Des Plaines allows native plant gardens and natural landscaping as alternatives to traditional turf lawns, provided they are intentional, maintained, and do not include noxious weeds. Owners should document the planting plan to avoid weed-height citations.
Native plant gardens, prairie restorations, rain gardens, and pollinator habitats are generally allowed in Des Plaines as a valid alternative to turf grass. To avoid citations under the city's 8-inch grass and weed height rule, owners should establish a clearly intentional, maintained planting with defined edges and no listed noxious weeds (such as Canada thistle or kudzu under 505 ILCS 100). A written landscape plan and registration with code enforcement is recommended for properties with substantial native plantings. Native plants suited to the Chicago region include little bluestem, butterfly weed, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, prairie dropseed, and oak savanna species. Contact Community and Economic Development at (847) 391-5380.
Unmanaged or weed-infested 'natural' yards may be cited under the 8-inch height rule with fines of $75 to $250 plus city abatement costs. Documenting an intentional plan helps avoid violations.
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 native plants.
See how Des Plaines's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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