Vehicle Stickers - Residents of Crystal Lake are required to purchase vehicle stickers within thirty days after establishing residency for each car owned.  Renewal stickers go on sale June 1 of each year and must be displayed by July 15.  The sticker is valid until June 30 of the following year.  All funds from the sale of the stickers are used to pay for the City's annual Street Resurfacing and Reconstruction Program.

Building Permits - Building permits are required for all types of construction, from new structures to additions, regardless of whether the work is completed by the homeowner.  Before beginning any home improvement project, check with the Building Department to see if a permit is required.  Permit fees vary according to the type of project.

Garage Sales - Residents are required to obtain a permit from the Police Department in order to hold a garage sale.  Each resident is limited to two garage sales per year and a maximum of four days per sale.  There is no fee for the garage sale permit.

Noise - City Ordinances prohibit the use of sound amplifying devices which create loud and raucous sounds at a distance greater than 50 feet, unless a permit has been obtained from the Police Department.

Block Parties - Residents who would like to close off a minor residential street in order to hold a block party must obtain approval from the City Manager's office two weeks prior to the party.  A written request should be directed to the City Manager's office indicating the times and dates planned and the streets to block off.  In addition, signatures are required of a least 50% of the residents on the block to permit the closing of the street.

Voting - To register to vote you must be a resident of Crystal Lake for 30 days.  You may register at City Hall, 100 W. Municipal Complex, in addition to other locations throughout McHenry County.

Property Maintenance - Residents are reminded that lawns and weeds must be maintained at a height not to exceed 12 inches at all times.  In addition trees and bushes should be trimmed to maintain adequate roadway and sidewalk clearance.

Snow Removal - Residents are prohibited from removing snow from their sidewalks or driveway and placing it on another person's property or in the public-right-of-way.

 Open Burning - The City Code prohibits the open burning of any trash or other material.  Camp fires and bonfires are also prohibited unless a special permit is obtained from the Fire Department.

Curfew - It is unlawful for any person under the age of 17 to be present at any public assembly, building, place or street unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the following hours: 12:01 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 11:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Skateboarding and Roller Skating - Skateboarding, roller skating, and rollerblading are prohibited on major streets throughout the city.  For more information, please call City Hall at 815-459-2020.

Bicycle Registration - All residents are encouraged to register their bicycles at the Police Department.  Those who register their bikes will receive, free of charge, a decal which will help the police in identifying the bike, should it be lost or stolen.

Dog Licenses - McHenry County requires that all dogs be registered and vaccinated for rabies.  Residents may take a rabies vaccination certificate (obtained from their veterinarian) to the City Hall and pay the appropriate fee to receive a rabies tag.

Sprinkling Restrictions - The City Code prohibits the use of City resources to water new lawns during the summer months.  Those who plan to sod or reseed more than 50% of their lawns between June 15 and August 31 must find an alternate watering method.  Owners who wish to lay a new lawn during the summer can obtain a special permit, free of charge, from the City Manager's Office to sprinkle the lawn with water obtained from an outside source.  The permit must be displayed when watering the lawn.