Des Plaines City Code prohibits grass and weeds from exceeding 8 inches in height on residential and commercial property. Property owners receive notice to mow, after which the city may abate at owner expense.
Under Des Plaines' property maintenance regulations, all grass, weeds, and rank vegetation on improved property must be kept under 8 inches in height. Code enforcement responds to complaints and routine sweeps and issues notices requiring the owner to mow within a short timeframe (typically 7 to 10 days). If the owner fails to comply, the city may hire a contractor to mow and bill the owner, with unpaid amounts becoming liens against the property. Native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and intentional natural landscaping with a managed plan may be exempt from the height limit if registered or approved. Vacant lots and foreclosed properties are also subject to the same standards. Contact Community and Economic Development at (847) 391-5380.
Tall grass and weed violations typically result in fines of $75 to $250 per offense. City abatement charges (mowing plus admin) range from $150 to $500 and become a lien if unpaid. Repeated violations escalate.
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines regulates amplified music under Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code. Amplified sound plainly audible at 75 feet during daytime, or audible at the...
Des Plaines, IL
Outdoor music in Des Plaines falls under Title 6, Chapter 6's amplified-sound provisions. Backyard gatherings with amplified music must comply with the 10 PM...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code Title 12 (Zoning) and Title 8 (Building) require residential driveways to be paved with approved hard-surface materials and meet width ...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is general...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only tradi...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designat...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle grass height limits.
See how Des Plaines's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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