Landscaping Rules in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Des Plaines, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Des Plaines City Code section 5-5-4 declares it a nuisance to let weeds, grass or plants (other than trees, bushes, flowers, vegetables or ornamental plants) grow over six inches (6 in) high on any lot or tract of land in the city.
6-Inch Grass & Weed Height Limit (5-5-4)
Some RestrictionsDes Plaines, IL City Code, Title 5, Ch. 5, sec. 5-5-4 (Allowable Height of Weeds, Grass or Plants); Ord. M-20-11, 6-6-2011
It is hereby declared to be a nuisance for any owner or person in control of any lot or tract of land within the city to allow any weeds, grass or plants other than trees, bushes, flowers, vegetables or other ornamental plants to grow to a height in excess of six inches (6 in) on such lot or tract of land.
Tree Trimming
Parkway (right-of-way) trees in Des Plaines must be trimmed and maintained per City Code Chapter 8-4 to avoid obstructions and safety hazards; trimming or removing a parkway tree requires a permit from Public Works, and parkway trees must be planted in conformance with 8-4-1.
Parkway Tree Trimming & Permit (Ch. 8-4)
Some RestrictionsDes Plaines, IL City Code Ch. 8-4 (Parkway Trees), secs. 8-4-1 and 8-4-3; cross-ref. 12-10-7
Parkway trees shall be trimmed and maintained in accordance with Section 8-4-3 to avoid obstructions and safety concerns within the public rights-of-way. Parkway trees shall be planted in conformance with Section 8-4-1 of the Des Plaines Municipal Ordinance.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Street trees in Des Plaines are city-owned and require authorization for removal or trimming. Private property trees may require a permit for protected species. Contact Public Works.
Des Plaines Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Under Title 5, Chapter 5, Des Plaines requires property owners to cut, pull or otherwise destroy noxious weeds at least monthly between May 1 and October 1 each year; overgrowth is a nuisance the City can abate at the owner's expense.
Noxious Weed Abatement Nuisance (Ch. 5-5)
Some RestrictionsCity of Des Plaines, IL - Code Violations summary of City Code Title 5, Ch. 5 (Noxious Weeds)
Property owners must not allow any noxious weed to grow and are required to cut, pull or otherwise destroy such weeds at least monthly between May 1 and October 1 of each year.
Water Restrictions
No Des Plaines-specific landscaping ordinance fixes day-of-week or time-of-day outdoor watering limits; Illinois has no statewide outdoor watering ban, and any restrictions arise from the City's home-rule water utility authority and IEPA drought coordination during severe drought.
Outdoor Watering Set by Water Provider / Home Rule
Few RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater collection in rain barrels and cisterns is permitted in Des Plaines under the Illinois Rainwater Harvesting Act (415 ILCS 56). Collected water must be used for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation, with proper backflow prevention if connected to plumbing.
Des Plaines Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Des Plaines allows native plant gardens and natural landscaping as alternatives to traditional turf lawns, provided they are intentional, maintained, and do not include noxious weeds. Owners should document the planting plan to avoid weed-height citations.
Des Plaines Native Plant and Natural Landscaping Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Des Plaines does not specifically prohibit artificial turf in residential yards, but installations should be limited in front yards under aesthetic standards and must comply with stormwater drainage requirements. Permits may be required for large installations.
Des Plaines Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Plaines city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Cook County →