Since 2000, The Village of Glen Ellyn has averaged 60 residential demolitions per year from its approximately 7,000 single-family homes. Demolition regulations require a 30 day waiting period and advance notice to neighbors. Many people believe that there are more demolitions in Glen Ellyn than actually take place. The orange fences you see around town are installed for a variety of reasons, including roadway and drainage improvement projects and home additions.

In response to claims that residential demolitions were harmful to citizens, the Village Board requested that the Environmental Commission evaluate the Village’s existing demolition procedures and examine the available body of scientific research on the risks of asbestos during demolition. The Environmental Commission conducted six public meetings in 2004 and 2005 to review this topic and issued a report (pdf) in February 2005, which concluded that while asbestos has the potential to be a harmful substance, the abatement procedures in place for building demolition in the Village were appropriate to protect the health and welfare of Village residents. However, the Environmental Commission did recommend some procedural changes which include additional notification to surrounding residents, the provision of more specific standards for dust control by watering during demolition, and verification that watering is taking place during the demolition and debris removal. Their recommendations culminated in the adoption of an ordinance (pdf) that better ensures compliance with demolition regulations. The demolition procedures handout (pdf) outlines the steps in the demolition process.

The Village has a "roving" inspector who visits construction sites in order to check on site conditions such as maintaining the grounds and keeping proper fencing in place. The Village also relies on residents to report any construction site irregularities. If you observe construction site violations, please call the Planning and Development Department at 547-5250. Click here (pdf) to view the Village's construction site rules and guidelines and how to report violations.

The following chart is a street list of pending and issued demolition permits in the Village where the structure has not yet been razed. As soon as the planned dates of the demolition are confirmed, the Village will post the dates in the "Status of Demolition" column of the below chart. Should you have any questions regarding demolitions, please contact the Planning and Development Department at 547-5250.