Orland Park's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Orland Park, Illinois, there are 8 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.

Tree Trimming

Orland Park requires property owners to maintain trees on their property and overhanging public rights-of-way. Parkway trees (between sidewalk and curb) are village-owned and may not be trimmed without permission.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 8 feet. Street Clearance: Typically 14 feet. Parkway Trees: Village-owned, no DIY trim. Emerald Ash Borer: Village manages parkway trees. Contact: Public Works (708) 403-6350.

Failure to maintain private trees with proper clearance can result in code violations of $50 to $500. Unauthorized trimming or removal of parkway trees can result in fines plus restitution for tree value, often $500 to $2,500+.

Artificial Turf

Orland Park does not have a specific artificial turf ordinance. Artificial turf is generally allowed in side and rear yards with proper drainage, but front yard installations may face zoning review and HOA restrictions.

Key details: Side/Rear Yards: Generally allowed. Front Yards: May face restrictions. HOA Rules: Often restrict turf. Drainage: Must be properly managed. Contact: Building (708) 403-6200.

Improperly drained installations causing neighbor runoff issues can be cited under nuisance and stormwater rules. HOA violations are separately enforceable. Code violation fines start around $100.

Native Plants

Orland Park permits native plant gardens and naturalized landscapes provided they are managed and approved. Unmanaged growth exceeding the 8-inch height limit is a violation regardless of plant species.

Key details: Native Plants: Encouraged. Approval: Recommended pre-approval. Buffer Zone: Typically 3-5 ft mowed. Noxious Weeds: Must be controlled. Contact: Code Enforcement (708) 403-6225.

Unapproved naturalized areas may be cited under the 8-inch height ordinance with cutting at owner expense. Approved managed plantings are protected. Re-approval may be required if conditions change.

Orland Park is more permissive than most cities when it comes to native plants. That said, there are still limits.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Orland Park requires permits for removal of significant trees on private residential property and prohibits unauthorized removal of parkway trees. Replacement may be required for healthy trees removed.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Significant trees (~6-8 in DBH). Replacement: Often required. Parkway Trees: Village-only removal. Dead/Hazard: Usually allowed w/ notice. Contact: Public Works (708) 403-6350.

Unauthorized removal of regulated trees can result in fines of $500 to $5,000 per tree plus mandatory replacement or restitution. Removing parkway trees may incur restitution for full appraised tree value.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is allowed in Orland Park under the Illinois Rainwater Harvesting Act (415 ILCS 56). Rain barrels for non-potable outdoor use are encouraged. Larger systems must comply with state plumbing code.

Key details: State Law: 415 ILCS 56 (allowed). Rain Barrels: No permit needed. Plumbed Systems: Permit + backflow required. Potable Use: Generally not allowed. Contact: Building (708) 403-6200.

Rain barrels for typical garden use rarely face enforcement issues. Plumbed systems installed without permit or backflow protection may result in stop-work orders, fines, and required disconnection.

The rules around rainwater harvesting in Orland Park lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Water Restrictions

Orland Park enforces an odd/even lawn watering schedule from May 15 to September 15 per its Lake Michigan water supply allocation. Watering is restricted to early morning and evening hours.

Key details: Schedule: Odd/even May 15 - Sep 15. Restricted Hours: Not 11 AM - 6 PM. Source: Lake Michigan via Chicago. Hand Watering: Generally exempt. Contact: Public Works (708) 403-6350.

Sprinkling violations typically result in warnings followed by fines of $50 to $250 per occurrence. Repeat violations escalate. During drought emergencies, fines may be higher and water service may be limited.

Weed Ordinances

Orland Park requires property owners to control noxious weeds and rank vegetation. The Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100) requires control of state-listed weeds including Canada thistle, ragweed, and others.

Key details: Height Limit: 8 inches (same as grass). Noxious Weeds: Per IL 505 ILCS 100. Canada Thistle: Must be controlled. Native Plants: Allowed w/ managed plan. Contact: Code Enforcement (708) 403-6225.

Weed violations typically begin with notice and 7-10 days to cure. Failure to comply triggers village or county cutting/treatment with charges to owner ($150-$500+ plus admin fees). State noxious weed violations may carry additional Illinois Department of Agriculture penalties.

Grass Height Limits

Orland Park's property maintenance code limits grass and weeds to 8 inches maximum height. Owners receive notice to cut, and the village may cut overgrown lots and bill the owner for costs plus administrative fees.

Key details: Max Height: 8 inches. Notice Period: Typically 7-10 days. Village Cut Fee: $150-$500+ per cut. Native Plantings: Allowed with approved plan. Contact: Code Enforcement (708) 403-6225.

Initial violations typically warrant warnings. Continued non-compliance triggers village cutting at $150-$500 per cut plus admin fees. Repeat or chronic violations result in escalating fines and property liens.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Orland Park gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Orland Park's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.