Hoffman Estates to Vote on Security Fog Systems
Village trustees will decide on a fire code change allowing businesses to use security fog systems to deter burglars.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Property Crime
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Hoffman Estates village trustees are scheduled to vote on a proposed fire code amendment on November 2, 2026. The policy change would permit local businesses to install security fog systems designed to obscure vision during burglary attempts.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to curb a rising number of burglaries, specifically targeting gaming locations in the area. By permitting these systems, the village hopes to provide business owners with an effective tool to deter intruders through visual obstruction.
The systems fill a room with non-toxic fog within 30 seconds and require 15 to 20 minutes to dissipate. Businesses would be required to obtain permits and provide police and fire departments with deactivation codes.
The players
Hoffman Estates Village Trustees
These local officials serve as the governing body for the village and are responsible for reviewing and enacting municipal code amendments.
The details
Once activated by an alarm, the systems pump thick theatrical fog into the building to prevent thieves from navigating the space. Police officers responding to an alarm must establish a perimeter and wait for the fog to clear before they can safely enter the premises.
Timeline
The village board held discussions regarding the proposed code change in October 2026.
Trustees are expected to cast their vote on the proposal on November 2, 2026.
Legal Context
The proposal aligns with a growing trend of Illinois municipalities, such as Wheeling and Tinley Park, that have updated local regulations to incorporate security fog technology. This shift represents a broader effort to modernize crime prevention within the existing legal frameworks of the Illinois fire code.
Business owners should note that any food exposed to the security fog will require disposal, and surfaces or utensils will need thorough cleaning. The requirement for businesses to share deactivation codes with first responders is intended to minimize delays in emergency response times.
The takeaway
Property owners should carefully weigh the utility of visual deterrents against the operational necessity of cleaning and sanitizing their facilities after system activation. Implementing these systems requires close coordination with public safety agencies to ensure responders can access the site safely.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat crime on the Hoffman Estates Property Crime page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Herald.
Live Poll
Should businesses in your area be allowed to use security fog systems to deter burglars?
