Rental, Housing and Nuisance Inspections Information

The purpose of the Property Compliance Division of the Community Development Department is to ensure that all buildings, properties, and land in the City are maintained appropriately and up to code by City standards.  To ensure these requirements are met, the Property Compliance Division provides a rental inspection program for all rental units, and ongoing enforcement of nuisance, housing, and property maintenance codes.  Inspectors work with the property owners, occupants and tenants to resolve any code enforcement issues.

Nuisance and Housing Violations

Reporting Complaints & Issues

Rental complaints and code enforcement issue may be reported to the department several different ways.

  • A Public Service Request can be created through our online service request portal. Through this portal your PSR will be submitted to the appropriate department and promptly addressed.
  • Citizens may contact the Code Compliance Supervisor, Eric Heiden, by phone or by going to the E-mail Community Development page, and selecting Eric Heiden as the contact, to message him directly.
  • A complaint can also be filed in person at the Community Development Counter, located on the second floor of City Hall.

Types of Complaints & Issues

There are many types of code compliance and property issues that may arise. Some complaints may include but are not limited to:

  • Excessive Grass and Weeds (Grass, weeds or other vegetation in excess of 12 inches)
  • Inoperable Vehicles (Inoperable Vehicles that are located on the street or private property)
  • Trash and Debris (Discarded items not contained in a trash receptacle)
  • Dangerous Structures (Open/ broken windows or doors or any dilapidated structure)
  • Outside Storage (Items normally found inside being stored outside in the open)
  • Front Yard Parking
  • Pests

Inspection Process

As complaints of code violations are brought to the attention of the Property Compliance staff, Property Compliance Officers are dispatched to the property to document the conditions. Inspections of this nature can be made from nearby public areas such as streets, sidewalks or some alleys. Going onto the property is not done without consent unless there are unusual circumstances, usually involving a public safety issue. Notice of violations are sent to the property owner and to the current resident noting the section of municipal code that is in violation and providing important dates for when follow up inspections will occur. Also included in the notice is information on what to expect if the notice is ignored. Fees, fines and court action are all possible consequences if the violation is not addressed.

Rentals

Inspection Process

Every rental unit is subject to inspection under one of three categories:  Self-Inspection, City Inspection and City Inspection – Noncompliant. All new rentals must be City inspected before tenant occupancy.  If a complaint is received, any unit is subject to a City inspection.  Notice of inspections are sent to the landlord and tenant with a 15-business day window of notification. Once an inspection is completed a report will be mailed with a timeline for compliance to bring the property up to code. 

Rental Licensing

Within the City of Galesburg, a landlord is required to secure a rental license through the City Clerk’s Office each year for every property they own.  This license must be secured prior to leasing or renting the property to a tenant. The license fee is $25 for each rental unit, per year. The license application must be completed between May 1st and May 31th for the following year. If applied for after May 31st, a late fee of $10 per unit will be added to the regular $25 license fee per unit.  If the unit is fully sprinklered and hard-wired detectors are located in the dwelling unit,  the fee will be waived. No rental license will be issued to any landlord who owes any outstanding fines or fees to the City.