Landscaping Rules in Romeoville, IL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Romeoville or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Romeoville has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Romeoville regulates tree removal on private property through its building code and zoning requirements. The Village does not remove or maintain trees on private property. Public tree work is handled by Village Forestry. Contact the Building Division at 815-886-7200 for tree removal permit requirements on private property.

Key details: Private Trees: Owner's responsibility. Public Trees: Village Forestry maintains. Permits: Contact Building Division 815-886-7200. Before Digging: Call JULIE at 811.

Removing a protected tree without a permit: $500–$5,000 per tree. Heritage tree violations: up to $10,000 per tree plus mandatory replacement planting. Stop-work orders for development sites with unauthorized removal.

Grass Height Limits

Romeoville enforces property maintenance standards through its Code Enforcement Division. Grass and weeds exceeding Village standards are cited as nuisances. Illinois Noxious Weed Act (505 ILCS 100) requires destruction of noxious weeds. The Village's goal is to work with property owners toward compliance before issuing fines.

Key details: Enforcement: Code Enforcement Division. State Law: 505 ILCS 100 — Noxious Weed Act. Approach: Compliance first, fines as last resort. Report: Contact Code Enforcement at Village Hall.

First violation receives a notice to mow within 10-14 days. Failure to comply: county mows and bills $200–$800 plus $150 admin fee. Repeat violations within 12 months face $100–$500 fines.

Tree Trimming

Romeoville handles public tree maintenance through the Village Forestry Department. Private tree trimming does not require a permit. The Village does not maintain trees on private property. For trees near power lines, contact ComEd at 800-334-7661. Call JULIE at 811 before any digging.

Key details: Private Trimming: No permit required. Public Trees: Village Forestry handles maintenance. Power Lines: Contact ComEd 800-334-7661. Before Digging: Call JULIE at 811.

Failure to trim overhanging branches after a notice results in the county performing the work and billing the owner $200–$2,000 depending on scope. Emergency removals for hazardous trees may be performed without prior notice.

Water Restrictions

Romeoville does not have standing citywide irrigation restrictions. Water restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions. The Village water system serves residents; conservation is encouraged but not mandated outside drought periods. Contact Romeoville Public Works for current water use guidelines.

Key details: Standing Restrictions: None — drought-based only. Conservation: Encouraged but not mandated. Water Source: Village water system. Contact: Public Works at Village Hall.

Water waste (runoff, midday watering) carries fines of $50–$200 per occurrence. Drought-stage violations escalate from warnings to $100-$500 fines with potential service flow restriction for repeat violators.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Romeoville gives residents more flexibility on water restrictions.

The Bottom Line

Romeoville's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Romeoville is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Romeoville's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.