Board tightens building‑permit enforcement language, strikes broadly worded sentence

Sandro (identified in the record by first name) explained an amendment to the village code intended to "shore up some permit enforcement" by making the continued use of unpermitted structures subject to citation and corrective action. Sandro told trustees the change clarifies that structures erected or used without required permits are "deemed unlawful" and gives the code enforcer authority to require permits, inspections, or removal as needed.

Trustees questioned the language and its possible practical effects. One trustee said the middle highlighted sentences could be construed to force occupants to vacate a home, asking "Can I live there?" Sandro and other staff replied that the intent is to require permits and inspections to protect occupants' safety and that penalties and escalation are governed by existing code provisions. After discussion, a trustee moved to strike the sentence beginning "No person shall maintain, keep, or continue to allow any such unlawful structure or use" as redundant and potentially overbroad; the motion to remove that sentence passed, and the remaining ordinance (Ordinance 2,635) was approved as amended.

The exchange included caution about avoiding unnecessarily broad statutory language while also ensuring the village can correct unpermitted work. Staff said the change was prompted by court and legal review and intended to close gaps that previously allowed some unpermitted structures to be treated as "grandfathered." The board did not adopt separate emergency or enforcement provisions beyond the code as amended; enforcement remains subject to notice, permit requirements, and existing penalty sections.