New Residents
Welcome to the City of Evanston. This page was created to guide you to information you need to get settled in Evanston. The City’s web site is a great resource for new and existing residents! The web site is ever-changing and updated regularly. Visit often to learn what’s going on with your City government.
Contact Information
The City of Evanston has 11 departments and offers many services from many different buildings. Residents can call 311 or 847-448-4311 seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to ask questions, request services or report non-emergency situations such as potholes and graffiti. Additionally, an online customer service support center is available 24x7.
Getting Around
City buildings, parks and streets and more can be located on many of the maps available online.
Utilities
Find information on what company to call to get connected for service.
Where You Are
Enter your address in About My Place to find out what City Ward you reside in; who your Alderman is; your refuse, yard waste and recycling pickup days; street cleaning dates; and other vital information you need to become acclimated to your new community.
Contact your elected officials using this information
Online Services
Residents have the convenience of paying water bills, parking tickets, and registering for arts & recreation classes online.
This web site also provides these popular services:
Employment opportunities
The ability to contest parking tickets
Access to the City’s budget and the City Code
Applications for a position on a board, committee or commission
Registration for email newsletters
Library CardThe City maintains a large main library and one branch libraries. Obtain a library card to take advantage of the materials and services these facilities offer.
Pets
Residents must register their pets with the City and purchase a license annually.
Alarm Systems
If you have a burglar or fire alarm system, the City of Evanston requires the purchase of an Alarm Permit that must be renewed annually. False alarms and/or operation of an unlicensed alarm may subject you to penalties.
Voter Registration, Polling Places and Precincts
Take advantage of your right to vote by registering at your new address.
Beaches
Beautiful beaches add to the recreational wealth of Evanston residents. Learn how you can take advantage of some of City’s most beautiful parks.
Parking & Vehicle Stickers
There are 25 different Residential Parking Districts established in areas where there is high demand for on-street parking or a need to reduce commuter parking in residential areas. If you live in one of these areas you can purchase a residential parking permit here.
If a vehicle is parked in a legal parking spot on the street for more than 7 days without being moved, it may be considered abandoned. Abandoned vehicles are subject to towing upon investigation from the Evanston Police Department. (City Code Title 10 Chapter 6)
All vehicles which have license plates registered to Evanston addresses must purchase and display Evanston Vehicle Stickers.
Waste Collections
Most single family homes and multi-family residences with less than four units use City sanitation services. These residents should follow these General Guidelines for Refuse Disposal. Community members moving into multi-family dwellings with more than four units use private waste haulers and should consult either their building managements or these private hauling companies for disposal guidelines and regulations.
Yard Waste
The City picks up yard waste weekly beginning April 1 through an advertised date in December. Yard waste must be collected separately from household waste.
Leaf Season
Backpack-mounted or hand-held gasoline-powered leaf blower types of machines are allowed by the City for use only between March 31-May 14 and Oct. 1-Dec. 14. Violations can result in a $75 fine.
Household Hazardous Waste
The City’s Streets and Sanitation Division DOES NOT collect household hazardous waste. Visit the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County home page to find a list of accepted materials and facilities that collect this waste.
Wood Chips
Available free at James Park from April to the end of November.
Special Pickups
A special pick-up is needed when you have an unusually large amount of garbage, especially after a move-out or move-in. Please call the Streets and Sanitation office at 847.866.2940 to request a special pick-up. A fee will be placed on your next water bill for payment.
Recycling
Recycling bins are emptied on the same day as refuse is collected.
Street Cleaning
Street cleaning occurs annually from April through November. Check the signs on your block and see the map for your street cleaning dates
Snow Plan
Residents need to be aware of the City’s snow plan and the street parking regulations that it contains. Please abide by these regulations so the City can adequately remove snow and ice from streets, making transportation easier and safer for its community members and visitors.
Northwestern Students
Additional information for NU Off campus students is available here.
Street Parking and Garages
Parking in Evanston is easy if you know what to do.
