Parking Violations Guide

Parking Meters

If you receive a parking violation from the City of Sycamore, you must either pay the fine or contest the violation within 21 days of issuance.  You cannot do both.

How to Pay a Parking Violation

  1. In Person
    • Payments can be made at the City Clerk's office, located at 308 W. State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
    • Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Accepted forms of payment: Cash or checks
  2. Online
    • Make a secure payment through GovPayNet. A receipt will be emailed to you.
  3. By Mail
    • Send the violation notice with a check or money order payable to the City of Sycamore. Include the citation number on the payment. Do not send cash. Mail to: City of Sycamore - Ordinance Violation, 308 W. State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178

Fine Schedule

  • Parking Meter Violation:  $1.00
  • Subsequent Meter Violation:  $5.00
  • General Parking Violation:  $25.00
  • Disabled Parking Violation:  $250.00

Late Payment Penalties

  • 22-42 days late: Add $25
  • 43-63 days late: Add $50
  • 64+ days late: Add $75

Acceptable Grounds for Contesting

Under Chapter 6-8-6 of the Sycamore Municipal Code, you may contest a violation if:

  • You were not the owner/lessee of the vehicle at the time.
  • The vehicle or registration plates were stolen during the violation.
  • Parking signs were missing or unclear.
  • The parking meter malfunctioned without your fault.
  • The violation notice contains inconsistent or unsupported facts.
  • The alleged compliance issue did not exist at the time.

Contest by Mail

  1. Sign the back of the citation to waive a personal hearing.
  2. Mail the signed citation with supporting evidence to: Parking Hearing, 535 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. You can also email supporting documents directly to the Sycamore Police Department.
  3. Ensure all materials are received at least one day before the hearing date.

Contest in Person
Appear before the hearing officer on the date and time listed on your citation. Bring all supporting evidence to contest based on one of the above reasons.

Failure to Respond

All notices will be mailed to the registered vehicle owner's address. Ignoring a parking violation may result in:

  • A liability determination against you.
  • Unpaid fines escalating to a circuit court complaint under Illinois law.
  • Vehicle impoundment after three or more unpaid violations.
  • Driver’s license suspension after ten or more unpaid violations.

Report a Parking Meter Issue

Our vintage parking meters may occasionally malfunction. Report issues using the Parking Meter Form, providing the meter's location, number, and description of the problem to assist our staff with repair.

Contact Information

  • Hearing Questions: 815-895-3435
  • Payment Questions: 815-895-4515