Sewer Backup Protection Grant
The Sewer Backup Protection Grant Program was established to provide financial assistance to homeowners who install systems to protect their homes from sewer backup during a heavy rain event. The program's intent is to offset a portion of the expense of modifying a building's plumbing system to prevent backflow when Village sewers are at capacity.
Eligible homeowners may qualify for a grant of 50 percent of the total cost of sewer backup prevention improvements, up to a maximum of $3,500 for installing either an overhead sewer system or a backflow prevention valve system.
Sewer Backup Protection Grant Program Application Packet(PDF, 687KB)
For more information on the program, call 708.358.5410 or e-mail housing@oak-park.us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What work is eligible for the Sewer Backup Prevention Grant Program?
Eligible work includes installing an overhead sewer system or a backflow prevention system. Illustrations in the application packet show how a typical house is connected to a sewer by a gravity system, and how overhead sewers and backflow prevention systems are installed to alleviate sewer backups.
Who is eligible to apply for the Sewer Backup Prevention Grant Program?
This program is open to owner-occupied single-family homes that are susceptible to sewer backup by way of a gravity sewer line. Single-family is defined as both traditional single-family homes as well as multi-family residences of 1-4 units where the owner occupies at least one unit.
I installed an overhead sewer system after the flooding in 2010. Can I apply for a grant for that work?
Yes. Any eligible work that received permits after January 1, 2010 is eligible. You will have to provide information regarding the permits and proof of payment.
Will the grant reimburse me for replacing the carpet and walls in my basement after it flooded?
No. Only work to prevent future backups into basements is eligible. Restoration of finishes and replacement of property are not eligible.
Must applicants meet specific income limits?
No. Applications will be accepted from anyone who meets the program guidelines, regardless of income.
Does the work need to be completed before I submit my application?
No. You do not need to complete the work before submitting an application. However, you do need to have a licensed plumber determine the scope of work before submitting your application. You should submit your application after you have determined what work will be performed.
Will a preference be given to applicants that have completed the work?
No. Applicants with completed work will not receive preferential treatment.
How do I apply?
Directions for applying are detailed in the application packet. Complete all application materials and submit them to the Housing and CDBG Programs Division, along with all required supporting documents.
Can I e-mail or fax my application?
Yes. Forms may be mailed, hand-delivered, e-mailed or faxed to the Village of Oak Park, Attention Housing and CDBG Programs Division, 123 Madison, Oak Park, IL 60302. The e-mail address is housing@oak-park.us and the fax number is 708.358.5114.
In what order will you process applications?
Completed applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
We completed our project in 2010 but we did not get a building permit? Are we still eligible?
Yes, you are eligible to apply. However, your application will not be processed until you have obtained all required permits, paid all applicable fees and fines and passed final inspection.
We had a permit for our project but I don’t remember getting a final inspection. What impact will this have?
The Village can determine if a final inspection occurred. If a final inspection was not conducted, you will be required to obtain one before receiving a grant.
Will permit fees necessary for the work be waived?
No. All applicable permit fees are the responsibility of the property owner.
Do I have to disconnect my downspouts to be eligible?
You must either disconnect your downspouts or obtain a waiver for downspouts that are not disconnected. Waivers will be issued only to those properties where disconnecting the downspout would negatively affect a neighboring property or create a hazardous condition. The Village will review requests for waivers and make a final determination.
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact the Housing and CDBG Programs Division via e-mail to housing@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5410.