Council directs attorney to pursue court action over unpermitted work at 1801 Shanken

Council members voted to escalate enforcement at 1801 Shanken after staff described a year‑long pattern of unpermitted construction and a pergola that became unsecured and struck a neighboring house.

Staff update: Craig Strong and code enforcement staff told the council they have met with the owner and the owner’s architect, prepared ordinance citations and reports, and asked contractors to pull required electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building permits. A local landscape contractor has signed a contract to begin visible exterior corrections within weeks, but interior work remains unpermitted.

Legal options: The village attorney and prosecutor options were discussed. Staff recommended pursuing circuit‑court injunctive relief for a case of this scale — which can order compliance and, if necessary, demolition — rather than relying only on district‑court citations, which generally lack injunctive authority. Councilmembers and staff noted circuit‑court action is a longer process but provides more enforceable remedies.

Council action: The council voted to direct the village attorney to follow up with the prosecutor and to initiate appropriate legal action, including filing in circuit court if necessary, to bring the property into compliance.

Next steps: Staff will coordinate with the prosecutor’s office and report back on filings, deadlines, and any court-ordered compliance schedule. The village noted the prosecutor had already been alerted and that court deadlines could be used to enforce permit submittals and contractor compliance.