Cicero, IL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 7 inches (grass and weeds)
- Cutting frequency
- At least twice per month
- Growing season covered
- May 1 to October 15
- Fine range
- $50.00 to $250.00
- State law incorporated
- 65 ILCS 5/11-20-7
Summary
The Town of Cicero bans grass and weeds over seven inches tall on any lot, and requires owners to pull and destroy nuisance growth at least twice a month between May 1 and October 15. Violations carry a $50 to $250 fine.
(a)It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant or any agent, servant, representative or employee of any such owner, lessee or occupant having control of any lot of ground or any part of a lot of ground situated in the town to allow or maintain on any such lot any growth of nuisance grasses or weeds to a height of over seven inches.(b)It shall be the duty of every owner of a lot or occupant thereof or the agent or other person having control thereof to remove all Canada thistles, ragweed or other noxious weeds.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 121).
Full Breakdown
Cicero's code declares grass over seven inches high, along with pollinating weeds that menace public health, a public nuisance under Sec. 102-31. Sec. 102-32 goes further, making it unlawful for any owner, lessee, tenant or occupant to permit nuisance grass or weeds to grow on a plot within town limits; the growth must be pulled and destroyed at least twice per month during the growing season, defined as May 1 through October 15 each year. Sec. 102-33 sets the specific height threshold at seven inches for any owner, lessee, occupant or their agent having control of a lot, and separately requires removal of Canada thistles, ragweed and other noxious weeds regardless of height.
The town incorporates the state's own weed-cutting enforcement statute, 65 ILCS 5/11-20-7, by reference, which lets the town cut overgrown lots itself and bill the owner if the owner fails to act. Sec. 00. Sec. 102-34 directs that all fines collected under this article be set aside specifically for town weed eradication efforts rather than the general fund. The rule applies town-wide to any owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in control of a plot of ground within Cicero's corporate limits, and it is enforced independently of the separate seven-day trim notice for trees, weeds or shrubs obstructing sidewalks or streets found in Sec. 102-1.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the seven-inch height limit or the twice-monthly cutting duty draws a fine between $50.00 and $250.00 under Sec. 102-32(b). The town may also invoke its authority under 65 ILCS 5/11-20-7 to send crews to cut the lot after notice and bill the owner for the cost, with unpaid bills becoming a lien on the property. Fines collected go into a dedicated weed-eradication fund under Sec. 102-34.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass legally get in Cicero before it violates the code?
How often must I cut weeds and grass on my Cicero property?
What happens if I don't cut my weeds in Cicero?
Does Cicero require removal of specific weed types like ragweed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cicero
How Cicero compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Cicero to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle weed ordinances.