Landscaping Rules in Chicago, IL (2026)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 10-32-040

Any tree, shrub or other plant material which interferes with the proper spread of light along a street or alley from a streetlight, or interferes with the visibility of any traffic-control sign or device, or does not provide ten-foot clearance above public ways or sidewalks, or has dead, dying, diseased or broken limbs which may be hazardous to public safety... is hereby declared to be a publi...

Municipal Code of Chicago § 10-32-200

If, as the result of the violation of any provision of this ordinance, the injury, mutilation or death of a public tree, shrub or other plant material is caused, the costs of repair, removal or replacement of such tree, shrub or other plant material or shall be borne by the party in violation. The replacement value of trees and shrubs shall be determined in accordance with the latest revision o...

Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-28-120(a)

Any person who owns or controls property within the city must cut or otherwise control all weeds on such property so that the average height of such weeds does not exceed ten inches. Any person who violates this subsection shall be subject to a fine of not less than $600 nor more than $1,200. Each day that such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense to which a separate fine ...

Municipal Code of Chicago § 10-32-055(b)-(c)

"managed native and pollinator garden" or "garden" means a planned, intentional, and maintained planting of native plants and plants that are pollinator-friendly. ... The managed native and pollinator garden must be maintained in accordance with rules established by the Department. Managed native and pollinator gardens in good standing on the registry shall not be subject to Section 7-28-120.

Chicago Municipal Code § 7-28-715

(a) Nuisance. In no event shall any composting activity be conducted in a manner which creates an odor, litter, dust or noise nuisance, or attracts vectors or pests. ... Size. The composting operation contains no more than a total of 10 cubic yards of landscape waste, composting material and end product compost on-site at any one time, unless express written authorization has been issued by the...