Lombard Lawn Leveling Services

Our Lawn Leveling Process

Contact Lombard's Department of Public Works for Soil Disposal & Grading Material Coordination

Proper soil disposal and material management are essential for any lawn leveling project in Lombard. The Village requires that excess soil (typically over 50-100 cubic yards) be disposed of at approved facilities, such as the Transfer Station or Recycling Center, during posted operating hours. Permits and fees may apply for large quantities, and imported soil must meet strict specifications: clean fill, screened loam with a pH of 6.3-6.8, and 3-5% organic matter, free of clay clumps and contaminants. For projects requiring street access or temporary storage, material staging permits are mandatory. Coordination with municipal projects, such as street or utility work, is also required. The placement of soil in streets or storm drains is strictly prohibited, and immediate cleanup is necessary to prevent NPDES violations and protect local waterways. For detailed requirements and coordination:

Lombard Public Works Department
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Public Works Department

Lombard Building Department Requirements for Grading Permits & Site Plan Approvals

Lombard's Building Department enforces grading permit thresholds, typically for projects involving 50-100 cubic yards of cut or fill or grade changes exceeding certain heights. Site plan submissions must include existing and proposed contours, drainage calculations, and details on material types. Engineering review is required for complex drainage modifications, and inspections are scheduled during and after construction. Zoning compliance is critical, including setbacks from property lines, maximum slope restrictions (generally 33% or 3:1 for stability), and lot coverage limits. Homeowner association and deed restrictions may also apply. Required documentation includes as-built surveys, compaction test results, and drainage verification. For permit applications and guidance:

Lombard Community Development and Building Department
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5757
Official Website: Lombard Community Development and Building Department

Professional Site Assessment & Drainage Engineering for Lombard's Prairie Clay & Glacial Till Soils

A thorough site assessment is vital due to Lombard's predominant prairie clay and glacial till soils, which present drainage and compaction challenges. Mandatory soil testing through the University of Illinois Extension Plant Clinic provides pH, nutrient, and texture analysis, often revealing alkaline, compacted clay with low organic matter. The USDA Web Soil Survey identifies local soil series and drainage characteristics. Topographic surveys using laser levels, drainage pattern analysis, and mandatory utility location via JULIE (811, 48-hour notice) are required. Proper slope establishment (1-2% minimum away from structures, 33% maximum for stability) and subsurface drainage (French drains, tile systems) are often necessary to address clay soil drainage and seasonal water table fluctuations. Frost line depth (36-48 inches) must be considered for all grading and drainage installations.

Lombard Environmental Compliance Requirements for Grading Near Protected Areas

Environmental compliance is strictly regulated in Lombard, especially near streams, wetlands, and conservation areas. Coordination with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Department of Natural Resources is required for permits and buffer zone management. Erosion control measures, such as silt fences and sediment basins, must be installed before work begins, particularly in clay soils prone to erosion. Immediate stabilization (within 24-48 hours) is mandated by Illinois EPA guidelines, with permanent stabilization within 7-14 days. Habitat protection, including root zone preservation for mature trees and selective grading to support local wildlife, aligns with Lombard's environmental goals and initiatives like the Illinois Monarch Project. For environmental program coordination:

Lombard Environmental Programs
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5765
Official Website: Lombard Environmental Programs

Professional Grading Standards, Equipment Requirements & Safety Protocols

Lombard mandates adherence to professional grading standards, including the use of licensed Professional Engineers (PE) for complex drainage projects and certified landscape contractors. Equipment must meet specifications such as GPS-guided graders, laser leveling systems, and compaction equipment achieving 85-90% relative density. Soil compaction should be performed in 2-3 inch lifts to prevent future settling, especially in clay soils. Safety protocols require personal protective equipment (PPE), daily equipment inspections, and first aid certification. Commercial general liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage) is required for all contractors. For engineering standards and project review:

Lombard Public Engineering and Construction
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Public Engineering and Construction

Seasonal Timing & Weather Coordination for Grading Operations in Lombard's Climate Zone 5b

Lombard's climate (USDA Hardiness Zone 5b) requires careful seasonal planning for grading. The optimal spring window is April-May after ground thaw, when soil moisture is workable. Summer operations (June-August) must account for heat stress, drought, and clay soil cracking. The best fall window is September-October before ground freeze, while winter work is restricted due to frost penetration (36-48 inches). Soil should not be graded when saturated or overly dry, and precipitation must be monitored to prevent erosion and equipment rutting. Seeding and sodding should occur when soil temperatures are above 50°F. For local weather updates:

National Weather Service Chicago
333 W. University Dr., Romeoville, IL 60446
Phone: (815) 834-1435
Official Website: National Weather Service Chicago

Stormwater Management & NPDES Compliance During Lawn Leveling Operations in Lombard

Stormwater management is governed by the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES requirements, with Lombard participating in the Illinois EPA MS4 program. Projects disturbing more than 1,000 square feet must implement erosion and sediment controls, including perimeter barriers and inlet protection. Daily cleanup of sediment from streets, proper equipment staging, and material containment are required, especially for clay soils. Long-term benefits include improved drainage, reduced flooding, and enhanced infiltration. Compliance monitoring involves daily inspections during construction and weekly checks during establishment, with photographic documentation and immediate repairs for failed controls. For stormwater program details:

Lombard Water Services
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Water Services

Utility Coordination & Infrastructure Protection Requirements for Safe Grading Operations

Before any excavation exceeding 12 inches, Illinois law requires notification to JULIE (811) at least 48 hours in advance. Utilities must be marked and verified with photographic documentation, and hand-digging is required within 18 inches of marked lines. Coordination with utility companies and the Lombard Water and Sewer Departments ensures safe clearance and infrastructure protection. Emergency procedures for accidental utility strikes include immediate work stoppage, 911 notification, and contact with JULIE and the utility provider. Final inspections verify proper restoration and protection of all utilities. For health and safety guidance:

DuPage County Health Department
111 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: (630) 682-7400
Official Website: DuPage County Health Department

Post-Grading Soil Amendment, Seeding & Establishment Protocols

After grading, soil amendments are incorporated based on test results—lime or sulfur for pH adjustment, compost for organic matter, and sand for drainage improvement in clay soils. The seedbed is finely graded and debris-free, with irrigation systems installed or repaired as needed. Seeding, sodding, or hydroseeding must occur within 24-48 hours of final grading, followed by mulching (2-4 inches) or erosion control blankets on slopes. Establishment is monitored through germination checks (7-14 days), stand density sampling, and irrigation management during the critical 2-4 week period. First mowing occurs when grass reaches 3-4 inches. Long-term management includes seasonal fertilization and maintenance, with warranties typically provided for 1-2 years. For soil testing and establishment support:

University of Illinois Extension
1200 S. York Rd., Suite 10, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: (630) 955-1123
Official Website: University of Illinois Extension

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lombard, IL?

Lombard features diverse neighborhoods, each with unique grading challenges:

• Downtown Lombard: Urban compacted clay soils, dense utilities, and limited equipment access require careful JULIE coordination and adherence to historic district guidelines. Drainage improvements must address low-lying areas and comply with strict permit thresholds.
• Butterfield East: Rolling topography with moderate slopes and prairie clay soils. Drainage issues are common, and proximity to conservation areas necessitates environmental compliance and mature tree protection.
• Hammerschmidt Area: Flat terrain with poorly drained clay, frequent ponding, and high water tables. Infrastructure density requires detailed utility mapping and coordination with the Water Department.
• Manor Hill: Elevated sites with glacial till soils, moderate drainage, and newer infrastructure. HOA guidelines influence aesthetic standards and maintenance requirements.
• Highland Hills: Varied elevation, flood-prone areas near streams, and older urban fill soils with potential contamination concerns. Environmental buffer zones and stormwater controls are critical.
• Arboretum Estates: Proximity to mature woodlands and conservation areas, requiring selective grading, root zone preservation, and strict erosion control. Community standards emphasize landscape aesthetics and property value protection.
• Yorktown Area: Commercial and residential mix, high impervious surface coverage, and complex utility networks. Traffic control permits and coordination with capital improvement projects are often necessary.

Lombard Municipal Ordinances for Grading Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Lombard enforces municipal ordinances regulating grading equipment operation, including permitted hours (typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with restrictions on weekends and holidays), noise limits, and dust control. Commercial contractors must maintain valid licenses, proof of insurance (minimum $1 million liability), and compliance with safety protocols. Equipment must be properly maintained and inspected daily, and all operators must be certified for specialized machinery. Adherence to these standards ensures public safety, infrastructure protection, and environmental stewardship throughout the community. For code enforcement and service standards:

Lombard Code Enforcement
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5757
Official Website: Lombard Code Enforcement