Skokie, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 118-233(a) of the Zoning Ordinance requires tree preservation for all public and private new construction, building expansion, or other increase in impermeable surface area exceeding 600 square feet. 5 feet above the ground, cannot be removed without first obtaining a tree removal permit; the only exception is an emergency posing a threat to a person, property or the community, and even then the person who removed the tree must contact the Community Development Department within 48 hours. Before a building permit or tree removal permit issues, the applicant must submit a tree survey showing every tree of 8 inches or more on a recent plat of survey, a final grading plan that integrates preserved trees into the site design, and a tree preservation plan showing protective fencing and construction-protection methods consistent with the Village's Standard Tree Protection Requirements for Construction Projects.

5 inches in diameter from the Village Forester's approved list within 6 months, planted on site if space allows or paid into the Village's tree fund if it does not. A separate provision of the general Village Code, Section 22-34, ties this permit directly to the building permit itself: the Village Manager or designee will not issue a building permit until a required tree preservation plan is confirmed to be properly implemented.