Aurora, IL Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

Aurora's Code of Ordinances does not contain a specific lawn-ornament ordinance. Yard art, statues, planters, garden gnomes, flagpoles, religious displays, political signs (during permitted election periods under Chapter 41 sign rules), birdbaths, fountains, and seasonal decorations are generally permitted on private residential property without permit. Three practical limits apply. First, Chapter 47 (Streets and Sidewalks) prohibits encroachment of any private object onto the public right-of-way, including the parkway strip between the sidewalk and the curb (which is dedicated public right-of-way in most Aurora neighborhoods even though property owners typically mow it). Ornaments placed in the parkway are subject to removal. Second, Chapter 49 (Zoning Ordinance) and the Aurora traffic ordinance prohibit obstruction of corner sight triangles at intersections — generally a 25-foot to 30-foot triangle from the corner where no view-blocking object taller than approximately 30 inches is permitted, consistent with the AASHTO Greenbook standards referenced by the Illinois Department of Transportation under 625 ILCS 5/. Third, Chapter 22 (Property Maintenance) requires all property to be maintained in a clean and safe condition; broken, faded, or hazardous yard art can be cited. Aurora's hedge and landscaping rules in Chapter 49 cap front-yard hedge height at roughly 42 inches; tall ornamental features may interact with those provisions. Front-yard parking and lot-coverage rules also limit how much of the front yard can be devoted to non-living installations. Homeowner associations and condominium boards under 765 ILCS 605/ and 765 ILCS 160/ may impose stricter aesthetic standards in covenants.