Frequently Asked Questions

Legal Department - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for site approval if the building is not built yet?
Can I change or reschedule my court date?
Can someone else appear in court on my behalf?
Does the City assume ownership of the property once it has been demolished?
Do I have to notify neighbors that I am applying for a liquor license?
How do I find out the status of my court case?
How do I get a scope of work to repair a property?
How do I register my property?
How long does it take to apply before the Liquor Commission?
If I get a ticket for possession and/or consumption of alcohol by a minor, will I lose my driving privileges?
If I get a ticket for possession of a "fake" I.D. or use of I.D. of another, will I lose my driving privileges?
If I receive a violation, what kind of effect will it have on my liquor license?
I have been served with a summons for a demolition case, what can I do to defend or resist the demolition of my property?
I need legal advice.
Is my property in Demolition Court?
Is my property in Housing Court?
What can I do if my car has been impounded?
What is the difference between a bench trial and a jury trial?
What should I expect to be asked by the Liquor Commission?
Where, and what amount do I pay on a weed lien?
Where and what amount do I pay on a sidewalk lien?
Where can I pay my Housing Court Default Order fine?
Where do I get a permit to fix-up a property before, during, or after the demolition process?
Who is my Inspector?
Why do I have a weed lien when I already have an ordinance case in court regarding the same incident?
Why do I need to register my property?

Can I apply for site approval if the building is not built yet?

Yes, as long as adequate site plans have been approved by the Site Plan Review Board.

Can I change or reschedule my court date?

No, unless there is an extreme extenuating circumstance, in which case, call the Legal Department at (309)494-8590.

Can someone else appear in court on my behalf?

Only a licensed attorney may appear on your behalf.

Does the City assume ownership of the property once it has been demolished?

No.

Do I have to notify neighbors that I am applying for a liquor license?

You will be required to get a printed list from the Tax Assessor’s Office of everyone within 300-feet of your establishment and bring that list when you apply for site. You will then be required to send a Notice (filled out by the Liquor Commission Secretary) to everyone within 300 feet of your establishment to let them know that a liquor site application has been filed and that a public hearing (Liquor Commission Meeting) is being held.

How do I find out the status of my court case?

Contact the Circuit Clerk’s Criminal Division at (309)672-6000.

How do I get a scope of work to repair a property?

Contact your Inspector at Code Enforcement.

How do I register my property?

Contact Code Enforcement at (309) 494-8654.

How long does it take to apply before the Liquor Commission?

By ordinance, it takes from 30-45 days after submitting all required information and forms to the Secretary of the Liquor Commission. After the Liquor Commission decides to recommend approval or denial, the applications go before the City Council within 2 weeks for final approval. At that time, the application for the Liquor License can be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office to begin the process of background checks.

If I get a ticket for possession and/or consumption of alcohol by a minor, will I lose my driving privileges?

If the ticket is paid 14 days prior to the court date, there is no conviction information to forward to the Secretary of State.

If I get a ticket for possession of a "fake" I.D. or use of I.D. of another, will I lose my driving privileges?

When you are issued a ticket for the above-mentioned violation, the timely payment of the fine prior to the court date may not end the Secretary of State's charge against you which may still result in the suspension of your driver's license.

If I receive a violation, what kind of effect will it have on my liquor license?

The violation penalties are on a scale set by the Liquor Commissioner or Deputy Liquor Commissioner. The first and second violations, such as serving an underage person, are usually monetary fines. The third violation can result in a suspension or revocation of the liquor license.

I have been served with a summons for a demolition case, what can I do to defend or resist the demolition of my property?

You may consult an attorney to represent your interest, file an answer to the complaint, or appear in court for your scheduled hearing date.

I need legal advice.

The City Legal Department cannot provide legal services to private citizens. For assistance with legal representation contact one of the following organizations:
Lawyers Assistance Program - 1-800-527-1233
Lawyer Referral Service Peoria - (309)674-1224
Lawyer Referral Statewide - 1-800-922-8757 www.illinoislawyerfinder.com
Prairie State Legal Services - (309)674-9831
Pro Bono Legal Services - (309)677-5975

Is my property in Demolition Court?

For properties currently pending in Demolition Court click here.

Is my property in Housing Court?

Contact your Code Enforcement Inspector.

What can I do if my car has been impounded?

Click here to visit the Impoundments page.

What is the difference between a bench trial and a jury trial?

In a bench trial, the Judge presiding will make the ultimate finding, whereas in a Jury trial, a jury of your peers makes the final decision.

What should I expect to be asked by the Liquor Commission?

The Liquor Commissioners usually asks questions such as how many patrons your establishment will seat, what hours you will be open, when you plan to open for business, etc.

Where, and what amount do I pay on a weed lien?

You must pay the amount of the lien, plus the recording and releasing fee, and the cost of the certified mail fee at the City Treasurer’s Office in City Hall. Upon receipt of such payment, the lien will be released. For an exact payoff of the amount contact the Legal Department at (309)494-8597.

Where and what amount do I pay on a sidewalk lien?

Sidewalk liens are payable to the City Treasurer. The total amount due includes the amount of the lien, recording and releasing fees, certified mail fee, and 10% interest charge. For an exact payoff of the amount contact the Legal Department at (309)494-8590. Upon receipt of the payment, the lien will be released.

Where can I pay my Housing Court Default Order fine?

The City Treasurer’s Office, Room 100 at City Hall.

Where do I get a permit to fix-up a property before, during, or after the demolition process?

Contact Code Enforcement to obtain a permit.

Who is my Inspector?

Contact Code Enforcement at (309)494-8654.

Why do I have a weed lien when I already have an ordinance case in court regarding the same incident?

A ticket for tall weeds or other environmental violations are issued and if unpaid becomes a case in City Ordinance Court. The ticket and subsequent court case pertains to this initial violation. If the city removes the debris or mows the weeds, an invoice will be sent to the property owner from Accounts Receivable. If unpaid, the invoice will be filed as a lien against the property. If the lien remains unpaid for thirty days after recording it may be filed as a small claims case in court.

Why do I need to register my property?

The Code for the City of Peoria requires that all non-owner occupied properties within the City must be registered at Code Enforcement.