Landscaping Rules in Waukegan, IL (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Waukegan, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Waukegan property owners must trim tree branches to a clear ten feet above any street and eight feet above any sidewalk, and remove dead limbs that overhang public ways. Non-compliance after notice from the city forester brings prosecution.
Waukegan Tree Trimming Over Streets, Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsWaukegan City Code §§ 22-6, 22-7
Sec. 22-6. The owner of a tree on any land shall trim the branches thereof so that they do not obstruct the light from any streetlight. The owner shall trim branches of any tree which overhang a street so that there is a clear height of ten feet above the surface of the street unobstructed by branches. The owner shall remove from such tree all dead, decayed or broken limbs or branches that over...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Waukegan requires a City Forester permit before removing any tree six inches or greater in diameter at breast height, any oak tree, or any tree in a conservation easement, preservation area, or ravine/bluff. Illegal removal triggers fines and mandatory replacement.
Waukegan Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsWaukegan, IL Code of Ordinances, App. A (Unified Development Ordinance) § 11.02.A
Trees in the parkways and public rights-of-way are the property of the City of Waukegan. Residents may not prune or remove such trees.1.Tree Removal Permit. A permit authorizing tree removal must be obtained from the City Forester prior to the following activities:a.Removal of any tree six inches or greater DBH (diameter at breast height).b.Removal of any tree or vegetation from a conservation ...
Weed Ordinances
Waukegan caps weeds and grass on every lot at eight inches under Property Maintenance Code § 302.4, adopted at City Code § 6-178. Noxious weeds are banned outright, and after a notice of violation the city can send its own crew or contractor to cut the lot and bill the owner for the cost.
Waukegan Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsWaukegan, IL Code of Ordinances § 6-178 (Property Maintenance Code § 302.4)
302.4 is amended to read: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of eight (8) inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs, provided however, that this term shall not include cultivated flowers or gardens. Upon failure of the owner or agent ...
Water Restrictions
Waukegan runs a mandatory odd/even watering schedule every summer: from May 15 through September 15, even-numbered addresses water on even calendar days and odd-numbered addresses water on odd days, with a midday ban from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The water department enforces it citywide.
Waukegan Odd/Even Lawn Watering Schedule
Some RestrictionsWaukegan City Code Sec. 24-138(c)
From May 15 through September 15 of each calendar year, the usage of water provided by the City of Waukegan for the purpose of watering lawns, gardens, bushes and other foliage not grown for food purposes shall only be allowed according to the following schedule:(1)Even-numbered addresses on even-numbered calendar days.(2)Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered calendar days.(3)At no time shall ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Waukegan's accessory use table allows a Rain Barrel or Rainwater Cistern by right ("A") in all seventeen zoning districts, with no building permit and no additional use standard listed, defining a rain barrel as an above-grade container generally under 500 gallons and a cistern as above- or below-grade storage.
Waukegan Allows Rain Barrels With No Permit
Few RestrictionsWaukegan UDO Table 9.03-1; § 9.03.B.1; § 13 (Definitions)
Rain Barrel: A container for storing rainwater installed above-grade that generally has a capacity of less than 500 gallons. Rainwater Cistern: A container for storing rainwater that may be installed either above or below grade.
Artificial Turf
Waukegan expressly allows artificial turf as acceptable ground cover on registered vacant and defaulted-mortgage properties under Sec. 6-411(d), while banning gravel, broken concrete or asphalt as substitutes for landscaping on those same lots.
Waukegan Artificial Turf on Vacant Registered Lots
Few RestrictionsWaukegan City Code § 6-411(d)
Registrable yard maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, grass, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings, decorative rock or bark or artificial turf or sod. Acceptable maintenance of yards or landscape shall not include weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt or similar material.
Composting
Waukegan allows compost bins as a by-right accessory use in most districts, but only in the rear yard, in a fully enclosed receptacle with a tight lid, under UDO Section 9.03.C.11.
Waukegan Backyard Compost Bin Standards
Light RestrictionsWaukegan UDO Sec. 9.03.C.11.a-c
11.Compost Bin.a.Location. Compost bins are allowed in the rear yard only.b.Enclosure. Compost must be contained in a fully enclosed receptacle with a tightly fitted lid.c.Maintenance. Compost bins must be maintained in a sanitary condition so as not to become a nuisance. Compost may not contain sewage, meat, bones, or grease.
Looking for Lake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Waukegan city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Lake County →