City code consists of the laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances of the City. 

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Researching city code is not for everyone. If you can determine through research that your EJ issue is violating city code, the City is probably more likely to take action to address your EJ problem. 

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If you don’t have the background to do this research, ask a friend, family member, or associate to help you. EJE can also answer your questions on researching Evanston city code at environmentaljustice@climateactionevanston.org.

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If it looks like your EJ issue(s) may be causing one or more code violations, add text to your 1.f. section of the EJ issue definition previously described. Then in future 311 complaints and other contacts with the City, make sure to mention that the EJ issue in question is violating Evanston city code. It should strengthen your case with the City to address your EJ issue because the City needs to enforce City code violations.  

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For many businesses and governmental offices, permits are required and must be adhered to in order to operate in a legal manner. If appropriate, research and determine if the potential EJ offender has an original permit from the City, County, State, or Federal government. If so, determine if the potential offender is in violation of their permit. If not, the absence of a permit indicates a problem.  

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If you have identified a permit violation or a missing permit that has not yet been documented, file a complaint to the issuer of such permits highlighting the identified violation(s). Follow up and stay on top of the situation.

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