Lake County, IL Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 94, Public Nuisances
- Grass/weed limit
- 10 inches, platted subdivisions
- Coverage
- County-wide per Section 94.02(A)
- Penalty
- Separate fine per day
- Chronic nuisance
- Recorded on property title
Summary
Lake County's public nuisance code lists the violations code enforcement cites most: storing junk or debris, letting grass or weeds exceed 10 inches in platted subdivisions, and accumulating rubbish or garbage on any property, with fines for each offense.
(B) Junk and debris. It is a public nuisance to keep or store junk and debris on public or private property, except in a state-permitted landfill or on premises properly zoned for, and engaged in the business of, a junk yard. (C) High grass and/or weeds. It is a public nuisance to fail to maintain a property free from grass and/or weed growth in excess of ten inches in height within platted subdivisions. (G) Accumulation of rubbish, garbage or refuse. It is a public nuisance to allow accumulation of rubbish, garbage, or refuse on any property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 94 of the Lake County Code enumerates dozens of public nuisances, including junk and debris storage, grass or weeds over 10 inches in platted subdivisions, and accumulated rubbish or garbage - the violations code enforcement officers cite most often on complaint-driven inspections. Under Section 94.02(A) most of these provisions reach incorporated and unincorporated Lake County alike, subject to the enforcing department's jurisdictional or contractual authority; a short list of subsections covering vehicle storage exceptions, construction-material storage, graffiti, and unincorporated-area burning rules applies only outside city limits. Waukegan, Highland Park, Gurnee, and other cities also enforce their own separate property-maintenance codes.
Violations & Fines
Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense under Section 94.99(B); repeated or unabated nuisances can also be recorded against the property as a chronic nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a public nuisance violation in Lake County?
Does the county nuisance code apply inside cities like Waukegan?
What happens if a Lake County nuisance violation isn't fixed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
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