Oak Lawn limits lawn grass and weed height to 8 inches or less on residential and commercial properties. Properties in violation receive a notice to cut, and the village can mow non-compliant properties and bill the owner.
Oak Lawn's property maintenance code requires owners to keep grass, weeds, and other rank vegetation cut to no more than 8 inches in height on all occupied and vacant properties. When grass exceeds the limit, the village issues a notice of violation requiring correction within a short timeframe, typically 7 days. If not corrected, Oak Lawn may arrange mowing by a contractor and bill the owner, including administrative fees. Repeat offenders face escalating fines. The ordinance also regulates noxious weeds consistent with the Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100), requiring destruction of plants like ragweed, Canada thistle, and common burdock. Native plantings, ornamental grasses, and intentional prairie gardens may be exempt if clearly designed and maintained. Contact Code Enforcement at (708) 499-7830.
First violations typically result in warning notices with a 7-day cure period. Failure to correct leads to village-contracted mowing charged back to the property owner, often $150 to $400 per mowing, plus administrative fees. Repeat violations can result in fines of $100 to $500 per offense.
Oak Lawn, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle grass height limits.
See how Oak Lawn's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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