Holiday Lighting Rules: Arlington Heights vs Chicago

When must I take down my holiday lights?

Most Cook County municipalities expect removal by mid-January, with January 15 the common cutoff. Check your village code and any HOA rules; HOA deadlines often run earlier than the municipal exemption window expires.

Can I leave decorative lights up year-round?

You can leave fixtures installed but unlit. Lit year-round, decorative strings are treated as ordinary outdoor lighting and must comply with shielding, trespass, and color-temperature standards in Cook Ch. 102 zoning and applicable suburban codes.

Are inflatable yard displays covered?

Inflatables are typically exempt during the seasonal window if not located in the public right-of-way, do not exceed the municipal height limit for accessory yard items, and are removed by the local cutoff. Some HOAs ban inflatables outright.

Do I need a permit to put up Christmas lights?

No permit is needed for typical residential holiday lighting under the 30-day exemption. Large commercial roof displays or projection mapping facing the street may require sign permits and electrical inspection.

Can I leave my lights up all year?

If you keep them de-energized you generally may, but energizing them past the seasonal exemption removes your shield and requires compliance with energy code, light-trespass, and signage rules under MCC 17-11.