Des Plaines zoning limits residential building heights to 35 feet (2.5 stories) in most R districts. Commercial and downtown districts allow taller structures, but FAA Part 77 surfaces around O'Hare may impose stricter limits.
The Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance establishes maximum building heights by district. R-1 single-family residential is limited to 35 feet or 2.5 stories. R-2 multifamily zones allow 40-45 feet. C and B commercial districts allow 35-50 feet, while downtown core (C-3) and TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) districts permit taller structures with planned-development approval. Accessory structures are typically limited to 15 feet. Mechanical equipment, chimneys, and rooftop appurtenances may exceed the height limit by limited amounts. Critically, the FAA's Part 77 imaginary surfaces extending from O'Hare International Airport effectively cap building heights across most of Des Plaines; any structure over 200 feet, or any structure within an O'Hare approach surface, requires FAA Form 7460-1 notice and may be denied. Cranes used during construction also require FAA notification.
Exceeding zoning height: stop-work order, $250-$1,000 per day, mandatory reduction. FAA violations may result in federal enforcement and forced removal.
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines regulates amplified music under Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code. Amplified sound plainly audible at 75 feet during daytime, or audible at the...
Des Plaines, IL
Outdoor music in Des Plaines falls under Title 6, Chapter 6's amplified-sound provisions. Backyard gatherings with amplified music must comply with the 10 PM...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code Title 12 (Zoning) and Title 8 (Building) require residential driveways to be paved with approved hard-surface materials and meet width ...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is general...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only tradi...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designat...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle structure height limits.
See how Des Plaines's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.