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Building & Zoning

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1. How do I apply for a building permit?

Building permits can be obtained at our Village office. Permit applications can also be found on our website Building Permit Form . A completed original application and deposit can be brought into the Village Hall Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, or mailed to Village Office 23680 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park, IL 60010.

2. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Call 847-726-1648 to schedule your inspection with 24 hour advance notification.

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Business

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1. How do I open my business in Deer Park?

In order to open your own business you must submit a business registration application. For more information, please call our office at 847-726-1648 or view the Application Business Registration Form

Business Registration (PDF).

2. How do I obtain a liquor license?

Liquor Licenses are not transferrable.  Applications for new or renewed licenses can be accessed at this link.

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Electric Aggregation

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1. Who is MC Squared Energy Services?

MC Squared Energy Services, LLC (mc²) is a certified, retail electric-service provider headquartered in Chicago. MC Squared Energy Services, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wolverine Holdings. For more information on the company, including a leadership-team profile, visit our website at www.mc2energyservices.com

2. How do I enroll?

Eligible residential or small business customers will receive a letter in the mail from the Village of Deer Park regarding the action required to participate in the program. There are two types of letters:

1) Opt-Out Letter – These customers will be enrolled automatically unless they choose to opt out by following the instructions in the letter.

2) Opt-In Letter – These customers can enroll by calling 1-888-808-4234 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Will I receive notification of the change?

ComEd will mail you a confirmation letter indicating they have received notice of your switch to mc2 as your electricity supplier.

4. Will my electricity service be disrupted when I switch?

No, there will be no disruption in service. You will continue to receive the same electric service through the same transmission and distribution system currently operated by ComEd. The switch to mc2 is seamless.

5. What if I have already switched to an Alternative Retail Electricity Supplier (ARES)?

If you have already switched to an Alternative Retail Electricity Supplier (ARES), you can still opt in to the program. You can enroll by calling 1-888-808-4234 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that you may also be subject to early termination fees or other restrictions by your current provider. You should check with your current provider to better understand any restrictions or policies that might apply.

6. What will change on my electricity bill if I’m enrolled?

You will continue to receive a single bill from ComEd on a monthly basis. “MC Squared Energy Services” will be designated as your supplier in the “Supply” section of your ComEd bill. ComEd will continue to bill you for distribution services and taxes. Payments should still be sent to ComEd at the address provided. And, there is no impact to Budget Billing, if applicable to your account.

7. What happens at the end of the program term?

At the end of the term, if the program is not renewed, all accounts served by mc2 will be returned to ComEd service.

8. Is there an early termination fee?

No. There is no cost to terminate. However, you will be obligated to pay for services rendered under the contract until your service is terminated.

9. What is the ComEd rate?

The ComEd “non-summer” rate is comprised of electricity supply and transmission services. In addition, the ComEd effective rate includes a Purchased Electricity Adjustment (PEA) that varies monthly. The same ComEd rate including the PEA charge or credit, will be charged to all participants in the Deer Park Community Aggregation, whether enrolled with mc² or whether receiving supply service via ComEd. To learn more about electric rates, visit pluginillinois.org, the site created by the Illinois Commerce Commission to inform ratepayers.

10. Where does green energy come from?

Wind generation sites are the primary source of renewable green energy in the State of Illinois, followed by solar, hydro, and methane gas from landfills.  Nuclear and natural gas are not considered renewable green resources for power generation.

11. If we consume Renewable “green” energy, will our homes be powered by the actual electricity that is generated by windmills, solar, hydro, etc.?

The power grid maintained by ComEd that serves your community cannot route specific power directly to your home. Those who purchase green power typically pay a premium to support green energy through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs subsidize the cost of those companies that actually generate the green/renewable power.

12. How can we be certain we are buying green / renewable power?

When a power supplier sells a “green energy” product in the marketplace, that supplier is required to purchase and retire RECs to support their green products. The supplier must document and report those transactions to State and Federal agencies. The EPA states that enables you to claim that the electricity you use came from a renewable resource with low or zero emissions.

13. Will I get two bills, one from ComEd and another from the new supplier?

No. ComEd will continue to bill you for electric supply, delivery and taxes.

14. Whom do I call if I have service problems?

Always call ComEd with reports of outages or downed power lines at 800-334-7661. For questions about your supply, you can call the customer service number for Constellation. This will be listed under “Electric Supply Services” on your ComEd bill.

15. I am enrolled in low-income assistance program. Will that be affected?

No. If you currently receive assistance via PIPP or LIHEAP, that status will not change and you can continue to get these benefits for your ComEd bill.

16. I’m on ComEd’s budget billing plan. Will that change? Can I still have my payment automatically deduced from my checking account as I do now?

Your participation in the budget billing plan won’t change. The way you pay your ComEd bill will not change.

17. Will someone come to my home or call to sign me up?

No. You need do nothing to automatically be enrolled in the program. If someone calls or visits your home claiming to be the Village’s power supplier you may file a complaint with the ICC at https://www.icc.illinois.gov/consumers

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General

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1. Is Vehe Barn Facility available for rental?

No, at the present time the Barn is not available for rent for events.

2. How do I sign up for Deer Park's eNewsletter?

Click on Notify Me Link. Sign up with email address to receive communication including newsletters from the Village.

3. What payments can I make online?

The Village of Deer Park does not currently accept credit card or online payments. Payments of cash or check can be made in person at the Village Hall or via mail to 23680 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park, IL 60010.

4. How do I contact a village department?

Click Here to access Staff Directory which lists the various departments of the Village.

5. Does the Village of Deer Park have a real estate transfer tax?

No, there is no real estate transfer tax in Deer Park.

6. How do I submit a complaint or concern to the Village?

Fill out our online form Resident Complaint/Concern Form. This will automatically be directed to Village Staff for investigation.

7. How do I get information on household hazardous waste disposal and electronic recycling?

Visit Swalco website at www.swalco.com

8. How do I register to vote?

Voter Registration

Traditional deputy registrars are available to accept voter registration applications at most municipal or township offices, libraries, and at the Lake County Clerk’s office. Citizens can now also register online, by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day. Requirements and locations

Voting Options

Voting by mail, early, or on Election Day allows the voter choose the option that best suits their busy schedule and lifestyle. More information

Voter Power

Registered voters can log on to find one-click personalized voting information

• Confirm you are registered with current name and address
• Print a sample ballot prior to Election Day
• Submit required application to receive a ballot by mail
• Track Clerk’s receipt of ballot, if voting by mail
• Find Election Day and early voting site locations including driving directions and map
• Find current representative districts and elected officials

9. How do I apply for the Groot Senior Discount program?

If you are 65 years of age or older you can come to the Village Office or email us a copy of your driver's license at kkasregis@vodp.net with your Deer Park address and we will notify Groot on your behalf.

10. Do you provide notary services?

Yes. A Notary Public is a sworn public officer with the power to perform a number of official legal acts. The office of notary public is technically classified as a ministerial office, meaning it does not involve significant legal judgment or judicial-style discretion of the acts being performed. The Village of Deer Park has two Notary Publics in the office. Residents can stop by the Village office and request this service on a drop in basis. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, it is encouraged to call beforehand to assure there is a notary in the office at that time.

11. What do I need for notary?

1. Call the Village to make sure a notary is available. 

2. Bring current driver's license, state Id card, US Military ID, or US Passport. 

3. Do not sign the document beforehand. Documents must be signed in the Notary's presence. 

4. If witnesses are required in addition to a Notary, please provide your own witnesses. 

5. Documents must be in English and must be complete, without blank spaces. 

6. Due to changes in notarial law (effective June 1, 2009) we are unable to notarize any real estate documents pertaining to Cook County. 

7. Due to Illinois notary law, we are unable to certify copies.

8. We are unable to complete or notarize government Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

12. How do I obtain records?

Records may be obtained with a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request.  Forms can be completed online and sent directly to the Village Clerk.  Access this link for online forms.

13. Where do I submit foreclosure notices?

Foreclosure notices should be sent to:

Village of Deer Park, 23680 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park, IL 60010,  Attn: Village Clerk

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Recreational Cannabis FAQs

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1. When was cannabis legalized in Illinois?

On Tuesday 6/25/2019.  Governor Pritzker signed Illinois House Bill 1438 (Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act - CRTA), legalizing the consumption and possession of recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older in Illinois.

2. Can the consumption/possession of cannabis be banned by a local municipality?

No, municipalities cannot ban or override the CRTA.  

3. Will the Village have any regulatory abilities?

Yes, Section 55-25 of the Act outlines what municipalities are allowed to regulate.  

• Ban the selling of recreational cannabis within the Village limit.
• Dictate the amount of legal dispensaries within the Village
• Determine how cannabis businesses are operated such as hours of operation
• Dictate the location of cannabis businesses as they relate to points of interest such as school, churches, government buildings, liquor stores, residential.
• Regulate the zoning of cannabis businesses in specific districts.

4. Does the Act itself restrict the location of cannabis business or advertising?

The Recreational Cannabis Act itself prohibits a new cannabis dispensary from locating within 1,500 feet of another dispensary.  Villages may further restrict the location through zoning regulations. The Act authorizes up to 500 dispensary licenses, allows dispensaries to operate from 6am to 10pm and enables dispensaries, infusers and/or craft growers to share a facility if allowed by the local municipalities.  The Act requires that cannabis advertising be at least 1,000 feet from school grounds, playgrounds, public recreational facilities, child care centers, public parks, public libraries, and gaming arcades.

5. What will the Village's role be in the licensing process?

The Village plays no role in the licensing process as it is left up to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFRF) to select and process those individuals attempting to obtain a license.  The 55 current medical-cannabis dispensaries get early approval for licenses to sell under the new Act.

6. What regulatory abilities, if any, do business owners and landlords have?

Any person, business, public entity, or landlord may prohibit the use of cannabis on private property. 

7. Who can legally purchase and consume cannabis?

Per the new State legislation, the consumption of cannabis as of 1/1/2020, will be treated similarly to that of the consumption of alcohol with any Illinois resident, or non-resident, ages 21 or over, now being able to purchase and consume cannabis.

8. Who can legally grow and sell recreational cannabis?

Only licensed businesses will be able to legally grow and sell cannabis.  Medical cannabis patients will be allowed to grow up to five plants each within their home.  Recreational users will not be allowed to grow any plants.

9. How much cannabis can an individual possess?

Illinois residents may possess up to:

• 30 grams, or just over one ounce of "flower"
• 5 grams of cannabis concentrate
• 500 milligrams of THC - the chemical that makes users high - in a cannabis infused product such as gummies, candy, other consumable products (referred to as "edibles"), or tinctures, and lotions.

10. What is the legal limit of THC blood concentration for a DUI in Illinois?

The legal limit for driving is a THC blood concentration of more than five nanograms per milliliter.  If you have more than that in your system, or are impaired you may be charged with a DUI.

11. Will cannabis consumption be allowed in public spaces?

No, the consumption of cannabis in public will be considered unlawful. 

12. Where will consumption be allowed?

The consumption of cannabis will be allowed on private property.  Consumption may potentially be permitted at specifically designated establishments such as dispensaries or smoking lounges if allowed by local ordinance. Smoking at dispensaries or smoking lounges would be dependent on the Village Board approving zoning for such a use.

13. Who will be allowed to possess cannabis in Illinois in a vehicle under the new law?

Consumption of cannabis in a vehicle on a public street will still be prohibited.  Cannabis transported in a vehicle must be in a sealed, odor proof, and child-resistant cannabis container and reasonably inaccessible.

14. Are there any changes to existing medical cannabis laws?

Yes, the list of conditions that are covered under the use of medical cannabis was expanded to now include chronic pain, autism, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and anorexia.

15. How is cannabis taxed?

Sales will be taxed at 10% for cannabis with THC levels at or less than 35%; 25% for cannabis with THC levels above 35%; and 20% for cannabis infused products such as edibles.  This is in addition to standard state and local sales taxes.  Additionally, the Village of Deer Park has added a special tax of up to 3%.

16. How will the potential tax revenue generated be used?

Within the bill, any government proceeds associated with the sale of recreational cannabis was established as follows:

• 20% to State mental health services and substance abuse programs
• 10% to pay unpaid State bills
• 35% to state General Revenue Fund
• 2% to public education and safety campaigns
• 8% to the Local Government Distributive Fund, for the prevention and training for law enforcement
• 25% for identified social equity programs

17. How will the potential tax revenue from the (3%) tax be used by Deer Park

Currently, the Village has no plans in place fore these potential funds.  The expectation of staff is that the 3% sales tax would go toward the General Fund but it is not yet certain.

18. How do federal laws affect Illinois law?

Although cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, federal law enforcement has rarely interfered with individuals possessing the state regulated legal amount of businesses complying with state enforced programs.  Any questions related to Federal or State regulations should be directed to the proper agencies.

19. How will the Village manage public safety if a dispensary is allowed in the Village?

Other communities have been surveyed. No changes in safety calls for service were reported. Some responses included parking or traffic concerns at some locations, this may be due to the early openings of dispensaries and high demand.  Public safety is the Village’s top priority and any specific security concerns will be addressed.

20. What are some of the potential impacts to the State's decision to allow recreational marijuana use when it comes to policing?

It is reasonable to assume that the legalization of cannabis will increase the demand for police services as well as the number of drug impaired drivers on our roadways, due to the state-wide allowance of marijuana, regardless of whether or not such a facility is located within the village limits of Deer Park.

21. How does recreational cannabis affect criminal records?

Governor Pritzker has stated that he will pardon past convictions for possession of up to 30 grams, with the attorney general going to court to delete public records of a conviction or arrest for the now legal amount.  Regarding possession of 30-500 grams, an individual or a state’s attorney may petition the court to vacate or expunge the conviction.

22. How can I share my thoughts or opinions on this topic as a resident?

Please email Village Administrator McAndrews  with any thoughts or concerns.  Additionally, public comments at Village Board meetings are available for any member of the public.

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Water Well Frequently Asked Questions

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1. When should I watch our well water consumption so as not to run dry?

Yes! You should conserve water as much as possible throughout the year especially in the drier months. 

2. We had a salesperson come to our home and performed an onsite water test and told us our water was unsafe to drink is this accurate?

No one can tell you that your water is unsafe with an onsite test only.  Only a certified laboratory can perform the tests to determine the safety of your water supply.  Never purchase water systems from a non-certified or pushy salesperson.  The Water Systems Council recommends having your water tested by a certified laboratory and then getting a second opinion from a certified water treatment professional before making a decision.  

3. How far should my septic system be from my water well system?

For residential properties the separation from Well and Septic should be 70 Feet Radius.  Please contact the Lake County Health Department with questions 847-377-8020. 

4. Where is my well located?

Locate the wellhead in your yard.  This is the top of your well.  There should be a cap or seal on the top of the casing (pipe) that should extend at least twelve inches above the ground to keep contaminants from entering the system.  Soil should slope away from the wellhead so surface water doesn't puddle.

5. When do you disinfect a well?

Disinfection is only used when a new well is drilled, flooding occurs, after a well is serviced, if harmful bacterias are found, and if the well has been sitting without use for an extended period of time.  The Water System Council recommends that you have a licensed well contractor make any repairs to your well and disinfect it afterward.  You can also disinfect your well, but before you do, you should read this information sheet.

6. How do I get my water tested?

Well water test kits are available at the Village Office Monday through Friday 8am-4pm.  You will receive a sterilized bottle and a form with instructions on how to take the water sample.  The sample and paperwork must be returned to the Lake County Environmental Laboratory 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 847-377-8020.  Payment of $15-$20 is due to Lake County at the time you drop off the sample and paperwork.   Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) usually holds a well water testing event once a year and they offer a reduced testing rate and a local drop off location.  These events are publicized on the Village website and Facebook page.

7. How do I remove the contaminant(s) from my water?

There are different treatment systems for different contaminants, consult a certified water treatment professional and be sure that the treatment system is certified.  

8. I have low water pressure and the water has a surging and subsiding pressure variation through the pipes what can I do?

Your well pump system can be adjusted to give you a service pressure that will meet your expectations.  The surging of your water coming from your faucets is a sign that the air change in your water tank is out of balance with your pressure switch or the diaphragm in the tank is torn.  Your water tank may need to be replaced.  The surging will eventually lead to pump failure.  Contact a licensed well contractor to inspect your system for this problem.