Arlington Heights's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Arlington Heights, Illinois, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Arlington Heights discourages feeding wildlife and may enforce nuisance provisions when feeding attracts pest animals. The Village has addressed coyote management and deer populations as suburban wildlife concerns. Feeding deer is discouraged by the Village and Illinois DNR. Intentionally feeding wildlife that creates a nuisance can result in code enforcement action under property maintenance and public nuisance ordinances.

Key details: Wildlife Feeding: Discouraged, enforceable as nuisance. Coyote Program: Active awareness and management. Bird Feeders: Permitted with proper maintenance. Deer Feeding: Discouraged by Village and IDNR. Code Enforcement: (847) 368-5200.

Intentionally feeding wildlife that creates a documented nuisance may result in a notice of violation under the Village's nuisance ordinance. Failure to correct the condition after notice can result in fines. Accumulation of wildlife attractants that creates unsanitary conditions may trigger property maintenance violations. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200.

Livestock

Arlington Heights prohibits keeping livestock and farm animals on residential property. The Village's zoning and animal control ordinances restrict animals such as horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs from residential districts. Arlington Heights is a fully developed suburban community and does not have agricultural zoning districts within Village limits.

Key details: Livestock Allowed: No, prohibited in residential zones. Horses: Prohibited. Goats/Sheep: Prohibited. Pigs: Prohibited including miniature breeds. Agricultural Zoning: None within Village.

Keeping livestock on residential property may result in immediate notice of violation and orders to remove the animals. Fines apply for each day the violation continues. The Village may involve Cook County Animal Control for enforcement. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200.

Compared to other cities, Arlington Heights takes a harder line on livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Dog Leash Laws

Arlington Heights requires all dogs to be leashed or under the owner's control when off private property. The Village's animal control ordinance prohibits dogs from running at large. Dogs must be restrained by a leash, chain, or other tether when on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public areas. Cook County Animal and Rabies Control supplements local enforcement.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, on all public property. Off-Leash Areas: None within Village limits. Rabies Vaccination: Required (Cook County). Waste Cleanup: Required on public property. Code Enforcement: (847) 368-5200.

Allowing a dog to run at large may result in fines starting at $50 for a first offense, increasing for subsequent violations. Impound fees apply if the dog is picked up by animal control. Failure to clean up pet waste on public property can result in separate fines. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200 or the non-emergency police line to report dogs at large.

Chickens & Livestock

Arlington Heights prohibits keeping chickens, roosters, and most livestock in standard residential zoning districts. The village zoning ordinance limits animal husbandry activities to appropriately zoned areas.

Key details: Chickens: Prohibited in residential zones. Roosters: Prohibited. Goats/Livestock: Prohibited in residential zones. Exceptions: None for standard residential. Contact: Community Dev (847) 368-5200.

Keeping prohibited animals on residential property results in code enforcement action, fines, and orders to remove the animals. Fines may range from $50 to $750 per offense.

Compared to other cities, Arlington Heights takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Breed Restrictions

Arlington Heights does not impose breed-specific legislation banning or restricting ownership of any particular dog breed. Illinois state law preempts municipalities from enacting breed-specific bans. The Village regulates dogs based on individual behavior rather than breed, with provisions for declaring specific animals dangerous or vicious based on documented incidents.

Key details: Breed Bans: None, preempted by Illinois law. State Law: 510 ILCS 5/ Animal Control Act. Dangerous Dog: Case-by-case determination. Insurance: Private policies may restrict breeds. HOA/Landlord: May impose private restrictions.

There are no penalties for owning any specific breed. Owners of dogs declared dangerous or vicious may face fines and mandatory compliance with confinement and restraint conditions. Failure to comply with dangerous dog orders can result in escalating fines and potential seizure of the animal.

Arlington Heights is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Beekeeping

Arlington Heights permits beekeeping on residential property subject to conditions. The Village amended its ordinance to allow backyard beekeeping with restrictions on hive placement, number of colonies, and flyway barriers. Illinois does not prohibit residential beekeeping and the Illinois Department of Agriculture maintains a voluntary apiary registration program.

Key details: Beekeeping Allowed: Yes, with conditions. Hive Location: Rear yard only. Flyway Barrier: 6-foot barrier required. Water Source: Must be provided on-site. State Registration: Voluntary through IDOA.

Failure to maintain required setbacks, flyway barriers, or water sources may result in code enforcement action. Complaints about aggressive bee behavior or swarms may trigger an inspection. Fines apply for non-compliance with hive placement requirements. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200.

Exotic Pets

Arlington Heights prohibits keeping dangerous wild or exotic animals within Village limits. The municipal code restricts ownership of wild, dangerous, or venomous animals on residential property. Illinois state law also regulates exotic animal ownership through the Dangerous Animals Act and the Herptiles-Herps Act. Common domestic pets including dogs, cats, and small caged animals are permitted.

Key details: Exotic Animals: Prohibited in residential areas. State Law: 720 ILCS 585/ Dangerous Animals Act. Ferrets: Legal in Illinois. Venomous Reptiles: Prohibited. Code Enforcement: (847) 368-5200.

Keeping a prohibited exotic or dangerous animal may result in fines, seizure of the animal, and criminal charges under state law. The Illinois Dangerous Animals Act carries penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200 or Cook County Animal Control to report illegal exotic animals.

This is one of the stricter rules in Arlington Heights's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Arlington Heights is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Arlington Heights, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Arlington Heights can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.