Oak Lawn, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Oak Lawn, IL, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- New building or addition permit application
- Reviewer
- Village forester approval required
- No permit needed
- For routine private tree removal
- Disease season ban
- Red oaks Apr 1-Jul 31; elms Mar-Oct
Summary
Oak Lawn has no standalone permit to cut down a tree on private property, but building permits for new construction or additions won't issue until a tree preservation plan is filed and approved by the village forester.
J. Applications for building permits for new buildings or additions to existing buildings shall be accompanied by a tree preservation plan. Said plan shall consist of a survey of the parcel in question on which existing trees are identified, with an indication as to whether said trees are to remain or be cut down as a result of the proposed construction. Said plan shall be reviewed by the village forester, and no permit shall be issued until the plan has been approved by the village forester.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Village Code § 6-1A-2(J) requires every application for a building permit for a new building or an addition to an existing building to include a tree preservation plan: a survey of the parcel showing existing trees and marking which will remain and which will be cut down for the project. The village forester reviews the plan, and the building permit cannot be issued until the forester approves it. Outside of construction, § 9-2-3(B) makes routine removal or trimming of a private tree the owner's own responsibility with no permit required, though § 9-2-3(F) bars cutting red oaks April 1-July 31 and elms March 1-October 31 to slow oak wilt and Dutch elm disease.
Violations & Fines
No building permit issues until the village forester approves the tree preservation plan required by § 6-1A-2(J), effectively blocking construction until the plan is on file and accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my Oak Lawn yard?
When does Oak Lawn require a tree survey?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
Compare Oak Lawn 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.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle tree removal & heritage trees.