Darien Issues 375 Permits In Wake Of Storms

DARIEN, IL – Darien has issued nearly 375 building permits for roofs since storms began in March, an official said Monday.

Another 200 are expected, meaning a total of nearly 600.

That's a large number for Darien, a town with about 8,700 households.

After the first storms hit Darien in early March, the city warned residents about roofing scams. The city requires door-to-door solicitors to have permits.

"After we get these storms, these guys are out the following morning," Dan Gombac, the municipal services director, said at a City Council meeting. "If you don't know who it is, call the police to let them determine whether or not they have a solicitor's license."

In Darien, solicitors go through a vetting process that includes a background check. It can last up to 10 days.

Mayor Joseph Marchese said residents can call the city and ask about which roofing contractors have good reputations.

"I urge people to do that," he said.

Gombac said the list is made up of companies that have worked consistently in town for several years.

"It's not that it's somebody who knows somebody," he said.