City of Countryside - Frequently Asked Questions

City of Countryside
Frequently Asked Questions
(by department)

City Clerk’s Office

Q: Where is the library?

A: The City of Countryside does not have a library.  You may visit a library in one of the surrounding communities and participate in our Library Card Reimbursement program.  Please click on the following link for details. City Clerk’s Office Program Details

Q: Where do we vote / register to vote?

A:  You may register to vote at Countryside City Hall or at other locations throughout Cook County.  For more information please visit www.voterinfonet.com or call 312-603-0906.  Your polling location will be based off of which section of the City you live in.  You may contact Lyons Township at 708-482-8800 for further information. 

Q: Where can I get a welcome packet?

A: A Countryside City Guide is available at City Hall – 5550 East Avenue.  Please also check out www.gocountryside.net for information on shopping, lodging, restaurants and entertainment.

Q: Do I need to notify the City when I am selling property?

A: The Water Department needs to be notified when you are selling your property so they may set up a final water reading.  Also, a Real Estate Transfer Tax form must be completed and a transfer stamp must be obtained from the City Clerk’s office.

Q: What is Countryside’s sales tax rate?  State rate?

A: Countryside’s sales tax rate is 7.75%.  The state rate is 6.25%.

Q: I am opening up a business.  Do I need to get a license?

A: Yes.  A business license is required by the City to operate a business.  Please contact the Clerk’s Office for details.

Q: Does the City have a public pool?

A: Countryside doesn’t have a public pool.  However, you may join a local outdoor pool (no YMCA or health clubs) and participate in our Swimming Pool Reimbursement program.  Please click on the following link for details.  City Clerk’s Office Program Details

Q: What garbage service does the City have?

A: Countryside residents have the option of choosing their own garbage removal provider.  Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for details. 

Q: I heard the City will pay something towards the removal of private property trees.  Is that true?

A: The City does offer a 50/50 tree removal program for trees meeting specific guidelines.  Please click on the following link to see if you qualify to participate.  City Clerk’s Office Program Details

Q: Where can I go to protest my tax bill?  Assessment?

A: If you have a discrepancy with your tax bill or property assessment, you may contact the Township of Lyons at 708-482-8300 or the Cook County Assessors office at 312-443-7550.

Q: What are the watering restrictions dates and times?

A: Watering restrictions go into effect on May 15^th until September 15 each year.  No water sprinkling allowed between 12 Noon and 6 p.m.  Sprinkling permitted for even numbered addresses (last digit) on even-numbered calendar days, and for odd-numbered addresses (last digit) on odd-numbered calendar days, for hours before noon or after 6:00 p.m.  Please contact the Water Department at 708.485.2465 with any questions.

Q: Do I need a garage sale permit?

A: Yes, garage sale permits are available free of charge at the City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall.  You may hold two garage sales per year and they may run in 2 consecutive day increments.  Please click on the following link for more information.  City Clerk’s Office Program Details

Police Department

Q: What time is curfew?

A:  Curfew is at 10:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Q: Are vehicle stickers required in the City?

A:  Vehicle stickers are available but not required in the City of Countryside.  You may obtain one free of charge for residents by visiting the Police Department.  You must show the vehicles registration in order to receive a sticker.  For all commercial vehicles, the stickers are $10 and available at the City Clerk’s office.    

Q: Do I need a dog license?

A: Yes, a dog license may be obtained by visiting the Countryside Police Department.

Department of Public Works

Q: When is branch pick-up available?

A:  Branch pick-up starts on the first Monday of April and runs through the last weekday in October.  Please place your branches on the parkway (branches must be less than 3” in diameter) and Public Works will be coming around with the chipper to remove them.

Q: When is leaf pick-up available and what do we have to do to have them picked up?

A: The leaf pick-up program runs from October through December (dates TBA annually).  In order for Public Works to pick-up your leaves, you must rake them onto the parkway in the front of your residence.  Do not rake the leaves into the street as they will not be picked up and they will cause sewer to back up and overflow.  Also, please do not place any branches, sticks, etc. in the leaf piles.  Public Works will come around on a continuous cycle so please allow several days for pick-up.

Q: What are the details of the snow removal program for senior citizens and disabled individuals?

A: Countryside senior citizens and disabled persons are eligible to have the bottom of their driveways plowed after a snowfall by the Department of Public Works.  Citizens need to call into the City Clerk’s office annually to be placed on the snow removal list.  If you do not call in and are put on the list, you will not have your snow removed.  After Public Works finishes plowing all of the City property, they will then come around and start to plow the ends of the driveways for everyone on the list.  Please contact the Clerk’s Office with any further questions.

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