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1. How does the city determine who is the owner of a property?

The city determines the property owner by searching the public records of the Rock Island County Recorder of Deeds.

2. What happens if I sold the property but did not record the sale with the County?

The city does not recognize unrecorded deeds and will pursue the owner according to the public record. It is the owner’s responsibility to insure the recording of the new deed.

3. Does the County take ownership of my property if I stop paying taxes on it?

No. The fact that you stop paying taxes on your property does not mean the County, or any other party, automatically takes ownership of it. The property could eventually be sold for back taxes, but this takes at least two years from the date the taxes became delinquent.

4. Who is legally responsible for my property if I stop paying taxes on it?

You are legally responsible for the property until it is formally transferred to another party and the transaction is recorded with the Rock Island County Recorder of Deeds. City ordinances also require owners to maintain their property and keep their building secured

5. What is an inoperable vehicle?

According to Chapter 9 of the City Ordinance an inoperable vehicle is defined as: “Inoperable Motor Vehicle : A vehicle from which the engine, wheels or other essential parts have been removed, or on which the engine, wheels or other parts have been altered, damaged or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own power for a period of at least seven (7) days. Inoperable motor vehicle shall not include: 1) a motor vehicle which has been rendered temporarily incapable of being driven under its own power in order to perform ordinary service or repair operations, 2) any motor vehicle that is kept concealed within a building when not in use, or 3) a motor vehicle on the premises of a place of business engaged in repairing, wrecking or junking of motor vehicles where properly zoned."

6. How tall must grass and weeds be before I can report it?

According to chapter 13 of the City of Rock Island Ordinance, the grass must be 10” in height.

7. What if I need to store scrap lumber or salvage materials?

This does not mean that you cannot keep old car parts, scrap lumber, salvage materials, or
other equipment. What is does mean is that these types of materials cannot be stored in
the yard. As long as the items are stored in a shed, garage or other enclosed space, there
is no violation.

8. What if my neighbor's trees have branches that are growing over my property line?

This is a civil issue that should be taken up with the neighbor. If the issue cannot be resolved personally, it is advisable to contact an attorney.