Brush Clearance: Des Plaines vs Tinley Park
How do brush clearance rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Tinley Park.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines does not have a wildfire-driven brush clearance ordinance like western states. Property owners must keep vegetation maintained under the City's weeds and nuisance code (Title 4), with grass and weeds limited to 8 inches and dead trees and brush abated as a public nuisance. Riverfront properties have additional buffer rules.
View full Des Plaines rules →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park does not have a wildfire defensible-space program because the region is not a designated wildfire zone. Brush clearance is handled through general nuisance, property-maintenance, and weed-height ordinances, which cap grass and weeds at roughly 8 inches.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Grass/Weed Limit | 8 inches | - |
| Wildfire Risk | Minimal (urban suburb) | - |
| Tree Permits | Required for parkway trees | - |
| Fine Range | $50–$500 | $75–$500 |
| Contact | (847) 391-5380 Code Enforcement | (708) 444-5000 Village Hall |
| Weed Height Cap | - | ~8 inches |
| Wildfire Zone | - | None (not WUI) |
| Program Type | - | Property maintenance / nuisance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Does Des Plaines require brush clearance for fire safety?
No. Des Plaines is a built-out suburb without wildfire risk and has no defensible-space brush-clearance rule. Vegetation is maintained under general weeds and nuisance provisions in Title 4.
How tall can grass and weeds get in Des Plaines?
Eight inches. Above that, the property may be cited and the City may abate at the owner's expense.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Des Plaines?
Trees in the public parkway require a permit from Public Works at (847) 391-5390. Trees on private property typically do not, unless within a regulated riparian buffer.
Tinley Park FAQ
Does Tinley Park require defensible space around my home?
No. Tinley Park is not in a designated wildfire zone, so no defensible-space rule applies. Brush is regulated through general property-maintenance and weed-height rules.
How tall can grass and weeds grow in Tinley Park?
Grass and weeds must be kept at or below roughly 8 inches on private property. Exceeding the cap is a property-maintenance violation subject to fines and possible Village abatement.
What happens if I don't clear brush in Tinley Park?
Fines run $75 to $500 per occurrence, and persistent non-compliance can result in Village crews abating the overgrowth with costs liened against the property.
Compare other topics
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