What Waukegan Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Waukegan, Illinois may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 38 tracked ordinances across 11 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Waukegan does not have a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance with a numeric overnight occupancy cap. STR operators must obtain a City business license through the Business Licensing Department, comply with the Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) zoning rules adopted July 1, 2024, and meet the occupancy limits in the underlying Property Maintenance Code applicable to the dwelling..

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (permissive), Noise Rules (moderate), Taxes & Fees (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Waukegan for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Waukegan requires a building permit for every carport, garage, shed, gazebo, and similar accessory structure (including replacements). Detached carports are governed by Section 9.03 (Accessory Structures) of the Unified Development Ordinance adopted July 1, 2024, must sit behind the principal dwelling's rear building line, may not exceed the principal building's height, and may not occupy more than 40 percent of the required yard..

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Waukegan for details.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: Building permits are required for all residential fence installations in Waukegan, including replacements. Permit fees start at $75 minimum plus a $150 zoning review fee.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Waukegan for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Trimming: Waukegan's UDO Section 11 governs tree preservation and landscape standards. Planting in public right-of-way requires written approval from the Director of Public Works or Planning & Zoning..

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Waukegan for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Waukegan participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps identify Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Des Plaines River and Lake Michigan shoreline.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Waukegan enforces an alternate parking ordinance year-round: odd side on odd days, even side on even days, 12:01 AM to 11:59 AM. No all-night parking on streets between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM per Section 21-119.

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (strict), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (strict). See the full parking rules guide for Waukegan for details.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Home-based businesses in Waukegan are permitted as accessory uses in residential zones under the UDO. The business owner must be a permanent resident.

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Signage Rules (moderate). See the full home business guide for Waukegan for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Consumer fireworks are illegal statewide in Illinois under the Pyrotechnic Use Act (425 ILCS 35). Only sparklers up to 12 inches and novelty items are legal.

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Waukegan for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed and under control in public areas in Waukegan per Chapter 4 of the municipal code and the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5). Dogs at large subject to impoundment..

Also covered: Exotic Pets (moderate), Breed Restrictions (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Waukegan for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Waukegan Municipal Code Chapter 11, Article II regulates excessive noise citywide. Sound audible at 50 feet or more from the source is prohibited on public ways and from motor vehicles.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Waukegan for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: All swimming pools in Waukegan must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-locking gates. Building permits required for pool construction and pool fencing..

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Safety Rules (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Waukegan for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Waukegan, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.