Guide to Cost-Sharing ProgramsThe City of Elmhurst provides financial assistance to residents who need to take certain preventive measures on their property. Problems dealing with Dutch Elm Disease, sewer lines, deteriorating sidewalks, unsatisfactory water drainage and damage to driveway approaches are included in the set of cost-sharing programs provided to homeowners in the City of Elmhurst. This brochure offers some information about the cost-sharing programs available to Elmhurst residents.
Please contact the Elmhurst Public Works Department at (630) 530-3020 for additional information. Some of these programs have a waiting list so be sure to call early.
Dutch Elm Disease Injection Program
This program offers a 50/50 cost share to residents who want to have their parkway or private American Elm trees injected with a fungicide to help prevent infection from Dutch Elm Disease. The City pays 50% towards the cost of injecting parkway and private American Elm trees. The injection program, and use of preventative fungicides, reflects the opinions of experts based on field use and tests, and is believed to be effective. However, it is impossible to eliminate the possibility that an injected tree may still contract Dutch Elm Disease.
Dutch Elm Disease Removal Program
Elmhurst Municipal Code requires that Elm trees infected with Dutch Elm Disease be removed. Public Works monitors Dutch Elm Disease, notifies the property owner of a diseased tree and gives the homeowner the option of removing the tree themselves or requesting that the City proceed with removal through the City's contractor. If a resident requests that the City remove the tree, the property owner is held responsible for fifty percent of the cost of removal or $300, whichever is greater.
Overhead Sewer Program
The purpose of this program is to protect homes from sewer backup as a result of the City sanitary sewers being overburdened from intense weather conditions. City participation for eligible improvements is 50% of cost, up to $3,000.
Private Sanitary Sewer Lines
Currently homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of the sanitary sewer line from their home to the City's sewer main, including root damage. The City provides for a one-time reimbursement to homeowners of fifty percent of their costs for private sanitary sewer line repairs within the City right-of-way (not to exceed $2,000). Homeowners are still required to hire their own contractor and obtain applicable permits. Normal root cutting is not covered.
Sidewalk Cost Sharing Program
This program provides for replacement of existing deteriorated sidewalk. It also provides for construction of new sidewalk on property side yards for residents with corner properties. The shared cost for replacement of existing deteriorated 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.
Rear Yard Drain Program
This program was designed to reduce standing water due to natural low spots and to remove sump pump discharge from private property. Work is done on a cost-sharing basis by a contractor hired by the City working under the City's supervision.
Driveway Approach Damage by Parkway Trees
There are several criteria necessary for the City to provide assistance in this program. There must be differential settlement of two inches or more that has created a safety hazard. The damage must have been created by a parkway tree. (Cracks alone in driveways are not considered a hazard). 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.