Landscaping Rules in Elgin, IL (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Elgin, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Elgin bars anyone from trimming, cutting or removing a tree in the public right-of-way without department of public works approval, and separately requires owners to clear any street tree or limb hanging lower than 10 feet over a sidewalk or street. Ignore a written notice and the city trims or removes it for you, then bills you for the cost.
Elgin IL Right-of-Way Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsElgin Municipal Code §§ 13.20.020, 13.20.050
It is unlawful to trim, cut or remove any tree or portion thereof in the public right-of-way without approval of the department of public works. A.Any tree or shrub which overhangs the sidewalk, street or other public place in the city at a height less than ten (10) feet or in such a way as to impede or interfere with traffic or travel on such public place or any tree or limb of a tree which ha...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Cutting down, damaging, or moving any tree within Elgin city limits requires a tree removal permit from the development administrator under § 19.16.040, unless the property qualifies for an exemption. Permits issue only for dead, dying, diseased, hazardous, or forestry-justified trees, and removing a tree without one carries a $200-per-inch-of-diameter fine under § 19.16.100(B).
Elgin Tree Removal Permit & Replacement Rule
Significant RestrictionsElgin Municipal Code § 19.16.040
It shall be unlawful for any person to cut down, destroy, remove or move, or effectively destroy through damaging, or authorize the cutting down, destroying, removing, moving or damaging of any tree, unless exempted under section 19.16.030, without first obtaining a tree removal permit. Applications for a tree removal permit shall be submitted to the development administrator. The fee for such ...
Weed Ordinances
Elgin caps weeds and grass at eight inches on every property under Sec. 9.16.020, declaring anything taller, plus all noxious weeds regardless of height, a public nuisance. If an owner doesn't cut it, the city can mow it and record a lien for the cost plus a $50 to $250 administrative fee.
Elgin IL Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsElgin Municipal Code §§ 9.16.010, 9.16.020
The term "weeds" as used in this chapter shall include the following: A.All grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; provided, however, the term "weeds" shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.B.All noxious weeds, including ragweed, giant and common; Canada thistle, all varieties; perennial sow thistle; European bindweed; hoary cress; leafy spurge; and Russian...
Water Restrictions
When Elgin's water system capacity is threatened, the city manager can impose five escalating conservation levels, from a daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. irrigation ban up to a full outdoor water ban covering lawns, pools and car washing. Restrictions take effect by press release and stay in force until the city manager announces the water supply has recovered.
Elgin IL Water Conservation Irrigation Rules
Significant RestrictionsElgin Municipal Code § 14.04.390
B. When the city manager determines that the capacity of the water system of the city to serve the public health needs of the city is threatened by the use of water for nonessential purposes, the city manager shall have the authority to issue one (1) or more of the following water conservation restrictions:1.Level 1. All use of city water for the irrigation of outdoor vegetation is prohibited b...
Native Plants
Elgin's zoning landscape code affirmatively favors native species: § 19.12.730(D) states native trees, shrubs, and ground cover are encouraged over conventional turf grass and nonnative plantings on any site required to file a landscape plan, citing stormwater, maintenance, and habitat benefits, though it stops short of mandating native-only plantings.
Elgin Native Plant Landscaping Standard
Light RestrictionsElgin Municipal Code § 19.12.730(D)
D.Native plant materials. The use of native trees, shrubs and ground cover is encouraged as an alternative to conventional turf grass, ornamental plants, and nonnative trees and shrubs. The use of native landscape materials reduces stormwater runoff by improving soil permeability, reduces maintenance needs of conventional turf grass landscaping such as mowing and irrigation, and provides locali...
Looking for Kane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Elgin city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Kane County →