9 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Cook County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
Cook County enforces property maintenance standards requiring regular mowing in unincorporated areas. Overgrown grass and weeds constitute a code violation. The Department of Building and Zoning issues citations with $100–$1,000 fines.
Cook County Chapter 126 (Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Screening Ordinance) governs tree maintenance in unincorporated areas. Property owners must maintain trees that overhang public areas. Tree trimming near power lines requires utility coordination.
Cook County Chapter 126 requires tree removal permits for deciduous trees over 6 inches in diameter and evergreen trees 10+ feet tall on unimproved or partially improved land. A Tree Removal Application must be submitted to Building and Zoning.
Cook County Department of Building and Zoning - Tree Removal Application (Rev. 09/11/2020)
No tree as described below shall be removed from unimproved, partially improved or improved land without written approval from the Commissioner of the Department of Building and Zoning: A deciduous tree having a trunk size of six inches or greater in diameter, as measured six inches above the established grade. An evergreen tree measuring ten vertical feet or more in height. The Commissioner sh...
Cook County requires property owners to control weeds and noxious vegetation in unincorporated areas. Overgrown weeds are a building and zoning violation. Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100) requires eradication of designated noxious weeds.
Unincorporated Cook County does not have a standing county-level watering restriction. Water supply is managed by local water utilities and the Illinois EPA. Restrictions may be imposed during drought emergencies.
Cook County does not prohibit rainwater harvesting. Illinois has no state law restricting residential rainwater collection. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) actively encourages rain barrel and green infrastructure programs in Cook County.
Cook County does not restrict native plant landscaping in unincorporated areas. Natural landscaping is supported by Cook County Forest Preserve District programs. Yards must still meet property maintenance standards to avoid weed violation citations.
Cook County does not have an ordinance prohibiting or specifically regulating artificial turf installation on residential properties in unincorporated areas. There are no water-use mandates driving turf replacement. General property maintenance standards and zoning aesthetic requirements may apply.
Backyard composting is permitted in unincorporated Cook County. Illinois does not mandate residential organic waste diversion. Composting must not create nuisance conditions.
10 cities in Cook County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
7 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
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