Downers Grove, IL Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

DuPage County has adopted the 2015 International Fire Code as its County Fire Code. Section 304.1.2 of that adopted code states that "Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises." Section 304.1.1 separately prohibits accumulations of wastepaper, wood, hay, straw, weeds, litter, or other combustible or flammable waste on roofs, in courts and yards, on vacant lots, in alleys, in parking lots, in open spaces, or beneath grandstands, bleachers, piers, wharves, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, or similar structures.

Unlike many municipal codes, DuPage County's rule is keyed to ignitability and property hazard rather than a single numerical height. In practice, that means tall, dry, or dense growth that could carry fire to a structure must be cut and removed. The rule applies in unincorporated DuPage; cities and villages within DuPage (Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, etc.) maintain their own grass-height ordinances that may set specific inch limits.