Outdoor burning rules in Skokie, IL — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Skokie prohibits nearly all open burning under Chapter 50 and Illinois EPA rules (35 Ill. Adm. Code 237). Burning leaves, yard waste, construction debris, and trash is banned. Only small contained recreational fires and permitted cooking fires are allowed, and a Fire Department permit may be required.
Under Chapter 50 of the Skokie Village Code and Illinois EPA open-burning regulations (35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 237), open burning of landscape waste, leaves, brush, construction debris, or trash is prohibited within the Village. As an urban municipality in Cook County, Skokie is classified as a 'restricted area' under state rules. Only small contained recreational fires (manufactured fire pits with seasoned wood) and cooking fires in approved grills are allowed. Ceremonial, agricultural, or fire-training burns require a specific permit from the Skokie Fire Department and approval from the Illinois EPA. Skokie participates in Cook County's broader no-burn policy for landscape waste, which is instead collected through Village yard-waste pickup. Contact Fire Prevention at (847) 982-5300.
Illegal open burning is a violation with local fines of $250 to $1,500 per occurrence. Violations of state EPA rules may carry additional penalties up to $10,000 per day, enforced by the Illinois EPA.
Skokie, IL
Aircraft overflight noise in Skokie is regulated by the FAA, not the Village. Skokie lies within the O'Hare International Airport noise corridor, and residen...
Skokie, IL
Skokie restricts lawn equipment use — including gas and electric leaf blowers — to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunda...
Skokie, IL
Skokie enforces a village-wide overnight parking ban from 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM on all public streets. Residents and guests must obtain an overnight parking per...
Skokie, IL
Skokie Village Code Chapter 98 prohibits parking recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and campers on residential streets or in front yards. RVs and boats ...
Skokie, IL
Skokie prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over 8,000 pounds gross weight on residential streets and driveways overnight. Box trucks, semi-tractors, and...
Skokie, IL
Skokie limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have additional sight-line restrictions at intersect...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle outdoor burning.
See how Skokie's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.