- Additional Resident Information
New resident packets are available at the City Clerk's Office, please stop in and pick one up. Information including water rates, garbage days, vehicle sticker applications, park locations and a city map are contained within this packet.
Welcome to McHenry!
We hope the following information will help you understand some of the Rules and Regulations of the City of McHenry. If you want further clarification or information on any of the following items, please feel free to call us at the number listed on the contact page for that department. We will be happy to answer all of your questions.
To change your drivers license the Secretary of State office is located in Woodstock. To contact them call 815-338-3109.
New Resident Information
LOCATION OF CITY OFFICES AND BUSINESS HOURS:
The McHenry Municipal Center is located at 333 S. Green Street, just north of Bull Valley Road. Located within the Municipal Center are the following departments: Administrator, City Clerk, Public Works, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Water/Sewer and Police. All City business is conducted during the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.
POLICE INFORMATION:
The McHenry Police Department is open 24 hours a day. For emergencies dial 9-1-1 for non-emergencies dial 815.363.2200
AFTER HOURS PAYMENT DEPOSITORY:
There is a depository box, next to the U.S. Mail Box, in the Municipal Building parking lot at 333 S. Green Street. This depository may be used for deposit of parking ticket fines, vehicle sticker requests and payments, water and sewer payments, etc.
WATER & SEWER BILLING INFORMATION:
Water and/or sewer bills are sent out bi-monthly. The net amount is due on or before the twentieth (20th) day after bills are mailed. The gross amount is due after the twentieth day bills are mailed.
VEHICLE LICENSE INFORMATION:
All residents of the City of McHenry are required to purchase a vehicle sticker annually for each car, truck, and motorcycle operated by them. These stickers are valid from July 1 of the issuing year to June 30 of the following year, and are available for purchase beginning on May 1. Pre-printed forms are mailed to residents in late April. Bring this form in to the municipal Center when purchasing your stickers. Vehicle stickers must be purchased and displayed by July 1 to avoid being charged a $3.00 per month (or multiple thereof) late penalty. The Police Department can issue tickets to persons not purchasing vehicle stickers and a fine can be assessed to offenders. Persons just moving into the City during the year have thirty (30) days to purchase their vehicle stickers.
MCHENRY PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
The McHenry Parks & Recreation Department provides recreational activities for all ages. Seasonal program brochures are distributed in early April (summer), July (fall) and December (winter/spring). The department manages 36 different park sites withing the city limits which can be used for individual, family and community activities. The department also manages Knox Park Pool and Petersen Park Beach.
LIBRARY DISTRICT:
The McHenry Public Library is located at 809 N. Front St. (Route 31) and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. Residents living within the library district boundaries may obtain a free library card. Those living outside the district must pay an annual non-resident fee to obtain a library card. For further information, call (815) 385-0036 or visit www.mchenrylibrary.org
GARBAGE COLLECTION:
The City has a "pay per bag" system of garbage collection and disposal for one through four family residences through an exclusive franchise with a scavenger service. The plastic bags can be purchased at several locations throughout the City and at City Hall. This service also includes curbside recycling. When you move into an existing home, the recycling container should have been left by the prior owners for you. If not, please contact Marengo Disposal at (815)568-7274 and one will be provided for you, which you are to leave if you move. Curbside yard waste pickup is also available.
OVERNIGHT PARKING REGULATIONS:
Parking is not allowed on any City street between the hours of 2:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. In emergencies and for overnight visitors, please notify the Police Department, at (815)363-2200, prior to overnight parking so permission can be granted to avoid issuance of tickets.
PARKING ON CITY STREETS DURING BUSINESS HOURS IN BUSINESS DISTRICTS:
City business districts have a 2-hour parking restriction and there is a minimum $25.00 fine for overparking. Any City parking lot which has a 2-hour parking restriction is clearly posted.
PERMIT PARKING:
Permit parking is available in designated areas at the Green Street Parking Lot, the Court Street Parking Lot and at Veterans Memorial Park. Contact the City Clerk's Office at the Municipal Center for details and permit charges.
HANDICAPPED PARKING:
Temporary handicapped parking cards are available at the City Clerk's Office for a nominal fee. Call or come in for further information. Permits REQUIRE a completed form from your doctor.
SOLICITATION:
The City has a solicitation ordinance which regulates the application, standards, hours, etc. of solicitation. Inspection of this ordinance is available at the City Clerk's office. If you wish to avoid a visit by any solicitor, place a "No Solicitation" sign by the front door in plain view of any visitor.
GARAGE SALES:
Permits are required for all garage sales in the City. (This also includes yard sales, rummage sales, basement sales, moving sales, etc). Permits for these can be obtained at the Municipal Center at no charge. No more than 2 garage sales may be held on the same premises by the same household in a 12 month period and each garage sale may only be held for 3 consecutive days at a time. They may not begin before 8:30 a.m. nor continue later than 5:00 p.m.
PACE BUS SERVICE:
The bus stop is at 1111 N. Green Street. The times of arrivals and departures change periodically. Bus schedules are available at the Municipal Center for your use. For information on bus schedules call 800-451-4599 thirty minutes in advance.
DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICE:
To schedule a ride within the City of McHenry, call 1-800-451-4599 thirty minutes in advance. To schedule a ride from the City of McHenry to Woodstock, Wonder Lake, Crystal Lake, Spring Hill Mall and throughout McHenry Township may require registration. Call 1-800-451-4599 for more information.
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Services available at municipal center:
- Sale of city maps and books
- Voter's registration
- Handicapped parking cards
- Vehicle stickers
- Garage sale permits
- Notary public service (no charge)
- Solicitation permits
- Issuance of senior citizen RTA discount cards (pictures & i.d. required)
- Payment collection of city water & sewer bills information on all city ordinances and codes
Again, welcome to the City! By working together in a combined effort of good will and understanding we can make the City of McHenry one of the finest places in the United States to live, work and play.