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Aurora has not adopted a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance. Hosts must register and obtain a rental license through the City's Rental Licensing Program administered by the Department of Neighborhood Standards / Property Standards Division (630-256-3770), attend the Landlord Training Class held monthly at Aurora Police Headquarters, and renew the license each year by August 31 (license year runs September 1 through August 31).
Aurora does not impose a minimum-night requirement or an annual cap on the number of nights a registered short-term rental may host guests. Operators must hold a current City rental license issued by the Department of Neighborhood Standards, comply with the Aurora Property Maintenance Code, and remit the Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax (35 ILCS 145, 6 percent) on stays under 30 days.
Aurora limits residential fences to a maximum height of 6 feet (including posts and end caps), restricts fences within 15 feet of intersecting property lines at public streets, walks, driveways, bike paths, or walking paths to 3 feet for sight-triangle visibility, prohibits chain link in any front yard or along a public right-of-way, and requires a fence permit from the City Building & Permits Division (630-256-3130) before installation, with at least a 1-foot setback from any public sidewalk.
Aurora requires the finished side of fences to face outward toward neighbors. Illinois has no residential fence cost-sharing law. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. The agricultural boundary line fence law (765 ILCS 130) does not apply to residential areas.
Aurora requires building permits for retaining walls. Walls exceeding 4 feet require engineering plans. Drainage must be addressed to prevent water damage to neighboring properties. Fox River corridor properties have additional requirements.
Aurora allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 42 inches (3.5 feet) in front yards under UDO §4.7.9. Corner lots have 3-foot limits unless set back 5 feet from the property line. Maximum fence height is 9 feet citywide.
Every fence in Aurora requires a permit regardless of size or location. A plat of survey with fence heights, dimensions, materials, style, and placement must be submitted. Utilities must be marked through JULIE (800-892-0123) before digging.
The City of Aurora regulates fence materials through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO Section 146-4.7.9). Acceptable materials include brick, stone, decorative concrete masonry, wrought iron, ornamental iron, vinyl, masonry, pressure-treated wood, wood with natural decay resistance, and chain link (with location restrictions). Electrically charged fences, barbed wire (with exceptions), concertina wire, and sharp-pointed fences in residential districts are prohibited.
Aurora requires a continuous barrier around all swimming pools meeting Section AG105 requirements. The barrier/fence must be completed before filling the pool with water. Doors from the home leading to the pool must have UL 2017 exit alarms.
Aurora enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 10 AM weekends/holidays under the city noise ordinance. Loudspeakers and amplified devices are restricted during these hours. The chief of police is responsible for enforcement.
Aurora restricts construction noise in residential areas. Activities creating noise disturbance at residential property boundaries are prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM under the Unified Development Ordinance unless authorized by a temporary permit.
Aurora prohibits excessive animal noise under City Code §14-72. Dogs cannot bark for more than 15 consecutive minutes from 7 AM to 10 PM, or more than 10 minutes from 10 PM to 7 AM. Complaints require corroboration from two households or audio/video evidence.
Aurora regulates leaf blowers and power equipment through its general noise ordinance. Amplified equipment restricted from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 10 AM weekends/holidays. No specific ban on gas-powered blowers.
The City of Aurora regulates aircraft noise impacts through the Airport Influence Overlay (-AIO) district in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO Section 146-2.6.2). Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR) is a general aviation airport within city limits. The overlay district establishes land use restrictions and noise mitigation requirements for properties within the airport's influence area. Noise abatement procedures direct pilots to minimize noise over residential communities.
Aurora restricts loudspeakers, amplifiers, and public address systems from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 10 AM weekends/holidays. Special event permits available for concerts and gatherings requiring amplified sound.
The City of Aurora regulates industrial noise through the Unified Development Ordinance operating standards (UDO Section 146-4.11.2) and the general noise ordinance (Section 94-107). Industrial and auto repair uses must be operated so that ground vibrations, air emissions, and noise are not perceptible at property boundaries without instruments. The city recently amended noise limits for data centers, capping daytime noise at 56 decibels and nighttime noise at 46 decibels.
Aurora prohibits commercial vehicles above B-plate classification from parking or storage in residential areas. This includes tow trucks, panel trucks, dump trucks, and commercial equipment. Vehicles over 6,000 lbs empty weight are banned from residential zones.
Aurora permits home EV charger installation with an electrical permit. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240V circuit. Illinois Solar for All and utility rebate programs may offset costs. No specific restrictions on residential EV charging.
Aurora allows one recreational vehicle per zoning lot parked in interior side or rear yards only, with 6-foot setback from adjoining structures. RVs must be 5 feet from rear and 3 feet from side property lines under Code §134-358.
Aurora requires driveways to meet UDO standards for width, materials, and construction. Parking on unpaved surfaces or front lawns is prohibited. Driveway permits required for new construction or replacement.
Aurora bans overnight street parking from 2 AM to 6 AM citywide. Temporary overnight permits are available. Winter parking bans during snow events override any permits for plowing operations.
Aurora requires vehicles on residential property to be registered, operable, and have current plates. Inoperable or unregistered vehicles must be stored in enclosed garages. Abandoned vehicles on streets subject to towing.
Aurora enforces an overnight street parking ban from 2 AM to 6 AM citywide. Winter parking bans activate with 2+ inches of snow for plowing operations. Temporary overnight permits available. Downtown has metered parking.
Aurora requires street trees to be maintained at least 13.5 feet above street level. Bushes over sidewalks must be cut back 6 inches from the sidewalk. Property owners are responsible for trimming trees that overhang public ways.
Aurora manages water restrictions through its water utility during drought conditions. The city uses Fox River water and deep wells. Odd/even watering schedules may be implemented during drought. Water conservation encouraged year-round.
Aurora enforces an 8-inch maximum weed height. Noxious weeds (Canada thistle, ragweed, etc.) are prohibited at any height under the IL Noxious Weed Act (505 ILCS 100). The city's abatement program mows non-compliant properties and places liens.
Aurora's UDO requires landscaping to prevent erosion and supports native and drought-tolerant plantings. Prairie-style and native plantings are increasingly protected in Illinois. Cultivated gardens exempt from weed ordinance as long as they are weed-free.
Aurora does not prohibit artificial turf in residential areas. Installation should comply with general landscaping standards and drainage requirements. Illinois HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict water-saving landscaping alternatives.
Aurora enforces an 8-inch maximum grass and weed height. If weeds exceed 8 inches, the city may mow without further notice and bill the property owner. Vacant lots receive priority enforcement.
Aurora requires permits for removing trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 inches or greater for protected species. Applications require 7-14 day advance notice. Heritage tree removals may require a public hearing.
Illinois law permits rainwater harvesting for residential use. Aurora has no specific prohibition on rain barrels. The city encourages stormwater management on private property. Fox River watershed management supports green infrastructure.
Home daycare in Aurora is regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Day care homes caring for up to 8 children require DCFS licensing. Zoning compliance also required under Aurora's home occupation standards.
Aurora permits home occupations in residential zones under UDO Chapter 146-1220. Only dwelling residents may conduct business. Activity must be incidental to the dwelling's primary use. No external evidence of business is allowed.
Aurora limits personal service clients to one at a time by prior appointment. The general public cannot be invited or solicited to the premises. No walk-in customers allowed. Business must remain invisible from exterior.
Aurora prohibits any external evidence of a home business. No signs, displays, or advertising visible from outside the dwelling are permitted. The UDO requires home occupations to be completely invisible from the exterior.
Illinois Cottage Food Operation Act (410 ILCS 625/4) allows sale of homemade food products from home kitchens. Annual sales limit of $75,000. Labeling requirements apply. Aurora follows state law with no additional local restrictions.
Aurora requires building permits for garage conversions to living space. Converted space must meet habitable space building code requirements. Lost parking may need to be replaced depending on zoning requirements.
Aurora permits detached ADUs on lots with single-family homes on lots over 6,000 sq ft. Maximum ADU size is 650 sq ft and 24 ft height. Property owner must occupy either the primary or ADU. ADUs may be used as short-term rentals by owner-occupants.
Aurora's ADU provisions allow detached dwelling units up to 650 sq ft on qualifying lots. Tiny homes on wheels are generally not permitted as permanent residences. All dwelling units must meet building code minimum standards.
Aurora requires permits for accessory structures. Sheds must comply with setback requirements from property lines. Maximum building coverage limits apply. Sheds must be consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.
Aurora requires permits for carport construction. Carports must meet setback requirements and may count toward lot coverage maximums. Open-sided structures still require engineering review in snow-load areas.
Aurora requires working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in all residences per Illinois law (425 ILCS 60 and 430 ILCS 135). Rental properties are inspected for compliance. Detectors required on every level and near bedrooms.
The use and possession of fireworks is prohibited in Aurora under City Code §29-30 and §66-34. Illinois law (425 ILCS 30) limits consumer fireworks to sparklers, novelty items, and snakes only. Fines can reach $1,000.
Aurora requires an Outdoor Fireplace Operational Permit from the Fire Department. Campfires and fire pits must be at least 25 feet from structures. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be 15 feet from structures. Fires must be attended at all times.
Open burning and recreational burning of yard waste are prohibited in Aurora. Only gas grills, charcoal grills, and permitted fire pits/outdoor fireplaces are allowed. An Outdoor Fireplace Permit is required for fire pits.
Aurora is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Illinois does not have wildland-urban interface zones like western states. Standard fire prevention codes apply. Seasonal burn restrictions may be enacted during drought.
Aurora allows recreational backyard fires in approved containers with an Outdoor Fireplace Permit. Campfires need 25-foot clearance from structures. Portable fireplaces need 15 feet. No burning of yard waste or trash.
Aurora enforces the 8-inch maximum weed and grass height through its code compliance division. Overgrown vegetation creating fire or safety hazards is subject to abatement. The city mows non-compliant properties and charges owners.
Illinois regulates the storage, handling, and transport of liquefied petroleum gas statewide under the LPG Act, adopting NFPA 58 standards uniformly through the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Aurora prohibits feeding wildlife that creates nuisance conditions. Trash must be secured to prevent wildlife encounters. The Fox River corridor attracts coyotes, deer, and other wildlife requiring management.
Aurora requires dogs to be under control at all times when off the owner's property, which means on a leash or under direct control. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. Limit of 4 dogs and 6 cats per household.
Aurora regulates beekeeping under City Code Section 14-15. Hives must be registered and maintained according to setback and management standards. Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20) provides the state regulatory framework.
Aurora regulates exotic and wild animals through Chapter 14 of the municipal code. Dangerous wild animals are prohibited. Ferrets and rabbits have specific provisions. IL Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 5/48-10) restricts dangerous animals statewide.
Aurora has breed-specific regulations including pit bull restrictions. Owners of restricted breeds must comply with additional insurance and containment requirements. Illinois has no statewide preemption of breed-specific legislation.
Aurora requires a $40 one-time permit for keeping chickens. Permits are limited to single-family residents. Renters need written landlord consent. Roosters are prohibited. The city regulates livestock through Chapter 14 of the municipal code.
Illinois defines and criminalizes companion animal hoarding under the Humane Care for Animals Act, applying uniformly through state criminal code statewide.
Aurora requires building permits for all swimming pools. Pools must be set outside all easements and at least 5 feet from property lines (10 feet from alleys on corner lots). Continuous barrier must be completed before filling with water.
Aurora pools must comply with the Swimming Pool and Spa Code including drain covers, barrier requirements, and safety equipment. Electrical work requires separate permits. Illinois law (210 ILCS 125) governs pool safety standards.
Above-ground pools in Aurora require permits and must meet the same barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pools must be set at least 5 feet from property lines. Deck and guardrail systems must be at least 4 feet above grade.
Hot tubs and spas in Aurora require electrical permits for installation. A lockable cover may serve as the barrier requirement. Setback requirements same as pools: 5 feet from property lines. Drainage must not affect neighboring properties.
Aurora requires a continuous barrier meeting AG105 standards around all pools. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high with no openings greater than 4 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Barrier must be complete before water.
Aurora requires trash containers to be stored behind the front building line and within 12 inches of the principal building. Containers may be placed at the curb only on collection day. Graffiti on property must be removed within 24 hours.
Aurora requires property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall and 48 hours after a snow emergency. Administrative fees of $25 (single-family) or $50 (all others) imposed for non-compliance.
Aurora requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass under 8 inches, remove debris, and secure the property. The weed abatement program actively targets vacant lots. City mows non-compliant lots and bills property owners through liens.
Aurora allows garage and yard sales in residential areas. Sales should operate during reasonable daylight hours. Signs must not be placed on utility poles or public right-of-way. Items must be cleaned up promptly after the sale.
Aurora actively enforces property blight standards. Items may not be stored outdoors including litter, furniture, mattresses, appliances, wrecked vehicles, and car parts. Graffiti must be removed within 24 hours. The Division of Property Standards handles enforcement.
Aurora has no local just cause eviction ordinance. Evictions follow Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9). Landlords may terminate month-to-month leases with 30-day notice. Retaliatory eviction is prohibited under state law.
All non-owner-occupied and multi-unit properties must register with Aurora's Rental Licensing Program. Fees start at $90/year. Annual inspections required. Landlord training class (Crime Free Multi-Housing) mandatory. Background checks on tenants required.
Aurora has no rent control. Illinois law (Rent Control Preemption Act, 50 ILCS 825) prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control. Landlords may set and raise rents without caps. Market forces determine rental pricing.
Political signs in Aurora do not require a permit but must comply with general sign code provisions. Signs on vacant property require owner permission. Placement on public right-of-way is restricted.
Aurora does not have specific restrictions on residential holiday displays beyond general safety standards. Lighting should not create hazards. Electrical connections must be safe. Inflatable decorations are generally permitted.
Aurora prohibits garage sale signs on utility poles, traffic signs, and public right-of-way. Temporary signs may be placed on private property with owner permission. Signs must be removed after the sale ends.
Recreational drones in Aurora follow FAA Part 107 and TRUST rules. Drones cannot fly over people or near airports. Aurora's proximity to Aurora Municipal Airport creates airspace restrictions. Parks may have additional restrictions.
Commercial drones require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Aurora Municipal Airport airspace requires LAANC authorization. City permits may be needed for commercial operations over public property.
Aurora's UDO establishes setback requirements by zoning district. Residential setbacks typically require 25-30 feet front, 5-10 feet side, and 25-30 feet rear. Setbacks vary by zone and lot configuration. Variances available through the Zoning Board.
Aurora's UDO limits residential building height typically to 35 feet (2.5 stories). ADUs limited to 24 feet. Height measured from grade to roof peak. Exceptions for chimneys, antennas, and mechanical equipment.
Aurora's UDO limits lot coverage (buildings and impervious surfaces) by zoning district. Typical residential coverage is 30-40% of lot area. All structures including house, garage, shed, and ADU count toward coverage.
Aurora has significant Fox River floodplain areas. All development in the 100-year floodplain requires a permit. Flood insurance is mandatory for properties with federally-backed mortgages in flood zones. The city participates in the NFIP.
Aurora requires erosion control measures during construction per UDO standards. Silt fences, sediment barriers, and ground cover are required. The Fox River corridor has enhanced erosion control requirements. NPDES permits may be needed.
Aurora requires stormwater management plans for development projects. The Fox River watershed drives significant stormwater requirements. Kane County Stormwater Management Commission provides regional oversight. Green infrastructure encouraged.
Aurora requires grading and drainage plans for development projects. Water must not be directed onto neighboring lots. The Fox River watershed requires careful drainage management. Building permits include drainage review.
Aurora is an inland city on the Fox River with no coastal development regulations. Fox River corridor properties are subject to floodplain regulations and stormwater management requirements. No coastal commission applies.
Aurora provides weekly trash and recycling collection. Trash must be in approved containers. Containers must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day and removed by the end of collection day. Recycling is single-stream.
Aurora requires trash containers to be kept behind the front line of the principal building and within 12 inches of the building when not on collection day. Containers placed at curb for collection must be removed by end of collection day.
Aurora provides single-stream recycling collection accepting paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5 and #7, glass, and metals. Contaminated recyclables may be rejected. Yard waste collected separately during growing season.
Aurora provides bulk item pickup for large items like furniture and appliances. Items must be scheduled for pickup. Electronics and hazardous materials have separate disposal requirements. The city operates transfer stations.
Aurora permits cannabis dispensaries in designated green zones per UDO §146-3.3.5. The city maintains Cannabis Zoning Maps showing approved areas. Dispensaries are subject to buffering requirements from schools, parks, and residential zones.
Only registered medical cannabis patients may grow at home in Illinois. Limit of 5 plants per household in an enclosed, locked area not visible to the public. Recreational home cultivation is not legal. Multi-unit buildings (5+ units) are excluded.
Aurora's UDO includes outdoor lighting standards for new development. Fixtures should be shielded and directed downward to minimize light pollution. The Fox River corridor and residential areas have specific lighting requirements.
Aurora addresses light trespass through UDO operating standards. Outdoor lighting should not illuminate neighboring properties excessively. Complaints handled through code enforcement. Shielded fixtures recommended.
Aurora requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installation. The city follows the National Electrical Code for solar equipment. Fire safety access requirements apply for roof-mounted systems. ComEd net metering available.
Illinois Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels. HOAs cannot restrict installations that would reduce output by more than 10%. Reasonable aesthetic requirements are permitted.
Aurora requires food truck operators to obtain permits including a mobile food vendor license and Kane County Health Department approval. Operators must comply with health department inspections and city zoning requirements.
Aurora regulates food truck locations through zoning and health department standards. Trucks must maintain distance from restaurants. Downtown and RiverEdge Park areas are popular vending locations. Time limits may apply at specific spots.
Aurora requires permits for door-to-door solicitors and peddlers. Solicitation hours are restricted. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing exempt from permit requirements. Background checks may be required.
Aurora requires solicitors to respect no-solicitation signs posted by residents. Violating posted no-solicitation is a code violation. Religious and political canvassers are exempt from solicitor permit requirements but should respect signs.
Aurora requires permits for removing trees with DBH of 6 inches or greater for protected species, or 8 inches on public property. Applications need 7-14 days advance notice. Heritage trees may require public hearing.
Aurora may require replacement tree planting when approving tree removal. Infected, damaged, or diseased trees must be treated or removed and replaced. The UDO specifies landscaping replacement standards.
Aurora protects heritage and significant trees through the UDO. Removal of large or historically important trees may require a public hearing. Extra protections apply during construction to preserve root zones.
Aurora does not set specific frequency limits for garage sales but excessive frequency may be investigated as commercial activity. Sales should be occasional and consistent with residential use.
Aurora does not set specific hours for garage sales but they should operate during reasonable daylight hours. The noise ordinance quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM weekdays, 10 PM-10 AM weekends) effectively limit operations.
Aurora does not require a specific permit for garage or yard sales. Sales should operate during reasonable daylight hours in residential areas. Signs must comply with the sign code.
Aurora enforces curfew: ages 15 and under must be off streets by 10 PM nightly. Ages 16-17: 11 PM Sunday-Thursday, midnight Friday-Saturday. Violations result in arrest, photographing, and fingerprinting of the minor.
Aurora parks and Fox Valley Park District facilities close at dusk or posted hours. After-hours presence in parks is trespassing. The Fox River Trail has specific hours. Park permits available for after-hours events.
Illinois sets a $15 statewide minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law and permits home rule cities like Chicago to require higher local wages for covered employees.
The Paid Leave for All Workers Act guarantees up to 40 hours of paid leave annually for nearly every Illinois employee, with limited carve-outs for jurisdictions with existing ordinances.
Illinois requires 24 consecutive hours of rest each calendar week and a meal break for shifts over 7.5 hours under the One Day Rest in Seven Act, with stricter local rules permitted.
Illinois issues shall-issue concealed carry licenses through the Illinois State Police under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, with statewide preemption of local handgun carry rules.
Illinois preempts most local firearm regulation under the FOID Card Act and Wildlife Code, leaving home rule cities limited authority over assault weapons and certain narrow areas.
Illinois bans open carry of firearms in public under the Criminal Code, allowing concealed carry only by Firearm Concealed Carry Act licensees with limited exceptions.
Illinois law sets uniform rules for transporting firearms in vehicles under the FOID Card Act and Firearm Concealed Carry Act, preempting local handgun transport ordinances.
The Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act limits how employers may use E-Verify and bars mandates that exceed federal law, applying uniformly across all Illinois employers.
The Illinois TRUST Act and Way Forward Act bar state and local law enforcement from civil immigration enforcement, holding ICE detainers, or contracting for immigration detention.
Illinois protects agricultural land through the Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act and limits county zoning over farms outside municipal boundaries.
The Farm Nuisance Suit Act shields established Illinois farms from nuisance lawsuits when the operation predates surrounding non-agricultural land uses by at least one year.
Illinois has not preempted local plastic bag regulation, allowing home rule municipalities to enact bans, fees, or recycling mandates under their general police power.
Illinois does not ban expanded polystyrene foodware statewide, but state procurement law restricts EPS use and home rule cities may impose local bans.
Illinois requires full-service restaurants to provide single-use plastic straws only upon customer request under Public Act 102-0532, with local governments free to add stricter rules.
Illinois prohibits sale of any tobacco, alternative nicotine, and electronic cigarette product to persons under 21 under the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Act.
Illinois has no comprehensive statewide flavored tobacco ban, but home rule municipalities such as Chicago and Evanston may regulate flavored e-cigarettes under local police power.
Illinois requires retailers selling electronic cigarettes and e-liquids to obtain Department of Revenue licensing and follow age-verification, packaging, and tax rules statewide.