Darien Homeowner Groups Kept Out Of Loop On Building Permits: Resident

DARIEN, IL – A member of a Darien homeowners association said Monday that her group was frustrated that the city doesn't inform it of building permits for projects that violate the association's covenants.

"What happens is that fences go up, and we have no idea they are going up," said Heidi Ramirez of the Carriage Way West homeowners association. "It would be nice if we were notified and could have talked to the homeowners and said that these are not in accordance with our covenants."

She requested that the city inform associations.

But Dan Gombac, the city's municipal services director, said such a procedure would be difficult because some associations are stagnant with no president or contacts. Others, by contrast, are well-organized, he said.

He said homeowners sign the covenants and are responsible for complying.

Other officials said homeowner groups should levy fines for violations, so members think twice before ignoring the rules.

Ramirez said her association does not assess fines.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan, who lives in the Tara Hills subdivision, said she signed covenants during her home's closing, but the neighborhood has no association to enforce the rules. She said some have violated the covenants.

Ramirez suggested the city could add a question to its permit application: "Has this been through the homeowners association and has the association approved it?"

Gombac said the city could include the question.