Downers Grove, IL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 2 weeks ago|Source: Illinois Noxious Weed Law, 505 ILCS 100 →

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DuPage County rule: Downers Grove does not have its own ordinance for weed ordinances. The rule below comes from DuPage County and applies to Downers Grove.

Summary

DuPage County enforces the Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100) through a county-appointed Weed Control Superintendent. Owners, occupants, and public officials in charge of land in DuPage County must control or eradicate listed noxious weeds before the plants bloom, set seed, or otherwise propagate. Non-compliance triggers county or state abatement with costs assessed against the landowner.

The Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100) requires every person to control or eradicate noxious weeds on land they own or control. The Act defines the "Control Authority" as the governing body of each county, representing all rural areas and municipalities within county boundaries. DuPage County operates a Weed Control Authority with a Weed Control Superintendent who issues public notice each season identifying the regulated species and directing compliance.

Regulated noxious weeds in DuPage County include Marihuana (Cannabis sativa L.), Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans), Perennial Sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis), perennial sorghum species including Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), and Kudzu (Pueraria lobata). Giant Ragweed and Common Ragweed are regulated specifically within the corporate limits of cities, villages, and incorporated towns. Landowners must control these weeds before they bloom, set seed, or otherwise propagate. If the responsible party fails to comply, the DuPage County Control Authority or the Illinois Department of Agriculture will take action and assess costs against the owner per 505 ILCS 100.

Violations & Fines

Failure to control or eradicate noxious weeds may result in the county or Illinois Department of Agriculture entering the property to perform abatement, with the full cost (including administrative fees) assessed against the landowner. Unpaid charges may become a lien on the property. Repeated non-compliance can trigger escalating action under 505 ILCS 100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces noxious weed rules in DuPage County?

The DuPage County Weed Control Authority, led by a Weed Control Superintendent, enforces the Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100). If a landowner fails to comply, the County or the Illinois Department of Agriculture may abate the weeds and charge the owner.

Which weeds must I remove from my DuPage County property?

Listed noxious weeds include Canada Thistle, Musk Thistle, Perennial Sowthistle, Johnsongrass and other perennial sorghums, Marihuana (Cannabis sativa), and Kudzu. Common and Giant Ragweed are regulated within incorporated municipal limits.

When must noxious weeds be controlled?

Listed noxious weeds must be controlled or eradicated before they bloom, mature seed, or otherwise propagate. Acting early in the season prevents seed dispersal and avoids enforcement action.

Does DuPage County have a separate grass-height ordinance?

DuPage County's county-level enforcement is anchored to the Illinois Noxious Weed Law, not a fixed grass-height rule. Many DuPage municipalities and townships set their own grass-height limits (typically 8 to 12 inches) under local ordinances.

Downers Grove, IL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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