Landscaping Rules in Peoria, IL (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Peoria, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Peoria's Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 (Property Maintenance) and the city's nuisance abatement provisions declare grass and weeds in excess of 10 inches a public nuisance subject to abatement. Property owners receive notice and an opportunity to cut; failure to comply allows the city to mow at the property owner's expense, with costs assessed as a lien against the property.
Peoria IL Grass Height and Weed Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Peoria's Public Works Department maintains parkway (right-of-way) trees and requires property owners to maintain street trees at the property line. Tree trimming on public property requires permission from Public Works; private trees that overhang sidewalks must be pruned to maintain at least 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. ComEd handles tree-line clearance under separate utility easements.
Peoria IL Tree Trimming on Public Right-of-Way
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Peoria does not require a permit to remove a tree on private residential property. Parkway trees (those in the public right-of-way between sidewalk and curb) cannot be removed without authorization from the City Forester through Public Works. Where utility lines are involved, Ameren Illinois handles clearance work, and JULIE (811) must be called before any excavation that disturbs roots near underground utilities.
Peoria IL Tree Removal (Private Property)
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Peoria's Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 (Property Maintenance) declares weeds and rank vegetation over 10 inches a public nuisance, with the same enforcement framework as the grass-height rule. Noxious-weed species listed in the Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100/) — including kudzu, perennial sow thistle, Canada thistle, and musk thistle — must be controlled regardless of height.
Peoria IL Weed Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Peoria does not have a year-round municipal water-restriction ordinance. Water service is provided by Illinois American Water (a private regulated utility) rather than a city water department. Drought-response restrictions, if declared, follow Illinois American Water's Drought Contingency Plan filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission; the city has no separate odd/even watering schedule.
Peoria IL Water Restrictions and Drought Response
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Native-plant landscaping is permitted in Peoria as a recognized alternative to traditional turf grass. Illinois HB 4604 (Public Act 102-0974, the Illinois Native Landscaping Act) explicitly protects residential native and pollinator landscapes from being treated as nuisances solely on the basis of height or perceived 'untidiness,' provided they are intentional and maintained. Peoria's Chapter 18 grass-height rule includes the standard exemption for cultivated landscapes.
Peoria IL Native Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting of yard waste and kitchen scraps is permitted in Peoria as long as the compost pile is maintained to prevent odor, vermin attraction, or other nuisance conditions under Chapter 18 (Property Maintenance). The Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition and University of Illinois Extension provide guidance. Yard-waste curbside collection is also offered seasonally through the city's contracted hauler.
Peoria IL Backyard Composting
Few RestrictionsLooking for Peoria County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Peoria city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Peoria County →