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

Section 672.16(A) covers all inflatable structures for decorative or recreational purposes, and the list is not limited to bounce houses: it names inflatable moon jumps, inflatable castles, plastic blow-molded yard decorations and air-supported structures. All of them are prohibited except on rear yards as defined by Zoning Code § 1248.03(B)(2) and side yards as defined by Zoning Code § 1248.03(B)(3). Front yards are not on the list of exceptions.

Two carve-outs sit in the same paragraph. Inflatable swimming pools are expressly excluded from the section. Inflatables used at approved block parties are also excluded, but they must be insured and rented only from an inflatable structure rental company that is insured and bonded, and the block party application must include a certificate of insurance indemnifying the city and listing the city as an additional insured.

Where an inflatable is allowed, § 672.16(B) sets the physical limits. It must be set back at least 18 inches from the property line, it cannot exceed 20 feet in height, and it must be properly secured at all times. A recreational inflatable cannot be used or accessed at any time when wind speeds exceed 20 miles per hour. Every inflatable permitted by the section must be insured and rented only from an inflatable structure rental company that is insured and bonded.

The section was adopted in 2014 and amended in 2019. Seasonal decorations that are not inflatable, such as lights and wreaths, are timed by Chapter 691, which allows exterior holiday items no earlier than 60 days before and no later than 60 days after the holiday.