordinance receive a letter giving notice of this violation. The motor vehicle will be issued a parking ticket daily until the vehicle is removed. Repeat offense of this ordinance will make the vehicle subject to tow.

What if my car is towed?
If your car is towed, for any reason other than a traffic crash, you need to come to the Belleville Police Department, 101 South Illinois, with a valid photo ID and obtain a release. Then you go to the tow service, pay for the tow and retrieve your vehicle.

Can I play basketball, baseball and/or other games in the street?
No person shall, on any street or other public place in the City, fly any kite or play any game of ball or engage in any amusement or practice having a tendency to injure or annoy any person passing in the streets or on the sidewalk.

Where can I skateboard in the city?
Skateboard Park is located at 709 North 2nd. This area has been designed to provide skaters with a moderate challenge for recreation purposes to help develop their skills. It is not possible to design and build a skate or skateboard facility without hard surfaces. The same hard surfaces that challenge the skater pose significant risk of injury if the skater falls. Park hours are listed under "Rules."

WARNING! This facility is unsupervised. Users assume all risks inherent in the use of this facility. Use may result in serious injury. The City of Belleville assumes no liability for injuries sustained.

Safety Equipment. We strongly urge all skaters and skateboards to wear: protective helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist pads. All parents should require their children to wear this protective equipment while using this facility. Failure to wear protective equipment will expose users to bone fractures, concussion and other serious injury upon falling or collision with other users.

Park rules are:

• No glass containers, food, or beverage allowed on the skating surface. Spills jeopardize the skaters.
• No other items such as benches, tables, wood materials, or other objects used as ramps or jumps are allowed in the skate park facility.
• No pets are allowed in skate park area.
• No skating against traffic on ramps or pipes.
• Do not proceed down a ramp until clear of other skaters.
• Hours of permitted use are from 7:00 a.m. to sundown. It shall be unlawful for any other person to enter or remain on the premises outside the hours posted. (Section 31-1-1)
• No bicycle or scooter usage in skate park area.
• Only skateboards and in-line skates are permitted.
• Alcohol, tobacco, and or drugs are prohibited.

Please remember to skate with safety in mind and remember weather conditions may create unsafe surfaces for skating. Please report maintenance concerns to the Parks and Recreation Office: 618-233-1416. Messages can be left 24 hours per day.

Belleville has a skateboard park. Is there a similar facility strictly for bike riders?
Citizens Park has a biking facility. The address is 341 Citizens Park Drive. This area has been designed to provide bikers with a moderate challenge for recreation purposes and to help develop their skills. It is not possible to design and build a biking facility without hard surfaces. The same hard surfaces that challenge the biker pose significant risk of injury if the biker falls. Park hours are listed under "Rules."

WARNING! This facility is unsupervised. Users assume all risks inherent in the use of this facility. Use may result in serious injury. The City of Belleville assumes no liability for injuries sustained.

Safety Equipment. We strongly urge all bikers to wear: protective helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist pads. All parents should require their children to wear this protective equipment while using this facility. Failure to wear protective equipment will expose users to bone fractures, concussion and other serious injury upon falling or collision with other users.

Park rules are:

• No glass containers, food, or beverage allowed on the biking surface.
• No other items such as benches, tables, wood materials, or other objects used as ramps or jumps are allowed in the bike park facility.
• No pets are allowed in bike park area.
• No riding against traffic on ramps or obstacles.
• Do not proceed down a ramp until clear of other bikers.
• Hours of permitted use are from 7:00 a.m. to sundown.
• Only bikes are permitted.
• Alcohol, tobacco, and or drugs are prohibited.

Please remember to ride with safety in mind and remember weather conditions may create unsafe surfaces for riding.Please report maintenance concerns to the Parks and Recreation Office: 618-233-1416. Messages can be left 24 hours per day.