Elgin, IL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 19.12.730(D)
- Applies to
- Landscape plans for conditional uses, PDs, vehicle-use/transition yards
- Mandate level
- Encouraged, not required
- Banned fast-growing species
- Elm, cottonwood, boxelder, silver maple, poplar, willow
Summary
Elgin's zoning landscape code affirmatively favors native species: § 19.12.730(D) states native trees, shrubs, and ground cover are encouraged over conventional turf grass and nonnative plantings on any site required to file a landscape plan, citing stormwater, maintenance, and habitat benefits, though it stops short of mandating native-only plantings.
D.Native plant materials. The use of native trees, shrubs and ground cover is encouraged as an alternative to conventional turf grass, ornamental plants, and nonnative trees and shrubs. The use of native landscape materials reduces stormwater runoff by improving soil permeability, reduces maintenance needs of conventional turf grass landscaping such as mowing and irrigation, and provides localized habitats for bird and animal species.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
730(D), part of Elgin's landscape materials standards, tells applicants that native landscape materials reduce stormwater runoff by improving soil permeability, cut down on mowing and irrigation compared with conventional turf grass, and create localized habitat for birds and other wildlife, so the code encourages their use as an alternative to ornamental and nonnative planting. 710 the landscape rules apply to any use approved as a conditional use or planned development, and to any development that must install a vehicle-use, interior, or transition landscape yard, so an ordinary single-family lawn outside those triggers isn't reached by this section at all.
730(A) still bars a specific list of fast-growing, brittle-wood species from counting toward the required shade-tree count: American and Chinese elms, cottonwood, box elders, silver maples, poplars, and willows. 740 requires it to be kept free of litter and weeds with dead or unsightly plant material replaced. Read together, Elgin's ordinance treats native planting as a recommended, sustainability-driven option within the projects the landscape chapter already regulates, not a separate permit or citywide mandate.
Violations & Fines
Choosing conventional turf grass over native plants carries no penalty under § 19.12.730(D), since the section is worded as encouragement rather than a requirement. Once a landscape plan (native or otherwise) is approved for a covered project, however, failing to maintain it, litter, weeds, or dead plant material left in a required landscape yard under § 19.12.740, is a violation the development administrator can enforce against the permit holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elgin require native plants in landscaping?
Which landscape projects does Elgin's native-plant policy apply to?
Are any tree species banned from Elgin landscape plans?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elgin
Compare Elgin to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle native plants.