Des Plaines vs Skokie
How do grass height limits rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Skokie, IL?
Des Plaines and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines City Code prohibits grass and weeds from exceeding 8 inches in height on residential and commercial property. Property owners receive notice to mow, after which the city may abate at owner expense.
View full Des Plaines rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie's property maintenance code requires grass and weeds to be kept under 8 inches tall. Properties with overgrown lawns receive code enforcement notices and may be mowed by the village at the owner's expense if not brought into compliance.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Max Height | 8 inches | 8 inches |
| Notice Period | 7-10 days typical | - |
| City Abatement | Owner billed | - |
| Native Garden Exemption | With managed plan | - |
| Contact | CED (847) 391-5380 | Code Enforcement (847) 933-8235 |
| Applies To | - | Entire lot and parkway |
| Compliance Period | - | 7 to 10 days after notice |
| Village Mowing | - | Billed to owner |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
How tall can my grass be in Des Plaines?
No more than 8 inches. Grass and weeds exceeding this height are a code violation and subject to fines and city-ordered mowing.
What if I'm out of town and miss a mowing in Des Plaines?
Code enforcement will issue a notice with a deadline. If you don't comply, the city will mow at your expense. Arrange for lawn care during extended absences.
Is a wildflower garden allowed in Des Plaines?
Native plant gardens and prairie plantings may be exempt with a managed landscape plan. Contact Community and Economic Development for guidance before letting your lawn grow.
Skokie FAQ
How tall can my grass be in Skokie?
No taller than 8 inches. Properties in violation receive a code enforcement notice and must mow within 7 to 10 days or face village mowing at owner expense.
Am I responsible for mowing the parkway in Skokie?
Yes. The parkway strip between the sidewalk and curb is the adjacent property owner's responsibility to maintain, even though the land is village-owned.
Can I have a no-mow or native plant yard in Skokie?
Possibly, with a documented landscape plan. Naturalized plantings are allowed but cannot include noxious weeds. Contact Community Development before converting to native landscaping.
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