Dolton code enforcement director urges residents to keep gutters clean, trim trees and clear alleys

Dolton’s code enforcement director, Brian Thigpen, urged residents to keep up basic property maintenance to prevent safety hazards and property damage, focusing on clogged gutters, overgrown trees and messy alleys. He said regular maintenance reduces the risk of ice dams, roof and vehicle damage and improves emergency access.

“This is what proper property maintenance looks like,” Thigpen said while pointing to a well-kept house, using the example to show the standard the village hopes to inspire. He told residents that clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which may make gutters sag or fall and lead to roof damage — potentially harming cars parked under or near the house.

Thigpen emphasized that village ordinance assigns most parkway and alley-adjacent maintenance to homeowners except where utilities are present, and that the village will intervene through public works only for safety-related issues. He repeated that trees should be trimmed to provide at least 7 feet of clearance so branches do not strike people or vehicles and to reduce places where someone might hide in low light.

On vacant properties, Thigpen said code enforcement, public works and the housing department are coordinating contractors to cut grass and reduce visual blight while staff work to locate owners or banks and explore options ranging from housing programs to demolition in some cases. He asked residents to report vacant properties so the village can “at least tidy up the property so it’s not as much as an eyesore.”

Thigpen also described how to report illegal or “fly” dumping in alleys: residents can contact code enforcement, which will analyze the situation and coordinate with public works to remove debris when possible. He reiterated simple, enforceable rules such as requiring garbage cans to be kept at the rear or side of homes rather than at the curb or front.

The presentation closed with a call to community responsibility. “Property maintenance isn’t just about rules. It’s about pride, safety, and respect for our neighbors,” the presenter said. Thigpen reiterated that residents are responsible for their alley parkways and for posting visible rear addresses to help emergency personnel find homes accessed from alleys.

The village did not announce a new ordinance number or a vote at the briefing; Thigpen’s remarks focused on ongoing enforcement, public-works coordination and requests that residents report problems for follow-up.