Holiday Lighting Rules: Arlington Heights vs Des Plaines
How do holiday lighting rules rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Arlington Heights and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Cook County and most suburban municipalities exempt seasonal decorative holiday lighting from outdoor lighting and sign restrictions during a typical November 1 through January 15 window. Outside that period, decorative lights revert to standard light trespass and zoning sign rules.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Cook County and most suburban municipalities exempt seasonal decorative holiday lighting from outdoor lighting and sign restrictions during a typical November 1 through January 15 window. Outside that period, decorative lights revert to standard light trespass and zoning sign rules.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical window | November 1 to January 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Exemption scope | Shielding and area rules waived | Shielding and area rules waived |
| Limits remain | No traffic hazard or trespass | No traffic hazard or trespass |
| HOA rules | Often stricter than county | Often stricter than county |
| Enforcement trigger | Out-of-season decorations | Out-of-season decorations |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
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.
Des Plaines FAQ
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.
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