Oak Park, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Chapter 25, Article 1 of the Village Code governs private and Village-owned trees and shrubs. Section 25-1-5 declares a public nuisance any tree or shrub, wherever located, that by its position obstructs the reasonable free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, obstructs a streetlight, or obstructs the view of vehicular traffic approaching an intersection. For nuisances on private property, the Village Forester must first send written notice by certified mail, in person, or posted on the property describing the tree or shrub and the required action, and the owner then has 30 days to abate it (extendable for good cause) before the Forester may enter and abate it directly, with the cost recoverable as a lien and prosecution available under § 25-1-8.

Section 25-1-6 separately regulates the daylighting standard at intersections: branches of trees and bushes overhanging a clear sight area must be trimmed to a height of no less than 7 feet from the ground, existing trees are otherwise exempt from clear sight area standards, shrubs and plantings within the area are capped at 30 inches, and no new trees or shrubs may be planted in parkways within a clear sight area, with new trees required to sit at least 25 feet from where sidewalks intersect. The Neighborhood Services Department issues warnings for daylighting noncompliance and refers continued noncompliance to the Law Department.