Have you ever wondered how to get a tree trimmed in your parkway? Replace a broken trash bin in your alley? Get graffiti removed from a nearby garage? The answer is the same to these and many other questions that challenge us day to day: The City’s 311 service.A complete list of service issues that 311 addresses appears below. But having these needs met successfully can mean more than a simple phone call. First, make sure you have all the information available. In the case of tree trimming, how high are the branches in need of trimming? Are they touching your building? Are they interfering with power lines? Are they impeding the steady flow of traffic on the street or people walking along the sidewalk?

In the case of graffiti, do you have the specific address, the approximate height of the tag, whether the graffiti is on the front, back, or side of the building, and what kind of building material was tagged (brick, wood, vinyl siding)? This additional information will help the city respond more quickly and efficiently to your request.

Calling 311 is a fine option, but did you know the City’s 311 service now offers electronic filing as well? Just start with this link and follow the simple steps: https://servicerequest.cityofchicago.org/web_intake_chic/Controller

Whether you call on a land line or cell phone, or choose to file electronically, your service request will always have a tracking number. This number will come up automatically for online requests, but you’ll have to ask your operator for the number when you call. Write the number down for future reference.  If your request isn’t resolved in a reasonable period of time, feel free to contact 311 for a status update.

Some people refrain from calling 311 because they worry there are more urgent concerns on the City’s mind. It’s important to get past this kind of thinking.

First, true emergencies – such as acts of violence, robberies in progress, vehicle crashes, a person in trouble, or even suspicious behavior – should be handled with a 911 and not a 311 call. Different dispatchers are utilized, so there’s never a danger of a trash-bin request being put ahead of emergency response.

Second, part of being a good citizen is responding to these hurdles of day-to-day life. A pot hole in the street, rodent problem, or overgrown vacant lot has an impact on you as well as your neighbors. A proactive service request can be the difference between a quick remedy and long-term escalation of the problem.

311 is a tool that belongs to you, the Chicago resident. Empower yourself by learning the services the city can offer and logging requests as needed. Recognize that the City receives a number of requests each day, and patience may be necessary, but the only way to have your needs met is to make sure the City is aware of them.

Most importantly, always call 911 for emergencies. Call 311 for non emergencies. For a handy way to tell the difference, please see the list below: