Berwyn, IL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Preferred species
- Native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois
- Family cap
- 70% of trees on sites of 0.5 acres or more
- Genus cap
- 50% of trees on sites of 0.5 acres or more
- Species cap
- 30% of trees on sites of 0.5 acres or more
- Species list
- Available from the Public Works Department
- Surety
- 125% of landscaping value for one year
Summary
In the City of Berwyn, Illinois, the landscape chapter of the zoning code names trees and plants native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois as the preferred palette. On sites of 0.5 acres or more it also caps any single tree family at 70%, genus at 50% and species at 30%. Public Works keeps the preferred species list.
(3) Native species. Tree and plant species that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois, as well as drought- and salt-tolerant plant materials, are preferred. Refer to the list of preferred plant and tree species, available from the Public Works Department. (4) Tree species diversity. Trees that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois shall be used as follows for sites of 0.5 acres or more. (a) One family shall not comprise more than 70% of trees planted on a site. (b) One genus shall not comprise more than 50% of trees planted on a site. (c) One species shall not comprise more than 30% of trees planted on a site.
Full Breakdown
Berwyn Code of Ordinances § 1250.02(A)(3) treats native planting as a preference, not a mandate. Tree and plant species that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois, along with drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant materials, are the preferred choices, and the Public Works Department supplies the list of preferred plant and tree species. The preference sits inside Chapter 1250 (Landscape Standards) of the Planning and Zoning Code. Under § 1250.01(B), that chapter applies to new developments that require site plan approval, planned developments, the construction of any new parking lot of 15 spaces or more, and the expansion or reconstruction of an existing parking lot that reaches 15 aggregate spaces.
The binding numbers are in § 1250.02(A)(4). On sites of 0.5 acres or more, native or naturalized trees must be used, and one family cannot make up more than 70% of the trees planted, one genus no more than 50%, and one species no more than 30%. A developer cannot plant a whole lot in a single street tree.
The landscape plan required by § 1250.01(D) must give the location, quantity, size and both the botanical and common name of every proposed plant, and the Zoning Administrator approves it. A licensed landscape architect registered in Illinois must prepare the plan when the project involves 15 parking spaces or more. Plants must meet the minimum installation sizes in Table 1250.02-A, for example 2.5 inches of caliper for a single-trunk deciduous shade tree, 4 feet in height for an evergreen tree and 18 inches in height for shrubs. Permanent irrigation is not required, but any system installed must be designed to minimize water use and needs a submitted water-efficiency certification such as EPA WaterSense.
Violations & Fines
The passages quoted here state no dollar fine for species choices. Under § 1250.01(C)(2), failure to implement the approved landscape plan or maintain installed landscape elements is cause for revocation of the occupancy permit and/or the application of fines and penalties, and all landscape elements are subject to periodic inspection. The Zoning Administrator approves the plan, and a surety of 125% of the landscaping value stays in place for one year after installation under § 1250.02(B)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Berwyn require native plants?
Where do I get Berwyn's preferred plant and tree list?
What happens if a required tree dies in Berwyn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berwyn
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